Thailand Nov/Dec

Hello,

I spent 3 weeks exploring Thailand last winter and will return on Nov 14 th for a minimum of a month. This year, I plan to explore the islands with the thought that I may want to make this a future winter retreat.

I am an avid sailor but may consider buying a power boat after I explore the islands. Does anyone have any ideas for a solo traveller regarding cruising the islands cheaply? I will be starting out from Phuket. Which islands attrack boaters and why?

Cheers, Sarah

I would post this on the Thailand branch. I have not done any serious boating in Thailand, but owned a boat in San Diego for over 10 years. And have been in Thailand off and on for quite some time. There is a small marina in Pattaya. A few down in Phuket, with more on the way. Nothing that I can think of in Samui or Chang other than locals and their boats. Becareful of the weather.

If you want to cruise cheaply, take the various public boats. I have been on them many times and they are cheap, cheap, cheap.

Would love to know how you go with this.
I will be there in December and January, need to find a base then go island hopping.
I'm older too 52 and need to find somewhere which is quiet and peaceful (although I seriously do not mind trance and club music!).
I'm hoping to be in Samui.
If you're there - drop em a line, we'll have a beer :))
Kindest
Maz (Marian)

As you probably know, Thailand is long, and very narrow at the bottom. Kind of like a comma. Phuket, Similan, and all the Phang Nga (Phi Phi, Lanta, Krabi, etc.) islands are on the West coast. Samui, Tao and KPN are way down south on the East coast. Chang, Samet and a few others are way up North on the East side.

So, getting from one of these to the other takes some work, kind of hard to have a home base...a light backpack might be better. Anyway, several ways to do this. Organize it all on your own via bus and/or planes. Or most guesthouses have packages (though be very careful with your luggage, especially on overnight trips). I prefer to do it myself. Especially since you can break up the trip along the way and stop off in some beautiful places that the package tourists totally miss. That can be a good thing as most of these package tourists are heading to/from the full moon party and are a bit too crazy for me.

A quick example. To get to Samui you can fly (a great way to go, take the first or last plane and you get a discount). You can also take a government bus (not a bad way to go either). Or, plan a trip down the east coast stopping at various beaches along the way. Many don't like Hua Hin, but I stay at one of the bigger hotels and chillout in the pool for several days. Nice break from the guesthouse routine, though much more expensive.

I will give you a little secret of mine. Try this resort
http://www.rachavadee.com/</a><BR><BR>It is awesome. A little on the high side for price, but what a great beach. When I was there only one other couple was there. Hammocks right on the beach. Seafood restaurants just down the street that are right on the beach. Amazing place. I walked for hours on the beach and never saw anyone. Owners are from Bangkok and the staff there really take care of you.

There are also other places to visit in, like, Bang Saphan. Or Khanom Beach on the mainland near Samui. Not much to do in these places but chill, read a book and walk on the beach....Khanom does have a bar with a pool table!

I do like Samui, though it is starting to get too crazy for me. Too much traffic, though they are working on the problem. I like:
http://www.samuiresotel.com/</a><BR>A little run down, but rooms right on the beach for way less than you could get anywhere else. And the beach there is really nice, not like on the northern part. Many good restaurants in Chaweng, but don't forget to check out the other beaches...or head over to Tao/KPN. Just avoid these two near the full moon party.

Anyway...I could go on for hours. I retired early and have spent years cruising around Thailand...and am now married to a Thai lady. We are here in the US visiting my ailing father. But will be back in March or so. PM me if you want any info!

Also check out this website....great stuff and a frequent poster on the Thailand Branch:
http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/</a>

Probably not the kind of sailing you want to do but Phuket attracts yachties from all over for the Kings Cup Regatta, it will be held this year during the time of your visit. So there'll be heaps of yachties around and they're always happy to talk about their sailing experiences/destinations. I should imagine it would be a great time/place to pick up a crew position as I think yachts have to leave the country after a month, so many will be doing short 're-entry' voyages. One website gives a heap of details about sailing in the area - one I've yet to visit by water but its on the list. Good Luck!

Hi,

Thank you for some great info. I arrive at Au Cha Long on Nov 15th and am making some good contacts with folks at the Au Cha Long Yacht Club and the Phuket Yacht Club.

Even though I am 60, I plan to drag out my pack back for this trip. Last year I remember wading up to my thighs to the long tail boat, transferring to the ferry (Railay to Phuket), climbing over the sterns of several fishing boats and up their ladder to the pier at Phuket. The wheels on my suitcase weren't much use then. I'm not complaining. I wouldn't have missed it for the world; in fact, I'm going back for MORE.

wow cool.. I am interested to travel on my own .. 37 yo/female
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