Southeast Asia isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when you think of sailing, but maybe it should be.
With thousands of islands, year-round warm weather, and a blend of cultures you won’t find anywhere else in the world, it’s a dream cruising ground for those in the know.
If you are tired of the Caribbean or getting bored in Mediterranean, here are some destinations that you should likely consider.
Why Should You Sail in Southeast Asia in the First Place?
Let’s start with the basics, why even bother sailing here?
1. A Wide Range of Sailing Zones, Some Popular, Some Still Hidden Gems
SE Asia offers a rich mix of well-known hubs like Phuket and Bali, and lesser-traveled spots like Tioman Island or Raja Ampat. Whether you want lively towns or untouched anchorages, you’ll find them here.
2. A Culture Unlike Anywhere Else
From floating markets to sea gypsies, spicy street food to ancient temples perched on cliffs—sailing in Southeast Asia means being immersed in local traditions that are completely different from the Mediterranean or Caribbean.
3. Less Crowded Than the Med or the Caribbean
Unlike Europe in summer or the crowded anchorages of the BVI, you can still find entire bays to yourself in Southeast Asia. Even popular places rarely feel overrun.
4. World-Class Diving Spots Everywhere
You can drop anchor and jump into some of the most biodiverse waters on the planet. Many destinations here are legendary dive sites in their own right.
5. Opposite Seasons From the Med and the Caribbean
When the Med is too cold and the Caribbean is battling hurricanes, much of Southeast Asia is in peak season. It’s the perfect escape if you want to extend your sailing year.
Recap of the Main Sailing Destinations in SE Asia
| Destination | Highlights | Best Season | Sailing Conditions | Charter Availability | Experience Level |
| Phuket, Thailand | Karst cliffs, tropical islands, vibrant marine life | Nov–April | Calm, sheltered, great for island hopping | Very high (bareboat & crewed) | Beginner–Advanced |
| Langkawi, Malaysia | Duty-free, quiet bays, mangroves | Nov–April | Gentle winds, protected anchorages | High (bareboat & crewed) | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Komodo, Indonesia | Jurassic scenery, Komodo dragons, world-class diving | April–Oct | Moderate winds, some currents | Moderate (mostly crewed) | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Raja Ampat, Indonesia | Remote, stunning reefs, biodiversity hotspot | Oct–April | Complex, remote, navigation skill needed | Limited (crewed only) | Advanced |
| Bali & Lombok, Indonesia | Island culture, surf spots, nearby Gilis | May–Oct | Open waters, stronger winds | Moderate (mostly crewed) | Intermediate |
| El Nido & Coron, Philippines | Limestone cliffs, lagoons, snorkeling | Nov–May | Calm seas, some open passages | Moderate (mostly crewed) | Intermediate |
| Visayas, Philippines | Island-hopping, beaches, vibrant towns | Nov–May | Mostly sheltered, varied winds | Moderate (limited bareboat) | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Ko Chang, Thailand | Less crowded, national parks, waterfalls | Nov–April | Calm, less developed | Limited (mostly crewed) | Beginner–Intermediate |
| Tioman Island, Malaysia | Quiet, jungle-covered, east coast beauty | March–Oct | Seasonal monsoons, variable winds | Low (mostly local boats) | Intermediate |
Where to Sail in Southeast Asia
Thailand: One of the Most Famous and Easy-to-Sail Destinations in Asia
Main Sailing Areas in Thailand
- Phuket: The heart of Thai yachting with tons of marinas, services, and anchorages.
- Krabi: Quieter than Phuket, but just as stunning with its cliffs and lagoons.
- Ko Chang: A more off-the-beaten-path alternative on the Gulf of Thailand, perfect if you want fewer crowds.
Types of Yachts to Consider to sail in Thailand
You’ll find everything here—from budget bareboats to luxury catamarans and crewed yachts.
Pros of Thailand Yacht Charters
- Super easy to access
- Wide range of boats and itineraries
- English is widely spoken
- Plenty of provisioning and marina facilities
Cons of Thailand Yacht Charters
- Can get busy in high season
- Some anchorages now have fees or restrictions
Read also: Relish Thailand with Luxury Yacht Charter
Indonesia: A Huge Archipelago with Countless Unexplored Islands
Main Sailing Areas of Indonesia
- Komodo & Flores: For adventure seekers and divers.
