Thailand’s 2,000-kilometre coastline offers warm seas, dramatic limestone karsts and year-round sailing conditions that attract everyone from first-time crews to seasoned skippers. The country’s two main cruising grounds—the Andaman Sea on the west coast and the Gulf of Thailand on the east—give you seasonal flexibility and a wide choice of itineraries, marinas and boat types.

Diverse Cruising Grounds

• Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands) – Famous for sheer limestone cliffs, coral reefs and line-of-sight passages ideal for week-long charters.

• Gulf of Thailand (Pattaya, Koh Samui, Ang Thong) – Generally flatter seas and plenty of cultural shore excursions, plus quick access from Bangkok.

Sailing Seasons and Weather

Thailand has three main seasons. The northeast monsoon (November-April) brings 5–20 knots of steady breezes and little rainfall—peak time for Andaman charters. The south-west monsoon (May-October) is wetter but offers quieter anchorages and discounted rates, while the hot inter-season in March–May means lighter winds but glass-calm mornings.

Key Charter Bases and How to Get There

Phuket: Gateway to the Andaman Sea

Most crews start at Yacht Haven or Ao Po Grand Marina, both a 30- to 40-minute transfer from Phuket International Airport (HKT), which has direct connections to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya

On the Gulf side, Ocean Marina Jomtien—Southeast Asia’s largest yacht facility with 450 berths—offers modern services, on-site accommodation and easy provisioning before you head to Koh Samet or Koh Chang.

Choosing the Right Charter Format

Bareboat Charter

Permitted for skippers with an ICC, RYA Day Skipper or equivalent plus VHF certificate and a logged minimum of around 200 nautical miles. Thailand’s charter companies will ask for a brief sailing résumé and may arrange a local checkout sail.

Skippered or Crewed Charter

Ideal if you prefer a relaxed holiday or lack paperwork. A professional skipper handles navigation, and you can add a hostess or chef for provisioning and meal prep. Rates usually include the yacht, skipper’s fee and the first or last night in the home marina.

Sailing Yachts, Catamarans and Motor Yachts

Catamarans dominate the Phuket fleet thanks to their stability, shallow draft for beach landings and generous deck space—perfect for families or mixed-experience groups. Monohull cruisers remain popular with keen sailors, while planing motor yachts suit shorter, multi-stop days.

Itinerary Highlights

Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

Just 15 NM north-east of Phuket, Phang Nga’s protected waters, hongs (collapsed cave lagoons) and iconic Khao Phing Kan—filming location for The Man with the Golden Gun—are an easy first-day objective.

Island-Hopping South to Phi Phi & Koh Lanta

Sail via Maya Bay, Monkey Bay and Ton Sai Bay before overnighting at laid-back Koh Lanta. Expect clear snorkelling, busy nightlife on Phi Phi Don and tranquil national-park anchorages farther south.

Krabi’s Koh Hong Lagoon

Drop anchor early, then paddle into the emerald-green lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs. Limited moorings mean fewer crowds than nearby Phi Phi.

Gulf Adventures from Pattaya or Samui

From Ocean Marina, head south-east for coral-fringed Koh Samet, or fly into Samui and explore Ang Thong National Marine Park—towering islands, white-sand coves and easy line-of-sight sailing.

Practical Tips

Mooring and Anchoring

Many popular bays now have yellow or red mooring buoys with blue bands; use them where possible to protect coral. Always back up with a sturdy line and check maintenance before trusting an overnight hold.

National-Park Fees and Budgeting

Most park anchorages charge a modest per-person fee, payable in Thai baht. Stock up on cash before leaving the marina; ATMs are scarce once you start island-hopping. Fuel, water and food prices remain lower than in Mediterranean charter hubs.

Respecting Marine Life

Avoid anchoring on coral, observe “no-take” fishing zones in marine parks and never feed monkeys at popular beach stops such as Monkey Bay. Simple measures help keep Thailand’s reefs and wildlife healthy for future visitors.

Start Planning Your Thailand Sailing Holiday

Whether you want a hands-on bareboat charter, a relaxed skippered catamaran or a fast motor yacht, Thailand delivers varied cruising, reliable trade-wind sailing and an island culture known for friendly people and excellent restaurants. Ready to drop anchor in emerald-green bays and explore limestone hongs? Book your yacht through Boataround for transparent pricing, local support and a fleet that ranges from sporty monohulls to luxury crewed catamarans.

Motor yacht rental in Thailand

Charter a Motor Yacht and explore Thailand! Prices start from 232 € per day. Experience the authentic charm of Thailand by renting one of our 85 available motor yachts.

Motor yachts in Thailand, powered by strong engines and designed for luxury, provide comfort on board with multiple crew members and no sail or keel.

Our fleet of motor yachts in Thailand includes popular brands such as Princess, Custom Built and Azimut.

Sizes range from 32.8 to 137.8 feet (10 to 42 m), with super-luxury variants exceeding 300 feet (90 m). With the ability to sail smoothly at 25 knots and more, they function as independent, fully self-sufficient homes on water, boasting powerful diesel generators.

These are some of the best places to charter a motor yacht in Thailand:

• Motor yacht rental Phuket
• Motor yacht rental Chon Buri Province
• Motor yacht rental Prachuap Khiri Khan Province