What Type of Thailand Yacht Charter Do You Want?
Unsure? Contact Us or See Types of Yacht Charters
Unsure? Contact Us or See Types of Yacht Charters
Embrace Asian culture on a fantastic Thailand yacht charter. This region’s fabulous cruising conditions and warm 80 °F weather welcome sailors and vacationers from across the world for incredible tropical adventures.
Life around the Andaman Sea thrives abundantly, from beneath the waters to the area’s rich culture and history. Marvel at gravity-defying limestone rocks, mountainous cliffs and densely forested islands. The Mu Koh Similan National Park protects much of the surrounding waters and land, making Thailand one of the finest diving and snorkeling hot spots. Whether you’re cutting through the bay bareboat or on a luxurious, crewed catamaran, prepare to be amazed on your Phuket yacht charter.
It is no surprise that these pristine waters have become a magnet for Hollywood’s most glamorous yachts, including star-worthy vessels like the Spacecat from HBO’s White Lotus. The combination of cinematic backdrops, secluded anchorages, and vibrant culture makes this region a favorite playground for the world’s most luxurious floating escapes.
There’s no short supply of things to do during your Thailand yacht charter. Visit iconic sites seen on the big screen— like immense leaning limestone pillars or pristine beaches— attend exciting Asian celebrations, even explore mangrove swamps by canoe or snorkel for a display of brilliant underwater life. It’s hard for us to share all the Phuket cruising fun in only a few words. You’ll just have to experience this unique charter area for yourself! Be it by bareboat or on a fully crewed yacht, get ready to island hop across some of the most exotic waters on the planet.
Thailand boasts a rich culture, and the region’s people sure know how to celebrate. Whether it’s the breathtaking views of candles calmly floating in the river during the Festival of Light or upbeat dancing and extraordinary fireworks shows at one of their many music festivals, there’s a number of religious, sports and ethnic gatherings all year long. Plan your trip around your Phuket yacht charter!
| January Phuket International Marine Expo Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankhampaeng Handicrafts Festival (Chiang Mai) New Year’s Day celebrations |
February Chiang Mai Flower Festival Chinese Lunar New Year Phuket International Blues Rock Festival |
March Hua Hin Jazz Festival National Muay Thai Day National Elephant Day |
| April Songkran Thai New Year Water Festival Anzac Day Poy Sang Long Festival |
May Koh Samui Regatta Top of the Gulf Regatta Chiang Mai Inthakin City Pillar Festival |
June Phuket International Marathon Pattaya International Fireworks Festival Phi Ta Khon Ghost Festival, Dan Sai, Loei |
| July Tak Bat Dok Mai Festival Phuket Yachting Race Week Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival |
August Por Tor Hungry Phuket Ghost Festival |
September Bangkok’s International Festival of Dance & Music Mizuno River Kwai International Half Marathon |
| October Chon Buri Buffalo Races Phuket Vegetarian Festival Chulalongkorn Day |
November Loi Krathong (The Festival of Light) Laguna Phuket Triathlon Surin Elephant Festival |
December Big Mountain Music Festival Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Concert in the Park, Bangkok |
Thailand rests close to the equator and is just outside a cyclone zone. This makes the region a gorgeous sailing destination, year round. Regardless of when you book your Thailand vacation, air and water temperatures average in the 80s °F and there’s no short supply of sunshine and crystal blue backdrops. But just like any region, Thailand has ideal times to hit the water— boasting two main sailing seasons.
Its dry period generally lasts from November to April, and it’s often called the North East (NE) Monsoon season, as mild winds come from the NE. During this time, there’s less rain and more brilliant sun, making it a popular vacation window. The South West (SW) Monsoon season extends from May through October, referred to as Thailand’s wet season. This name can be misleading, however, as rain only typically hits in one to two hour periods in the afternoon or evening. Winds during SW Monsoon are more thrilling too: up to 30 knots at times. Explore our weather chart and choose the best time for your Thailand yacht charter.
