There are very few yacht charter companies, restricted anchorages, and very few marinas in Thailand, but the island and coastal cruising could not be more stunning. Sailing your yacht into Thailand is a completely different beast from the short-term rental of a yacht already registered in Thai waters.
The west side of Thailand receives the most consistent wind for filling your sails and reaching hull speed. The Bay of Thailand can be vicious for small craft and dangerous to those unfamiliar with the local maritime operations. The Chumphon archipelago, in the southwest, or the Ko Chang in the east of the bay of Thailand, will exceed your expectations.
The top three areas to fill your weekly boat hire with memories are; Phang Nga Bay, Koh Chang, and Chumphon archipelagos. They are tied for #1; each is as fulfilling as the other in their way, and depending on the season.
Phang Nga Bay is east of Phuket, which has an international airport for your arrival and the quickest yacht access. You’ll be met at the airport and whisked away to Boat Lagoon or Yacht Haven Marinas to get your area and yacht briefings, etc. Be certain you stop along the way at Makro and provision for your trip. Three to four hours out of the marina, mind the tides, you’ll find Koh Yao Yai & Noi, both with excellent anchorages.
Plan for all morning needs onboard, 50% of your lunches, one dinner, and required snacks. Your yacht company could provision for you, but individual products might not be available. It’s best to get what you like. The marina will be the best source of bottled water. I say one dinner onboard because once you drop anchor, go for a swim, and shower off; jump in the dinghy and get fresh seafood at a beach resort.
Peace or party can be found depending upon when and where you drop anchor around the Chumphon Islands. You could anchor at Koh Pha Ngan beach where the full-moon festival is happening and dance the night away. If you’d choose a more peaceful setting, sail south to Koh Samui and anchor at Fisherman’s Bay. The best season here is June – November before the rains. Northeast anchorages are best on all islands.
For my style of cruising, the Koh Chang Islands are all I need. A decade ago these islands were much busier with foreigners. Since the pandemic, the majority of the tourism is from within Thailand. Bangkokians flood Koh Chang on the weekends and a population of bohemian foreigners have a nice community in the south. Koh Mak is my little secret I won’t even tell you about.
The furthest island south, almost in Cambodia is Koh Kood. This island is hard to reach and the majority is unimproved. There are coastal resorts and communities. Anchor in Bang Bao and dissolve into happiness.
There are few additional maritime laws imposed. Inquire during your area brief but expect to pay a boat and per person fee for attaching to maintained buoys. You will get a receipt to be used when making multiple stops in the same chain.
Always know where your boat is. your charts are marked, stay clear of protected areas and grounding.
