Koh Samui and the Gulf of Siam in Thailand have recently reported a steep increase in the amount of superyachts visiting the area this season. This area is one of the world’s newest destinations for superyacht cruising, and boasts a cruising season of 6 months. The rise in visitors demonstrates the ever increasing popularity of Asia to the maritime industry.
Captain Charlie Dwyer of Asia Pacific Superyachts report that superyachts visiting Koh Samui and the Gulf this season include, the 55 metre Keri Lee III; the 51 metre Double Haven, custom built in 1993 by Feadship in the Netherlands; the 50 metre Sapphire; the 39 metre luxury Sail yacht built by Custom in 1999 and designed by Joao Paquito and the 40 metre Amoha, custom built in 1991 by Benetti with interior designed by Zuretti, among others.
The cruising season in the Gulf of Siam is reportedly very good from February to September. Captain Charlie adds, “One of the visiting yachts arrived in May and cruised the Gulf until the end of August. The vessel then continued the cruise on to Vietnam and Cambodia and this same yacht plans to visit Singapore before continuing their journey on to Phuket, Thailand in November 2014.”
Though Koh Samui does not have an established superyacht marina at this time, visiting Superyacht captains report many safe anchorages which were acquired very simply. Commenting on all provisioning and services needs being met while in Koh Samui and the islands dotted throughout the Gulf, Captain Derek of Amoha wrote the following about his journey, “The wealth of local knowledge and experience from the APS Samui team has made our visit to Koh Samui and the Gulf of Thailand a memorable, hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Koh Samui and its surrounding islands are a great place for superyachts to visit and with your expertise it was an absolute pleasure.”
Highlights of cruising in Thailand include world renowned diving, kayaking and trekking through the uninhabited islands of the Ang Thong National Marine Park, located 20 nm from Koh Samui.