Thailand, Andaman Sea
Phuket is the charter capital of Southeast Asia: Phang Nga Bay's limestone islands, Krabi and the Phi Phi group within a week, warm water all year and a dry season from November to April that gives flat seas and light winds.
YACHT TYPES
Catamarans 40 to 50 ft are the standard choice; a few monohulls; crewed motor yachts for short charters.
A typical dry-season week from Ao Po
Ao Po opens straight onto Phang Nga Bay, so the first islands are an hour away and the week can run clockwise to Krabi and Phi Phi and back.
Day 1, Ao Po to Koh Hong (8 NM). The lagoon inside the island by kayak at high water, the anchorage on the west side for the night.
Day 2, to Koh Yao Noi (6 NM). A quiet island with beach restaurants and a small village; a good early night before the longer leg.
Day 3, to Railay and Krabi (15 NM). Anchor off Railay East or Ao Nang; the cliffs and the climbing beaches are the reason to come.
Day 4, to Koh Phi Phi (20 NM). Buoys in Ton Sai bay or the quieter Laem Tong in the north; Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh has restricted access, check the current rules before promising it.
Day 5, to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Racha (20 to 25 NM). Racha for clear water and diving, Yao Yai for a calm return towards the bay.
Day 6, to Ao Po (15 NM). Through the eastern channel with a last lunch at Koh Naka.
The northeast-monsoon loop with alternatives for each day is on our Phuket itinerary.
Practical points for a Phuket charter
Licences and skippers
Bareboat is possible with a recognised licence and a sailing CV, but most crews take a local skipper: they know the tides, the anchorages and the park rules, and cost less than in Europe. Crewed catamarans with a cook are common and reasonably priced.
Seasons, tides and currents
November to April is the dry season with northeasterlies of 10 to 15 knots and flat water on the east side. Tides run 2 to 3 m, so lagoons and caves are timed around high water, and currents run hard in the channels between the islands. The southwest monsoon from May to October brings rain and swell on the west coast; charters continue in the sheltered bay at lower prices.
Fees and moorings
National park fees apply at Phi Phi, Phang Nga and the Similans; buoys are compulsory in some park bays. Anchoring is otherwise free. Provisioning in Phuket is easy and cheap; the marinas deliver.
Getting there
Phuket airport is 30 minutes from Yacht Haven and Ao Po. Direct flights from Europe in winter, connections through Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur all year.
When is the best time to charter in Phuket?
December to February for the calmest seas and the least rain; November and March to April are nearly as good and cheaper.
Skipper or bareboat?
Skippered for a first visit; the tides and park rules are local knowledge. Bareboat is realistic for a crew that has sailed in tidal waters.
Can we visit the Similan Islands?
Only in the dry season, with a permit, and it is a long passage west; a week in Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi is the better first trip.
What does Seeksail need to advise us?
Dates, cabins, skipper or crew, whether you want to sail or mostly anchor and swim, and the budget. We answer with three catamarans from Ao Po or Yacht Haven and a recommendation.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE
More destination-specific guides are being prepared.
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