Sailing Destinations in Asia

The nightlife is vibrant in a quaint harbor on the coast of Thailand. The locals have laid out a small bazaar selling everything from clothing to food to fish to knock off DVDs. This is just a small sample of the lifestyle one encounters while sailing along the coasts of Asia. Being docked in a harbor in India, will lend a different experience from docking in Thailand and the Philippines. Come sail along the coastlines of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, and India and be immersed in many of their exclusive customs.

The pristine white sands and warm tropical climate are a few of the draws of Thailand's islands. The draw of these waters undoubtedly is credited to the renowned friendliness of the Thai people and the year round cruising potential. The magnificent coral reefs off the shore are just a hint at the multitude of divers that visit these waters. It is impossible to have an empty stomach, as Thai cuisine has a wide variety, or be idle for a moment. Of course the must-see city is Bangkok, where the Thai identity is still visible beneath the modern guise of the bustling metropolis.

There is no total count of the islands in Indonesia since they are so numerous. There are definitely 13,000 to 17,000 individual islands in the range. With all these numerous islands, it is conceivable to sail and discover an untouched landscape and coral reefs thriving with life. For the avid surfers, drop boat anchor in Flores or Lombok. Surfing in Sumatra is unparallelled. Visit Komodo and see the infamous Komodo dragons. For a taste of the city life, the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is the most populated city in Southeast Asia.

When in Vietnam, Halong Bay would be the first place to check out. The limestone islands on the north coast are exactly the type of breathtaking backdrops to sail a boat alongside of. These massive pinnacles, which also go by karsts, have stirred many local legends, mythology, and poetry. For lush beaches visit Nha Trang and hang out with the fish in the waters ideal for snorkeling. Enjoy the sun set over the horizon, lighting up the limestone in radiant warm colors, while sitting on a sailboat.

One of the lesser visited destinations of Southeast Asia, the Philippines boasts over 7,107 islands laid out on 1000 km of turquoise waters. Most of these islands have sandy beaches and volcanic mountains. For excellent beaches, visit the island of Puerto Galera. Also be sure to stop by Cebu and its neighboring islands for excellent anchorages. Most visitors to this island archipelago stop by the country’s capital, Manila. If one happens to find themselves on Roxas Boulevard, be sure to view the sunset. Glimpses of Spanish culture are fused into the architecture and lifestyle prevalent among its people.

It is definitely rewarding to sail along the coastlines of India if time allows. Kerala boasts an interconnected waterway of over 560 miles. One could view the entire natural habitat all from the comfort of a boat as it travels in rivers, lakes, and inlets. The waters off the main coast are abundant with sea turtles and fish. In close proximity there are coral reefs which are ideal for diving and snorkeling. Most of the shorelines are well developed but a trip to the isolated archipelago of Andaman or Nicobar offers a retreat of over 500 islands.

There are so many experiences, such as fine cuisine, diving, fishing, snorkeling, and cultural diffusion when sailing along the coasts of these Asian countries. There is a collection of so many islands of different countries in such proximity. The sun rises over a placid Pacific Ocean as a cool breeze whips through the air, catching the sails, propelling sailors into the fascinating unknown.