Explore Thailand's Quieter Island Paradise
In the northeastern Gulf of Thailand, close to the Cambodian border, the Koh Chang archipelago offers a rewarding sailing holiday away from the country's better-known tourism centres. Here, forested islands rise above sheltered bays, white-sand beaches fringe clear tropical waters and traditional fishing communities remain part of everyday island life.
Koh Chang is Thailand's third-largest island, and the surrounding archipelago offers a wonderful variety of cruising destinations. Many of its smaller islands remain relatively undeveloped, making this an appealing region for those who enjoy discovering new anchorages and exploring ashore at their own pace.
A bareboat yacht charter provides the freedom to visit islands that are less accessible to land-based travellers, stopping wherever conditions and local regulations permit. Swim in warm tropical waters, snorkel among coral reefs, visit small coastal settlements or simply relax at anchor in a beautiful bay.
A Relaxed and Rewarding Sailing Experience
Koh Chang is particularly suited to sailors who prefer a quieter cruising environment. The distances between the principal islands are manageable, leaving plenty of time to enjoy each destination rather than spending long days under way.
The islands of Koh Mak, Koh Kut and Koh Rang are among the highlights of a typical itinerary. Each has its own character, from the peaceful beaches of Koh Mak to the forested landscapes of Koh Kut and the marine environment around Koh Rang.
There are opportunities to dine ashore, visit local communities and enjoy the natural surroundings, although facilities are more limited than in Thailand's major resort destinations. This is part of Koh Chang's appeal.
The principal charter season runs from October to April, coinciding with the northeast monsoon. During these months, the region generally offers favourable conditions for cruising, with a good selection of sheltered anchorages.
Bareboat and Skippered Yacht Charters
Koh Chang offers a choice of sailing yachts and catamarans for bareboat charter, subject to fleet availability. Experienced sailors can explore independently, while those who prefer professional assistance can hire a local skipper.
A cook may also be arranged, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed holiday without responsibility for every aspect of life aboard.
The same charter fleet operates from Koh Samui during the alternate season, providing opportunities to sail in the Gulf of Thailand at different times of year.
At Sail Connections we can help you choose a suitable yacht and plan a Koh Chang sailing holiday that makes the most of this beautiful and relatively undiscovered part of Thailand.
The Koh Chang base is in a beautiful place and getting there was part of the adventure. Even though Koh Chang seems hard to get to it really isn’t. The transfers were really easy and also the ferry.
Highlights were Koh Rang & Koh Kut. South Koh Kut is not to be missed. These island were a stand out although everywhere was pristine and perfect, and the food was amazing.
Daniel, Australia, January 2025
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The Koh Chang Archipelago
Koh Chang lies in Trat Province, in the northeastern Gulf of Thailand, approximately 300 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and close to the Cambodian border.
The island is the largest in the Mu Ko Chang archipelago, a group of more than 40 islands, many of which form part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. The surrounding waters offer an attractive cruising area with forested islands, coral reefs, sandy beaches and sheltered bays.
The principal yacht charter base is at Salak Phet, a fishing village on the southeastern side of Koh Chang. From here, charterers have convenient access to the islands lying south of Koh Chang, including Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Rang and Koh Kut.
Principal Cruising Destinations
Koh Wai
A small island south of Koh Chang, Koh Wai is a convenient first stop on many sailing itineraries. Its beaches and surrounding reefs offer opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in suitable conditions.
Koh Mak
Koh Mak is a relatively low-lying island with coconut plantations, sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. It provides a pleasant contrast to the mountainous landscape of Koh Chang and is a popular stop for visiting ashore.
Koh Rang Marine Park
The Koh Rang island group is known for its marine environment, with coral reefs and opportunities for snorkelling. Much of the area is protected, and visiting yachts should observe national park regulations and use designated moorings where required.
Koh Kut (Koh Kood)
Further south, Koh Kut is one of the highlights of the cruising region. This large, forested island has beautiful beaches, waterfalls and numerous bays. Its more remote character makes it particularly appealing to sailors who enjoy spending time away from busy tourism centres.
Charter Base and Getting There
The Koh Chang charter base is located at Salak Phet, on the southeastern coast of the island.
Most international visitors travel through Bangkok, then take a domestic flight to Trat or continue by road to the mainland ferry terminal. A vehicle ferry provides access to Koh Chang, followed by a road transfer to Salak Phet.
Because the charter base is some distance from the principal tourist beaches and ferry arrival points, transfers should be arranged in advance.
