Thailand is one of the world's most popular travel destinations.
Visitors to Thailand will discover a country in transition from a nation of developing status, to one of international standing in many areas. This is what makes Thailand such a great place to visit. Thailand has a rich cultural background, incredible diversity and a climate suitable for travel almost year round. In fact Bangkok is rapidly becoming a centre for business within South East Asia, due to its geographic location, but also due to the fact that Thailand has a stable political system and a strong economy.
Krabi & Phi Phi Islands
Many argue that Krabi's beaches, backed by dense rain forest, are amongst the most beautiful in the world. One of Thailand's best kept secrets, Krabi is undergoing an awakening. First discovered by cruising yachtsmen and backpack travellers - and remaining sleepy for many years - it now hosts bungalow resorts, top international hotels and numerous restaurants. Yet the area retains the flavour traditionalists have always loved - for example, the fabulous beaches to the south of Ao Nang, tucked below towering rock walls, are still accessible by boat only.
South of Krabi, and east of Phuket you discover the Phi Phi Islands - one of the most beautiful island groups anywhere. Spectacular vertical cliffs rising from clear seas, beautiful lagoons enclosed by rock walls and idyllic tropical beaches have rightly made these islands amongst the most famous in the world.
In 1998, the southernmost of the two islands, Phi Phi Le, was chosen as the location for filming ‘The Beach', starring Leonardo Di Caprio. Sleepy, exotically tropical and remote when you want it to be, Phi Phi can keep you as busy as youlike, too. Clustered around the main town - Ton Sai Bay -resorts, restaurants, pubs and shops jostle for position with strolling vacationers and bicycles. Phi Phi has no cars.
When to Go?
Phuket and the surrounding areas are best known as a ‘winter' destination amongst package holidaymakers looking for constant sunshine. But the ‘summer' months- Phuket and Phang-nga's ‘green season' - offer perfect conditions for keen sailors who want something more than a gentle cruise between idyllic islands.
From May through to October, the southwest monsoon brings with it reliable winds averaging 12 knots. Spells of brilliant clear blue skies are interspersed with occasional showers - and temperatures are never lower than 25'C.
Phuket Race Week, held in July each year, is timed to take advantage of the green season's perfect sailing weather and presents the perfect opportunity to combine a few days yacht racing with cruising Phang-nga Bay under sail.
Itinerary 8 days/ 7 nights:
Day 1: Phuket
Day 2: Phuket - Phang Nga Bay. Visit the famous James Bond Island
Day 3: Phang Nga Bay - Koh Pak Bia. Sail to Koh Pak Bia
Day 4: Koh Pak Bia - Ao Nang. Spend the night and go Shopping on Ao Nang, Krabi
Day 5: Krabi - Koh Dam - Phi Phi Island. Pass through the Koh Dam group with Chicken Island on the way to Phi Phi
Day 6: Phi Phi Island - Koh Rok Nok. Visit Phi Phi Ley on the way to Koh Rok Nok with amazing coral heads
Day 7: Koh Rok Nok - Koh Racha. Straight sail to Koh Racha, the best beach in the region
Day 8: Koh Racha - Phuket