A Guide to Chartering in Asia

Asia is a continent of contrasts, where ancient traditions, vibrant cities, and untouched islands come together in one extraordinary journey.

Begin your day anchored off a secluded Thai island framed by limestone cliffs, and end it with cocktails overlooking Singapore’s glittering Marina Bay. Drift past Bali’s temple-dotted shores, or find quiet seclusion in Langkawi’s hidden coves. From bustling harbors to serene atolls, Asia’s waters offer both discovery and indulgence.

Snorkel in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, home to the planet’s richest marine biodiversity, or sail into Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, where 1,600 limestone karsts rise from jade-green waters. In Myanmar’s remote Mergui Archipelago, the semi-nomadic Moken people still live in harmony with the sea. And across Asia’s 135,000 kilometers of coastline, climates shift from tropical archipelagos to Japan’s blossom-lined shores, offering year-round cruising possibilities.

Where are the must-see destinations in Asia?

Thailand

• Tourist hotspots: Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands
• Marinas and ports: Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, Yacht Haven Marina
• Popular beaches: Patong Beach (Phuket), Railay Beach (Krabi), Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi)
• Historic sites: Old Town Phuket, Wat Chalong Temple

Thailand is a top luxury yacht charter destination in Asia, blending world‑class marinas with idyllic cruising grounds. Phuket offers lively nightlife and easy provisioning, while nearby Phang Nga Bay stuns with towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. The Similan Islands are a diving paradise, and Railay Beach enchants with its dramatic cliffs and powdery sand. Cultural stops like Old Town Phuket and Wat Chalong Temple add depth to your journey.

Indonesia

• Tourist hotspots: Bali, Komodo National Park, Raja Ampat, Lombok, Flores
• Marinas and ports: Benoa Marina (Bali), Labuan Bajo Marina (Flores), Marina Del Ray (Lombok)
• Popular beaches: Nusa Dua Beach (Bali), Pink Beach (Komodo), Pasir Panjang (Raja Ampat)
• Historic sites: Besakih Temple (Bali), Borobudur Temple (Java – inland excursion)

Indonesia’s vast archipelago offers some of the world’s most diverse yacht charter experiences. Sail to Komodo National Park for its iconic dragons and Pink Beach, explore Raja Ampat’s unmatched marine biodiversity, or anchor off Bali’s golden shores. Luxury marinas in Bali and Lombok serve as gateways to secluded cruising grounds, while cultural excursions to Borobudur and Besakih Temple immerse you in the nation’s rich history.

Maldives

• Tourist hotspots: Malé Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Addu Atoll
• Marinas and ports: Hulhumalé Yacht Marina, Island Hideaway Marina (Dh. Atoll)
• Popular beaches: Fulhadhoo Beach, Dhigurah Beach, Veligandu Island Beach
• Historic sites: Old Friday Mosque (Malé), Mulee Aage Palace (Malé)

The Maldives is a yachting dream of over 1,000 coral islands spread across 26 atolls. Crystal‑clear waters teem with manta rays, whale sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. Charter itineraries often include luxury resort stopovers, uninhabited island picnics, and world‑class diving. Cultural highlights in Malé, such as the Old Friday Mosque, give a glimpse into the archipelago’s Islamic heritage.

Vietnam

• Tourist hotspots: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Nha Trang, Con Dao Islands
• Marinas and ports: Tuan Chau Marina (Ha Long Bay), Hon Tre Marina (Nha Trang)
• Popular beaches: Bai Tru Beach (Nha Trang), Dam Trau Beach (Con Dao), Cat Co Beach (Cat Ba Island)
• Historic sites: Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary

Vietnam’s coastline offers spectacular diversity for yacht charters. Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s UNESCO‑listed limestone karsts, enjoy quiet anchorages in Lan Ha Bay, or dive in the coral‑rich Con Dao Islands. Nha Trang’s marinas provide easy access to upscale beach resorts, while inland excursions to Hoi An and My Son reveal Vietnam’s ancient cultural heritage.

Malaysia

• Tourist hotspots: Langkawi, Tioman Island, Redang Island
• Marinas and ports: Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Telaga Harbour Marina, Tioman Marina
• Popular beaches: Pantai Cenang (Langkawi), Juara Beach (Tioman), Pasir Panjang (Redang)

Historic sites: Mahsuri’s Tomb (Langkawi), Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Sabah) Malaysia blend lush tropical cruising grounds with well‑equipped marinas. Langkawi’s duty‑free status makes it a favorite provisioning stop, while Tioman and Redang offer pristine beaches and superb diving. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club provides a prime base for exploring the surrounding islands, and historic sites like Mahsuri’s Tomb offer a cultural dimension to your voyage.

What are some cultural highlights, festivals, and events awaiting you?

Asia’s festival calendar offers yacht charter guests a front‑row seat to some of the world’s most colorful and meaningful celebrations. Chinese New Year and Vietnam’s Tet light up cities with fireworks, lion dances, and vibrant parades, while India’s Holi turns streets into joyful explosions of color. In spring, Thailand’s Songkran and Myanmar’s Thingyan welcome the Buddhist New Year with lively water‑throwing festivities. Vesak Day honors Buddha’s life with candlelit temple processions, and Japan’s Sanja Matsuri brings traditional portable shrines to the streets of Tokyo. Summer highlights include the Dragon Boat Festival in China and Hong Kong, Japan’s Gion Matsuri, and Bali’s Galungan temple celebrations. Autumn’s Mid‑Autumn Festival fills Asia with glowing lanterns and mooncakes, while Thailand’s Loi Krathong and Yi Peng set waterways and skies aglow with floating lights. Ending the year, Christmas in the Philippines spans months of festivities, and China’s Dongzhi Festival marks the winter solstice with family feasts. Experiencing these traditions during a luxury yacht charter in Asia adds cultural depth and unforgettable memories to your voyage.

What local dishes should you try in Asia?

 In Thailand, savor the perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty with dishes like tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup) and pad thai, best enjoyed beachside after a morning swim. Indonesia tempts with nasi goreng (fried rice) and satay, while Bali offers the ceremonial dish babi guling (suckling pig). In the Maldives, fresh seafood is king, with mas huni (tuna with coconut) served at sunrise and reef fish grilled to perfection for dinner on deck. Vietnam delights yacht travelers with pho (aromatic noodle soup) and banh mi (crispy baguette with savory fillings), while Malaysia’s nasi lemak—rice cooked in coconut milk served with sambal and peanuts—delivers a fragrant, hearty taste of tradition. Whether prepared by your yacht’s private chef or discovered in bustling coastal markets, these iconic Asian dishes offer a rich culinary layer to your luxury yacht charter experience.

What’s next? 

From the turquoise bays of Thailand’s Andaman Sea to the coral‑rich atolls of the Maldives and the remote islands of Indonesia, Asia invites you to sail a region where every horizon reveals a new adventure. Our Asia yacht charter itineraries are designed to take you beyond the ordinary—whether that means drifting among Vietnam’s limestone karsts, anchoring off a hidden Maldivian sandbank, or gliding into the cultural heart of Bali.

Browse our curated collection of luxury yachts and start planning your bespoke voyage across Asia’s most captivating cruising grounds. Your journey into the continent’s unmatched blend of culture, scenery, and seafaring luxury begins here.