Cruising in Thailand

[RMHM]

Dear Forum participants

We (6 sailing adults plus 1 2 year old toddler) are considering chartering a catamaran in Thailand (probably out of Phuket) next January for a couple of weeks.

We are all sailors (of varying experience/ability) - and have bareboat chartered several times in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean without undue drama to date.

I have 3 questions:

1, Are there any specific medical/safety/security concerns that we should be aware of (principally because of the toddler)? We will ensure full sun protection/permanent adult supersvision/child lifejacket (& harness if necessary)?

2, Is the sea safe for swimming from a boat at anchor?

3, Are there any recommended places to visit? We tend to like quiet locations and call in to marinas only when necessary for fuel/water. And eating ashore alternate days at the most.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Richard

 

[Donheist]

We went to phuket a few years ago. awesome place - best holiday ever.

1 - other than the recommended jabs there's nothing I can think of
2 - there are some strong tides to watch for. On the first morning we left marina within an hour of arriving (tide window) so, desparate for a dip, I leapt off stern at first anchorage, and by the time I surfaced I was some distance from boat. Couldn't beat the tide and Wife hadn't learned how to use outboard so weighed anchor and had to pick me up. After that, we made sure we hung onto the dinghy/ladder until we had the measure of the tide.
3 that's handy as it's mostly anchor I think. The stilt village - Up by the river mouth at north of phang nga is interesting. Ko phi phi is lively. Recommend taking a boat trip to phi phi leh - easier than cruising there and can swim thru rock passage to The Beach. Somewhere in koh lanta is a fantastic restaurant run by a big Hawaiian guy - i cannot remember more details now but ask around. We had a great welcome there. We also enjoyed elephant trekking in ko lanta.

There's a cave which leads to a circular beach in the middle feels like being inside a mountain. Check the pilot/charter guide - Worth the spooky pitch black dog legged bat filled tunnel IMHO

We learned: Watch out for lobster pots, long tails and trawlers - keep well clear of their sterns - makes night sailing tricky - we stuck to daylight. Timing the tides is important in some places due to reefs - this might dictate the eating out every other day. Plan water and diesel requirements - no diesel other than jerry cans on back of friendly moped riding local and we only got water at phuket and ko phi phi.

Enjoy!

 

[AndrewB]

We chartered at Phuket in February and had a great time. (The only problem with our yacht was the roaches). We found the sea swimming good with some reasonable snorkling opportunities. Never had Donheist's problems with the tide, but tiny jellyfish with an irritating sting are a nuisance in places.

Make sure you go at the right time of year for the monsoon (wind direction). In February the wind was offshore so although it was breezy on a couple of days, it was relatively sheltered and the sea not at all rough. Basically, December - March is the best time, dry in the NE monsoon. So January is good, though you will find it is the peak of the tourist season. April-May is very hot. June-November gets wet with the worst in September at the peak of the SW monsoon. During June-August the sailing would be better at Koh Samui on the other side of the peninsula.

There were no special medical requirements for an adult - don't know about children. We didn't have tummy upsets from eating local food.

Some top spots to visit (from Phuket)
- James Bond Island, with extraordinary rock formations (but it will be crowded in January).
- Some of the "Hongs". These are hollowed out islets, where you have to enter through a cave to get into the hollow center of the islet, by swimming or in the dinghy. Ko Hong, Ko Roi, and Ao Phi Leh were our favourites.
- Of the many islands we visited, possibly Ko Racha Yai was our favourite, with beautiful walks and beaches with classic beach-bars. The only one we didn't like was Ko Phi Phi, over-run with budget tourists seeking cheap booze and women - but it takes all sorts.

 

[RMHM]

Dear Donheist

Thank you for this advice. All most helpful. We have now booked a Lagoon 440 catamaran for next January. Can't wait!

Richard

 

[RMHM]

Dear Andrew

Thanks for this. All sounds great - although I must confess I haven't had to deal with roaches before. Unruly crew - yes.

Presumably avoiding taking cardboard boxes etc on board - and checking fruit/vegetables carefully before stowing will help.

Thanks again


Richard