Wild WorkationSailing Vacation in the Andaman Sea
A 7-day sailing vacation through the Andaman Sea: limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, the legendary Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, snorkelling at Ko Haa and Ko Rok reefs, hidden hong sea caves, the fishing villages of Ko Yao Noi, and sunsets over Phuket. From the deck of a catamaran — a Thailand no beach resort can reach.
Seven-day catamaran vacation through the Andaman Sea — the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, the legendary Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, coral reefs at Ko Haa and Ko Rok, hidden hong sea caves, and the fishing villages of Ko Yao Noi. From €1,300 per person with the early-bird discount, €1,500 at the standard rate, or €2,400 for a private cabin for two. All-inclusive: internet on board, private air-conditioned cabins, three Thai-cuisine meals a day, fuel, marina fees, and a professional skipper. Ideal for travellers who want warm 28–32 °C water, daily snorkelling, and a version of Thailand no beach resort can reach. The hook: James Bond Island, sunset dinners at anchor, and kayaking into limestone lagoons that only open at low tide.
In the fixed price
- A berth on the catamaran (shared double cabin)
- Bedding and towels
- Skipper services
- Dinghy (motorised)
- Snorkelling gear
- Internet on board
Not included
- Flights
- Transfer to the marina
- Meals ashore
- Alcohol
- National park fees
- Scuba diving
- Personal expenses
- Damage policy
7-Day Route: From Phang Nga Bay to the Reefs of Ko Haa
Phang Nga Bay — Hong Islands
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most spectacular marine landscapes in the world. Around 40 limestone islands up to 300 metres tall rise straight from the water. Hongs — hidden interior lagoons inside hollow karst rocks — are accessible only by kayak or dinghy at high tide. Paddling through a dark tunnel and emerging into a sunlit interior lake surrounded by sheer walls is one of the most powerful natural experiences in the region.
James Bond Island — Khao Phing Kan
Khao Phing Kan and the Ko Tapu rock — 20 metres tall, 4 metres wide at the base — became iconic after The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Arriving by yacht from the water side in the early morning, before the tour boats arrive, is an entirely different experience from the daytime group tours.
Ko Yao Noi — Authentic Thailand
Ko Yao Noi is a small island with a predominantly Muslim population in the centre of Phang Nga Bay. No party tourism: villages, fish markets at dawn, water buffalo on the roads, kayaks through mangrove channels. The eastern shore has one of the best panoramic views across the limestone islands of the bay. The entire island can be circled on a rented bicycle in a few hours.
Ko Phi Phi Don — Heart of the Archipelago
Phi Phi Don is the largest island in the archipelago with the distinctive twin-beach Tonsai Bay pinched between two mountain ridges. The village on the isthmus is a lively mix of dive shops, restaurants, and street food. From the island viewpoint at the top, one of Thailand's most famous panoramas opens: both bays and the entire archipelago at once.
Maya Bay — Ko Phi Phi Leh
Maya Bay became world-famous after The Beach (2000). Three walls of limestone cliffs 100–200 metres high enclose a turquoise lagoon. After its conservation closure (2018–2022), the reef has visibly recovered: turtles, nurse sharks, and reef sharks are again seen in the bay. The yacht enters early in the morning — before the tourist speedboats are admitted.
Ko Lanta — Long Beaches and Old Town
Ko Lanta is a long island with wide palm-fringed beaches on the west coast and a small Old Town on the east. Old Town is a preserved stilt village of 19th-century wooden houses above the water, home to Thai-Malay fishing families. Klong Dao beach in the north is wide, quiet, and clear, with sunsets directly over the Andaman Sea.
Ko Haa — Underwater Caves and Reefs
Ko Haa is an uninhabited five-island archipelago in the open sea south-west of Ko Lanta. A national marine park with the best snorkelling and diving on the Andaman: 15–25 metre visibility, underwater caves with air pockets, soft corals, sea turtles, and reef sharks. No tourist infrastructure — just the anchor, open water, and life beneath the surface.
Everything About Our Sailing Vacation in the Andaman Sea, Thailand
"When is the best time to sail without hitting monsoon season?" "Do I need a visa for Thailand?" "Is it safe to swim where there are sharks?" — everyone asks these before their first Andaman sailing trip. Below are honest, fact-specific answers based on real voyage experience.
An Andaman sailing vacation is a week-long catamaran voyage through the waters of the Andaman Sea between Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta, and Ko Haa. Each day brings a new anchorage: hongs, beaches, reefs, fishing villages. No hotels, no transfers — just the yacht, open water, and islands unreachable from shore.
Standard 7-day route: Phuket (start, Ao Po Grand Marina) → Phang Nga Bay (hongs, James Bond Island) → Ko Yao Noi → Ko Phi Phi Don → Maya Bay (Ko Phi Phi Leh) → Ko Lanta → Ko Haa (reefs) → Phuket. The route is flexible — adjusted for weather, tides, and group preferences.
Hongs are hidden interior lagoons inside hollow limestone islands in Phang Nga Bay. From outside the rock looks solid, but inside there is open sky, sheer walls, and isolated turquoise water. Entry is only possible at high tide: by kayak or inflatable dinghy through a low tunnel at the base of the rock. Hong Island, Hong Paretai, and islands around Ko Lao Liang are the most well-known sites.
Yes — Maya Bay reopened in 2022 after an extended restoration period. Access restrictions are in place: entry only during certain hours, a limited number of boats at any time, and swimming in designated zones only. From the yacht you can arrive early in the morning, before the tourist speedboats. The reef has visibly recovered during the closure years.
