Yacht Charter Thailand – Sailing Holidays & Bareboat Rentals

Find peace and tranquillity on a yacht charter in Thailand amongst the dramatic scenery and beautiful beaches of Phuket. Lying just 8° north of the Equator, Phuket is a wonderful sailing area in the Andaman Sea. Phang Nga Bay lies between the island of Phuket and the mainland of Thailand and is a protected, very dramatic sailing area, with a fantastic gallery of giant limestone sculptures rising out of emerald waters.

Why Choose a Yacht Charter in Thailand?

With 42 islands in Phang Nga Bay, there are many miles of beaches, creeks and anchorages. The beaches are palm fringed, with pristine white sand and crystal waters. The snorkelling is exceptional, with stunning coral reefs to explore. You may find yourself being escorted by some of the local dolphins, if you are lucky. Add to that the renowned friendliness of the Thai people, their magnificent cuisine and culture and Phuket has deservedly become South-east Asia’s premier sailing destination and home to the Phuket Race Week, King's Cup Regatta and several great marinas.

One of the major benefits of sailing in Thailand is that you have so much variety in the atmosphere of the islands. If you are looking for tranquil beaches with barely a soul in sight, you can find it. If you are looking for lively nightlife and a whole host of restaurants and bars, you can find that too! On a bareboat charter in Thailand you can plan your sailing route to perfectly suit you and your crew. The unique scenery of Phang Nga Bay makes an impressive backdrop for your sailing holiday and the beauty of the unique enclosed lagoons has to be experienced to be believed.

If you love the idea of a sailing holiday in Thailand but are looking for some extra guidance and support and would like to meet other sailors along the way then you can join the Thailand flotilla which runs from January to April. This 10 night flotilla packs in some of the top spots in the area and also plenty of lesser-known, traditional gems. 

Best Islands to Explore on a Sailing Holiday in Thailand

Many of the best islands in Thailand to visit are located in this wonderful sailing ground. Many of the islands are known around the world for their stunning beaches and lively atmospheres. Others are little-known islands where the traditional way of life still holds strong and you can witness the slow daily rhythms, locals laying out seaweed to dry in the sun and children and animals dozing in the shade of the palms.

Racha Islands

The two islands of Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi are situated south of Phuket and are fantastic spots for snorkelling and diving. There are some excellent dive sites for experienced divers, as well as plenty more suited to beginners and to snorkelling. Koh Racha Yai is the larger island which has several beautiful beaches and a selection of accommodation and restaurants whilst Koh Racha Noi is the smaller, uninhabited, rocky island which is great for fishing.

Phi Phi Islands

Home to the infamous Maya Bay, the Phi Phi islands offer the picture-perfect views of the Thai islands that we know so well. On Koh Phi Phi Don hike to the viewpoint for a full panoramic view, wander the market or sample the lively nightlife. If peace and tranquility is more your thing, the beauty of a yacht charter in Thailand is that you can access parts of the islands which are not easily accessible for other tourists. Head to the beaches of Ao Poh and Laem Tong, which are only reachable by boat, to experience the natural beauty of Koh Phi Phi Don away from the crowds, especially if you visit in the morning or evening.

Khao Phing Kan (James Bond Island)

An island which is on most visitors' 'must-see' lists due to its appearance in the James Bond film 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. A classic example of the impressive limestone rock formations which are so iconic to the area.

Take a look at our suggested sailing itineraries below for more inspiration for your Thailand sailing holiday.

When is the Best Time to Sail in Thailand?

The best time to travel to Phuket is during the cool NE monsoon season from November to mid-April when the weather is sunny and dry with calm seas, though the NE winds are ideal for sailing and keep things comfortable. The temperatures range from 24-32°C.

You will find the hottest weather from April to May with temperatures of 27-36°C and a lack of wind makes it feel very humid. From June through to August, the SW winds pick up, though sailing is still sheltered in most of the cruising area. It is generally less crowded during these months but you may experience brief but heavy showers. During September and October there are heavy rains.

Types of Yachts for Charter in Thailand

On a bareboat yacht charter in Thailand you can choose between renting a monohull yacht or a catamaran for the duration of your holiday. The calm sailing and abundance of anchorages mean that for many, chartering a catamaran in Thailand is very appealing. Catamarans are also great if you are looking for more space onboard, if you a large family for example or several couples travelling together. The monohull yachts available for charter in Thailand range from 2 to 5 cabins, some offering air-conditioning.