On the coast of Thailand, the nightlife is vibrant in a quaint harbor. 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. Docking at a harbor in Thailand will bring a different adventure than docking at a harbor in India or the Philippines. Come sail along the coastlines of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, and India and be immersed in many of their exclusive customs.
The warm tropical climate and immaculate white sands welcome sailors to the many islands of Thailand. These waters draw people year round, partly due to to the renowned friendliness of the Thai people, and of course the year round cruising possibilities. 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. There is an ideal surfing spot in Sumatra. When visiting Komodo, 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. Visit the island of Puerto Galera for some of the best beaches. Anchorages in Cebu and its neighboring islands are supposed to be some of the best. 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.
If time allows it is decidedly rewarding to sail along the coastlines of India. There is an interconnected waterway more 560 miles long in the region of Kerala. One could view the entire natural habitat all from the comfort of a boat as it travels in rivers, lakes, and inlets. As for the main waters off the coast, it is abundant in fish, and sea turtles. The coral reefs are in close proximity, ideal for snorkeling and diving. The coastlines are well developed but there are over 500 islands of the archipelago of Andaman or Nicobar which are well isolated.
Sailing along the coasts and islands of these Asian countries offers such experiences as fine cuisine, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and cultural diffusion. 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.
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