Thailand Sailing Guide: When to Go, What It Costs & More
Flotilla guide · Thailand
Planning a sailing holiday in Thailand? This guide covers everything you need to know about Thailand sailing with our flotilla, from weather windows and qualifications to 2027 prices, the route, and what to pack. You will also see why Phang Nga Bay suits first-timers and families alike.
In short
The best time for Thailand sailing is January to April, when Phuket’s dry season brings Force 3 to 4 breezes from the north and north-west, sunshine, and warm seas. Our Thailand flotilla sails a 10-night circular route around Phang Nga Bay from Phuket Yacht Haven, averaging 20 to 25 nautical miles a day, with 2027 yacht prices from £3,365. You can skipper yourself, hire a skipper, or book a cabin on our AHOY trip instead.
Jan–Apr
the Thailand sailing season
20–25nm
average daily distance on the flotilla
F3–4
typical winds, from the north and north-west
£3,365
10-night yacht prices from, 2027
On this page
When to go
When is the best time for Thailand sailing?
January to April brings Thailand’s most settled conditions for flotilla sailing around Phuket. During this dry season, northerly breezes at Force 3 to 4 keep passages smooth and predictable.
You can also expect around eight hours of sunshine a day and sea temperatures of 28 to 29°C, which turns every anchorage into the perfect late-afternoon swim spot.
Skippering
Do I need a sailing qualification in Thailand?
To skipper your own yacht on the flotilla, you’ll need a sailing qualification of at least RYA Day Skipper standard, a VHF radio certificate, and some skippering experience, ideally in tidal waters, because sailing in Thailand is tidal. Our team will confirm exactly what’s needed when you book.
What about the ICC?
The ICC is recognised mainly in European countries. In Thailand, charter companies set their own requirements, so the qualification behind it, your Day Skipper, is what matters. Our ICC guide explains how the two fit together.
Skipper yourself
For qualified sailors
From £3,365 a yacht
- Day Skipper standard or above
- VHF radio certificate
- Lead crew support all week
Hire a skipper
No qualifications needed
£150 a day, plus food
- Your skipper sails the yacht
- Join in as much as you like
- Same route and flotilla
Book a cabin on AHOY
Shared, skippered yacht
From £1,495pp
- Book a cabin, not the whole yacht
- Same Phang Nga Bay route
- Breakfast and a light lunch included
Prices
How much does the Thailand flotilla cost in 2027?
Ten nights on our Thailand flotilla starts from £3,365 for the yacht in 2027, based on our smallest monohull. Our Phuket fleet ranges from 32 to 46ft Bavaria monohulls, as well as catamarans, so larger crews can choose more space.
Included
- A fully equipped charter yacht
- Assistance from the lead crew
- RIB and outboard on davits
- Bed linen and towels
- End cleaning, transit log, and welcome pack
- Punch party and beach party
Not included
- National park fees, paid locally
- Mooring charges, except at the flotilla base
- Yacht fuel and water
- Food and drinks
- Flights and transfers, available from us on request
Optional extras include a skipper (£150 a day, plus food) and a host or cook (£110 a day). Full prices and dates are on the Thailand flotilla page.
The route
The 10-night Thailand sailing route
The flotilla sails a circular route through Phang Nga Bay, with short daily passages and standout anchorages. Here is the typical route, always subject to the weather and the lead crew’s advice.
Day 1
Phuket Yacht Haven
Arrivals and briefings, with first glimpses of lush Thai hillsides and temples on the way from the airport.
Day 2
Koh Hong
Anchor outside this karst-ringed lagoon, reachable only by tender through a cave.
Day 3
Koh Yao Noi
Anchor in the south bay, then dine on board or stroll to the Sunset Restaurant.
Day 4
James Bond Island and Railay Beach
Sail past Ko Khao Phing Kan, better known as James Bond Island, lunch off Koh Pak Bia, then spend the night at lively Railay Beach.
