Sail Phuket & The Andaman Sea

The Andaman Coast and Its Endless Variety

The cruising grounds of Thailand's Andaman Coast stretch from the protected national park islands in the north to the tropical islands bordering Malaysia in the south. While adventurous sailors can explore as far as Langkawi on a one-way charter, you don't need to travel far from Phuket to discover some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular sailing destinations.

To fully appreciate the diversity of this coastline, we recommend a two-week charter. However a shorter itinerary still offers plenty of opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and relaxed island lifestyle. Planning your route is less about finding places to visit and more about deciding which highlights to include.

If wishing to remain close to Phuket, the island itself offers excellent cruising. The west coast is lined with attractive anchorages, long sandy beaches, and some of Thailand's best snorkelling and diving sites. Coral reefs, sheltered bays and welcoming beachside restaurants make it easy to combine time under sail with plenty of opportunities to explore ashore.

One of the region's true highlights is Phang Nga Bay. Here, towering limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald-green waters, creating one of the most distinctive seascapes in Asia. Explore hidden lagoons by dinghy, paddle through sea caves, or anchor beneath the famous limestone islands that have become synonymous with Thailand's Andaman Coast.

Further east, near Krabi, Koh Hong offers a picture-perfect tropical escape. Surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs, its sheltered lagoon and crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing aboard your yacht in peaceful surroundings.

The coastline between Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands is equally impressive. Sail beneath towering cliffs at Railay Beach, pass the lively waterfront of Ao Nang, and enjoy some of the most scenic cruising in Thailand. The area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, beachside dining, and unforgettable sunsets.

The Phi Phi Islands remain among Thailand's most celebrated destinations. Their turquoise bays, striking limestone formations, and colourful marine life attract visitors from around the world. Arriving by yacht offers a completely different perspective. Away from the busiest beaches, you can anchor in secluded coves, swim directly from your boat and enjoy the islands at your own pace.

Further south, the Ko Rok Islands reward those seeking a quieter experience. Protected national park waters, pristine beaches, and excellent snorkelling combine with a sense of tranquillity that defines much of the southern Andaman Sea. Here, life slows down. Days are spent sailing between idyllic anchorages, while evenings bring spectacular sunsets and peaceful nights beneath tropical skies.

These destinations represent only a small sample of what awaits along Thailand's Andaman Coast. Hidden bays, uninhabited islands, vibrant fishing communities, and countless sheltered anchorages provide endless opportunities for exploration. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, cultural experiences or simply the pleasure of cruising through stunning tropical scenery, Phuket offers one of the world's most rewarding sailing regions.

The Andaman Sea region has distinct wet and dry seasons as determined by the monsoons, but stormy conditions are very rare. The northeast monsoon coincides with peak tourist season in Phuket, in the months of October to April. The weather is consistently good at this time, with light to moderate breezes from the sheltered northeast and calm waters.

From May to September the wind is in the southwest and somewhat stronger, and the coast is more exposed. The southwest monsoon wind range is normally 15 - 25 knots and less predictable than during the north-westerly pattern. This period also brings the rain, but there are numerous fine anchorages sheltered from the south and west to make a sailing holiday comfortable if you keep your plans flexible. This is the low season, and best to limit your itinerary to the area from Phuket south. The weather is still warm, and sailing conditions can be surprisingly good, particularly in the shoulder periods. Expect the occasional afternoon tropical downpour followed as often as not by a still night.

Average daytime temperatures vary only marginally, from 30°C (86°F) in June to 27°C (80°F) in December. The tidal range can exceed 2.5 metres, so tide needs to be considered when navigating and anchoring. Plenty of landmarks mean navigation is line-of-sight, keeping a careful eye on the chart and GPS to avoid the numerous coral reefs. Whatever the time of year, a sailing vacation out of Phuket is within the capability of sailors who have confidence in basic coastal navigation.

Our client reviews about charter sailing in Phuket & Andaman Sea