Best locations to visit in South East Asia.

Published 28 April 2023

Best locations to visit in South East Asia

South East Asia is both culturally surprising and quite breathtakingly beautiful, as we see here in the famous Maya Bay in Thailand's Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
South East Asia is both culturally surprising and quite breathtakingly beautiful, as we see here in the famous Maya Bay in Thailand's Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

A luxury yacht charter in South East Asia brings 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 renowned hospitality combines to form a charter itinerary like no other, where virgin rainforests and pristine reefs blur the lines of beauty.

Thailand

Koh Tapu, part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park, is better known as James Bond island having been one of the filming locations in the 1974 film, 'The man with the golden gun'
Koh Tapu, part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park, is better known as James Bond island having been one of the filming locations in the 1974 film, 'The man with the golden gun'

Whether it’s the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay that ignites 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.

The 45m statue of a seated Gautama Buddha sits atop Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, Phuket, nestling in national conserved forestry. Construction began in 2004
The 45m statue of a seated Gautama Buddha sits atop Nakkerd Hill near Chalong, Phuket, nestling in national conserved forestry. Construction began in 2004

Sailing around the six tiny islets of the Phi Phi archipelago in the Andaman Sea offers multiple sandy coves in which to drop anchor and spend the day in isolation, while a visit to the Great Buddha of Phuket that overlooks Ao Chalong Bay is a humbling experience.

What is Thailand famous for?

The sights, sounds, scents and tastes of this unique market make it exciting in every sense
The sights, sounds, scents and tastes of this unique market make it exciting in every sense

Thailand’s renowned 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. It’s best visited early morning when the produce is overflowing.

The complex of elaborate, ornate structures that makes up the Grand Palace was the official residence of the Thai Royal family, its court and government, from 1782 to 1925
The complex of elaborate, ornate structures that makes up the Grand Palace was the official residence of the Thai Royal family, its court and government, from 1782 to 1925

In the afternoon, a trip to the Grand Palace – a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok – is a step back in time. It was the official palace of the Kings of Siam up until 1925. Still used for ceremonial purposes by the Thai Royal Family, it retains all the magic and majesty of a royal residence.

Indonesia

The diving in Indonesia is world class as the heath and diversity of its marine life is so rich
The diving in Indonesia is world class as the heath and diversity of its marine life is so rich

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.

The herbs and spices of South East Asia are a barnstorming rodeo for the tastebuds
The herbs and spices of South East Asia are a barnstorming rodeo for the tastebuds

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?

The Komodo dragon, part of the monitor family, is the world's largest lizard
The Komodo dragon, part of the monitor family, is the world's largest lizard

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 it’s 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

Perhaps because of its troubled recent history, Cambodia is relatively undeveloped, which means there are some spectacular beaches with pristine snorkelling that you can call your own
Perhaps because of its troubled recent history, Cambodia is relatively undeveloped, which means there are some spectacular beaches with pristine snorkelling that you can call your own

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.

Its unspoilt natural biodiversity imbues a sense of wellness
Its unspoilt natural biodiversity imbues a sense of wellness

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 Angkor Wat temple complex, believed to be the world's largest, was founded in the 12th century and is now UNESCO listed
The Angkor Wat temple complex, believed to be the world's largest, was founded in the 12th century and is now UNESCO listed

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

Cockburn Island (Kowthoung) in the Andaman Sea is a fine example of the raw, unfiltered nature to be found in Myanmar
Cockburn Island (Kowthoung) in the Andaman Sea is a fine example of the raw, unfiltered nature to be found in 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.

The Moken people, known as sea gypsies, live a life that revolves around the sea. It is at once pasture and plaything
The Moken people, known as sea gypsies, live a life that revolves around the sea. It is at once pasture and plaything

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?

The Shwedagon Pagoda, home to revered Buddhist relics, has towered over an ever-changing Yangon city since at least the mid-14th century
The Shwedagon Pagoda, home to revered Buddhist relics, has towered over an ever-changing Yangon city since at least the mid-14th century

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

Malaysian cuisine reflects the multi-cultural nature of its people, a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian with influences from the tribes of East Malaysia and Borneo and, more recently, Eurasian flavours
Malaysian cuisine reflects the multi-cultural nature of its people, a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian with influences from the tribes of East Malaysia and Borneo and, more recently, Eurasian flavours

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.

Pantai Cenang Beach, on the south west coast of Langkawi island, overlooks the sea that brought ashore so many of its culinary influences
Pantai Cenang Beach, on the south west coast of Langkawi island, overlooks the sea that brought ashore so many of its culinary influences

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?

Like Indonesia, Malaysia has some awesome diving. You too could find yourself swimming with shoaling barracuda
Like Indonesia, Malaysia has some awesome diving. You too could find yourself swimming with shoaling barracuda

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.

Despite historically clearing much of it for rubber and palm oil plantations, Malaysia now treasures its natural biodiversity. The largest and oldest national park, Taman Negara, was gazetted in 1938
Despite historically clearing much of it for rubber and palm oil plantations, Malaysia now treasures its natural biodiversity. The largest and oldest national park, Taman Negara, was gazetted in 1938 

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, from orangutans, gibbons and proboscis monkeys to sun bears, deer 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.

 

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

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

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