Provisioning is available on Koh Chang, including supermarkets, local shops and fresh produce outlets. It is advisable to allow sufficient time to purchase supplies before boarding, particularly when planning to visit the less developed islands.
Spending a night on Koh Chang before embarking is a practical option and provides an opportunity to explore the island.
Sailing Conditions and Charter Season
The Koh Chang yacht charter season generally runs from October to April, with November to April offering the most consistently favourable conditions.
This period coincides with the northeast monsoon. Winds are generally from the northeast or east, providing enjoyable sailing and shelter in appropriately positioned bays.
Fresh winds are possible, particularly early in the season, when speeds can reach 20–25 knots. Conditions tend to become lighter and more variable from January onwards.
The islands provide a good selection of anchorages, although local shelter, water depth, reefs and changing weather conditions must always be considered.
The cruising area is suitable for experienced bareboat sailors who are comfortable navigating unfamiliar tropical waters. A professional local skipper can be arranged for those who prefer assistance.
The fleet generally relocates to Koh Samui for the alternate season, allowing charter operations to continue elsewhere in the Gulf of Thailand.
Planning Your Koh Chang Itinerary
A seven-day charter provides sufficient time to visit the principal islands of Koh Mak, Koh Rang and Koh Kut, with opportunities to explore smaller islands along the way.
Longer charters allow a more leisurely pace and additional time for swimming, snorkelling and exploring ashore.
The precise itinerary should remain flexible, taking account of prevailing conditions, anchorage suitability and the interests of those aboard. At Sail Connections we can help you plan a suitable route and arrange a yacht that matches your preferred style of sailing.
The map below has been produced using internet tools and pin placements may not be exact. It is intended as a rough guide. For further research and preparing itineraries, we suggest you refer to quality on-line maps and charts.
What are the highlights of a Koh Chang sailing itinerary?
The principal highlights include Koh Mak, Koh Kut and Koh Rang Marine Park, along with the many smaller islands and sheltered bays of the Koh Chang archipelago. A week allows time to explore several of these locations.
How do I get to Koh Chang for a sailing charter?
Koh Chang is reached via mainland Trat, either by domestic flight from Bangkok or by road. A vehicle ferry connects the mainland with Koh Chang, followed by a road transfer to the charter base at Salak Phet in the island's southeast.
Why choose Koh Chang for a yacht charter holiday?
Koh Chang offers a quieter and less commercialised Thai sailing experience, with forested islands, attractive beaches, coral reefs and uncrowded anchorages. It is particularly appealing to those who enjoy exploring away from major tourism centres.
Do I need a sailing licence to charter bareboat in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?
A specific international sailing certificate is not generally required for bareboat charters in the Gulf of Thailand, but you must demonstrate sufficient sailing experience and competence to the charter operator.
What are the main differences between Koh Samui and Koh Chang sailing?
Koh Samui offers a more developed holiday environment with dramatic island scenery, while Koh Chang is quieter and less commercialised. Both offer excellent tropical cruising, but in different seasons.
Are crewed charters available in Koh Samui and Koh Chang?
Yes. Both destinations offer bareboat yachts with the option of hiring a professional local skipper and, subject to availability, a cook or other crew. This is different from chartering a fully crewed yacht.
What type of yacht works best for Gulf of Thailand charter?
Both sailing catamarans and monohulls are suitable for Koh Samui and Koh Chang. Catamarans offer more living space and shallow draught, while monohulls appeal to those who prefer traditional sailing and often a lower charter cost.
What Is the sailing like in the Gulf of Thailand?
The Gulf of Thailand offers warm-water island cruising with generally manageable passages and attractive anchorages. Conditions vary by season and location, making the choice between Koh Samui and Koh Chang particularly important.
Is the Gulf of Thailand crowded with charter yachts?
No. Compared with major Mediterranean and Caribbean charter destinations, both Koh Samui and Koh Chang have relatively small yacht charter fleets. Koh Chang is particularly quiet, while Koh Samui has more general tourism activity.
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Koh Chang
Rating: ★★★★★The Koh Chang Base is in a beautiful place and getting there was part of the adventure. Even though Koh Chang seems hard to get to it really isn’t. The transfers were really easy and also the ferry.
The boat was adequate for the area and the type of sailing required. It was perfectly presented and everything worked.
Highlights: Koh Rang & Koh Kut. These island were a stand out although everywhere was pristine and perfect. The food was amazing. Raymond and team at Island Spirit Koh Chang were amazing, Friendly and super helpful.
Daniel, Australia, Jan 22nd, 2025
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