Best locations to visit in South East Asia

A luxury yacht charter in South East Asia brings with it diverse marine life, stunning beaches, a year-round tropical climate and a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The South China Sea joins the dots between Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, with the cruising grounds of Indonesia to the south.

A melting pot of cultures, cuisines and famously welcoming hospitality form a charter itinerary like no other, where picture-perfect rainforests and pristine reefs combine to form something otherworldly.

Thailand

Whether it’s the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay that ignite delight or the gastronomy found in the cruising hub of Phuket, Thailand is a jewel in South East Asia. The marine protected area around Koh Libong and Koh Muk is home to the largest population of the dugong, a rare type of sea cow once hunted but now fiercely protected.

Spend your days sailing around the six tiny islets of the Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea, dropping anchor and spending the day in isolation. Or, for a humbling experience, visit the Great Buddha of Phuket that overlooks Ao Chalong Bay for both cultural and spiritual insights as well as panoramic views of the island.

What is Thailand famous for?

Thailand’s cuisine is favoured the world over, yet little will prepare you for the aromas and fragrances that float in the air at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. This highly popular on-water congregation of fresh fruit sellers who row their boats along the narrow canals is a sight to behold. For the best time to visit, we'd recommend heading there early when the produce is overflowing.

In the afternoon, a trip to the Grand Palace – a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok – is a step back in time. The official palace of the Kings of Siam up until 1925, today it is still used for ceremonial purposes by the Thai Royal Family, retaining all its original the magic and majesty.

Indonesia

The incredible diving available throughout Indonesia has made it a yacht charter favourite among those in the know. The coral islands of Raja Ampat delight the soul, with the ancient rock paintings at Misool proving a particular highlight.

On Waigeo Island, sightings of the crimson bird of paradise are often on the agenda. Alternatively, the aromatic Spice Islands is where the scent of nutmeg, mace and cloves laces the air, providing daily inspiration for a hotbed of mouth-watering dishes.

What is Indonesia best known for?

For many, it’s a visit to the world famous Komodo National Park and the chance to encounter boundless marine life that is the main attraction when cruising Indonesia. And for good reason. The Biosphere Reserve includes the three larger islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, as well as 26 smaller ones, and is home to the legendary Komodo dragon. At 10 feet and more than 300 pounds when fully grown, the Komodo dragon is the largest lizard in the world. No trip to Indonesia is complete without a sighting.

Cambodia

Located between Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, the cruising grounds of Cambodia are a gateway to another world filled with seaside temples, uninhabited islands and vibrant coral reefs. A Cambodia yacht charter involves exploring over 200 Le Corbusier-inspired villas along Kep’s shores or dropping anchor off the island of Koh Tang, whose deserted beaches gift long days filled with swimming, snorkelling feasting on beach barbecues.

When it’s time for a pamper, the island of Krabey – just 15 minutes by tender from Sihanoukville – is where the Six Senses luxury Cambodian outpost resides.

What can I do in Cambodia?

The last state temple to be built at Angkor, the Bayon Temple is an early 13th century Khmer temple built to worship Buddhist deities. Comprising 54 gothic towers are 216 larger than life smiling faces. It’s an extraordinary example of bas-reliefs, and in 2022, its upper levels reopened to the public following an extensive restoration work to protect and preserve its sacred ruins.

Myanmar

Myanmar's incredible Mergui Archipelago is best experienced by yacht charter, providing access to its remote beaches and virgin rainforest shores that were completely off limits to visitors until 1996. Consisting of 800 mostly uninhabited islands that are scattered across 250 miles of the Andaman Sea, Myanmar (previously known as Burma) borders Thailand’s cruising grounds.

It’s home to monkeys, crabs and lizards, as well as the seafaring nomadic Moken people whose stilt homes line the golden beaches.

What are the best things to do in Myanmar?

Few entities are revered as much as the plethora of Buddhist temples that are scattered across Myanmar’s shores, and the gold plated Shwedagon Pagoda – situated on Singuttara Hill in the centre of Yangon – is the most sacred of all. Soaring 99m high and sporting a diamond-studded spire, it is the region’s most iconic landmark and is visible from every location across Yangon city.

Malaysia

The South China Sea has long endured ancient maritime trading routes, yet at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Langkawi, the Gulai House offers a modern celebration of Malaysia’s coveted spices and herbs.

To sample the ingredients first-hand, The Cliff restaurant at Langkawi serves up rich Malaysian curries on Pantai Cenang Beach, yet the 90 islands scattered across the region provide inspiring culinary flare and an unforgettable sailing experience.

What is Malaysia famous for?

Temperate seas with clear visibility host shoals of vibrant fish and sparkling coral gardens. Explore myriad dense mangroves, swim in turquoise green waterfalls and enrich your yacht charter with diverse watersports.

Providing the ideal island hopping yacht charter itinerary, discover off-the-beaten-track dive spots and idyllic islands rich in exotic plants and a litany of wildlife (think orangutans, gibbons, sun bears, and the beautiful clouded leopard).

Discover superyachts available for charter in South East Asia, and enquire today about a life-changing charter in this natural wonderland.

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Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.