Thailand is one of the premier tropical yachting destinations in Southeast Asia. Its western coastline faces the Andaman Sea, while its eastern coastline faces the Gulf of Thailand. This allows for itineraries to be tailored to the season, weather, and desired travel style.
Phuket Island is considered the main hub of yachting tourism. From here, travelers head to Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, the Krabi coast, Koh Lanta, and more remote archipelagos. On the other side of the country, popular routes include Samui, Phangan, Koh Tao, and the islands of Ang Thong Marine Park.
Yachting off Phuket Island
Phuket is the main starting point for yachting trips in the Andaman Sea. The island's east coast boasts marinas, charter bases, and anchorages, making it a convenient starting point for week-long cruises and short excursions to neighboring islands.
The area offers a wide variety of itineraries. You can spend a few days among the sheltered islands of Phang Nga Bay, head south to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, or opt for a longer voyage to the Similan Islands.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is located east of Phuket. It's easily recognizable by the tall limestone cliffs rising straight out of the water. Between them are islands, caves, lagoons, and sheltered areas ideal for relaxed passage.
The distances between the main points along the route are relatively short. You can sail during the day, explore caves and inner lagoons by dinghy or kayak, and anchor near one of the islands in the evening.
When navigating, the captain takes into account the tides, depths, and the location of shallow areas. Some passages and lagoons are only accessible at certain water levels.
Koh Yao Islands
Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are located between Phuket and the mainland. The islands retain their fishing villages, quiet beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere, a marked departure from Phuket's popular resorts.
The islands are conveniently included in a route around Phang Nga Bay. The yacht can anchor near the coast, after which the crew can disembark in a dinghy, stroll through the villages, or explore the island by bike or scooter.
Racha, Coral and the islands south of Phuket
South of Phuket are small islands suitable for short voyages, swimming, and snorkeling. The itinerary can include Racha Island, Coral Island, and other anchorages between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands.
This part of the waters is more open than Phang Nga Bay. Waves and winds can be stronger, so the captain chooses anchorages based on the actual forecast.
Yacht itineraries in Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands
The Krabi coastline is known for its sheer limestone cliffs, sea caves, coral reefs, and small islands. You can start your route here in Phuket or dock your yacht directly in the Krabi area.
The voyage typically consists of short or medium-length passages between beaches, islands, and anchorages. This allows for a combination of yachting, swimming, snorkeling, shore walks, and relaxation in small coastal villages.
The coast of Krabi and Railay
Railay is located on a peninsula surrounded by the sea and high cliffs. There is no road connection to the main coast, so access to the beaches and resort villages is by boat.
The yacht can anchor nearby if water depth, wind, and waves permit. From the shore, you can explore observation platforms, caves, and trails among the limestone cliffs.
Near the coast are small islands and sand spits, the outlines of which change with the tide. These areas are conveniently explored by dinghy without taking the yacht too close to the shallows.
Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi archipelago is located between Phuket and Krabi. Its main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The former has a port, a settlement, hotels, and restaurants, while the latter is known for its high cliffs and small bays.
Phi Phi can be included in both a short itinerary from Phuket and a longer cruise along the Andaman coast. During high season, popular bays are often crowded with tour boats, so the captain can choose a less crowded time to approach.
Part of the water area is designated a national park. Visiting regulations, accessibility of individual bays, and mooring restrictions should be clarified before traveling.
Koh Lanta and the islands of Trang Province
Koh Lanta is located south of Krabi and Phi Phi. The island is suitable for a more relaxed trip, with long beaches, small villages, and anchorages away from the busiest routes.
Continuing south, you can include the islands of Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Muk on your cruise. These islands boast coral reefs, sunny beaches, and small bays where the yacht can be anchored.
Infrastructure on remote islands is limited, so it is necessary to plan ahead for water, food, and fuel supplies.
