In a quaint harbor on the coast of Thailand, the nightlife is vibrant. 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 the Philippines will undoubtably lead to a different experience than that of a harbor in India or Thailand. Come sail along the coastlines of Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, and India and be immersed in many of their exclusive customs.
Sailors can feel welcomed in Thailand with the white pristine sands, and the warm tropical climate. The renowned friendliness of the Thai people as well as the year round cruising potential attract many visitors to these waters. The magnificent coral reefs off the shore are just a hint at the multitude of divers that visit these waters. Thai cuisine has ample selection for all, and there will never be an empty stomach or idle 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 are so many islands in Indonesia that there is actually no offical count as to exactly how many islands total. However the range is within 13,000 to 17,000 individual islands. 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. There are the infamous Komodo dragons in Komodo. For a taste of the city life, the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta is the most populated city in Southeast Asia.
It goes without saying that the first place to visit in Vietnam is Halong Bay. 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. For excellent anchorages, stop by Cebu and its neighboring islands. 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.
Sailing along the coastlines of India is definitely rewarding, with time permitting. The region of Kerala has over 560 miles of interconnected waterway. One could view the entire natural habitat all from the comfort of a boat as it travels in rivers, lakes, and inlets. There are fish and sea turtles in the main waters off the coast. 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.
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