- Raja Ampat: Remote, wild, and one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
- Maluku & Sulawesi: Untouched, rarely sailed areas for true exploration.
- Lombok / Gilis & Bali: Surf, culture, and nightlife—not just for backpackers.
Types of Boats to Consider to sail in Indonesia
Mostly crewed charters and traditional Indonesian phinisis, with some modern catamarans available in more developed areas.
Pros of Indonesian Yacht Charters
- Incredible diversity of landscapes and cultures
- Some of the best diving in the world
- Real sense of exploration and adventure
Cons of Indonesian Yacht Charters
- Navigation can be tricky
- Limited bareboat options
- Logistics can be complex
Read also: Indonesia, an amazing country with an amazing coastline
Malaysia: A Country That’s Too Often Overlooked for Yacht Charters
Main Sailing Zones of Malaysia
- Langkawi: Laid-back and duty-free—great for provisioning and relaxing.
- Tioman Islands: A seasonal gem with jungle-covered mountains and clear waters.
Types of Boats to Consider for sailing in Malaysia
Bareboats are available around Langkawi; elsewhere, it’s mostly crewed or local boats.
Pros of Malaysia Yacht Charters
- Affordable compared to other destinations
- Easy sailing, good infrastructure in Langkawi
- Not too crowded
Cons of Malaysia Yacht Charters
- Limited sailing zones
- Tioman has a short season and limited charter options
Philippines: A Huge Playground for Island-Hopping Sailors
Main Sailing Zones of the Philippines
- Palawan & Coron: Jaw-dropping beauty, with cliffs, lagoons, and shipwreck dives.
- Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor): A central region packed with islands, culture, and fun towns.
Types of Boats to Consider for sailing in the Pilippines
Mostly crewed yachts, although bareboat options are slowly growing.
Pros of Philippines Yacht Charters
- Endless islands to explore
- Friendly locals and rich culture
- Fantastic snorkeling and diving
Cons of Philippines Yacht Charters
- Infrastructure still developing
- Navigation can be challenging in some areas
- Typhoon season must be considered
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly tropical escape or a true off-the-grid sailing expedition, Southeast Asia offers it all. And the best part? There’s still so much to discover.
If you’re tired of the same old sailing circuits and craving something new, wild, and breathtaking, get in touch with our team to set your compass East.
FAQ about yacht charters in SE Asia
Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are the most popular yacht charters destinations in SE Asia.
While some SE Asia destinations are known to be touristic hotspots (Phuket in Thailand or Bali in Indonesia), they remain off the chart for sailing. Other destinations are in most cases very remote with very little crowd.
In terms of crime, SE Asia is generally very safe, much more than most of Europe and most of the Caribbean. But like many sailing destinations, it is vulnerable to natural hazards: typhoons, tropical storms, flooding and earthquakes.
SE Asia isn’t a renown yachting hotspot, so infrastructure is sometimes lacking when it comes to marinas. Expect less marinas and a bit less comfort than the most famous yachting destinations especially when you start going to remote places.
It depends. While the cost of living in most of SE Asia is lower than in the Caribbean and most Mediterranean countries, there are also less yachts available and less bareboat options in some destinations. So depending on your plans and itineraries, it might be cheaper or more expensive.
Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore have english as an official language.
Indonesia is probably the archipelago with the most remote and largely unexplored destinations in SE Asia. Some sailing areas are notoriously long or hard to reach and ensure a really adventurous charter.
There is not one sailing season that would work for the whole South East Asia. Some destinations will have their mansoon season in winter, some in summer.
Our customers are generally very satisfied from their sailing adventures in SE Asia. Chartering a yacht there is one of the best way to discover these areas. That being said, they are also very happy with going to usual Caribbean and Mediterranean. Ultimately, it depends what vibe and sailing experience you are looking for.
Yes, we organise charters all around SE Asia: Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and more! Get in touch with our team if you have a charter project.
Tough competition! Almost all countries in SE Asia have worldclass diving spots. Philippines have Palawan and the Visayas, Indonesia has the Raja Ampat and Sulawesi… and Thailand or Malaysia also have a lot of their own. If you are into diving, you’ll be fine regardless of where you sail in SE Asia.
Indonesia is a clear winner as a surfing destination in SE Asia and even worldwide. Bali, Lombok, Sumatra and Java are all worldclass surfing destinations. The East Coast of the Philippines is also a strong contender in the SE Asia region.
