THAILAND CREWED YACHT CHARTER

Best Yacht Charter Destinations in Thailand

WEST COAST

Thailand’s west and east coasts offer distinct experiences for yacht charters. The west coast, along the Andaman Sea, has Phuket as its main hub, famous for luxurious yacht charters and direct access to stunning areas like the Similan and Surin Islands, known for crystal-clear waters and incredible diving. Other popular charter spots on this coast include Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands, both renowned for dramatic limestone cliffs you see on the typical Thailand poster.

EAST COAST

On the east coast, in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui serves as the primary charter hub. From Koh Samui, travelers can easily reach nearby islands like Koh Phangan, celebrated for its Full Moon parties, and Koh Tao, one of Thailands top diving destination. The east coast is popular for its vibrant nightlife, calm seas, and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for island-hopping and relaxed sailing adventures.

Phuket

Most Thailand yacht charters begin in Phuket. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located in the Andaman Sea off the country’s southwest coast. Here, your crewed yacht charter will start in either Yacht Haven Marina in the north, Ao Po Grand Marina, or the Royal Phuket Marina, all within a 20-50-minute transfer from the Phuket International Airport (HKT).

Phuket is famous for its stunning beaches (sometimes getting surfable waves from the Indian Ocean), lively nightlife, rich cultural sites, and luxury resorts.

It is well worth exploring Phuket a bit, but we suggest you do it before or after your charter, as it can easily all be done by land, and there are many much more interesting places to go where a yacht is required.

But just to give you a couple of tips for Phuket: Nai Harn and Rawai Beach in the south are worth a visit–this area is more laid back with many international restaurants, bars, and beach hangouts.

Party all night long at Patong Beach

Further up the western side, Patong Beach should not be missed. Patong is Phuket’s busiest tourist hub, popular for its water activities, night markets, hotels and restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. If you are looking for a big night out, Patong is your party town!

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is located between Phuket and the mainland of southern Thailand, right in the armpit. it is a great area to include in your yacht charter itinerary from Phuket to Krabi.

Phang Nga Bay is famous for its otherwordly landscape with dramatic limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters. The water can be a bit murkier up here due to the numerous mangrove creeks and rivers flowing into it.

Visit Thailand’s most Iconic movie setting – James Bond Island

Exploring Phang Nga Bay by boat is fantastic; it is a labyrinth of small, steep karst islands with caves, a mangrove forest, and a hidden lagoon. One of its most iconic spots is “James Bond Island,” named after its appearance in the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun.

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Island is a must for any yacht charter in Thailand; it is beautiful and has vibes that are famous worldwide; you have surely heard about it! Located between Phuket and Krabi, it is a natural stop on the way, and you can easily spend a day or two here between diving and partying.

Up for a little Mui Thai Fighting and a bucket-full drink?

Phi Phi Don, the main island, is where the action is, with restaurants, shopping, and a world-famous nightlife—we are talking Slinky Beach Bar and Ibiza Beach Club, Mui Thai boxing at Reggae Bay, Fire Shows, and Bucket Drinks.

Visit the real beach from the movie THE BEACH

Just a short cruise away, Phi Phi Leh is an uninhabited gem known for Maya Bay, the breathtaking beach from the movie The Beach, starring a young Leonardo Di Caprio. We suggest you go in the early mornings or late afternoons, which are ideal for avoiding the crowds and enjoying this spot in peace.

Both islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life and coral gardens waiting to be explored. With your own charter, you can find hidden coves, secret beaches, and those perfect viewpoints at your own pace.

Krabi & Railay Beach

Krabi is a province on Thailand’s mainland’s west coast, right across from Phuket (about 30 nautical miles). The landscape is much like the Phi Phi Islands: Towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, and tropical beaches.

Although we wouldn’t recommend you go to Krabi itself on your Thailand yacht charter – it is a big, crowded city that you can easily get to on any land trip – we recommend visiting a couple of spots nearby: Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay both have something quite unique.

Have Dinner at a restaurant located inside a limestone cave right on the beach

Railay Beach is a small peninsula accessible only by boat, offering a secluded, picturesque setting with white sands, dramatic cliffs, and luxurious beach resorts. It’s a favorite for both relaxation and adventure, where you can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and world-class rock climbing with stunning ocean views. We highly recommend you eat dinner at The Grotto at Rayavadee Resort, a restaurant actually placed within a huge limestone cave right on the beach with a view over the water.

