• The northern route to the north of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and Krabi.
• The southern route to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and the Racha Islands.

You normally need 5 days to properly enjoy either of these routes.

Most people on a 7-10 day Phuket sailing holiday will combine these 2 itineraries and do a large circle around Phang Nga Bay to the east of Phuket. This provides enough time to enjoy the amazing scenery and fantastic water sports in the region.

If you have less than 7 days, you are likely to be in too much of a rush to see everything in the suggested itinerary below. Or you will have to cut out some sections of the suggested itinerary.

Day 1 – Phuket to Phang Nga Bay

All the marinas are on the east coast of Phuket. The island is small, so transfers from your hotel or the airport will take less than 30 minutes. Charters will start sometime between 9am and noon.

Depending which marina you depart from, you will head east or north towards the splendor of Phang Nga Bay. The sheer limestone cliffs rising vertically from the sea provide a stunning start to your charter holiday.

Two of the most famous places to visit at the north end of Phang Nga Bay are James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.

James Bond Island was made famous by appearing in the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. We suggest that you visit this at the start or end of the day in high season, since many speedboats from Phuket or the mainland will bring tourists there in the middle of the day.

Koh Panyee is a fisherman’s village built on stilts, and underneath a giant rock face. This is a fascinating place to have lunch and buy local handicrafts.

Day 2 – Exploring Phang Nga Bay

The north of Phang Nga Bay is populated by hundreds of small islands, caves, bays and inlets, ideal for exploring by kayak of small dinghy. In fact, many of the best places to visit can only be reached this way.

You could spend 2 weeks in this area and still not explore everything!

Some of the most spectacular caves are around Koh Hong, and they are best explored when the tide is low. Sail slowly past the island of Khao Khien and see the ancient paintings of boats and animals on the rock walls.

Day 3 – Phang Nga Bay to Krabi

Heading south, you approach Krabi and the beach at Ao Nang Bay. Many resorts, shops, restaurants and nightlife spots are dotted along this bay. Even more secluded just to the south is the world famous Railay Beach, protected from road access by rock walls either side.

More kayaking to be done, or even a little rock climbing? And, unlike the waters in the very north of Phang Nga Bay, the waters here are further south and offer very good diving and snorkeling opportunities.

Day 4 – Krabi to Koh Lanta

If you can drag yourself away from the stunning Railay Beach, head south to the 70 small islands surrounding Koh Lanta. This area offers an abundance of white sandy beaches, with stunning forested coastlines, and loads of underwater marine life to explore.

Lanta is far away from the main towns of Phuket and Krabi, and offers a far more peaceful version of Thailand. In fact, so peaceful that 1 day might not be enough here!

Day 5 – Koh Lanta to Phi Phi Islands

Spectacular cliffs rising vertically out of the clear blue sea, idyllic tropical beaches, and lagoons surrounded by rock walls, have made Phi Phi Islands famous all over the world. This was the location for The Beach, starring Leonardo Di Caprio.

There is an abundance of snorkeling and diving opportunities around the islands, many of which are uninhabited. Also, many of the cliffs are scalable, and the views of the sunset from above and truly amazing. There is also a range of top class restaurants to choose from, and a very active nightlife scene.

Day 6 – Phi Phi Islands to the Racha Islands

West of Phi Phi are the Racha Islands, a true tropical paradise 10 miles south of the main island of Phuket. The waters are crystal clear, and the sandy beaches are snowy white. The waters around the Racha Islands offer some great snorkeling and diving, and also offer the best fishing close to Phuket.

Day 7 – Back to Phuket

Heading north back to the main island of Phuket, there are numerous small islands off the east coast that can be explored on your final day. Maybe do some snorkeling at Coral Island, or feeding the fishes from the beach at Khai Nok?

Information on Phuket Yacht Charter

5-Day Charters

It will be very difficult to enjoy everything that the east coast of Phuket has to offer in less than 7 days. You will be rushing to leave each place as soon as you arrive.

If you do only have 5 days, we would suggest cutting out Koh Lanta and/or Racha Islands. This will still be rushed, but at least you will see the amazing limestone scenery in the north of Phang Nga Bay, and also see the world class Phi Phi Islands.

Honeymoon Charters

This itinerary is incredibly romantic and you can find all of the peace and quite that you want. It’s perfect for a honeymoon, or second honeymoon charter, and we have several yachts that specialise in Honeymoon Charters.Click here for more information on Thailand Honeymoon Yacht Charters.