Thailand Sailing Guide: When to Go, What It Costs & More

Thailand Sailing Guide – Skipper’s Summary
Sail 10 nights round Phuket’s Phang Nga Bay this Jan-Apr. Expect 20-25 NM days, F3-4 N-NW breezes, sand anchorages and warm 28 °C seas. Yachts 32–46 ft (plus cats) from £3,762; no licence needed if you hire a professional skipper. (Thailand Flotilla – Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays)

Planning a sailing holiday in Thailand? This Thailand sailing guide will walk you through everything you need to know. Whether it’s weather windows, yacht options or pricing, packing, and paperwork, we’ve got it covered.

Start your journey this winter with this Thailand sailing guide. Plus, see why Phang Nga Bay suits first-timers and families alike.

January through April delivers Thailand’s most settled conditions for flotilla sailing around Phuket, notes this Thailand Sailing Guide. Moreover, during this dry season, northerly breezes at Force 3 to 4 keep passages smooth and predictable. Furthermore, eight hours of sun and 28-degree seas turn every anchorage into the perfect late-day swim spot.

To skipper your yacht, you’ll need an International Certificate of Competence, (ICC). In fact, the most common way to get this is through the RYA Day Skipper qualification.

No licence? No problem. Alternatively, you can hire a skipper for £150 a day, plus their food.

You can join the Seafarer Thailand flotilla from just £3,762, based on a 32-foot monohull yacht. However, for more space, larger yachts and catamarans are available, typically up to around £5,195. Included are your yacht, linens, and flotilla guidance (national park fees and transfers are optional add-ons).

Sail a circular route through Phang Nga Bay, with short daily passages and standout anchorages. In this Thailand Sailing Guide, we outline the typical route as follows:

• Day 1: Phuket Yacht Haven
  Arrivals, briefings, and first glimpses of lush Thai hillsides and gilded temples en route from the airport.
• Day 2: Koh Hong (17 NM)
  Anchor outside this spectacular karst-ringed lagoon, accessible only by tender through a hidden cave.
• Day 3: Koh Yao Noi (18 NM)
  Anchor in the south bay. Dine onboard or stroll to the hilltop Sunset Restaurant for epic views.
• Day 4: Railay Beach via James Bond Island (15 NM)
  Stop at Ko Khao Phing Kan (better known as James Bond Island, from The Man with the Golden Gun), lunch off Koh Pak Bia, then overnight in lively Railay.
• Day 5: Koh Pu (20 NM)
  Quiet beaches, a handful of restaurants, and a serious change of pace. Bring your book and your flip-flops.

• Day 6: Koh Lanta – Bamboo Bay (16 NM)
  Sail to Hat Kan Tiang, a postcard cove on Koh Lanta’s southwest coast. Dinner ashore recommended.
• Day 7: Free Sailing
  Linger on the beach or take a relaxed sail along Koh Lanta’s coastline, your call!
• Day 8: Phi Phi Don (18 NM)
  Explore Phi Phi Don’s dramatic cliffs and nightlife. In addition, anchor near Phi Phi Leh, made famous by The Beach (starring Leonardo Di Caprio).
• Day 9: Koh Yao Yai (17 NM)
  Wind down with a night on this tranquil island, ideal for a quiet swim and Thai dinner.
• Day 10: Return to Phuket (21 NM)
  Stop near Koh Naka Yai for lunch and a final dip before heading back to base at Yacht Haven.
• Day 11: Departures
  Disembark your yacht and head home or extend your stay with a few nights ashore.

All in all, you’ll cover roughly 150 NM at a pace that lets you linger wherever the turquoise water looks most inviting.

Yes, Phang Nga Bay is one of the safest cruising grounds in the world, especially for new sailors. In fact, hops between anchorages are short, usually under 25 NM, and navigation is line-of-sight and well-charted. Also, the bay is sheltered, tides are manageable, and flotilla briefings keep everyone confidently on course.

Pack light! Space onboard is limited, and you won’t need much beyond UV clothing and swimwear.
In addition, bring soft luggage, not suitcases, along with reef-safe sun cream, a hat, and good sunglasses. For instance, flip-flops are fine for beach stops, though light deck shoes are handy for moving around the boat.

Pro tip: Save this Thailand sailing guide to read again later!

Want to ease in or unwind after your flotilla? In this Thailand sailing guide, we’ll give you our Sail & Stay options. Indeed, you can add a beach resort either before or after your cruise.

For example, you can choose from:

• Cape Panwa Hotel: Quiet, 5-star, private beach, away from the crowds.
• Paradox Resort: Beachside and family-friendly, near Phuket Town and Patong nightlife.
• The Slate: Near the airport, Thai-styled suites, perfect for a short stopover.
• Lebua, Bangkok: Tower views and city buzz, ideal for a longer inland adventure.

Prefer something specific, not included in this Thailand sailing guide? We’ll help you find the perfect fit, just ask.

To sum up, we hope this Thailand sailing guide has answered your biggest questions and inspired a few new ones. As a result, with short daily sails, warm breezes, and expert flotilla support, Thailand is ideal for first-time sailors and veterans alike.
Ready to start planning? Click below and we’ll send you a no-obligation quote to get started.

The Thailand sailing guide was created by Seafarer’s editorial team with input from our flotilla skippers and base staff in Thailand.

Last updated: 25 July 2025. 2026 prices and itinerary notes confirmed.