Thailand

Thailand’s stunning coastlines, warm waters, and idyllic islands make it a dream destination for sailors. This itinerary covers the best of the region, from Phuket's bustling marinas to the serene bays of Phang Nga, the vibrant Phi Phi Islands, and the secluded Koh Racha Yai.

Sailing in Thailand offers a unique experience: tropical waters with diverse marine life, lush green islands, and a blend of cultures create an exotic backdrop. The sailing conditions are generally calm, but tidal currents and strong monsoon winds at times add a challenge, making navigation skills essential.

The journey begins in Phuket, Thailand's largest island and a gateway to the Andaman Sea. Phuket is renowned for its vibrant nightlife in Patong, cultural landmarks like the Big Buddha, and beautiful beaches such as Kata and Surin. The Old Phuket Town offers a glimpse into the island's past with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, quaint cafés, and local markets. For food enthusiasts, Phuket is a paradise, where specialties like "moo hong" (braised pork belly) and "mee hokkien" (Hokkien-style stir-fried noodles) can be enjoyed.

The best time for yachting in Thailand is from November to March when the northeast monsoon provides steady winds and dry conditions, ideal for sailing. During this season, the waters are calm, and visibility is excellent for snorkeling and diving.

It is important to monitor the tides in this region, as the tidal range can vary significantly, with differences of 3-4 meters over just a few hours. This can affect anchoring and navigating shallow areas, making tide awareness crucial for a safe journey.

The Royal Phuket Marina is the starting point for this journey, just 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport. The marina offers modern facilities and is a prime hub for yacht charters.

The total length of the route is about 134 nautical miles.

7-Day Route

Day 1, Saturday

The Royal Phuket Marina

Yacht check-in

Day 2, Sunday

The Royal Phuket Marina → Haven Marina

25 nm, about 4 h

Day 3, Monday

Haven Marina → Phang Nga Bay

20 nm, about 3.5 h

Day 4, Tuesday

Day 5, Wednesday

Krabi → Phi Phi Islands

18 nm, about 3 h

Day 6, Thursday

Phi Phi → Koh Racha Yai

25 nm, about 4.5 h

Day 7, Friday

Koh Racha Yai → The Royal Phuket Marina

16 nm, about 2.5 h

Phang Nga Bay → Ko Hong (day stop) → Krabi Ao Nang & Railay Beach

30 nm, about 5 h

Detailed Route from The Royal Phuket Marina

The itinerary starts at the Royal Phuket Marina, a hub of luxury with excellent restaurants, boutiques, and facilities for provisioning. This full-service marina offers 180 berths, fuel, and maintenance facilities, making it the ideal place to prepare for the week of sailing ahead.

Day 1, Saturday: The Royal Phuket Marina

Check-in day

The route continues towards Haven Marina, located on the northeastern tip of Phuket. Navigation should be careful as the channel to the marina has numerous shoals, with tidal currents adding to the challenge. A swim stop at Naka Island with a 5m sandy anchorage en route allows one to explore coral reefs and observe colorful marine life. The day can end with dinner at The Deck at PYH which offers a diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, and flavorful Thai dishes.

Day 2, Sunday: The Royal Phuket Marina – Haven Marina

25 nm, about 4 h

Recommended docking spots:
Haven Marina: 320 berths, with fuel and nearby restaurants.

Sailing into the iconic Phang Nga Bay, renowned for its limestone karsts and emerald waters, includes a stop at James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), famous for its appearance in the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun." The unique rock formations and stunning scenery make it a perfect spot for taking photos and exploring the surrounding area by dinghy. Afterward, continue to Koh Panyee, a charming floating village built on stilts over the water, where lunch at a local floating restaurant offers a glimpse into the local culture and history.

Day 3, Monday: Haven Marina – Phang Nga Bay

20 nm, about 3.5 h

Recommended docking spots:
Koh Panyee Anchorage: Ideal for a cultural stop and lunch

The exploration of Phang Nga Bay continues with a morning visit to Ko Hong's lagoon. Its secluded waters are ideal for kayaking, surrounded by limestone cliffs. A climb to the top viewpoint provides stunning 360-degree views, often considered better than those at Phi Phi. Afterward, the journey continues to Krabi, with the option to anchor near Ao Nang for a bustling beach town atmosphere or at Railay Beach, known for its vibrant nightlife and wide range of restaurants.

Day 4, Tuesday: Phang Nga Bay – Ko Hong (day stop) – Krabi Ao Nang & Railay Beach

30 nm, about 5 h

Recommended docking spots:
Railay Beach Anchorage
Toblerone Bay Anchorage
Ko Hong Anchorage

The sail continues to the Phi Phi Islands, with a stop at Bamboo Island, known for its crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It is possible to anchor or pick up a buoy near the island. A dinghy or kayak can be used to approach the shore, where a wide coral reef offers excellent visibility. The area is rich in marine life, with sightings of various fish species and, occasionally, the Leopard Shark.
On Phi Phi Don, popular activities include hiking to the Phi Phi Viewpoint and exploring the island’s rainforest. The islands, famous for their appearance in the movie "The Beach," provide a picturesque setting for an overnight stay. The island also has a lively shore scene with many restaurants, bars, discos, and clubs.

Day 5, Wednesday: Krabi – Phi Phi Islands

18 nm, about 3 h

Recommended docking spots:
Monkey Beach Anchorage or Mooring
Loh Dalum Beach Anchorage or Mooring
Ton Sai Bay Anchorage

The route heads south to Koh Racha Yai, an uninhabited island and a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The island's western coast features pristine bays teeming with marine life, making it an ideal location for an overnight stay on a buoy.
Siam Bay, renowned for its vibrant coral gardens, offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. Anchoring is prohibited here, with moorings being the only option for boats. Dining at The Racha Resort’s beachfront restaurant and enjoying a massage at the resort’s spa are perfect ways to complete the day’s experience.

Day 6, Thursday: Phi Phi – Koh Racha Yai

25 nm, about 4.5 h

Recommended docking spots:
Siam Bay Mooring
Bungalow Bay Mooring

The final leg includes a swim stop at Coral Island (Koh Hae) before returning to the Royal Phuket Marina. It is recommended to anchor on the island's southern side, where there are no party boats or crowds. However, caution is needed due to the abundance of coral, and with most mooring buoys damaged, finding a suitable spot to drop anchor without harming the coral is essential. Despite this, it is a beautiful bay with an incredible variety of fish, making it an excellent lunch stop and a perfect spot for snorkeling.
The scenic return journey offers a final opportunity to reflect on the trip. Arrival at Royal Phuket Marina marks the end of the week-long itinerary and the beginning of planning for more sailing adventures.

Day 7, Friday: Koh Racha Yai – The Royal Phuket Marina

16 nm, about 2.5 h