Explore the pristine waters and countless islands of Thailand with this guide to sailing in this tropical paradise.
In Thailand, cast off from Phuket and explore 1,400+ islands in your chartered yacht. Revel in the warm currents of Phang Nga Bay, discover the unspoiled, wildlife-rich islands, and find your personal paradise. Sailing in Thailand is adventure and serenity personified.
What to See and Do in Thailand?
As you set sail on the cerulean waters of Thailand, a multitude of exotic islands await your exploration. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
Coral Island
Just a short sail south of Phuket, this island is a snorkeling haven, teeming with vibrant nudibranchs and lionfish. After the day-trippers return to Phuket, the island’s three stunning beaches become your private oasis.
Similan Islands
For the ultimate Treasure Island experience, anchor off the Similan Islands. Situated about 100km (62 mi) northeast of Phuket, this 11-island archipelago is enveloped within a national park.
Accessible from November until April, it’s a paradise for scuba divers, bird watchers, and beach bums alike. Activities revolve around turtle snorkeling, cliff jumping, and yes, making your work friends green with envy on Instagram. Do note, however, that some sailing experience or a skipper is required to reach them.
Mooring in Thailand
Navigating Thailand’s sailing terrain mandates a cautious approach to mooring due to the maintenance issues associated with local buoys. Instead, seasoned sailors often opt for a reliable alternative – finding a serene spot to drop anchor.
Although this might incur a nominal fee per person, even in national park locales, the trade-off is worth it during the peak season. The generous space offered by this style of mooring can make sailing in catamarans a rewarding experience.
Sunsail’s Laura Bowtell echoes this sentiment, recounting her memorable journey sailing out of the Ao Po marina base. She fondly recalls dropping anchor, followed by kayaking through the picturesque caves at Ko Muk. Therefore, while navigating Thailand’s waters, consider staying anchored in strategic spots to make your sailing holiday a unique, unforgettable experience.
Key Annual Sailing Events in Thailand
One of the jewels in Thailand’s sailing crown, The King’s Cup Regatta, is an event that draws sailing enthusiasts from around the globe. Each December, the tranquil waters of Phuket transform into a fierce battleground, with up to 100 big boats vying for the coveted title.
From exhilarating races around the southern islands to a relaxed vibe on the secluded beach of Koh Lon, the King’s Cup Regatta is an event that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of sailing in Thailand.
The King’s Cup Regatta
The King’s Cup Regatta, happening every December in Phuket, stands as the pinnacle of Southeast Asian sailing events. The week-long competition attracts a fleet of up to 100 boats, creating a spectacle of sails against the azure Thai sky. Here’s what makes this event unique:
- Competitive Sailing: The regatta is a challenging course, testing the skills of sailors as they navigate around the southern islands of Phuket.
- Scenic Venue: The race takes sailors past some of Phuket’s most secluded islands, including Koh Lon, known for its unspoiled beaches and swaying coconut trees.
- Prestigious Event: As Southeast Asia’s most prestigious sailing event, it attracts top sailors from around the world.
- Cultural Immersion: The regatta is not just about sailing; it’s also a celebration of Thai culture, with various events and festivities taking place onshore.
- Accessible to Spectators: Even if you’re not participating, the regatta is a fantastic spectacle for sailing enthusiasts, and Phuket offers numerous viewing points from where you can catch all the action.
Climate and Weather in Thailand
Thailand’s tropical climate plays a significant role in shaping your sailing experiences. Not just the temperature, but the wind direction, monsoons, and tidal variations can greatly influence your voyage. Let’s delve into Thailand’s weather patterns to help you plan your sailing adventure.
Dry Season (November to April)
The dry season in Thailand, running from November through April is marked by gentle winds and warm temperatures. This is the ideal time for novice sailors to take to the seas. Northeasterly winds during these months bring dry spells and gentle breezes – perfect for easy sailing. However, keep in mind that as the season progresses, sunny days can become quite hot, particularly by April.
Wet Season (May to October)
Seasoned sailors often prefer the wet season, which spans from May to October. The southwesterly monsoons during this time can bring winds up to Force 6, accompanied by rainy squalls followed by periods of intense heat. Though this season may pose more of a challenge, it also offers an exhilarating sailing experience.
Safe Sailing Areas
Regardless of the time of year, safe sailing is always a possibility in Phang Nga Bay down to the Phi Phi Islands. These areas offer a sheltered environment that can be enjoyed year-round. Despite the weather conditions, these parts of Thailand’s waters ensure a secure and enjoyable sailing experience.
How to Get to Thailand?
Thailand is well-connected to the rest of the world via international flights, making it an easily accessible destination for your sailing escapades. In this section, we delve into the various travel options to reach Thailand, focusing on Phuket—the hub of sailing activities in the country.
Getting to Thailand by Air
Phuket International Airport is the primary gateway for your sailing adventure in Thailand. It’s an intercontinental hub, offering direct flights from numerous global locations. Here are key points to consider:
- Global Connectivity: With direct flights from Melbourne, Moscow, Manchester, and Mumbai, among other cities, reaching Phuket is straightforward and convenient.
- Picturesque Arrival: The airport approach offers a glimpse of Thailand’s beauty as jets descend over an aquamarine sea, and touch down just past the golden sands of Mai Khao Beach.
- Proximity to Marina: Both the marina and yacht charter options are within an easy 20-30 minute drive from the airport.
- Flight and Charter Coordination: With various flight routes, flexible charter start days, and destinations suitable for sailing all year round, planning ahead helps secure the right flights at the best value. We can match you up with the right boat for your chosen days and even book the flights for you.
- Warm Welcome: Once you land in Thailand, you can expect a warm welcome. After all, Thailand is known as ‘the land of smiles’ for a reason!
Getting to Thailand by Sea
If air travel isn’t your preferred mode of transportation, or you’re looking for an adventurous alternative, reaching Thailand by sea is a viable option. Here are a few key points to consider:
- Cruise Ships: Major international cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises, frequently include Thailand on their Southeast Asia itineraries. Ports of call often include Phuket, where you can disembark and head directly to your chartered yacht.
- Private Yachts: For those lucky enough to have a private yacht, you can sail directly into Thailand. The country has several world-class marinas around Phuket and Pattaya that cater to private vessels. Do remember that specific regulations must be followed when entering Thai waters with a private yacht.
- Regional Ferries: If you’re already in the Southeast Asia region, you can catch a ferry from numerous nearby locations, such as Malaysia or Singapore. These ferries typically dock in southern Thailand, providing convenient access to the country’s prime sailing locations.
- Cargo Ships: Believe it or not, some cargo ships offer passenger accommodations. While this is a less conventional option, it offers a unique way to reach Thailand. These trips take longer but provide an opportunity to see parts of the world not typically viewed by tourists.
In conclusion
Thailand’s allure as a sailing destination reverberates across its pristine waters, lush islands, and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking the thrill of the monsoon winds or a novice looking for a serene sailing experience, Thailand caters to all.
Its global connectivity, cultural richness, and year-round sailing opportunities make it an incomparable choice for your sailing adventure.