Feeling adventurous? Try out rock climbing in one of the world’s prime rock-climbing spots

Tonsai Bay, just around the corner from Railay, has a more bohemian, rustic charm. It regarded as one of the top rock climbing destinations in the world. Rock climbers from all over come here drawn by its 361 sport climbing routes and the relaxed, backpacker atmosphere. Tonsai is more secluded and less developed, making it ideal for those wanting a quieter escape, though it still offers beachfront bars, bungalows, and a chill nightlife.

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are located approximately 130 nautical miles sail from Phuket. This protected national park is a diver’s dream, with surreal underwater landscapes with wild underwater rock formations and a thriving marine ecosystem. Here, it is common to see manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. The Similan Islands consist of nine main islands with postcard white-sand beaches and diverse dive sites for both beginners and advanced divers.

Why a Motor Yacht is the best choice for a Similan Island Yacht Charter

The best season to visit is from November to April. At this time, the waters are calm, and visibility is excellent. The islands are uninhabited and have limited facilities, preserving their natural beauty and exclusivity and making them ideal for yacht charters.

If you’re planning a one-week charter to the Similan Islands, approximately 220 nautical miles round-trip from Phuket, choosing the right yacht is essential to balance comfort and travel time. A motor yacht, typically cruising at 18-25 knots, would cover the distance in about 5-7 hours one way, giving you more time to explore the islands and less time in transit. In contrast, A catamaran, typically cruising at 9-12 knots, would take approximately 11-14 hours each way.

Surin Islands

If you’re looking to go even further than the Similans, we highly recommend the Surin Islands—one of the best dive destinations in the Andaman Sea and the more remote island in Thailand.

Located about 60 nautical miles beyond the Similans, the Surins offer some of the clearest waters and vibrant marine life you’ll find in Thailand. Think reefs teeming with colorful fish, calm bays perfect for snorkeling, and quiet beaches where you might just have the sand to yourself.

On the way, you can easily stop at the Similans to get a taste of the amazing dive sites there before pushing on to the even more remote Surins. We love this route because it combines the best of both worlds: the popular spots of the Similans and then the quieter, less-trodden waters of the Surins. It’s ideal for those who want to experience Thailand’s marine beauty away from the crowds—seriously, it’s like stepping into another world up there.

The islands are also home to the Moken, an indigenous sea-gypsy tribe that have lived on the islands for centuries and still maintain their traditional way of life. Don’t miss a visit to Ao Tao, a beautiful bay of pristine coral reefs located in the north of Surin Nuea, which belongs to Mu Koh Surin National Park. The bay is one of the highlights and best travel destinations in the region. It is also a nesting ground for hawksbill and green sea turtles, sadly endangered.

Koh Samui

Koh Samui isn’t just the yachting hub of Thailand’s east coast; it’s also the gateway to some of the most stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Beyond offering excellent facilities and services for yachts and charters, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring nearby gems like Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon parties, and Koh Tao, a diver’s paradise known for vibrant reefs and marine life.

Want to have a taste of the legendary Full-Moon Party?

The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan is a monthly beach festival held on Haad Rin Beach, coinciding with each full moon. The tradition began in the mid-1980s. Initially, it was a small gathering of travelers celebrating the full moon on Haad Rin Beach. Over the years, it has evolved into a major monthly event, attracting thousands of party-goers from around the world. The party features multiple stages with various music genres, fire shows, and tons of street food stalls, creating an energetic atmosphere that lasts until sunrise.

If you want to incorporate the full moon party into your yacht charter, we will make sure that your vacation is planned around the full moon and that your itinerary gets you here on the day. Arriving by yacht, you anchor right off Haad Rin Beach, and your crew will drive you directly to the party in the tender. And when you are ready to go home, they will come and pick you up again. It does not get much easier!

Koh Samui itself combines high-end resorts, beach clubs, and fine dining with a relaxed island vibe, making it a versatile base for everything from luxury cruising to laid-back island-hopping adventures.

Koh Chang

Koh Chang is located in the Gulf of Thailand and is the second-largest island in the country.  Although it is a great destination for pristine beaches, lush jungles, and crystal clear water, perfect for all water-related activities, it is more often associated with its great party scene.

Parties on the beach are the norm in Koh Chang in spots like White Sand Beach (an awesome place to spend a New Year), Kai Bae Beach, and Lonely Beach. The latter is home to the famous Ting Tong Bar with famous DJs from the techno/house style of music.

You might also hear Koh Chang referred to as “Elephant Island” for its elephant-shaped headland. In addition to cruising and sailing, the island is home to seven waterfalls, with Klong Plu and Than Mayom being the most famous.

Our Favorite Charter Yachts in Thailand