Thailand luxury yacht charter
Known as "the "Land of Smiles," a luxury yacht charter in Thailand combines dazzling geography with unrivalled hospitality, rich local culture, buzzing nightlife spots, luxurious on-shore resorts and some of the world's best scuba diving sites. Yachts making their way through the Andaman Sea or the Gulf of Thailand will find plenty to explore, from the towering limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to vast powdery beaches and tranquil turquoise lagoons on the Thai island of Koh Samui. With a concerted effort underway to turn Thailand into a top yachting destination in Southeast Asia, visitors can also expect an ever-increasing number of high-end megayacht facilities in the country's superyacht hub of Phuket.
Thailand superyacht season and weather
Thailand enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures staying between 25°C and 30°C all year.
Most charterers consider November to March to be the best months to visit when days are hot, sunny and less humid.
From December to March, visibility is often at its best and the Andaman Sea is calm. The wettest months are generally September and October. On the Andaman coast between July and October, the sea can get choppy and tropical rainstorms are frequent. As Ko Samui and Ko Phangan do not experience the southwest monsoon season, these cruising grounds can be a better option if you are planning a superyacht charter in Thailand between May and September. The tidal range can exceed eight feet.
Thailand yacht charter itineraries
With show-stopping cruising grounds, five-star luxury resorts and first-class hospitality, Thailand is primed to be a key charter hub in south east Asia.
The majority of superyacht charters focus around the Andaman Sea where there are more than 130 captivating isles within the province of Krabi alone. Off Phuket’s dazzling west coast the offshore marine reserves of the Similan and Surin islands offer superb snorkelling and diving with leopard sharks, octopus and kaleidoscopic marine life.
Phuket is the main destination for luxury yacht charters in Thailand. It's also home to the famous Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous, a premier racing regatta in Asia that attracts superyachts over 24 metres for eventful days of sailing and celebrating.
On the north tip of the island, Phuket Yacht Haven Marina accommodates yachts of 100+ metres. Ao Po Grand Marina is located on Phuket’s east coast, well positioned for exploring Phang Nga Bay, and can also accommodate yachts up to an over 100 metres. Yachts visiting the island's east coast and measuring less than 35 metres can dock at Royal Phuket Marina.
From Phuket’s palm-fringed east coast charters cruise into the spellbinding Phang Nga Bay, where great fingers of limestone shoot skyward from the sapphire waters. Yachts can take their pick of the multitude of pristine beaches and translucent lagoons. Stop at the Emerald Cave en route to Krabi where guests can head ashore to the vibrant night market, bars and restaurants.
Departing from Krabi, it’s a sun-kissed 30 nautical mile trip to Ko Lanta – the sleepy island of Ko Pu and its silky coves provide a good pitstop en route. With over 200 species of reef fish, along with whale sharks and kaleidoscopic marine life, Ko Lanta is a nature lover’s nirvana with some of the best diving in Thailand.
Around 17 nautical miles northwest of Ko Lanta, the magical crescents of the Phi Phi islands offer more spectacular beaches, hilltop vistas and fun-loving nightlife. The neighbouring islets, lagoons and coves are tailor-made for more snorkel, kayak and cruising fun – be sure to visit the famed James Bond island.
Cruising around the west coast of Phuket, luxury residences and five-star hotels abound, while the nightlife and markets of Kata and Patong offer a vibrant change of pace. Heading north, it is around 60 nautical miles to the untouched paradise of the Similan Islands. Celebrated for its colourful marine life, gin-clear visibility and a dizzying array of palm-dotted beaches, the marine park has a back-to-nature charm like no other. Awake in perfect solitude before cruising north to the equally beguiling Surin Islands and, if time allows, on to the mystical isles and anchorages of Myanmar.
Though most charters use Phuket as a hub due to the mature infrastructure and facilities, Thailand’s Gulf Coast also offers some stunning cruising of its own. The glittering archipelago of 42 picturesque limestone islands found off Koh Samui are picture perfect and the island of Ko Tao is world-renowned for its incredible dive sites.
Thailand by superyacht
Getting to Thailand
Thailand has many airports including Phuket International, Ko Samui, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi and Krabi airport, which all accommodate commercial and private jets.
Legal requirements
Until recently, charters in Thai waters could only be organised on local vessels, with foreign-flagged charter boats only able to visit as part of a multi-country itinerary (often beginning and ending in the Malaysian island of Langkawi, located 135 nautical miles from Phuket). However, these restrictions have now been eased so that foreign-flagged charter yachts are allowed to stay in Thailand much longer.