Are crewed charters available in Koh Samui and Koh Chang?
You do not need to sail the yacht yourself to enjoy a charter holiday in Koh Samui or Koh Chang. Both destinations offer the option of hiring a professional skipper to take responsibility for navigation, boat handling and the safe operation of your yacht.
The usual arrangement is what we describe as a crewed bareboat charter. You select a yacht from the bareboat fleet and add the services of a local professional skipper. A cook or additional crew member may also be available, depending on the yacht, operator and dates.
This arrangement provides considerable flexibility. You can participate in the sailing as much or as little as you wish, while benefiting from the skipper's knowledge of local conditions, anchorages and cruising routes.
It is important to distinguish this from a fully crewed yacht charter, where the vessel normally has its own permanent professional crew and a more comprehensive hospitality service.
On a crewed bareboat charter, provisioning, meals and the crew's accommodation arrangements need to be considered separately. Crew fees and related expenses are normally additional to the yacht charter price.
At Sail Connections we can explain the options and help arrange the appropriate level of assistance for your group.
Related FAQs
Why choose Koh Samui for a yacht charter holiday?
Koh Samui combines beautiful tropical island cruising with excellent shoreside facilities. Its proximity to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine National Park makes it a varied sailing destination during the middle months of the year.
What are the highlights of a Koh Samui sailing itinerary?
The main highlights are Ang Thong Marine National Park, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Together they offer dramatic limestone scenery, beautiful beaches, sheltered anchorages and excellent opportunities for snorkelling and exploring ashore.
How do I get to Koh Samui for a yacht charter?
Koh Samui has its own international airport, with frequent connections through Bangkok and services from selected regional airports. Alternatively, travellers can reach the island by ferry from mainland Thailand.
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.
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.