Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand is endowed with unparalleled tropical beauty. Of its four distinct regions, the southern peninsular reaches of the country are of the most interest to sailors.
A Phuket sailing itinerary presents myriad opportunities to savor the varied delights of Thailand’s shimmering emerald-colored waters, towering limestone pinnacles, scenic anchorages, pristine beaches, traditional fishing villages, chic resorts, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. The passages can be confined to the sheltered waters off the east coast of Phuket or you can venture farther into the Andaman Sea to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands (see Phuket maps). The west coast of Phuket with its stunningly beautiful beaches and waterfront resorts, as well as the offshore islands in the Similan and Surin groups are an option during the northeast monsoon, which offers dry, sunny, and relatively cool tropical weather ideal for bareboat Phuket sailing.
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Phuket to Koh Hong – 10 nm. Your Phuket sailing itinerary typically began the previous day when you arrived at the Moorings base at Ao Po Marina to check in, provision the boat (if you hadn’t elected to have us do it for you), and receive your pre-cruise chart briefing. Heading north to Phang-nga Bay, you’ll leave Phuket Island astern. To the east you’ll see the shoreline of Phang-nga Province, and to the west is Krabi Province. This area is part of the Ao Phang-nga National Park, and its many islands beckon. Your first stop is the scenic Koh Hong group of islands, where you can anchor between towering limestone pinnacles, enjoy a refreshing swim, and take the dinghy to explore the tunnel leading into an enclosed lagoon. In Thai, the word “hong” means room, and that’s exactly what you’ll find, a naturally formed room of magnificent size.
Koh Hong to Koh Roi – 10 nm. The second day of your cruise through the tropical paradise of Phang-nga Bay takes you westward from Koh Hong toward Krabi Province. Off the starboard bow the big island of Yoa Noi extends to the south. At the north end of Koh Yao Noi you’ll find excellent anchorages for all seasons at Koh Roi and Koh Kudu Yai. Both are scenic, and the islands have plenty of interesting caves and hongs to explore on foot and in the dinghy.
Koh Roi to Koh Hong Krabi – 10 nm. Set sail south and head along the eastern shores of Koh Yao Noi, with the coast of Krabi Province off to port. The next anchorage on your Phuket itinerary is the Koh Hong Krabi archipelago, which lies east of Koh Yao Noi and west of the mainland. These islands are incredibly beautiful, remote, and ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Jackfish, Spanish mackerel, and rainbow runners are abundant in these crystal clear waters.
Koh Hong Krabi to Rai Le Beach – 10 nm. The next stop on your Phuket itinerary is just a short sail to the mainland, with its gorgeous beaches and secluded bays. Krabi is world-famous for its beauty, and Rai Le Beach is a prime example of what makes this part of Thailand so popular. Catering to more laid-back visitors, Rai Le Beach offers excellent snorkeling on the coral reef and swimming off a pristine white-sand beach lined with coconut palms. Pleasant beachfront restaurants serve simple fare, and you can relax with a cool drink in the shade and admire the sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea.
Rai Le Beach to Koh Phi Phi Don – 15 nm. Sailing nearly due south takes you to the Phi Phi Islands, one of the most beautiful archipelagos in Thailand. Phi Phi Don is the largest island in the group and has the best anchorage and facilities at Ton Sai Bay, where you’ll find restaurants and bars with lively nightlife. To the south is Phi Phi Le, known for its pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, and rugged high cliffs. The movie The Beach, released in 1999, was filmed at Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le.
Koh Phi Phi Don to Koh Rang Yai – 25 nm. From Phi Phi Don you set a course to the north back to Phuket’s east coast. The scenery remains breathtaking as you sail past the islands and the mangrove forests along the high hills on the shore that rise ever higher toward the interior. The Koh Rang group, a cluster of islets along a bight in the coast is the next destination on your Phuket itinerary. The anchorage at Koh Rang Yai is spectacular, and there is a restaurant ashore. You can also hike on walking paths and rent a mountain bike.
Koh Rang Yai to Phuket – 10 nm. Although you won’t want to sail back to reality, you can always come visit Thailand again!.
Final Morning
The final leg of your charter will take you on a short passage back to the Moorings base at Ao Po Marina. Please check in by 9:00 A.M.
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