Sailing off Phuket - December 2002

Sailing from Phuket; calm waters, stunning bays and beaches, great food, friendly people. And we did not see a single shark the whole weekend.

We hired our yacht from Sunsail who you can find at http://www.sunsail.com. Our Oceanis 350 could sleep six. But three or four is enough. You need at least one person with experience. Preferably someone who has a least a day skipper's qualification.

We sailed to Koh Mai Thon. There is a resort (The Maiton Resort) on the other side of the island from the moorage. This is a full-service resort occupying its own island, a rare advantage in this area. The accommodations here are first class, and the beach and surrounding waters are idyllic. The island is small, and there are not many places to go, so this is for those who want a truly relaxing, do-little holiday.

The moorage itself is not so well sheltered.

We continued the following day heading south to Koh Racha Noi and back north to Koh Racha Rai. On a clear day this island appears as a hazy hump on the horizon south from Phuket.  It is quite hilly, with the boulder-strewn shores dropping into beautiful clear water. There are only two beaches, both at the northern end closest to Phuket. The one of these with water deep enough for boats to anchor (see picture above) is popular, with many visitors heading this way during the winter season. But most return by night, leaving the island for those few who stay, either moored in the bay or in about three dozen bungalows here. The bungalows are rather basic, and prices are higher than elsewhere, usually about 500 Baht.  But the beach here is special….

There are seafood restaurants and bars open throughout the day and evening on both beaches.

There are many other islands off Phuket; all accessible by boat. They are summarised here: http://www.phuketnet.com/attractions_islands.htm