Phuket has slowly become one of the top destinations for sailors worldwide. To find out why, we recommend chartering a yacht in Phuket and going to the Phi Phi Islands, through Krabi and Sirinat Park, to enjoy the lush, unique scenery and the translucent Thai lagoons. A one week cruise between Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea will let you discover the best of Thailand.
Tips for Navigating Thailand
Meteorological conditions
With a tropical climate, temperatures are pleasant all year round. The monsoon season runs from June to October, and the drier season from November to May. We therefore advise you to travel between November and June, where temperatures are close to 30°C and the wind blows from the North-East.
Good to know: By sailing during the day to reach the anchorage in the evening, you will avoid the hordes of tourists on speedboats and will be able to enjoy these picturesque places in peace and quiet.
Licenses and General information
Concerning your boat license, the one issued by your country of origin is generally accepted, as long as it is adapted to the size of your boat, catamaran or sailboat. If you are driving a boat registered in Thailand without a skipper, it is necessary to have a Thai boat license, providing passport, visa, medical certificate, and any document proving your experience at sea. The anchorages, with anchor or buoy, in Phang Nga Bay and in the Andaman Sea are numerous. Please note that water supply areas are quite rare.
Day 1: Discover Phuket
After checking in your boat and provisioning, you have the whole day to discover Phuket, one of the most famous provinces of Thailand. Not far from the airport, this starting point will allow you to enjoy the small villages and the lush vegetation of the region. Explore on land and get ready for your big trip by sea.
Day 2 : Phuket → Sirinat (24 nautical miles, 4 hours 50 minutes)
On your first day of sailing, set sail for Sirinat, a national park between land and sea, where time seems to stand still. The nature, entirely preserved, will offer you an extraordinary show. Take advantage of its beautiful white sandy beaches to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and meet some sea turtles.
Day 3 : Sirinat → Phang Nga (19 nautical miles, 3 hours 50 minutes)
It’s time to leave Sirinat, direction Phang Nga, whose lagoons and rocky peaks make it beautiful. This stopover will allow you to discover Thai heritage from a new angle. The sunset over the bay of Phang Nga will leave you in awe before your night at anchor.
Day 4 : Phang Nga → Krabi (33 nautical miles, 6.5 hours)
Third day of sailing: continue your cruise to Ao Nang in the Krabi province. Its white sand, dizzying cliffs and crystal clear water make it a true paradise. A hike on the tops of the cliffs will offer you a breathtaking view. Discover the culinary specialties of the region before dropping anchor for the night.
Day 5 : Krabi → Phi Phi Islands (17 nautical miles, 3 hours 20 minutes)
Leave the beach of Ao Nang towards Koh Phi Phi Don, a must-see destination for any sailor in Thailand! When you arrive in Yongkasem Bay, known as the monkey bay, you can take a break and have a swim. You will also have time to discover Koh Phi Phi Lei, the second main island of the Phi Phi Islands.
The site of Maya Bay, where the film “The Beach” was shot, is currently closed to preserve the site, but you can admire it from your boat. Once the tour of the island is over, return to Koh Phi Phi Don. The night at anchor in Tonsai Bay or Nui Bay will once again offer you a magnificent sunset.
Day 6 : Koh Phi Phi → Koh Racha Yai (30 nautical miles, 6 hours)
Continue your cruise to the Racha Islands. Only Koh Racha Yai is inhabited. Its beaches lined with transparent water make it a paradise on Earth. You can let yourself be lulled by the sound of the waves at nightfall, around dinner in a splendid anchorage.
Day 7 : Return to Phuket (18 nautical miles, 3.5 hours)
Conclude your cruise by returning to the port of Phuket. Don’t forget to fill up your fuel tank and to return your sailboat or catamaran clean. Enjoy one last taste of the local gastronomy to end this cruise in beauty.
