Thailand Sailing Itinerary

A Phuket cruising 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 Phuket yacht charters.

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7 day Phuket yacht charter itinerary

Day 1

Koh Hong

Yachting in Koh Hong waters brings you to the glorious beauty of Ao Phang-nga National Park, which was established in 1981. It’s known throughout the world for its myriad caves, soaring limestone pinnacles, and lush mangrove forests. Large and small mountains rise from the sea at Koh Hong, creating a stunning backdrop to an anchorage surrounded by towering rock formations.

Mooring

No moorings are available. Anchor between the rock formations at Koh Hong. The best anchorage is off the east side of Koh Hong and west of the shoals extending off Koh Na Khae. Another popular anchorage is at Koh Phanak, to the south of Koh Hong. Koh Planak is a fabulous place to explore if you love caves.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available .

Things to do

Situated north of Phuket and west of Krabi Province, Ao Phang-nga National Park is one of the jewels of southern Thailand. You could easily spend two or three days of your Phuket yacht charter cruising in Koh Hong waters. Other intriguing islands besides Koh Hong include Koh Planak, Koh Panyl, Khoa Phing Kan, and Tham Lot. Swimming, snorkeling, exploring the caves, and relaxing in scenic anchorages are the main attractions in the park. Taking the dinghy through the tunnel of Koh Hong into the lagoon to view the “hong” or room is an unforgettable experience.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Day 2

Koh Roi

Cruising in Koh Roi waters west across Phang-nga Bay is a voyage among intriguing and beautiful islands in a tropical wonderland. Koh Roi, and its neighbour, Koh Kudu Yai, are excellent stopover points before heading south toward Krabi and its beautiful beaches, or the world-famous Phi Phi Islands.

Mooring

No moorings are available. The anchorage off Koh Roi is on the southwest side of the island. The anchorage at Nearby Koh Kudu Yai is on the west side of the island. An islet to the west offers additional protection.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Koh Roi has an interesting hong that can be explored on foot. Koh Kudu Yai has a number of intriguing caves and hongs that can be explored by dinghy. Occasionally, at dusk, you can see thousands of fruit bats with three-foot wingspans soar into the sky from the middle of Koh Kudu Yai as they take flight for an evening of feeding in the dense jungles on the mainland. It’s a primal sight, one evocative of ancient times.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Day 3

Koh Hong Krabi

Koh Hong Krabi yachting is memorable for its stunning beauty. The islands of the Koh Hong Krabi archipelago offer a varied array of snorkeling, pristine beaches, and opportunities to explore ashore or in the dinghy.

Mooring

No moorings are available, however, two anchorages are located at Koh Hong Krabi on the north and south sides of the island. There’s also a good anchorage at nearby Koh Pak Bia, off the west side of the island.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Anchoring off the north side of Koh Hong Krabi presents several delightful options. There’s a beautiful beach and, as the island’s name suggests, an enormous hong (Thai for room) with sheer cliffs on every side. Both are beautiful locations with warm, crystal clear water that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling during high tide. Be sure to look for the intriguing nearby cave, but watch out for the bats! On the south side of Koh Hong, you’ll find another beautiful beach.

During the northeast monsoon, a small restaurant usually serves lunch and nearby there’s a scenic, coral fringed bay. The snorkeling is excellent at Koh Pak Bia. On the way to Koh Hong Krabi, consider planning a longtail boat tour to James Bond Island.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

James Bond Island

Cue the James Bond movie theme and relive in the mind’s eye scenes from the 1974 classic film, The Man With the Golden Gun starring Roger Moore, and a cruise to James Bond Island will be set in perfect context. Although it’s most often simply referred to as James Bond Island, this extraordinary isle within the protected confines of Phang-nga Bay is locally known as Koh Tapu. Its prominent limestone pinnacle helped give the film its exotic look, and it put this part of Thailand on the international map. The island is a major tourist destination, with beachside vendors and beer stands. It’s accessible via longtail boat tours from the anchorage at Koh Yang. The boat tour can also include a visit to the cliff-studded island of Koh Panyee, home to a traditional fishing village built on stilts over the shallow water.

Day 4

Rai Le Beach

Rai Le Beach cruising is a delightful sojourn to the mainland of south Thailand, famous for its spectacular beaches fronting the Andaman Sea. Many are inaccessible by road due to the towering cliffs and rock formations on the peninsula, creating a remote and secluded ambience that persists even at some of the more developed beaches.

Mooring

No moorings are available. The best anchorage is off the broad sandy beach.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

At the south end of the bay, you’ll find a magnificent reef teeming with sea life and colorful coral. The snorkeling is superb. There are caves and intriguing rock formations along the rocky southern headland. On the beach, you will find some restaurants. Relaxing in the shade with a cool drink and a delicious meal is a pleasant way to spend a mid-afternoon.

Facilities

Water is available by taking the dinghy ashore with a jerry can. Limited provisions are available.

