This is an example of a typical itinerary for our Thailand trip. However, no two trips are ever exactly the same; one of the greatest things about being on a sailboat is the flexibility to change our minds and our route to suit personal preferences, prevailing wind conditions, etc. The start and finish points are fixed, of course – but all else is changeable according to the whims of the wind gods and those on board!

To help recover from jetlag, there are an array of herbal spa treatments, massages, all sorts of ways to be pampered. Pina coladas at the pool bar are a most effective way of relaxing too. We will meet in the lobby for dinner at 7pm for those who would like to join the group. (dinner expense on your own)

February 17   Explore Phuket! This is a free day to relax and get acclimated. There are many possible options - we can organize a very fun elephant trek - we even get to ride the "local" way on the elephants' neck. The temple at Ao Chalong is well worth a visit to get a taste of the calm and peaceful Buddhist philosophy which pervades all Thai culture and life. There are incredibly intricate golden spires and statues, a fantastic pictorial tale of Buddha's life; most of the visitors are Thais, not western tourists.

For a taste of the more modern aspect of Thailand - there are the street markets in Patong, and it's very diverse night life and bar scene! All these possibilities - and many more, if we but had more time! - are all very accessible via tuk-tuk or perhaps renting a jeep for the day. Once again if you want to join the group for dinner we will meet in the lobby at 7pm.

February 18    Time to go sailing. Breakfast over, we'll transfer to the yachts in Ao Chalong - about 15 mins from Kata Beach. It's a bit of a time-consuming process transferring bags to the yachts, as there is no dock - it's all done via dinghy; so a few fruit-shakes in the famous Jimmy's Lighthouse will no doubt keep us all happy in the meantime. As soon as we're all aboard and settled in - we will sail to Phi Phi Li ("Little Phi Phi"), whose recent claim-to-fame is the Leonardo di Caprio movie "The Beach". It's a spectacular little island - its dramatic limestone cliffs, pure white sands and unbelievably pale turquoise waters are made for picture postcards. And being there late in the afternoon/early next morning, we can totally escape the day trippers, and have the place just about to ourselves.

This night will be our first sample of our Thai chefs' gourmet cooking on board the yachts - it has to be tasted to be believed.

February 19    As soon as the local daytrip boats from Phi Phi arrive in the early morning, we will head off to the Rok Nok islands - a national marine park, teeming with multi-colored fish & coral gardens. This is one of the most amazing snorkeling grounds in the area. After a quick snorkel in the morning we will head off.

February 20    The destination for this day is Charlie Beach, on Ko Muk - one of our favorite little beach hangouts. This place is somewhat smaller than Ko Lanta, where are headed next, but with a very cozy little beach bar and great BBQ restaurant. Cocktails on the beach at sunset, it doesn't get any more romantic than this.

February 21    Our breakfast stop for the next day, we have named The Lost Lagoon - an old pirate hangout. To find it, we swim through a winding, pitch-black sea tunnel (it's ok, we do have waterproof lights!). It's a spooky and thoroughly exciting feeling especially when one emerges the other end into a "Lost World" in the center of the island. Unfortunately, the local daytrip boats from Phi Phi have now discovered this spot too - but as long as we get there early in the morning, we have it all to ourselves!

After our swim into The Lost Lagoon we have a lovely sail to Ko Lanta - a long island of many white sand deserted beaches. Tucked away at the northern end is Relax Bay - a collection of a dozen or so beach bungalows, and a French guy running a superb little beach bar and restaurant. Hammocks on the beach, boats at anchor in the background….it is a totally idyllic little spot.

February 22   Early start the next day, as this is a long sailing day to get to Krabi which is part of the mainland. We'll anchor at the famous Railey Beach, near Krabi. Sheer, palm-covered mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it's a well-known spot for those who like to scare themselves silly scaling these cliffs. There are even beginner's rock-climbing opportunities, for any adrenalin-addicts amongst us! Dinner ashore, there's dozens of fun little beach bars and restaurants.

If time allows we will stop for a spectacular snorkeling spot along the way.

February 23  This morning there will be a chance to visit Tiger Cave and Temple, a 30 minute minibus ride inland. This place is not as overtly dramatic and ornate as some of the more well-known Thai wats; what attracts us is it's deeply spiritual, calm Buddhist ambiance. This is not a "tourist destination" - it's a place that the locals visit to pay their respects to the monk community there. For the energetic, there is a steep climb to a stunning viewpoint, a huge Buddha keeping an eye on us mere mortals below; for those who prefer to take it easier (and cooler!), there is a shady hike through an enormous and ancient forest. It's also home to a troop of very mischievous monkeys, watch out for your drinks and snacks, they're fast. The optional excursion will cost approx $20 - $30/ person depending on how many want to go.

Now it is a short hop to Chicken Island. A quiet, tranquil contrast to the day's activities, and usually a beautiful sunset to accompany our infamous Pina Coladas! And another great snorkeling spot, lots of coral and tropical fish to swim amongst.

February 24  A leisure sail to Nai Harn which is located at the southern end of Phuket Island. This is a new destination for us and we have discovered a lovely little restaurant up on the rocks which makes a perfect place for our last dinner of our sailing adventure.

February 25  Disembark at Nair Harn or sail around to Ao Chalong where we started our adventure. Transfer to Delight Villas in Kata Beach for our last night.

February 26  Last chance for one of those amazing spa treatments… or perhaps grabbing some final bargains at the bazaar ….and sadly, it will be time to wave farewell to our Land of Smiles.