Phuket & Phang Nga Bay

Phuket is South-East Asia's largest charter base, positioned on Thailand's west coast where the Andaman Sea meets Phang Nga Bay. The bay itself — a shallow, sheltered expanse studded with vertical limestone karsts rising from turquoise water — provides a sailing landscape that has no equivalent in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. The karsts, many draped in vegetation with sea caves at their base, create a labyrinth of channels and anchorages where the navigation is visual and the scenery constant. Charter companies operate from several marinas along Phuket's east coast: Yacht Haven Marina, Royal Phuket Marina, and Ao Po Grand Marina are the largest. The fleet is predominantly catamarans, reflecting the shallow waters and the premium that charter guests place on space and stability in these conditions. Skippered charters are more common here than in Europe — the warm climate and the relatively low cost of hiring a Thai skipper make it an accessible format. Phang Nga Bay, north-east of Phuket, is the immediate cruising ground. Ko Tapu — the limestone pillar known as James Bond Island since The Man with the Golden Gun — is the most famous landmark, though the bay offers dozens of equally dramatic formations without the tour-boat crowds. Ko Hong, accessible through a narrow sea cave at the right tide, opens into a hidden lagoon surrounded by vertical walls. South of Phuket, the Phi Phi Islands lie roughly 25 nautical miles away. Ko Phi Phi Don, the inhabited island, has a busy harbour and backpacker-oriented development. Ko Phi Phi Leh, uninhabited and known for Maya Bay — closed for ecological recovery and reopened with visitor restrictions — offers dramatic cliff-enclosed bays and good snorkelling. The sailing season aligns with the north-east monsoon: November through April, when the wind blows gently from the north-east at 10-18 knots and the skies are generally clear. The south-west monsoon, May through October, brings rain, stronger winds, and swell that affects the exposed western anchorages. Provisioning in Phuket is excellent and inexpensive. Fresh markets sell produce, seafood, and Thai ingredients at a fraction of European prices. Marina restaurants and the island's extensive dining scene mean eating aboard is optional. Fuel and water are available at all marinas.