[S04E05] Sailing in Southeast Asia is as easy or as difficult as you make it. Like any part of the world, it is planning and preparation that keep you safe and happy on a sailboat. We believe it is no more dangerous or difficult than any other area, in fact we think it’s often safer! In our latest podcast, we talk about our experiences over the last 10 years of sailing in Southeast Asia through Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Although it is an incredible sailing ground that should be on every cruiser’s bucket list, there are some challenges to think about. In this post we’ve answered some of the more common questions and concerns we hear, but for a more in-depth discussion watch or listen to the video podcast. Weather The weather conditions in Southeast Asia can change quickly, with sudden, short-lived squalls bringing 60kts of wind making sailing a challenge. Read the signs and be ready to reef and get on weather watch if the conditions look ‘interesting’. Typhoons are tracked throughout the region, so there is usually plenty of time to sail out of danger or find a safe hole to leave the boat. Monsoons are predictable, bringing steady winds from different directions throughout the year. The winds in Southeast Asia change once you cross the Equator, so make sure you are aware of the winds for the time of year and for your sailing ground. For long-distance sailing, it’s important to take prevailing winds into account and use them whenever possible. For example, it would be pointless trying to sail west from Malaysia across the Indian Ocean during the Southwest monsoon. Navigation There are numerous islands, shoals, reefs and obstructions in the sea around Southeast Asian waters, so it is important to always have someone on watch. We prefer to avoid sailing at night wherever possible, by you can’t always do this, so be vigilant. Navigation charts are inaccurate in many of the remote islands and areas, so you must only enter during the right time of the day to see beneath the water. We use satellite images (a lot) in conjunction with Navionics and eye-balling. Currents are another hazard to be aware of. Check out our episodes on navigating through reefs: * How to navigate through reefs – Best apps to use! * How to avoid a collision with a reef * Navigating a sailboat (through the North Borneo Dangers) Although it is improving, the one thing in Southeast Asia which you will not be able to ignore is the amount of rubbish in the water. Expect to get a plastic bag or two around your prop! Language English is widely spoken in the towns and tourist areas of Southeast Asia, and in Malaysia it is common. The more remote parts of Thailand and much of Indonesia has a bit of catching-up to do. So we always learn a few basic words and lean heavily on Google Translate. If you download the language, you can use this remarkable app offline. Cultural Differences Southeast Asia can present cultural challenges for foreigners. Respect local customs and traditions, even if they do not align with your own way of thinking, and you will be welcomed. In many parts of the region, conservative dress is the way to go. Western women might be able get away with wearing skimpy clothes, but be assured that if you do the locals will presume you are a prostitute. This is just the way it is, so if you want to be respected, wear loose-fitting clothes. Similarly men will have a better reception if their torsos are covered. At government offices like clearance (Immigration, Customs etc) men must wear long trousers, shoes and shirts. Piracy