5

No marinas, no crowded harbours - just quiet anchorages among stunning scenery - and always with a good restaurant handy.

Overview - Give us a summary of your time with Sunsail?

Our first Sunsail charter at Koh Samui. We were dealt with efficiently, and the local area briefing was useful.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

If a female element of the family finds living on a hot, humid yacht in the tropics less than idyllic, buy her/them off with the promise of a final night before flying home in one of the stunning hotels available.

Yachts - What was the best thing about your yacht?

Fairly basic, but properly equipped and everything worked. Sunsail might consider adding cabin fans, which would make a difference in the humid rainy season.

Tips - Do you have any advice for fellow Sunsail guests visiting this destination?

Don't be put off by the 'rainy' season. We have been three times in July, and it was mostly sunny with the occasional (and welcome) downpour to cool us off.

Highlights - What were the most memorable experiences of your holiday and where on your itinerary did they happen?

For our third Thai sailing holiday we chose Ko Samui. It's a small base, with the yachts moored off the beach. The base manager was friendly and efficient. We sailed around the island, then headed off for the stunning Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of forested islands with monkeys playing in the trees. We were the only yacht there, and it felt like being a millionaire in a private kingdom. Then on to the divers' island Mecca of Koh Tao, where the snorkelling is fantastic. We swam with turtles, and even a (small and polite) shark. On the way back, we anchored off the 'Full-Moon Party' beach at Koh Phangan, where the teenagers made merry.

Mike Purves, 06/01/2009