Average Weather Statistics – Thailand:
| Temp Max (°F) | Temp Min (°F) | Avg. Water Temp (°F) |
Avg. Rainfall (in) |
Avg. Wind Speed (kts) |
|
| January | 89 | 73 | 82 | 1.6 | NE 10-20 |
| February | 91 | 73 | 82 | 1.1 | NE 10-20 |
| March | 93 | 75 | 84 | 2.3 | NE 10-20 |
| April | 95 | 75 | 86 | 5.5 | NE 10-15 |
| May | 98 | 75 | 86 | 13.1 | SW 10-20 |
| June | 91 | 75 | 86 | 10.8 | SW 10-25 |
| July | 89 | 75 | 84 | 11.2 | SW 10-25 |
| August | 89 | 75 | 84 | 10.4 | SW 10-20 |
| September | 87 | 75 | 84 | 15.7 | SW 10-20 |
| October | 87 | 75 | 84 | 13.3 | SW 10-20 |
| November | 87 | 75 | 84 | 7.4 | NE 10-20 |
| December | 87 | 73 | 82 | 2.6 | NE 10-20 |
Distance: 28nm | Duration: 1h 25m
The Malacca Strait is home to one of Thailand’s most famous tourist spots – Phang Nga Bay. The poster child for perfect looking Thailand, Phang Nga Bay is all emerald waters, teetering limestone karsts, colourful islets, and drifting long tail boats. This is the stuff movies are made of and it comes as no surprise that Phang Nga has featured as a filming locale in everything from James Bond to Star Wars. Stretching out for 400 square kilometres and with jaw-dropping scenery, a marine national park, ancient rock paintings, and a ton of amazing adventures, you can drop anchor and never want to leave. Some highlights of Phang Nga Bay include taking a traditional style canoe to explore the limestone karsts and intricate cave systems. Be sure to visit the bright village of Koh Panyee – home to the cave paintings; it is also a place where you can see colorful traditional boats, stilted homes, market stalls, and a glorious golden mosque. Phang Nga is also home to lavish resorts, tailor shops, and James Bond island tours.
Distance: 30nm | Duration: 1h 35m
Shake off the crowds and head for Krabi where palm-fringed beaches breathe easy beneath glowering limestone cliffs. Krabi is exactly the Thai delight you have been seeking. Making its home in the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, you will find yourself smitten as you explore the pristine, clean beaches and tiny, tantalizing towns along these sweet sailing grounds. Krabi is also home to the world-famous Phi Phi Islands with their full moon parties and feature-length beaches made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio. Even beyond the fame of Phi Phi, charter guests will find a smorgasbord of salt and sun delights. Be sure to visit Koh Lanta with its rugged emerald jungle and its peaceful sands – a striking contrast to the parties of Phi Phi. Sailing these islands gifts you bustling resort towns, heaps of culture, incredible food, local encounters, and some truly special beaches
Distance: 20nm | Duration: 1h 5m
Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie aptly named The Beach, Koh Phi Phi is a bona fide bucket list destination. With cream colored sands and waters swirling in shades of unimaginable blue, from the deck of your yacht it’s easy to believe you have died and gone to heaven. While corners of this beautiful island have been handed over to development, you can still find those golden corners away from the full moon parties and tourist hordes. Phi Phi Leh is all lyrical carved cliffs and crystal clear waters – a dream for snorkeling and seeing, with crystal clear visibility and all the pleasures of the underwater world. For charter guests looking to lean into scenic Thai beauty but don’t mind sharing the space with other revelers, Koh Phi Phi is the poster child attracting travelers from far and wide for good reason.
Distance: 35nm | Duration: 1h 45m
Littered with laid-back beach bars and crowned with a deep, dense jungle, Koh Ngai is a must-stop for any Thai island tour. Small in size and offering plenty of privacy, this authentic oasis is a natural haven for snorkelers and divers, with an offshore reef and mesmerizing marine ecosystem. Palm-fringed beaches with white sand make for postcard-worthy panoramas, complete with lines of long tail boats and startling cerulean seas. Drop anchor along the eastern side of the island for a beautiful backdrop of limestone islets and make use of any onboard entertainment such as jet skis and paddle boards atop the calm, crystalline waters. Promising unforgettable sunsets and tranquil serenity, Koh Ngai is a sublime slice of paradise.
