Thailand island hopping by yacht: a 10-night cabin charter
Cabin charter · Thailand
Thailand is one of the most inviting places in the world for island hopping by yacht. Our 10-night AHOY journey explores the karst-studded waters of Phang Nga Bay, where each anchorage feels more peaceful than the last.
You’ll sail aboard Southern Star, a Bavaria C45 with an experienced skipper and just two guest cabins, so you share the yacht with no more than three other guests. A small Seafarer flotilla sails alongside, so there’s company in the anchorages too. In fact, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel under sail, this is a beautiful place to begin.
In short
AHOY Thailand is our Thailand island hopping holiday by yacht: 10 nights on Southern Star, a shared, skippered Bavaria C45, starting and ending at Phuket Yacht Haven. You book a cabin rather than the whole yacht, sail 15 to 21 nautical miles on a typical day around Phang Nga Bay, and your skipper handles the sailing. The season runs from January to April, with prices from £1,495pp sharing a cabin.
10
nights on board, from Phuket Yacht Haven
15–21
nautical miles on a typical sailing day
2
guest cabins on Southern Star
28–29°C
sea temperature from January to April
The yacht
What makes Southern Star ideal for the tropics
Think about the day you want on the water. In particular, Southern Star’s fully shaded cockpit keeps you cool between islands, and her swimming platform with a deck shower makes swim stops easy.
Moreover, her large RIB on davits takes you through the cave into the Koh Hong lagoon and ashore to beaches the yacht can’t reach. Up front, the foredeck is spacious, and there’s a stand-up paddleboard on board for calm mornings.
The route
From Phuket to Phi Phi: a journey in 11 easy days
This 10-night island hopping journey starts and ends at Phuket Yacht Haven. The route explores the karst-lined waters of Phang Nga Bay, with typical sailing days between 15 and 21 nautical miles. Plus, days combine short passages, swim stops, always shaped by weather and local knowledge.
In the evenings, you’ll have the opportunity to savour local cuisine which is not to be missed. Overall, this journey combines quiet stops as well as livelier spots, such as Railay Beach.
Day 1
Phuket Yacht Haven
Arrive at Phuket Yacht Haven, meet your skipper and settle into your cabin.
Day 2
Koh Hong
Sail to Koh Hong. Explore the lagoon by tender and anchor for lunch.
Day 3
Koh Yao Noi
A relaxed hop to Koh Yao Noi for sunset views and a quiet bay.
Day 4
James Bond Island and Railay Beach
Cruise past James Bond Island. Lunch near Koh Pak Bia, overnight at Railay Beach.
Day 5
Koh Pu
Head south to the laid-back shores of Koh Pu.
Day 6
Koh Lanta
Sail south to Koh Lanta and spend the night at Bamboo Beach.
Day 7
Free day
Free day. Relax on the beach or take a day sail down the coast of Koh Lanta.
Day 8
Phi Phi Don
Arrive at lively Phi Phi Don, with the option to visit Phi Phi Lei.
Day 9
Koh Yao Yai
A stop at Koh Yao Yai, a quiet and traditional island.
Day 10
Back to Phuket
Lunch off Koh Naka Yai, then return to Yacht Haven.
Day 11
Departure day
Disembark and begin your onward journey.
*Itineraries may vary with wind and weather conditions, ensuring safety and the best possible anchorages each day. Distances from the AHOY Thailand route.
Day to day
Life on board a shared yacht
Start the day on deck with breakfast and a quiet bay all around. Afterwards, the sailing begins, with short passages of 15 to 21 nautical miles between islands. Your skipper handles everything, but you’re welcome to get involved if you’d like.
Days typically include a short sail, a swim stop near a beach, and time ashore by tender. Breakfast and a light lunch on board are included. Meals are shared on board or ashore, depending on the day. At the same time, evenings are calm, with quiet bays, soft light, and a slow shift into night.
Who it suits
Is this Thailand island hopping trip right for you?
This trip works well if you
- Want to experience a sailing holiday without needing to plan, skipper, or take charge
- Prefer a steady pace with short daily sails and time to go ashore
- Are happy sharing a yacht with a small group, and enjoy a social but low-key vibe
- Like the idea of having a skipper take care of the details
- Want to explore Thailand’s coast from the water, but still sleep in a real bed
It might not be right for you if
- You want hands-on training or to log sailing miles: then, a sailing course would suit better.
- You’re after total privacy: a private charter offers full control over the experience
- You want to skipper yourself but like a bit of backup: try the Thailand flotilla instead
- You’d rather skipper a catamaran yourself: the Thailand flotilla fleet includes catamarans, and our catamaran sailing guide explains what changes from a monohull
Before you go
What to pack for your sailing trip in Thailand
Thailand’s sailing season runs from January to April, with consistent sunshine, light to moderate winds (Force 3–4). Also, sea temperatures hold steady at 28 to 29°C, ideal for swimming from the yacht.
When packing, think light, soft, and sun-friendly:
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a hat with a strap
- Quick-dry swimwear and a long-sleeved top for sun protection
- Lightweight shoes or sandals for shore trips
- Soft-sided luggage. Avoid wheels or hard shells.
Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). In addition, Seafarer can advise on transfers or arrange flights if you’d like your trip to be ATOL protected.
Why go
Island hopping as it should be
Island hopping in Thailand is about ease, rhythm and discovery. As a result, each day brings a new island, a gorgeous anchorage and time to enjoy the sea without rushing.
Above all, it’s a chance to travel lightly, with the comfort of a steady deck. This is sailing as it should be: a route designed to let the scenery do the work.
Jan–Apr
sailing season
F3–4
light to moderate winds
£1,495
per person, sharing a cabin
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is Thailand good for a first sailing holiday?
Yes, short passages, warm seas, and steady conditions make it ideal for beginners and relaxed cruising.
Will I get seasick in Phang Nga Bay?
Unlikely. The sailing area is sheltered and the passages are short, so most guests settle in quickly.
What should I pack for a sailing trip in the tropics?
Light layers, reef-safe sunscreen, a sunhat, swimwear, and soft luggage. Leave hard suitcases at home.
Can I join solo and book a single cabin?
Yes. Solo travellers are welcome, and single occupancy of a cabin is from £2,295.
When is the best time to go?
January to April offers the best weather for sailing in Thailand: calm seas, steady breeze, and warm temperatures.
Ready to sail Phang Nga Bay?
Talk to us about AHOY Thailand
See dates and prices for AHOY Thailand, from £1,495pp. Our team can help you choose the right cabin and dates.
Call or email us
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00 · Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
Book with confidence. Seafarer has run sailing holidays since 1995, and every payment you make to us is financially protected: ATOL licence 9511 for holidays with flights, ABTOT member 5660 for holidays without.