Welcome aboard as we set our course towards the mesmerizing southern islands of Phuket, Thailand, tucked away in the Andaman Sea, where a paradise is waiting to be discovered.
Rawai and Nai Harn Beaches: The Gateway to Adventure
Our journey commences in Rawai, a picturesque fishing village celebrated for its authentic ambiance and delectable seafood. Serving as a prominent departure point for long tailed boats venturing towards the neighboring islands, Rawai boasts a vibrant coastal scene.
Along the beach road, signage advertises rates for hiring long tail boats, and on the right side of the pier stretches a lengthy beach road, adorned with numerous longtail boats and speedboats anchored by locals.
At the end of a quiet lane on route to Rawai Beach in the southern region of Phuket Island, Phuket Art Village awaits discovery. This quaint artist community beckons with surprising charm and a lively atmosphere. Comprising several intimate galleries, each showcasing unique styles and talents, the village offers a delightful and engaging experience for art enthusiasts, photographers and curious explorers alike.
While this area has evolved over the years, it remains renowned for the bustling Rawai Seafood Market, where tourists can buy fish, lobsters, and crabs directly from the fishermen and arrange for nearby restaurants to prepare their selections.
Despite undergoing significant transformations in recent times, Rawai now offers an array of amenities including bars, convenience stores, massage parlors, fitness clubs, and a selection of hotels. Fortunately, amidst the modernization, a handful of exceptional local seaside restaurants still grace the landscape, ensuring that the authentic charm of Rawai endures.
Phuket offers perfect conditions for learning kitesurfing, with its great flat water and the wind averaging between 10 to 20 knots.
From here, we can easily access the untouched beauty of Nai Harn Beach. Known for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this idyllic stretch of coastline is a haven for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Surrounded by lush greenery and limestone cliffs, Nai Harn Beach offers a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration.
Whether lounging on the soft sands, swimming in the warm waters, or embarking on a snorkeling adventure to discover the exciting aquatic life, visitors to Nai Harn Beach are treated to a tranquil escape.
With a scattering of beachfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and refreshing drinks, as well as nearby hiking trails leading to panoramic viewpoints, Nai Harn Beach beckons travelers to discover the beauty of this part of Thailand's coastline.
Maiton Island: The Dolphin Paradise
Maiton Island, often referred to as the "Dolphin Island" has a resident dolphin population.
This serene island is perfect for snorkeling adventures, where vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life await beneath the surface.
Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins frolicking in the waves as you explore the underwater wonders.
Coral Island: Snorkeler's Paradise
Next on our itinerary is Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae, a snorkeler's paradise boasting some of the clearest waters in the region.
Dive into the breathtaking underwater world filled with colorful coral formations, exotic fish, and other fascinating marine creatures. Whether you're an experienced diver or a novice snorkeler, Coral Island offers an unforgettable aquatic adventure.
The coral reef is alive with vibrant marine life, with schools of fish darting among the intricate and colorful coral formations, creating a kaleidoscopic underwater spectacle.
Rang Yai Island: Tranquil Escape
As we continue our journey, we make a stop at Rang Yai Island, a tranquil haven.
Here, you can unwind on secluded beaches, stroll through lush coconut groves, or indulge in a sumptuous seafood feast at one of the local restaurants.
Khai Island: Snorkeling and Beach Fun
Our next destination is Khai Island, a trio of idyllic islets surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters teeming with colorful aquatic life. The three little islands are Koh Khai Nai, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nok with koh meaning island in Thai.
Spend your day snorkeling amidst vibrant coral gardens, basking in the sun on pristine beaches, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings.
These islands are renowned for their breathtaking sandy beaches and remarkably clear waters, where tropical fish happily swim alongside humans. Feeding the fish though, is strictly prohibited. Snorkeling and capturing images of the abundant marine life offer an extraordinary experience, particularly cherished by children.
Phang Nga Bay: Spectacular Limestone Karsts
No sailing adventure in the Andaman Sea would be complete without a visit to the iconic Phang Nga Bay.
Famous for its striking limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sight to behold.
Phang Nga Bay, within the Phang Nga National Park, suffered tragic devastation during the 2004 tsunami. Despite this, the bay remains a picturesque destination, boasting numerous islands, limestone formations, hidden lakes, secluded beaches, swimming spots, and sea caves waiting to be discovered by kayak enthusiasts.
Among its iconic landmarks is the renowned Ko Tapu island, famously known as James Bond Island for its appearance in 'The Man With The Golden Gun', the 1974 movie starring Roger Moore as Bond, and Christopher Lee.
While navigating the wonderful labyrinth of narrow passages, towering cliffs, and concealed sea caves on a kayak, you will also be captivated by the soothing sounds of birds and cicadas in this awe-inspiring natural beauty that surrounds you.
Naka Islands: Secluded Paradise
Last but not least, we set course for the Naka Islands on the northeast coast of Phuket, a group of pristine islets fringed by expansive white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees.
Koh Naka Yai, is the largest of the islands, offering breathtaking views of Phang Nga Bay from its eastern shores. The beautiful long beach is equipped with chair and umbrella rentals, and a cozy snack counter for refreshing drinks.
Koh Naka Noi, also known as Pearl Island, is renowned for cultivating rare South Sea pearls in Phuket, offering visitors a chance to tour a pearl farm and witness the extraction process from pearl oysters.
Away to Paradise
As our chartering adventure through the southern islands of Phuket comes to an end, we reflect on the memorable experiences and breathtaking beauty we've encountered along the way, where each destination has left its mark on our hearts.
Interesting Facts About Phuket
The province of Phuket comprises the primary island of Phuket along with 32 smaller islands situated off the coast, and encompasses an area of 576 square km or 222 square m.
One of Phuket's major events is the Taoist Vegetarian Festival (also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival), which occurs on the first day of the ninth lunar month. During this festival, participants adhere to a vegetarian diet for nine days and engage in ascetic practices such as skin-piercing, climbing ladders of blades, and walking on fire.
Phuket boasts a minimum of three cat cafes, which include DOO Cat Cafe, Neko Cat Cafe, and Princess Cat Cafe. The cats are beautiful, well taken care of and a delight to share a delicious meal with.
The Yacht Sailing Around These Islands:
Embark on an enchanting day at sea with us, where we invite you to indulge in thrilling water activities, delight in refreshing drinks and scrumptious meals expertly served by our amiable on-board hostess. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and the rich marine life that surrounds the islands – take advantage of the kayaks and snorkeling gear available right on board.
Join us for an inviting adventure, where relaxation and exploration come together, visiting:
Phi Phi Island
Rang Yai
Krabi Islands
Phang Nga Bay
Racha Noi
Racha Yai
Naka Island and Khai Islands.
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