Day 5

The Phi Phi Islands

Cruising in Phi Phi Don waters is a must during any Phuket yacht charter. Said to be one of the three most beautiful islands in the world, Phi Phi Don is a major tourist attraction, drawing boatloads of visitors every day during the high season from Phuket and Krabi. Yet, it still retains its idyllic charm, with the beachfront restaurants, bars, and shops at Ton Sai Bay blending in with the stunning scenery. Nearby Phi Phi Le is also magnificent, a jewel of the Andaman Sea well worth exploring. Snorkeling and scuba diving on the reefs in the area is some of the best in Thailand.

Mooring

No moorings are available. Phi Phi Don is comprised of two landmasses connected by a sandy isthmus that forms bays north and south. The best anchorage is on the south side of the island at Ton Sai Bay near the village. There are anchorages on the north side of the island as well, and they can be less crowded. While it is possible to anchor at Phi Phi Le, the water is deep and the bays are busy with tour boats.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

A coral reef on the west side of Ton Sai Bay is near the anchorage and is good for snorkeling. Exploring the village, dining at the restaurants, and browsing in the shops is a pleasant way to enjoy a late afternoon or early evening. Longtail tour boats operate from Ton Sai Bay and offer tours to the spectacular caves, hongs, and rocky inlets along the shores of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Taking a longtail boat to Phi Phi Le is the most convenient way to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and snorkelling on the reefs. Maya Bay is particularly scenic. Dive operators are available for excursions to Him Klang reef, just north of Phi Phi Don.

Facilities

Water is available at the floating dock. Limited provisions are available.

Koh Phi Phi Le

The smaller of the two main isles of the Phi Phi group, Koh Phi Phi Le has an area of just four square miles. It’s one of the most scenic islands in the Andaman Sea, with numerous picturesque bays, gorgeous white-sand beaches, excellent snorkeling, and soaring limestone cliffs. One of the most striking features of the island is Maya Bay, where sheer cliffs soar more than 300 feet high on three sides. Several pristine white-sand beaches are ideal places to swim and sunbathe. The snorkelling is superb on the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. The blockbuster hit movie The Beach was filmed in Maya Bay and released in 1999, which brought Phi Phi Le international fame for its spectacular setting and crystal clear waters.

Day 6

Koh Rang Yai

Yachting in Koh Rang Yai waters is a delight as you cruise along the east coast of Phuket. Koh Rang Yai and the surrounding area are very popular among local boaters, in part because of its location with easy access to Phang-nga Bay, Krabi, and the Phi Phi Islands. There is a restaurant ashore, and bike rentals are available.

Mooring

No moorings are available. There are two anchorages off Koh Rang Yai. The one on the west side has a magnificent white-sand beach. The anchorage on the north side of the island is better protected in southwesterly winds.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Swimming at the beach, walking the scenic footpaths, playing miniature golf, or enjoying a tasty meal at the restaurant (it’s only open during the day) is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Facilities

No facilities for yachts are available.

Day 7

Phuket

Yachting in Phuket waters presents a wonderful opportunity to experience Thailand’s many pleasures, ranging from tours of historic sites and Buddhist temples, savoring the delights of the island’s gorgeous beaches, shopping and dining in Phuket Town, to dancing the night away in chic nightclubs and enjoying the ambience of a laid-back waterfront bar. Cruising in Phuket is a splendid mix of island hopping in marine preserves and thrilling open-water passages south of the island in the shimmering Andaman Sea. In short, Phuket is a boater’s paradise in one of Asia’s most scenic countries.

Mooring

No moorings are available. There are numerous protected anchorages on the east coast of Phuket. During the northeast monsoon, the west coast of the island offers a tantalizing array of potential harbors and coves to explore.

Dinghy dockage: No dinghy dockage is available.

Things to do

Near the Moorings base at Ao Po Marina are two resorts with excellent accommodations and fine restaurants. The island of Phuket has so many attractions you could spend a week or two and not see them all. A trip to Phuket Town reveals a city with two distinct characters, the old and historic blended with the modern and chic. The shopping, dining, museums, theaters, and historic sites are enchanting. Phuket is world-famous for its resorts, particularly those on the west coast overlooking the Andaman Sea. You can visit the west coast during the northeast monsoon, when cruising there promises flat water and lots of sunshine. A trip to Phuket wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the FantaSea theme park, a celebration of everything Thai, including the superb cuisine.

Facilities

Facilities for yachts are available at Ao Po Marina.

Phuket FantaSea

While enjoying the natural splendor of a Phuket sailing vacation, a visit to the manmade spectacle of the 140-acre Phuket FantaSea theme park is well worth the effort. Essentially, it’s a grand celebration of Thai culture in all of its pomp and glory, featuring Las Vegas-style theatrical productions at the 3,000-seat Palace of the Elephants made all the more dramatic with its reconstruction of a Sukhothai-era stone palace and herds of elephant statues. Of particular interest is the Fantasy of a Kingdom Culture-Illusion Show. Special effects, indoor pyrotechnics, acrobatics, and an elephant circus are highlights of the presentation. There is also Carnival Village, replete with shops and gaming activities. The 4,000-seat Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant is a wonderland created in a Himmaphan forest setting, where Thai feasts prepared by world-class chefs tantalize and entice.

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