Yachting Around Asia: Must-Visit Destinations

If you’re yearning for adventure, one great way of seeing the world is by going aboard a yacht. Voyaging the seas entails anchoring in paradisal bays and enjoying what the locals offer. More than that, your vacation starts once you step on a yacht ⁠— all you have to do is bask under the sun and enjoy the sea breeze as you make your way to exciting destinations. If you want to head east and see what Asia offers for yacht enthusiasts like you, check out our list of yacht-friendly destinations in Asia.

Andaman and Nicobar

It’s impossible to not find anything to do in the islands of Andaman and Nicobar. Comprised of 572 islands, the beautiful Indian territory hosts a number of exhilarating activities like scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling. What’s more, the islands of Andaman and Nicobar are home to virgin beaches and mud volcanoes that’ll surely excite anyone hungry for nature. For yacht enthusiasts, you can participate in annual celebrations like the annual Yacht Carnival & Rally so you can experience first hand what this Indian territory’s islands hold for you.

Taiwan

Even though Taiwan has a natural affinity with water ⁠since it’s an island nation, years of political and cultural tensions have pushed back developments in its leisure boating industry. However, the tension in surrounding waters has since relaxed, and more and more people are starting to enjoy what Taiwan’s sea has to offer. You can start your sea adventures by surfing and swimming at Wushi Harbor. And if you’re lucky, you may just be able to catch whales in action off the coast of Taiwan, specifically on Gueishan Island in the northeastern region. It’s best to come in the summer and autumn, according to Daydreaming in Paradise, since there are more chances that you’ll see whales splashing in their natural habitat. To enjoy seeing them up close, check out the Wushi Harbor Tourist Center for a list of businesses that charter their yachts.

Dubai

If you prefer something a little luxed-up, Dubai openly welcomes those who want to experience the Persian Gulf in style. In fact, you can easily find a ton of highly reviewed yacht charters in Dubai offering luxurious packages that’ll tour you around the gulf. If you’re still not convinced, you can take a peek at what Dubai’s waters have in store for you by joining the Dubai International Boat Show, which happens around February. Here, you can see the world’s top superyachts converge for 5 days of celebration full of entertainment, food, and the latest in the luxury sailing world.

Vietnam

With a coast that spans almost 2,170 miles, you can never run out of maritime activities to do in Vietnam. From camping at the idyllic beaches of Cat Ba to exploring the 1,600 limestone islands in Halong Bay, sailing in Vietnam will tick off a bunch from your adventure bucket list. Aside from that, you can indulge yourself in the colorful culture of humble Vietnam. But if you want little sophistication on your sea excursions, Travel Daily recommends enlisting your yacht in luxury clubs like the Anamarina Yacht Club.

Thailand

Other than being known for its full moon parties and vibrant nightlife, Thailand offers some peace and quiet for those who prefer to spend time in its serene seas. In Phuket, also known as the ‘pearl of Thailand’, yacht enthusiasts can enjoy the serene waters and the usually perfect weather conditions for sailing. Here, you can also check out the lovely white sand beaches and towering limestone cliffs. And if you’re a James Bond fan, you’re in luck, as the famed James Bond Island is only 15.5 miles Northeast of Phuket. Its real name is Ko Ta Pu, and was featured in the 1974 Bond film, The Man With The Golden Gun. Visit beautiful places by chartering a yacht

Philippines

If you have a diverse taste when it comes to sailing activities, we’re sure the 7,000 islands of the Philippines won’t disappoint. However, Business Mirror notes that while the Philippines has been eyed by yachting enthusiasts for many years now, the lack of infrastructure usually hinders them from freely exploring this beautiful country. This means that people who want to sail here are only limited to the handful of yacht clubs available in different parts of the country ⁠— and most general repair facilities are based in Manila and Cebu. But, this shouldn’t stop you from experiencing the tranquil seas of Cebu and the vast marine wildlife of Puerto Galera, as we guarantee that these are some for the books!

Indonesia

Despite being an archipelago, the country of Indonesia has a massive landmass that has at least 11,180 miles of coastline ⁠⁠— all waiting to be explored. The great thing about Indonesia is that its culture is very vibrant and is never monotonous. In fact, Bali, a tourist hotspot in Indonesia, offers yoga during the day and electrifying parties by night. But if you want to explore the seas of Indonesia, you can set your sails to see the dragons of Komodo National Park or enjoy the jungle-covered Islands of Raja Ampat.

Quick tips when yachting around Asia

Before you embark on a yacht journey to the orient, here are three things that you should keep in mind.

• There are countless beaches in the region for you to explore, but it’s important to know if a specific place has any rules on modesty or conservatism. This means that you can’t just strap on a two-piece and jump into the water. Do your due diligence and check if your place of destination has any modesty rules in place.

• Sadly, there are a lot of scammers that prey on tourists in Asia, so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled for suspicious offers. Again, before you start your trip, do exhaustive research so you avoid wasting your hard-earned money.

• While you’ll probably enjoy your Asian destination from the comfort of a boat, it’ll be unavoidable to get lured into land excursions every now and then. However, it’s best to stay away from exploitative tourist spots like tiger temples or elephant rides. Most of the time, the animals are kept in subpar conditions and you wouldn’t want to directly support cruel businesses.

Specially written for RightBoat.com by Rilea Jaslyn

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