Yachting on the Similan and Surin Islands
The Similan and Surin Islands are located in the Andaman Sea northwest of Phuket. They are known for their clear waters, granite cliffs, coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
The voyage to these archipelagos is significantly longer than the routes through Phang Nga Bay. The yacht enters the open Andaman Sea, so the journey requires a suitable forecast, a serviceable vessel, and a trained crew.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are part of a marine national park. The islands attract divers and snorkelers thanks to their clear waters, underwater cliffs, and coral reefs.
The number of permitted anchorages is limited, and access depends on the season and national park regulations. Before departure, the captain checks the water area's accessibility, current regulations, and weather conditions.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are located north of the Similan Islands. This remote area features reefs, small bays, and limited coastal infrastructure.
Trips here have a more expeditionary feel. The crew spends most of their time on the yacht, and the itinerary revolves around sea passages, diving, snorkeling, and natural habitats.
Yachting in the Gulf of Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand is located on the eastern side of Thailand. Seasonality and weather conditions here differ from those of the Andaman Sea, making this waterway a potential alternative to routes from Phuket.
The main yachting areas are located near the islands of Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao, as well as off the east coast of the country in the area of Pattaya and the Koh Chang archipelago.
Samui, Phangan and Koh Tao
Koh Samui is the largest island in this part of the Gulf of Thailand and a convenient starting point for yachting excursions. Itineraries can include neighboring Koh Phangan, smaller islands, and the more remote Koh Tao.
Koh Phangan is known not only for its resorts but also for its quiet bays, some of which are best accessed by sea. Koh Tao attracts with its clear waters and diving and snorkeling spots.
The distances between the islands allow for a combination of short passages and longer stretches. Sea conditions vary depending on the season and wind direction, so the route can be adjusted during the cruise.
Ang Thong Marine Park
The Ang Thong archipelago is located west of Koh Samui and consists of dozens of islands with limestone cliffs, lagoons, beaches and forested slopes.
During the voyage, the yacht travels between islands, and participants disembark, climb to observation decks, explore lagoons by kayak, and swim in small bays.
The waters are part of a marine national park. Accessibility and anchorage are subject to weather, season, and current environmental regulations.
Koh Chang and the islands of Trat Province
Koh Chang is located in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, near the border with Cambodia. It is surrounded by numerous small islands, offering routes with short passages and overnight stays in bays.
The cruise can include Koh Mak, Koh Kood, and other islands in the archipelago. These islands offer forested shores, sandy beaches, fishing villages, and less crowded anchorages.
During the strong monsoon season, sea travel and the availability of certain routes may be limited. The travel season should be chosen based on conditions in the eastern part of the gulf.
Yachting in Thailand for Beginners
For your first yachting trip, it's best to choose a cruise with a professional captain. Suitable areas include Phang Nga Bay, the islands off Phuket, or routes around Koh Samui, where you can combine moderate passages with frequent stops.
Newcomers are introduced to the yacht's layout, help set the sails, maintain course, and prepare the anchor and mooring lines. Participation in the operation depends on the cruise format and the guests' preferences: the trip can be either a relaxing vacation or a full-fledged sailing experience.
At the same time, tropical waters require careful navigation. Coral reefs, tides, shallow waters, fishing nets, and the remoteness of some anchorages make knowledge of local conditions especially important.
What is a yacht trip like?
In the morning, the captain checks the weather forecast, wind direction, tide times, and conditions near the next anchorage. After breakfast, the crew weighs anchor or sets sail for the next island.
A day's voyage typically takes several hours. Participants work the sails, relax on deck, and observe the islands. Upon arrival, the yacht anchors, and the crew goes swimming, snorkeling, or disembarks on a dinghy.
In the evening, you can dine on board, visit a coastal village, or stay in a quiet bay. Remote islands may lack traditional marinas, so the yacht becomes the crew's home base for the entire voyage.
The route may change due to wind, waves, thunderstorms, tides, or national park regulations. The captain chooses the safest option, even if this means changing the order of the islands or forgoing a specific anchorage.
Choose a yacht cruise in Thailand
Choose the right trip for you and set off to explore Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands, the Krabi coast, the Andaman Sea archipelagos, or the tropical islands of the Gulf of Thailand by sailing.
