Renowned as a piece of paradise complete with tiny islets dotting crystal clear waters, the island archipelago of Koh Samui is the holiday heartland for beach lovers touring Thailand. Blessed with sunny skies and calm waters all year round this engaging vacation hub has been a frequent stopover for honeymooners and water sports enthusiasts since time immemorial. Littered with exotic landscapes and a hotbed for a variety of marine species that occupies its waters, there is no finer way to explore all that Koh Samui has to offer than on a sailing excursion across the archipelago.
Offering visitors the sailing experience of a lifetime, tour operators across Koh Samui provide tailor made sailing packages to suit every budget. From short day trips to extensive week-long tours, a sailing expedition in this serene corner of Thailand is a popular activity among seasoned visitors as well as avid sailing aficionados.
Visitors can opt for a catamaran tour with a captain and crew members to explore Koh Samui highlights such as the Ang Thong National Marine Park or Phangan Marine Park in Koh Tao while those pressed for time can go for a romantic sunset cruise to the pristine bay of Koh Saom Maenam. Accommodating four to sixteen passengers, catamarans employed in boating expeditions include state-of-the-art facilities such as spacious living areas, air-conditioned cabins, double guestrooms and modern amenities such as televisions, ovens, hot/cold water and refrigerators. Travelling at smooth speeds of under 7 knots the vessels can take fifteen guests on a day trip with overnight facilities for 6 passengers.
Sting boat tours are equally sought after as it can seat seventeen passengers and travels at speeds of 40 knots. Perfect for groups of travellers and corporate events, day trips to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are completed with efficiency in these Gulf Craft Touring fleets. Luxury yachts such as conventional Sailing Junk Yachts constructed by Suratthani’s Ship Yard Perno are also on hand to go on sunset cruises, brunch sailing expeditions and day trips to virgin islands, Taling Ngam, Koh Taen, Lipa Noi and Choeng Mon.
Speed boat adventures for families and groups are also available here for snorkelling and diving holidaymakers that wish to combine sailing with their favourite oceanic past times.
Those looking for an elegant Samui resort can consider Anantara Bophut Koh Samui. Offering travellers the best in modern comforts, this picturesquely situated Samui hotel is ideal for holidaymakers with a flair for luxury.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.