There are so many islands and places to visit, and the small distances between them means there is always a beautiful view and a pristine white-sand beach or coral reef to explore.
Among the many islands to visit is the horseshoe-shaped Myint Khar (Horse Shoe Island), which has a lagoon in the middle, making an idyllic anchorage for Sanook. Being shallow, with crystal-clear water and a white-sand bottom, the whole lagoon is like a giant fish tank.
Za Det Gyi Island has rugged underwater terrain, while large tawny nurse sharks can be seen along with other abundant marine life. The coast of Hlaing Gu Island (Cavern Island) has caverns large enough for Sanook’s RIB to get through to explore this exciting environment. The adventurous can hike to the top of the islands, which are a nature lover’s utopia and offer the chance to spot gibbons, pythons, civet cats, monitor lizards, the mouse deer and even elephants.
Avid birdwatchers should look up for hornbills, white kites and white-bellied sea eagles circling above islands. Kingfishers, Frigatebirds, Pacific reef egrets, green imperial pigeons and emerald doves are also commonly sighted.
A national park, Kyunn Tann Shey (Lampi Island) is protected and has a vast stretch of mangroves, tidal creeks and rivers, which are perfect to explore by kayak or RIB… it is truly an explorer’s paradise. The only human inhabitants are the indigenous sea gypsies, known locally as Salon or internationally as Moken. These semi- nomadic people live a traditional life aboard their boats and may shyly approach Sanook, wishing to trade the freshest of seafood, such as seabass, skate, lobster and tuna.
Sanook’s range of toys mean guests can snorkel in pristine seas, paddle around on the two kayaks, ride the three-person jet-ski, or use the exploration RIB to explore an inland waterway or a mangrove system full of wildlife, and access beaches. There are also water- skis, a wakeboard, kneeboard and inflatable tubes, and the simple beach classics like frisbee and badminton. Diving can be arranged in advance.
While Sanook steers guests through the Mergui Archipelago, guests enjoy luxurious living on board and first-class service. Sanook herself is magnificent indoors and out, another sensational motor yacht by the world-famous Princess yard in Plymouth on England’s southwest coast. Her elegant, bright interior has a large open-plan saloon, formal dining area and a galley – often used as the ‘bar’ – that can be fully enclosed or opened via an electronically retractable partition. The Australian Captain has been on board for four years and has extensive regional knowledge, having cruised on her own yacht in the area.
The first mate/engineer has lived in Thailand for 20 years, the ever-smiling stewardess offers attentive service and the experienced professional chef can prepare gourmet Thai food bursting with flavours as well as international cuisine.
The large flybridge – accessible from the aft deck and also the saloon – is also well covered, by a full-length bimini. There’s seating for more than 10 up here, with a large sunpad that’s ideal for relaxing, reading, listening to music or just enjoying the views. Sanook can sleep between eight to 12 guests in comfort on the lower deck. The full-beam master suite midships features great views through triple vertical hull windows, a 32-inch HD TV and DVD player, a walk-in wardrobe, en-suite bathroom with power/massage shower, an oval double-ended bath, toilet and bidet. There’s also a forward VIP cabin with TV and two twin guest cabins, port and starboard, all with large en-suite bathrooms. Each twin cabin can be converted into a double bed or four Pullman bunks for children.
A 5,900-litre fuel tank gives long-range cruising capabilities, while the bow and stern thrusters and a shallow draft mean Sanook is able to tuck into secluded coves and bays.
She’s an ideal yacht for a week-long cruise with family and friends, and offers a superb way to explore the Mergui.
The memories into this almost otherworldly coastal environment remain forever.
For more information visit AsianYachtCharters
The 23m Princess motor yacht is also available for sale. Sanook provides the luxury, space and service of a superyacht, and offers a range of charter options in Southeast Asia. For enquires, email c[email protected]