Yacht charter in SE Asia

Short legs in shallow, sheltered water with the karst all around you. December to March. The tide, not the wind, decides what you can get into.

1. 1

   Ao Po Grand Marina

   Saturday handover on Phuket's north-east coast; short hop into the bay.

2. 2

   Koh Hong, Phang Nga

   The hong lagoons; time the tunnel entry to the tide.

3. 3

   Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai

   The two large islands in the middle of the bay; quiet anchorages on the eastern sides.

4. 4

   Krabi — Railay or Koh Hong (Krabi)

   East across to the mainland cliffs.

5. 5

   Koh Phi Phi

   South; check what access Maya Bay currently allows.

6. 6

   Koh Racha or back north

   Clear water south of Phuket, or start the return up the bay.

7. 7

   Ao Po

   Back to base for handover.

The gulf coast: greener, quieter, and on a different season — January to April is the best of it. Nine boats, so availability is narrow.

1. 1

   Koh Chang

   Handover; move out along the island's western shore.

2. 2

   Koh Wai

   A small island south of Koh Chang with reef on its eastern side.

3. 3

   Koh Mak

   Flat, palm-covered and almost undeveloped.

4. 4

   Koh Kood

   The far point — waterfalls inland and empty bays.

5. 5

   Koh Rang marine park

   The park islands between Mak and Kood; the diving of the gulf coast.

6. 6

   Back north — Koh Wai or Koh Chang south

   Working back toward base.

7. 7

   Koh Chang

   Short leg for handover.