Eight most secluded luxury island yacht escapes in Southeast Asia

A yacht is the perfect way to escape Southeast Asia’s well-known and over-visited beaches and discover the remote, uninhabited (and secret) tropical islands full of exotic marine life, white sandy beaches and turquoise-clear warm waters.
Southeast Asia has vast areas of untouched coastal waters perfect for exploring by chartered or private yacht, whether you’re looking for a secluded beach, exotic wildlife or stunning dive-sites. No finer way exists to escape the crowds and find true peace unspoilt by human hands than by yacht, so set your imagination running with our guide to some of the best regions in Southeast Asia you could explore.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The calm waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hide some of the most tranquil and beautiful islands in the world. Although cruise-ships pass through quietly on their way to busier spots, the archipelagos within the Bay of Benegal are still untouched by the vast majority of tourists, and so perfect for a few lazy days of diving, sun-bathing or catching up on a good read.

Anambas islands, Indonesia

Anambas islands, Indonesia
Just less than 400km from the popular Batam Island in Indonesia lie the secluded Anambas Islands, a stretch of largely-uninhabited islands within a protected lagoon, and thus home to coral-life perfect for snorkelling. A huge waterfall will provide a fantastic afternoon escape from the yacht – perfect for a relaxing lunch in nature – and two sunken shipwrecks to explore if you’re looking for a little excitement.
Incredibly, the Anambas Islands are so out of the way from the tourist trail that it’s highly likely you’ll be completely alone, free to relax and soak up the sun in paradise.

Koh Chang, Thailand

Koh Chang, Thailand
Because Thailand is a huge draw for millions of tourists every year it’s hard to find beautiful, secret places in the country that not already over-run. However, near the Thai-Cambodian ocean border is the Koh Chang archipelago, a run of hidden islands accessible only by boat. Perfect for disconnecting from the world in a beautiful setting, these islands are close enough to civilisation to escape from the hustle and bustle for a few days.

Langkawi, Malaysia

How could we write about Southeast Asia’s best yachting destinations without mentioning the beautiful waters within our own country? One of Malaysia’s best island resorts is just a short boat-ride out of Kuala Lumpur, offering fine food, luxury living and beautiful scenery.
Although it’s busy in peak tourist season, being on a yacht offers a chance to pick and choose when you dock. Spend the day out in the ocean relaxing in clear blue waters under the sun or snorkelling around its coral outcrops and then return to the island in the evening for exquisite dining options from a region with Malaysia’s best fishing waters.

Kerala, India

Kerala, India
Sailing through these backwaters on the western coast of India and all you’ll pass by are small, sleepy villages untouched by modern civilisation. Sailing here is truly a romantic experience, and with almost 900km of interconnected rivers, lakes, waterways and inlets, you can spend a few days getting lost surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery of western India and under the sweet serenade of exotic birdsong.

Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
800 islands form part of the Mergui Archipelago, situated to the north of the ultra-popular tourist destination of Phuket in Thailand. The chance to escape the crowds is made easier here by the dense forest and thick jungle that blanket the surrounding mountains, and thousands of natural harbours offer secret anchor-points for a lazy day on the yacht.  Truly a must if you’re looking for escape and adventure.

The Philippines

We can’t exclude a country with 7,107 separate islands and inlets from a Southeast Asia yachting article. A huge number of these islands remain entirely untouched by international visitors, although they’ve been a well-known secret amongst the sailing community for years, with many choosing to hop from one island to another discovering secluded beaches, untouched coral and tropical marine life along the way.
And, of course, if you’re looking for a little luxury there are no finer islands in Southeast Asia to relax within beautiful island scenery than the famous El Nido, Palawan and Boracay islands.

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Although Halong Bay in northwestern Vietnam is one of the most photographed destinations in the world given its draw-dropping beauty, as a region with over 2,000 islands across a region of 1,500sq km it also has more than enough space for a yacht to get completely lost for a short cruise away from it all.
Waters are tranquil all year round and the region is famous for its wonderful sunsets. No better place for a Sun-downer in the evening after a day relaxing and swimming in the calm ocean waters.