Thailand

Thailand's Andaman coast is one of the most scenic and easiest sailing grounds in Asia: limestone karsts rising straight out of flat water, short hops between anchorages, and a well-established charter industry based out of Phuket. It suits sailors who want dramatic scenery without long open-water passages, with Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi's coastline all reachable within a day or two of each other.

Sailing Regions

Phuket is the hub, with charter fleets based at marinas including Ao Po Grand Marina, Royal Phuket Marina and Yacht Haven, all on the island's quieter east coast. From there, Phang Nga Bay opens up to the north-east: a flooded karst landscape of limestone islands and hidden lagoons, best known for James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) and the stilted village of Koh Panyee.

South-east of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands are the headline stop on most itineraries, particularly Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, made famous by the film The Beach and now managed with visitor limits to protect the reef. Phi Phi's snorkelling and diving are considered among the best in Thailand. Krabi's coastline, including the limestone cliffs of Railay, sits close by and offers calmer, more sheltered anchorages for beginners.

Further afield, the Similan and Surin Islands lie roughly 60 nautical miles north-west of Phuket and are only accessible during the dry season (mid-October to mid-May), when the marine park is open. They're a common add-on for charters of ten days or more rather than a standard weekly stop, prized for the clearest water and best diving in Thai waters. Closer in, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, and the Racha Islands south of Phuket, offer easier, shorter sailing days for shorter charters.

Best Time to Sail & Wind

The Andaman Sea has a clear dry season from November to April, with December to February the most reliable stretch: steady 8-18 knot winds from the north-east, almost no rain and flat seas in the lee of Phuket. May to October brings the south-west monsoon, with wind up to force 6, heavy rain and large swells on the exposed west coast; most charter operators scale back or close entirely during these months. Outside the Similan Islands' short window, the sheltered water around Phang Nga Bay and Krabi stays sailable for most of the dry season with light, easy conditions.

Licence Requirements

Thailand requires a recognised sailing qualification for bareboat skippers, and the rules tightened in recent years: an RYA Day Skipper or ASA 104 alone is no longer accepted on its own, and skippers now need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) or IPC issued by the relevant body, plus a VHF radio licence and a sailing résumé covering experience in similar conditions. Most operators also ask for at least three years' sailing experience. Foreign-flagged vessels staying under six months are generally allowed to rely on a foreign sailing licence suited to the boat's size, though crewed, skippered charter remains the simpler and more common route for visitors.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Join at Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket, and sail to Koh Yao Noi for an easy first night at anchor. Day 2: Cross into Phang Nga Bay to see James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) and the floating village of Koh Panyee. Day 3: Continue through the bay's limestone karsts, anchoring near Koh Hong for kayaking through hidden lagoons. Day 4: Sail south to the Phi Phi Islands, mooring off Phi Phi Don. Day 5: Visit Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon on Phi Phi Leh early, before the day-trip boats arrive. Day 6: Head to Krabi's Railay coast for climbing-cliff scenery and a calmer anchorage. Day 7: Sail via the Racha Islands for a final snorkel, then return to Ao Po Grand Marina.

FAQs

Do I need a visa for Thailand? Many nationalities get visa-exempt entry for short tourist stays; check the current allowance for your passport.

Can I visit the Similan Islands on a one-week charter? Usually not; they're roughly 60nm from Phuket and better suited to longer charters, and only open mid-October to mid-May.

What licence do I need to bareboat? An ICC or IPC, plus a VHF licence and a sailing résumé; a skippered charter needs neither.

Is Phuket sailing suitable for beginners? Yes, especially in Phang Nga Bay and around Krabi, where distances are short and water is largely sheltered.