A Super Sailing Holiday in the Gulf of Thailand
The Samui archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand is home to over 50 gorgeous islands, many of which are uninhabited. Exploring this area by chartered yacht is an unsurpassed pleasure and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Disappear for days on end in this aquatic wonderland of turquoise seas and verdant limestone islands. A yacht charter from Koh Samui allows you to relax on secluded beaches, join into full moon parties, dive in crystal clear waters and dine on traditional Thai cuisine: the perfect way to experience the best of what this charter sailing holiday hotspot has to offer.
Koh Samui and her Sister Islands: a Charter Sailing Gem
The Samui islands have a fascinating geography with endless bays and coves to aid discovery and exploration from your water-based setting. Besides the main island of Koh Samui, popular itinerary hot spots are the beautiful sandy beaches to Koh Pha Ngan and the exceptional diving and snorkelling around Koh Tao. Take time among the 42 islands of the Mu Ko Angthong National Marine Park to explore the stunning limestone atolls with their onshore walks and caves that can be accessed by kayak.
All these islands form a compact group just offshore the south-eastern Thai mainland, with direct flights between Samui International Airport and Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore amongst other major gateways.
Bareboat charters start and finish at Fisherman's Village, Bophut, 15 minutes from the airport on the northern side of Koh Samui. Arrive a few days before your charter, get acclimatised and enjoy the jungle hikes, markets and nightlife of the area before setting sail to uncrowded islands as nature intended them, all within an easy sail of each other.
If your group is not ready for a full bareboat sailing holiday, a professional local skipper can be hired for your charter. A cook can also be arranged if you're looking for the ultimate relaxing Gulf of Thailand charter.
Sailing Conditions around Koh Samui
The Koh Samui boat charter season runs from May to August. While the western side of the Indo-Malayan peninsula is experiencing the southwest monsoon with its wet season and stronger winds, sheltered Samui is enjoys its best sailing holiday weather at that time of year. There is plentiful (but not too much) wind for good sailing in tropically warm temperatures with a comfortable sea state. This is a safe cruising ground with easy day sails between the islands and a choice of sheltered eastern-facing bays to overnight at anchor.
If you'd like to sail the Gulf of Thailand in the Koh Samui off-season, the Koh Chang Arichpelago is the perfect sister-location.
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.
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Do I need a sailing licence to charter bareboat in Koh Samui or Koh Chang?
Unlike much of the Mediterranean, operators in he Gulf of Thailand generally do not require you to produce a specific international sailing certificate by law. Continue reading...
Are crewed charters available in Koh Samui and Koh Chang?
Yes, in a form we refer to as 'crewed bareboat, where you charter the boat bareboat then take on local profesisonals as extras. Continue reading...
What are the main differences between Koh Samui and Koh Chang sailing?
Koh Samui has a more developed tourism sector, while Koh Chang is more remote and low key. Continue reading...
Can you sail in the Gulf of Thailand year round?
Thailand offers two very distinct sailing regions in the east: Koh Chang near the Cambodian border, and Koh Samui further southwest in the Gulf of Thailand. Understanding their contrasting seasons is key to planning a successful charter in this region. Continue reading...
Our client reviews about charter sailing in Koh Samui
Rating: ★★★★★There was a good range of islands to visit, from busy to quiet and the Thai food was always amazing. There was usually a good morning breeze that kicked in fairly early and then seemed to drop off in the afternoon.
Our favourite destination was Ko Tao as the water was so incredibly clear. The national park was also good: not clear water but the night time phosphorescence made up for that. We loved finding the hong inside the northern most island in the national park too.
The Lagoon 400 S2 was an incredible boat! Easily the best choice for a family with kids. Comfortably slept all 9 of us and was very easy to manouvre. We'd definitely like to use her again in the future.
Great communication, good organisation. All went very smoothly. Incredible holiday, sailing amongst the islands surrounding Koh Samui, all organised by the team from Sail Connections. I highly recommend them! Nicholas, Australia, Aug 9th, 2023
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Related Blog Posts
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The Gulf of Thailand: Warm-Water Chartering from Koh Samui & Koh Chang
Get away on a bareboat yacht charter in Thailand’s Gulf. Sail from Koh Chang (October–April) or Koh Samui (May–August).
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