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 Explore
the region from Thailand
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Thailand’s coast borders three other countries – Myanmar,
Cambodia and Malaysia– each with coastal assets of its own.
North of the Andaman Sea coast is the border with Myanmar and its
magnifi cent Mergui Archipelago. An unspoilt region with many uninhabited
islands, only a few dive and adventure holiday operators have been
given access to date, but the region is earmarked for sustainable
development. The gateway to this little-explored area is Phuket
and Ranong.
Southwards, at the entrance to the Malacca Straits, is the Malaysian
west coast with a number of islands offering marina facilities.
Phuket and Satun are well placed to provide easy access to these
cruising grounds, the last stop in Thai waters being Ko Tarutao.
On the Gulf coast of Malaysia, marinas are planned in each major
sea port as stepping stones to or from Ko Samui.
Cambodia is the least developed coastline in the region and, along
with neighbouring Vietnam, is set to become the next signifi cant
area of interest. The Cambodian border is just a few miles from
Ko Chang.
To the east of Phuket lie the Andaman Islands, in Indian waters.
These sleepy islands, steeped in tradition, are just 350 miles off
Thailand’s west coast and have only recently begun to welcome
visiting yachts.
If you are looking for new frontiers, Thailand provides the perfect
hub from which to explore the budding cruising grounds of the region.
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Thailand
- a secret no more
Coastal
Thailand lies between 5° and 13° north of the equator, which
places it fi rmly in the monsoonal weather patterns of the northern
hemisphere. This means that the prevailing winds from November to
April are northeasterly and from May to October are southwesterly.
During this season, the Gulf experiences the same prevailing winds,
but tends to be dryer in the lee of the southern Thai peninsula.
Thailand
has deservedly become Asia’s premier cruising and boating destination.
Residents of South East Asia already take advantage of this magical
marine world, as do cruising yachts on their way between the two
hemispheres.
The
world-famous ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ – Phuket –
to the mysterious limestone karsts, mangrove swamps, creeks, islets
and perfect beaches of Phang-nga Bay, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta.
Andaman
Sea Pilot
