Your Dream Thailand Vacation Starts on a Yacht in Phuket
Estimated read time: ~6 minutesLimestone Cliffs, Floating Villages & Andaman Escape
Phuket is the kind of place that leaves a mark — not just for its beauty, but for its mood. It’s where dramatic limestone cliffs rise straight from turquoise seas, longtail boats drift across still bays, and night markets pulse with energy just a few steps from quiet anchorages.
As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is a perfect gateway to the Andaman Sea — a tropical sailing ground dotted with over 100 islands, many only accessible by boat. Whether you’re paddling through sea caves, snorkeling off white-sand beaches, or dining at a floating restaurant, this part of Thailand offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and calm.
English is widely spoken in Phuket and the surrounding islands, and the entire region feels welcoming, relaxed, and easy to navigate — especially by sea.
How to Get There
Phuket is well-connected internationally via Phuket International Airport (HKT), with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia — and easy domestic connections from Bangkok.
Once you land, it’s a quick transfer (about 30–45 minutes) to your marina. Most charters depart from Ao Po Grand Marina, Yacht Haven, or Chalong Bay, depending on your itinerary.
You’ll board your boat in Phuket and return to the same marina after a full week of island-hopping magic. Whether you’re going bareboat or with a crew, the logistics are smooth and straightforward.
Highlights: What to See & Do by Boat
From iconic movie backdrops to quiet bays and floating villages, sailing around Phuket gives you access to parts of Thailand most tourists never see.
🏝️ Phang Nga Bay
Sailing here feels surreal — towering limestone karsts rise from calm, jade-green water. Visit James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), explore hidden lagoons by kayak, and drop anchor near karst cliffs that glow pink at sunset.
🌿 Koh Hong & Koh Yao Noi
Tranquil islands with shallow anchorages, perfect for paddleboarding and beachcombing. Koh Yao Noi also offers a taste of rural Thai life, with quiet villages and delicious local food.
🧗 Railay Beach (Krabi)
Only accessible by boat, this is a rock-climber’s paradise with epic cliffside views, soft sand, and a few lively beach bars for sunset drinks.
🐠 Koh Phi Phi
A must-see — though increasingly famous, Phi Phi Don still charms with its turquoise bays and excellent snorkeling. Maya Bay, the backdrop for The Beach, has reopened to visitors with limited access for preservation.
🌊 Koh Racha Yai & Racha Noi
Located just south of Phuket, these two islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the region. Crystal-clear water and vibrant reefs make for easy, rewarding swims straight from your yacht.
🍜 Thai Cuisine & Floating Restaurants
Drop anchor and take your dinghy into floating seafood restaurants, or enjoy Thai cooking on board. From fresh papaya salad to red curry with prawns, it’s hard to have a bad meal here.
Suggested 7-Day Sailing Itinerary
(Round Trip from Phuket)
This route gives you a perfect mix of iconic sights, calm anchorages, and local flavor — all with manageable sailing distances, usually under 3h of sailing per day.
Day 1: Depart Phuket > Phang Nga Bay (15 nm)
Sail northeast into the karst maze. Drop anchor near Koh Panak or Koh Hong. Explore sea caves by kayak and watch the sunset from the water.
Day 2: Phang Nga > Koh Yao Noi (10 nm)
Sail south and anchor near Koh Yao Noi. Enjoy a traditional Thai dinner at a beachfront restaurant and a peaceful night under the stars.
Day 3: Koh Yao Noi > Railay Beach (18 nm)
Head to the Krabi coast. Spend the day kayaking, swimming, or climbing, then sip cocktails at Railay’s lively beach bars.
Day 4: Railay > Koh Phi Phi (15 nm)
Cruise into Phi Phi. Snorkel around Viking Cave, visit Maya Bay (timing required), and enjoy a night out — or a quiet evening in a tucked-away bay.
Day 5: Koh Phi Phi > Koh Racha Yai (20 nm)
Sail south to Racha Yai, a snorkel and dive haven. Enjoy crystal-clear water and some of the most peaceful beaches in the area.
Day 6: Koh Racha > Coral Island (12 nm)
Stop at Koh Hae (Coral Island) for water sports and vibrant reef snorkeling. It’s also a good spot for massages on the beach.
Day 7: Coral Island > Phuket (10 nm)
Sail back to Ao Po or your chosen marina. Enjoy a final lunch on deck or a beach stroll before disembarking.
Best Time to Visit
Phuket has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons:
🌞 Dry Season: November – April
This is the best time for sailing — calm seas, clear skies, and perfect temperatures. Winds are gentle and reliable, and visibility for snorkeling and diving is at its peak.
🌟 Holiday Travel Tip: December through early January is not just high season — it’s one of the most popular times to visit Thailand for the holidays. New Year’s Eve in Phuket means everything from fire dancers on the beach to fireworks over the water. It’s a magical way to celebrate.
🌧️ Green Season: May – October
Expect more rain and occasional storms, but also fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. Some days are perfectly sail-able, but local knowledge is helpful for navigating weather patterns.
Why a Sailing Vacation is Ideal from Phuket
Many of the best places around Phuket simply aren’t accessible by road — and the ones that are tend to be crowded. On a yacht, you can anchor off quiet bays, visit islands on your own schedule, and avoid ferry crowds altogether.
Your accommodation moves with you, so there’s no unpacking and repacking, no time wasted in transit. Whether you’re sailing to a new island for sunrise yoga or paddling through a cave at golden hour, every moment is flexible — and your boat is always just a swim away.
From adventure to relaxation, this kind of trip offers a different rhythm: a little slower, a little wilder, and infinitely more memorable.
Recommended Sailing Experience Level
Phuket and the surrounding islands are a great option for both new and experienced sailors. In high season, the Andaman Sea is calm and forgiving, with predictable wind and protected waters in places like Phang Nga Bay.
However, tides and currents can be strong, especially around narrow passes and certain anchorages. If you’re unsure, opt for a skippered or crewed charter — it takes the pressure off and gives you space to fully enjoy the experience.
Culture, Nature, Freedom — All in One Trip
Sailing around Phuket is more than just a beach vacation. It’s a chance to experience Thailand’s rich culture, spectacular natural beauty, and unbeatable hospitality — all from the comfort of your own floating retreat.
You’ll swim in remote lagoons, dine on world-class cuisine, and watch the stars come out from a quiet bay you had all to yourself. If you’re dreaming of a vacation that resets your body and mind, this is it.
Ready to Sail Thailand?
Let’s plan your sailing vacation around Phuket. Whether it’s New Year’s on a catamaran or a slow-living trip through the islands, we’ll match you with the perfect yacht. Contact Sail.Wind.Sea and start your Thai adventure today.