Day 5
Koh Pu
Quiet beaches, a handful of restaurants, and a real change of pace.
Day 6
Koh Lanta, Bamboo Beach
Sail to Hat Kan Tiang on Koh Lanta and moor overnight. Dinner ashore is recommended.
Day 7
Free sailing
Linger on the beach or take a relaxed sail along the coast of Koh Lanta.
Day 8
Phi Phi Don
Explore Phi Phi Don’s cliffs and nightlife, next to Phi Phi Lei, made famous by The Beach.
Day 9
Koh Yao Yai
Wind down on this quieter, more traditional island.
Day 10
Back to Phuket
Lunch near Koh Naka Yai, then sail back to Phuket Yacht Haven.
Day 11
Departure day
Disembark and head home, or extend your stay with a few nights ashore.
In all, you’ll cover about 142 nautical miles, at a pace that lets you linger wherever the water looks most inviting.
First-timers
Is Phang Nga Bay safe for families and first-timers?
Yes. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered, the hops between anchorages are short, and navigation is mostly line of sight and well charted. Daily briefings from the lead crew keep everyone confidently on course.
The sailing is tidal, so it’s a good chance to brush up your skills with support close at hand. If it’s your first flotilla, our first-timer’s guide to flotilla sailing explains how a typical week works.
Before you go
What to pack for Thailand sailing
Pack light: space on board is limited, and you won’t need much beyond UV clothing and swimwear.
- Soft luggage, not a suitcase
- Reef-safe sun cream
- A sunhat and good sunglasses
- UV-protective clothing and swimwear
- Flip-flops for beach stops
- Light deck shoes for moving around the yacht
Fly into Phuket International Airport. Phuket Yacht Haven is about 30 minutes away by taxi or minivan, which we can book for you.
Sail and stay
Extend your trip with a stay ashore
Want to ease in or unwind after your flotilla? You can add a beach resort before or after your sailing.
Cape Panwa Hotel
Quiet and 5-star, with a private beach away from the crowds on Phuket’s south-east tip.
Paradox Resort Phuket
On Karon Beach and family-friendly, close to Phuket Town and Patong’s nightlife.
The Slate
Close to the airport, with Thai-style suites and villas, ideal for a short stopover.
Lebua, Bangkok
Tower views and city buzz, ideal if you want to add a few days in Bangkok.
Prefer somewhere else? Tell us your style and budget and we’ll find the right place for you.
Common questions
Thailand sailing: your questions answered
Do I need a sailing licence in Thailand?
To skipper your own flotilla yacht, you’ll need a qualification of at least RYA Day Skipper standard, a VHF radio certificate, and some skippering experience. Our team will confirm what’s needed when you book. Without one, you can hire a skipper for £150 a day, plus food.
When is the best time to sail in Thailand?
January to April, Phuket’s dry season, with Force 3 to 4 winds from the north and north-west, plenty of sunshine, and sea temperatures of 28 to 29°C.
How much does the Thailand flotilla cost?
2027 prices start from £3,365 for the yacht for ten nights, based on our smallest monohull. Larger yachts and catamarans cost more.
Are national park fees included in the flotilla price?
No. National park fees are not included and are paid locally during your trip.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. The easiest way is to book a cabin on our AHOY Thailand trip, where single occupancy of a cabin is from £2,295. Our team can also talk you through other options.
Are flights included?
No, but we can add flights from around £550pp from London, Manchester, and Birmingham. Booking flights with us means your holiday is ATOL protected.
Are meals included on the flotilla?
No. Provisioning is up to you, so some nights you’ll dine ashore and others you’ll cook on board.
How long are the daily sailing legs?
The flotilla averages 20 to 25 nautical miles a day, with most passages following line-of-sight navigation.
Ready for Phang Nga Bay?
Talk to us about the Thailand flotilla
Our team can help you choose the right yacht, dates, and skipper options for your crew.
Call or email us
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00 · Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
Book with confidence. Seafarer has run flotilla 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.