Sample Seven Day Itinerary:
Thailand’s west coast: Phuket & Phang Nga Bay
This area is one of the world's great scenic wonders. It covers an area of 400 sq km (154 sq miles) and consists of verdant limestone islands, some of which reach 300m (984ft) high. The area is famous for its caves and aquatic grottoes. Apart from the occasional village, few of the islands are densely populated. The most famous of the islands in the bay are Koh Ping Kan (more commonly known as James Bond Island) and Koh Pannyi. The former featured in the James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun', whilst the latter, which literally means 'Sea Gypsy Island', is a village built out over the water on stilts, guarded by a giant rock monolith. The area suffered badly during the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 but has recovered well.
Day 1:
Limousines will pick you up at the airport and bring you to Ao Po Grand Marina located on the north eastern side of the peninsula where the vessel is waiting. Depart for the Koh Hong Island of Krabi. Some have said that the beaches here are amongst the most beautiful in the world, so an afternoon relaxing, swimming and snorkeling makes for a perfect introduction. We will stay overnight and leave the next morning after breakfast to the islands of Phang Nga Bay.
Day 2:
We will anchor near Koh Ba Tang just north of Koh Yao Noi. This area is where you will find at least 41 limestone rock formations, jutting from the sea and caused by a volcanic eruption.To navigate the shallow waters especially as you come near the estuaries you'll board a smaller boat to take you to the famous James Bond and surrounding islands, where you will see some of the most spectacular cliffs and caves along the shoreline. James Bond Island itself is an area where dozens of the traditional Thai Long Tail boats transport tourists non-stop. A shore excursion to the island is necessary just to see the unique rock formations. The highlight of this area however is a trip to the local sea gypsy village Panyee, formed around 200 years ago and built on stilts over the water. Descendants of real sea gypsies further to the north who abandoned civilization to live on yachts, today the village has around 1,400 inhabitants. The village inside is a labyrinth maze of colors, visuals and smells, with birds in hanging bamboo cages, women cooking, markets with dried fish and pickled foods and tin roofs and siding. The people are so natural and friendly and going about their unique culture and daily lives, that it is almost as if you are joining them for tea as they sit on the mats in their store front/living rooms. This excursion is followed by a ride into the estuaries to see the famous cliffs where the locals climb to extract the nests for bird's nest soup. This delicacy known as "fountain of youth" soup is actually made from the bird's saliva that is used in creating their nests. After touring this amazing area, you return to the yacht, perhaps enjoy an extraordinary sunset or a swim, and excellent dinner. In the late evening we will cruise overnight to Koh Phi Phi Don.
Day 3:
This will be a relaxed day of water sports or just sunbathing! You can enjoy fantastic snorkeling here, and discover reefs teaming with schools of clown fish, parrot fish, angel fish, sergeant majors and needle nose fish to name a few. The Koh Phiphi Don area is supposed to have three of the most beautiful islands in the world, comprising Koh Phiphi Don, Koh Phraya Nak and Koh Bida Nok. In fact, the movie starring Leonardo DiCapprio "The Beach" was filmed here. The setting won't disappoint, as the geology has this jagged, Jurassic feel, where you will see spectacular limestone cliffs and inlets with soaring eagles and sea birds and even wild monkeys that come down to the beach for a visit. The kayaking is also superb! Travel overnight to Koh Muk and Koh Rok Nai.
Day 4:
The limestone cliff formations you experienced on the previous days turn into granite boulders overnight! The islands are similar to the Seychelles or even Maine in some areas, but featuring a lush, tropical and flowering jungle canopy. The water here is an indescribable brilliant emerald green! You awaken in Koh Muk, where you will be encouraged to don a lifejacket to swim through a 270' tunnel/cave with flashlights and underwater cameras. At the end of the tunnel is a small oasis known to the locals as "An Emerald Cave." It was also known to be used by ancient pirates to hide their treasures. This is an excursion with just enough excitement without being too scary or intimidating. During lunch we will move to the Island Koh Rok Nai, for some amazing diving and snorkeling. The islands around Koh Muk and Koh Rok Nai are like a remote and beautiful paradise with a wonderland of fish and brightly colored corals. It's quite simply, perfection. Overnight passage to Koh Racha Noi and Koh Racha Yai.
Day 5:
Spend another relaxing day at Koh Racha Noi for more world class snorkeling and diving, and a visit to the 5 star resort Koh Ratcha, which is rated as one of the top 100 new resorts in the world. Enjoy a walk through the resort to the opposite side of the island for a cool drink, then board one of the local Thai long tail boats to experience this local attraction back to your yacht. Enjoy dinner on deck with the sunset in the west and the island in the east. Get underway overnight for Patong Beach, located on the western side of Phuket.
Day 6:
Spend the day onboard for water sports and sunbathing and after dinner go ashore and try the famous night life Patong is known for. Patong Beach is the most famous of Phuket's beaches and it has the largest concentration of tourists. The 4 km beach is inside a protective bay, ringed with high green lush mountains. Despite being the most developed beach on the island, the sand is white and the water is very clean. Accommodation, restaurants, shops and vibrant nightspots appealing to all tastes are lined along the seafront. This is a party beach with a wide variety of drinking establishments, nightclubs, cabaret shows and go-go bars. We stay here overnight and the next morning we move to Surin Beach.
Day 7:
Arrive Surin Beach after breakfast. Perhaps spend the afternoon shopping. Our guide can show you homemade Thai spa products, ceramics, famous brand Thai silks and traditional textiles, pillows and more. After cocktails onboard wind up the evening with a seafood dinner at the PLA restaurant down on Surin Beach, in a magical beach setting. There is something to be said about sitting on a beach at night surrounded by tiki torches. During dinner, perhaps you will want to light one of your own Chinese lanterns, make a wish and sail it skyward!
Day 8:
Wake up late and use this last day for relaxing and sunbathing, while we cruise back to Ao Po Marina. When it's time for departure, the limousines will bring you to the airport for your flight.
