Thailand, with its tropical climate, beautiful islands, and rich marine life, is an ideal destination for sailing enthusiasts. Thailand, known as the "land of smiles", will certainly not disappoint your expectations. It is also a fantastic destination for a yacht charter, offering the chance to experience a culture different from that of Europe. Yacht charters in Thailand are incredibly popular due to the abundance of picturesque islands, crystal-clear waters, and tropical climate.
The weather in Thailand is shaped by periodic winds called monsoons. From our own experience, we recommend choosing the period from November to April, when the dry season is underway. During this time, the weather is mild, with a predominance of sunshine and minimal rainfall. Temperatures are typically between 24°C and 32°C, making it the perfect time to sail. Winds blow mostly from the northeast, reaching speeds of 10 to 20 knots, which ensures stable sailing conditions. The only downside of this period is the high tourist intensity, but it is not noticeable at sea. The months of May and October are transitional periods when the weather can be more changeable. Rainfall is becoming more frequent, but there are still many sunny days. Winds can be less predictable and sailing conditions can change. From June to September, the monsoon season is underway, which is characterized by heavy rainfall, especially on the west coast of Thailand. Winds blow mostly from the southwest, reaching speeds of 15 to 25 knots. Sailing during this period can be more demanding, due to larger waves and stronger winds, but it is also possible for more experienced sailors.
Sailing in Thailand waters requires a lot of caution, as nautical charts are often not detailed enough. GPS and chartplotters should only be used as an auxiliary tool. Electronic charts are not as precise as their paper counterparts, which is especially important in shallow waters and in dangerous places. It is important to note that sailing at night is prohibited in Thai waters.
In Thailand, the number of charter companies is limited and their offer is not very extensive. Yacht availability is limited, so they are often booked more than a year in advance. Catamarans are the most popular, as they provide comfortable sailing and offer more space, which is important during numerous stops at anchor.
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is the undisputed sailing center of the region, attracting sailing enthusiasts from all over the world. The island offers not only breathtaking landscapes, but also excellent nautical infrastructure, numerous marinas and endless opportunities to explore nearby islands and bays. Phuket, with its vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and great attractions, also provides plenty of entertainment on land. The Big Buddha is one of Phuket's top attractions, located on Nakkerd Hill. The statue is 45 meters tall and offers amazing views of the island and the Andaman Sea. It is a place full of peace and spirituality, perfect for a moment of reflection. Patong Beach is the most famous beach in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife, numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. In this marina, you can rent various boats, including luxurious catamarans, which are perfect for exploring the surrounding islands and bays. Rent a catamaran at Ao Po Grand Marina, as it allows for comfortable sailing and admiring the beauty of the Andaman Sea with modern amenities onboard. It's the perfect place to relax and have fun after a day of sailing.
Phuket also offers numerous marinas such as Ao Po Grand Marina and Yacht Haven Marina.
Ao Po Grand Marina, located on the northeast coast of Phuket, is one of the largest and best-equipped marinas on the island. The marina offers 230 berths. Ao Po Grand Marina is known for its excellent service, modern amenities such as a gas station, technical service, shops, restaurants and bars. It is the perfect place to start your cruise, with easy access to many attractive sailing destinations.
Yacht Haven Marina is located at the northern end of Phuket, close to the international airport, making it a convenient location for sailors coming from different parts of the world. The marina offers 320 berths, with modern facilities, including a fuel station, technical service, shops and restaurants. Rent a catamaran from Yacht Haven Marina because it guarantees exceptional sailing experiences in one of Thailand's most beautiful regions. From here, you can set off on a cruise towards the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Racha, or Similan Islands, which are famous for their amazing diving sites.
The Phi Phi Islands are a true gem of Thailand, known for their turquoise waters, golden sands and idyllic coves. The archipelago consists of six islands, the largest of which are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, offering numerous bars, restaurants and shops. Phi Phi Leh, famous for the movie "The Beach", offers breathtaking landscapes, with impressive limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons.
Sailing around the Phi Phi Islands is an unforgettable experience, with the opportunity to anchor in charming coves such as Maya Bay or Loh Samah Bay. The waters around the islands are ideal for diving and snorkeling, with rich marine life and colorful coral reefs. The views of limestone cliffs rising above the crystal clear waters will remain in the memory of every sailor.
Koh Racha are two islands located south of Phuket and are known for their amazing diving conditions. Koh Racha Yai, the larger of the islands, offers white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, perfect for anchoring. The island is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to its clear waters and rich marine life. Koh Racha Noi, the smaller of the islands, is less developed, but offers equally beautiful scenery and excellent diving conditions.
Sailing around Koh Racha is a real pleasure, with numerous coves and beaches to explore. The waters are calm and the views of the lush vegetation and white beaches are stunning. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Similan Islands, located northwest of Phuket, is one of the most prestigious sailing and diving destinations in Thailand. The archipelago consists of nine main islands that make up the Mu Ko Similan National Park. The islands are known for their crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and spectacular rock formations.
Similan Islands offer some of the best diving sites in the world, with a wealth of marine life including colourful coral reefs, sea turtles, whale sharks, and many species of tropical fish.
Phang Nga Bay, located northeast of Phuket, is one of the most scenic sailing destinations in Thailand. The bay is known for its dramatic limestone rock formations that rise from the water, creating incredible landscapes. The most famous attraction is James Bond Island, known from the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".
Sailing in Phang Nga Bay offers you the opportunity to explore hidden lagoons, caves, and small islets. The bay is also a great place for kayaking and snorkelling. This fairytale place provides an unforgettable experience and spectacular views.
Whichever destination you take, each of the islands in Thailand has something unique to offer, making them ideal destinations for sailors looking for adventure and relaxation.
Phuket is the perfect place to start your sailing adventure in Thailand. If your dream is to explore the islands of Thailand and would like more information about chartering, we are at your disposal! We will be happy to help you choose a yacht according to your preferences and advise you on the choice of the cruise route! Rent a yacht in Thailand and experience the true joy of discovering paradise islands and relaxing in picturesque coves.