Distance: 55nm | Duration: 2h 50m
Fanning out south in Thailand’s Andaman Sea, the Butang Islands are home to pristine beaches, crystal clear waterfalls, and the exotic breath of flora and fauna. The four main isles sit in a circle around a number of uninhabited islets and this archipelago is considered to be one of the most striking spots for sailing. A wealth of underwater life, a protected marine park, and impressive scuba diving and snorkelling are just a handful of reasons to visit this heavenly spot. There are two larger islands of Ko Adang and Ko Rowi and the smaller islands of Ko Tanga and Ko Khai. Each island has its own soul but what connects them all is tropical forest brimming with orchids and other wildflowers along with scuttling geckos, monkeys, and flying foxes. Few roads and villages can be found on the islands, preserving the rugged interior and karst limestone hems in the coast. Waters brim with soft coral and in the deeper hues, you can find minke whales and bottlenose dolphins. For charter guests daydreaming of whimsical white sands and castaway scenes, sailing the Butang Islands is sugar for the soul.
Distance: 38nm | Duration: 2h
No less than 51 islands make up the incredible Tarutao National Park. Scattered across the Strait of Malacca, island hopping on your yacht charter is a great way to uncover this host of hidden gems. Koh Tarutao is the largest of the islands and was once a camp for prisoners. These days it’s a wild and untouched part of the national park with a few bungalows, a couple of eateries, and bicycle and kayak rentals. Wildlife is abundant on the island and in the surrounding waters. You can expect to see sperm whales and Irrawaddy dolphins cruising through the blue waters. On land, you can find crab-eating macaques, flying foxes, dusky leaf monkeys, and all different kinds of squirrels. Otters and hermit crabs can also be seen on the bleached white sand beaches. As this island is so far-flung and remote, it’s no rare event to have whole swathes of sand to yourself.
Distance: 55nm | Duration: 2h 45m
The sister to the twin island of nearby Koh Rok, Koh Rok Nok is part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park. A land of larger than life monitor lizards, spellbinding reef systems, and stretches of sand that are sure to delight. As the islands are so close together, it’s easy to spend the day hopping back and forth. The snorkelling sites that surround these islands stretch for a square mile and boast pristine visibility. The coral reefs teem with life – everything from pufferfish to float angelfish and wise old turtles. Lucky snorkelers may even see the black-tipped shark or a darting moray eel. There’s not a lot to do other than pad from sand to sea, feel the sun on your face, and let the warm waters swirl around you. Pack a picnic and set up camp on the peaceful sands as you enjoy every second of this absolutely untapped and untouched piece of paradise.
Distance: 57nm | Duration: 2h 55m
Pretty Phuket may be the largest island in Thailand, but that doesn’t take away from its spectacular beauty. Still boasting whimsical white sands and towering coconut palms, the island has every kind of beach you could wish for, with more than 40km of sandy stretches to choose from. Some notable shimmering beaches to pick from include Kamala Beach with its traditional Thai feel and Patong Beach, which was designed for pure play. The Old Town is the perfect place to go to ogle at brightly painted colonial mansions, and the nearby Similan Islands offer charter guests the chance to relax at the local elephant sanctuary. Those looking to party all night long can follow the bright lights of Bangla. Of course, it goes without saying that the local food scene is ever a homely yet extravagant taste affair.
Planning your trip to Thailand is fairly easy. Many airlines in the U.S. offer connections to Thailand, including Delta, United, Thai Airways, Air France and more. Most flights to or from Thailand are out of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport (BKK), just 20 miles outside of the city center. After landing in Bangkok, simply hop on a Thai Airways flight to complete the final leg of your flight to Phuket. The main charter marinas are only 30-35 minutes by car from the Phuket Airport (HKT).
Reach out with any questions about getting to or returning from your Thailand yacht charter. Our team can also recommend lodging and land excursions, should you want to extend your vacation, as well as provide options for trip insurance.
Resources:
Thailand Bareboat Charter Packing Checklist
Crewed Thailand Yacht Charter Packing Checklist
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