Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coast is one of South East Asia’s most undercharted sailing grounds, a warm and protected sea dotted with islands whose quietness is a large part of the appeal. Sailing yachts in the region include traditional two-masted vessels, modern performance cruisers, and purpose-built liveaboards that move between Thailand, Cambodia, and the wider Andaman circuit depending on the season. Wind conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are reliable in the dry season from November to April, with steady northeast monsoon winds providing consistent sailing between the islands. Charter rates for sailing yachts across South East Asia range from around 44,000 to 200,000 euros per week, with provisioning adding approximately 30 percent for food, fuel, and berthing. The pace of a sailing charter suits Cambodia’s coast well. Itineraries typically depart from Sihanoukville and work south and west toward the Koh Sdach Archipelago, a chain of 64 small islands where anchoring is straightforward and the water is clear enough for swimming off the stern. Koh Rong Sanloem has one of the most sheltered bays in the region, ideal for an overnight stop. The outer islands of Koh Tang and Koh Prins, 150 to 185 kilometres offshore, are rarely visited and reward those who make the passage with some of the best diving in mainland South East Asia. Closer to shore, the Cardamom Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop as the yacht moves along the coast, and the fishing communities of the inner islands offer a glimpse of daily life that the beaches of Thailand rarely allow.
