Thailand
Vertical limestone karsts rising sheer from a warm, glassy sea. The Andaman Sea is the most cinematic charter ground in Southeast Asia — and the easiest tropical week aboard.
A cruising overview
Phuket is the natural base for cruising the Andaman Sea. To the north lies Phang Nga Bay — the iconic limestone seascape made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun. To the east, the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi coast. Further west, the Similan and Surin marine parks offer some of the best diving in Asia.
Distances are short and the climate is hot year-round — making Thailand ideal for those wanting easy days at sea and lots of time anchored in shaded bays. Crewed catamarans dominate the local fleet, often with a chef capable of cooking both Thai and European dishes.
November – April
Dry season runs November to April with calm seas and clear skies. May–October is monsoon — most charter yachts move to other regions.
7 days
Minimum: 5 days
Recommended: 7–10 days including Similans
- Phuket Yacht Haven — primary luxury charter base, NE Phuket
- Royal Phuket Marina — modern, full-service
- Ao Po Grand Marina — deep-water, mostly motor yachts
- Boat Lagoon Marina — boutique, sheltered
The right yacht for these waters
Sailing Yachts 40–54ft
Light winds make sailing relaxed rather than dynamic — Beneteau, Jeanneau, Bavaria bareboat or skippered. From €3,000/week.
Catamarans 40–52ft
The most popular Andaman format — Lagoon 46, Bali 4.6, Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42. From €6,000/week.
Motor Yachts 45–80ft
Speed and range across the Andaman — Princess, Azimut and Sunseeker, crewed for local knowledge. From €15,000/week.
Luxury Crewed Yachts 80–150ft
Growing fleet from Yacht Haven and Ao Po — Sanlorenzo, Princess, Benetti with full crew. From €70,000/week.
What you'll remember
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Sail among hundreds of vertical karsts; tender into Koh Panyee floating village.
The Hongs (hidden lagoons)
Sea-kayak into collapsed-cave lagoons at Koh Hong (Krabi) and Koh Talabeng (near Koh Lanta) — best at high tide.
Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay and the Viking Cave — best at sunrise before the day-trip boats.
Similan Islands
World-class snorkelling and diving — 9 granite islands, marine park.
Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
Whale-shark and manta-ray territory — accessible from late November.
Krabi & Railay Beach
Limestone-climber's paradise; tender ashore for sunset.
Good questions, good answers
- What's the best month?
- January, February and March are the most reliable — flat seas, light winds, clear skies. November and April are also excellent.
- Is the Andaman safe after the 2004 tsunami?
- Yes. Comprehensive warning systems are now in place, and the region has fully recovered. The marine ecosystem is in good health, particularly in the protected parks.
- Can I combine with Langkawi (Malaysia)?
- Yes — Langkawi is 4–5 hours south of Phuket. Cross-border formalities add a day; a 10-day charter is recommended.
- Is the cuisine onboard Thai or European?
- Most local chefs cook both confidently. Discuss preferences with us before charter — fresh seafood, papaya salad and Massaman curry are highlights.
A bespoke yacht charter, personally arranged.
Tell us your dates and preferences. We'll return with a tailored selection of yachts and a proposed itinerary within 24 hours.