by tmaull
Imagine this! A sun-drenched shimmering sea of green scattered copiously with exotic islands speckled with powder-white sandy beaches and harboring unseen lagoons and secret coves. Sounds like a fantasy land, a scene from Peter Pan but this is the sailing ground for a 4 day cruising adventure aboard the Suwan Macha in Thailand; paradise it is, fairy story it is not.
This short cruise holiday takes places on board the Suwan Macha, an Asian rigged traditional junk with characteristic burnt sienna sails that today plots a course from Phuket Thailand to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands before reversing her cruise to return to Phuket with a fresh group of lucky sailors over another 4 day heavenly family sailing cruise among the off-lying tropical islands of Phuket.
The Suwan Macha
With 5 cabins, the Suwan Macha can host up to 10 clients and sails with a experienced skipper and crew. Things are personal, a little cozy but casual on-board this shapely junk which combines Asian world allure with Western amenities.
The Suwan Macha just accentuates the fantasy-like backdrop and looking at her is almost dream-like as this imposing Asian yacht sails majestically on the green sea displaying an totally timeless profile of lines and contrasting colours. Many visitors to Thailand flock to Phuket yearly and some of those take to the seas to visit the plethora of off-lying islands by day or on live-aboard dive boats but very few get the opportunity to experience this exotic island cruise free from the crowds and in complete harmony with the setting.
While salvagers have trolled the seas for buried treasure, the Suwan Macha is a treasure in itself and a junk sailing cruise that takes you to explore and discover Nature’s treasures like hidden lagoons, secret sandy inlets, mangrove forests and a small community of Sea Gypsies that still exist separated and self-sufficient from the general population of Thailand.
Suwan Macha Adventure Sailing
This tropical island sailing cruise can be done from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay and onto Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands or in reverse; the former departs on Saturdays and the latter on Tuesdays but either way the cruise begins from the front door of your Phuket hotel. If you choose the reverse cruise we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the ferry which whisks you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands where you will go aboard the Suwan Macha.
Cast off, Castaway and James Bond (Day 1)
But lets leave from your Phuket hotel and join the Suwan Macha after a short drive to the Phuket Yacht Haven where she is moored. Departure time is 2pm and you will be onboard with plenty of time to spare. Mooring lines are cast-off and the Suwan Macha plots a nautical path for Phang Nga Bay weaving her way through towering islands and edging ever closer to the ever popular James Bond island that was put firmly on the map in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Otherwise known as Koh Tapu the island is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and after taking time to explore the island the day trippers flee for home leaving the Suwan Macha in serene harmony. Drop anchor, kick back and prepare for a picture postcard sunset before enjoying a feast of Thai food for dinner taken on the teak decks.
Sea Gypsys, Hidden Lagoons and Powder White Beaches (Day 2)
There is nothing quite like waking up on a sailing yacht (or junk!), coming up on deck to experience Nature in all her glory and in amongst the rock karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the visual impression is awe-inspiring. Breakfast is served on-deck before guests are invited to explore a unique Sea Gypsy Village and experience a boat ride through the mangroves in search of hidden lagoons.
After visiting the Sea Gypsys, cruise onwards and southwards to the clear azure waters of Krabi. This is time to stretch out on the sun-soaked decks whilst enjoying icy cold cocktails and the panoramic splendour of the tropical seascape. Today also exemplifies the real benefit of yacht sailing as the Suwan Macha discovers deserted powder-white beaches for swimming, snorkeling and some private sun-bathing.
As the daylight draws to an end guests are treated to their second Andaman Sea Sunset followed by a table laden with Thai Food to enjoy beneath the stars on-deck.
Yacht Sailing from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands (Day 3)
one more morning, one more anchorage, one more feast for the senses topped-up with breakfast on-deck! The theme today is Tropical Island hopping. The ultimate destination is Koh Phi Phi but between there and the anchorage in Krabi are scattered many smaller islands and opportunities to snorkel, swim and sunbathe occur in series.
Once at Koh Phi Phi, guests have a chance to go onto dry land to explore before returning to yacht in time to catch their final Andaman sundown aboard the Suwan Macha followed by the now ubiquitous smorgasbord of Thai food served up on-deck.
The Beach, the Bay and Return (Day 4)
As Koh Tapu became a magnet for sightseeing after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley seduced viewers movie-goers by its astounding, spellbinding and mesmerizing beauty when it became the backdrop in the 2000 drama film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Maya Bay is the final destination for the Suwan Macha 4 day cruise.
Unfortunately Maya Bay now magnetizes boatload after boatload of tourists on a daily basis who descend on The Beach for a glimpse of paradise. Having anchored in close proximity, the Suwan Macha has the upper-hand though and by making an early morning visit guests are spared the lifejacket-clad hordes.
After visiting Maya Bay and exploring the cave guests of the Suwan Macha enjoy lunch on Koh Phi Phi before returning to Phuket by ferry.
Sailing Adventures from Phuket
Phuket, Thailands largest island, is washed by the Andaman Sea. Most holiday-makers know Phuket for its entertainment value and it resounds with opportunities for adventure sports, eco adventures and recreational activities, embracing both water sports and outdoor activities on land. Phuket is also famed for its nightlife, in places a little hedonistic , but that scene is contained and easily avoided if neon lights and gyrating bodies are not your scene and Phuket has a positively epicurean side.
Inaugurated in 1987, the yearly Kings Cup Regatta propelled Phuket into becoming the hub of Yacht Sailing in Asia and it remains the largest and most popular regatta in the region today. And in the wake of the Kings Cup Regatta leisure sailing has boomed with private yacht ownership, flotilla sailing holidays, corporate sailing and sailing schools all now accessible all-year-round, although November through to April is the official Phuket Yacht Sailing season.
Needless to say, the cruising grounds in close proximity to Phuket are inordinately beautiful. Dont expect Fastnet or Sydney to Hobart conditions but if you are looking for gentle sailing holidays that offer island hopping and adventure sailing in profusion then Phuket Sailing Holidays make for a very inspired option to the more common Phuket vacation formula. Sailing vacations in Southern Thailand are also perfect for Families with kids and provide continuous entertainment with