The best season for the Andaman Sea is November–April. The north-east monsoon brings steady, moderate wind, clear skies, and underwater visibility of 15–25 metres. Peak conditions: December–March (+29–32°C, dry). May–October is the south-west monsoon: heavy rain, large swell, restricted navigation. We run voyages exclusively in the dry season.
During the dry season (November–April) storms are extremely rare. Wind is moderate, 10–20 knots, sea conditions calm. Tropical cyclones almost never form in the Andaman Sea — the basin is shielded by the Malay Peninsula. At any forecast deterioration we stay in sheltered bays or marinas.
In the dry season: +28–33°C during the day, +22–26°C at night. Underway under sail the sea breeze drops the felt temperature by 5–7°C. At anchor in a bay it is hot — shade in the cockpit or AC in the saloon is essential. SPF 50+ sunscreen is a necessity from day one.
No — the reef sharks and nurse sharks found at Ko Haa and Ko Phi Phi pose no danger to swimmers. Reef sharks are shy and keep their distance. Nurse sharks are slow-moving and non-aggressive. There have been no recorded shark attacks on swimmers in this region in recent decades. The skipper briefs participants before each snorkelling session.
No vaccinations are mandatory. Recommended: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid (if eating street food ashore). On a yacht at sea the risk of tropical disease exposure is minimal. Bring DEET-based insect repellent for evenings ashore.
Yes — travel insurance with water sports, snorkelling, and medical evacuation coverage is essential (around €30–50 per week). Nearest major hospitals: Bangkok Hospital and Mission Hospital in Phuket, and Krabi Hospital. Helicopter evacuation from open sea is available via the Thai MRCC rescue service.
In the dry season the sea is calm: wave height 0.5–1.5 metres, motion moderate. Passages inside Phang Nga Bay are near-flat, protected by the karst islands. On open stretches toward Ko Haa a gentle swell is possible. If you are prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine tablets or a Scopoderm patch.
Essentials: light clothing (shorts, t-shirts, a summer dress), swimwear, flip-flops and shoes for shore, SPF 50+ sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, a light jacket for evenings. All snorkelling gear is provided. Replace a hard suitcase with a soft duffel — there is no space for rigid luggage on a yacht.
Double cabins: a double bed or two singles, air conditioning, 220V outlets, a small wardrobe, and a porthole. Hot-water shower bathroom shared between 2–3 cabins. Bedding and towels provided.
Yes — air conditioning is installed in cabins and the saloon. Underway it runs from the generator; in a marina it runs on shore power. At anchor without shore power AC use may be limited (depends on battery capacity and generator running schedule).
Breakfast is prepared on board. Lunches and dinners are mixed: some on board (Thai and pan-Asian cuisine), some at restaurants and street food markets ashore. Fresh seafood is bought directly from fishermen at the markets of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Lanta.
Dishes on board are prepared with the group's preferences in mind. If you cannot eat spicy food — inform us at booking and the cook will adjust. Thai cuisine is varied: most dishes can be made without chilli (pad thai, fried rice, steamed fish). Ashore in restaurants you can always ask for "not spicy" (mai phet).
Yes — inform us at booking: vegetarian, vegan, allergies (peanuts, shellfish, gluten, lactose), halal. Thai cuisine is rich in vegetarian dishes: Tom Yum with tofu, green vegetable curry, Som Tum, mango sticky rice. On larger islands (Ko Lanta, Phuket) vegetarian restaurants are available.
The voyage starts from Ao Po Grand Marina on the north-east of Phuket island — about 40 km from HKT Airport. Taxi: ~600–800 THB (€15–20), 35–45 minutes. Grab (Thai equivalent of Uber) is cheaper: ~500 THB. Recommended: fly in Friday evening, stay overnight in Phuket, transfer to the marina Saturday morning. We send detailed instructions after booking.
Most nationalities do not need a visa: Thailand grants visa-free entry to citizens of over 60 countries for 30 days (extended to 60 days for some nationalities since 2024). Russian citizens: visa-free 30 days. EU, UK, US, and Australian citizens: visa-free 30 days. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a TR tourist visa (60 days) in advance at the embassy.
The voyage starts Saturday at 14:00–16:00 at Ao Po Marina and ends the following Saturday by 10:00. Optimal: arrive Friday evening, depart Saturday after 14:00 or Sunday. Phuket is a major hub with direct flights from Moscow, Dubai, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Thai Baht (THB). Exchange rate: 1 EUR ≈ 37–40 THB. ATMs are available on all major islands (Phuket, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi). ATM fee: 200–250 THB per withdrawal. Visa/Mastercard cards are accepted at restaurants and shops on tourist islands. On smaller islands — cash only.
A berth on the 7-day Andaman Sea sailing cruise costs: €1,300 (early bird), €1,500 (standard), €2,400 (full cabin for two). Included: catamaran, skipper, fuel, port fees, bedding, snorkelling gear, onboard internet. Extra: groceries (bought together), flights to Phuket, transfer, meals ashore, national park entry fees (~€5–12 per person).
Yes — full yacht charter (8 berths) for a group, family, or corporate trip. The route and programme are tailored to your preferences. A full charter is more cost-effective than booking 8 individual berths. Contact us for a quote.
Booking: 50% deposit (non-refundable but transferable to another voyage if cancelled 30+ days before departure). Balance: 14 days before start. Payment: bank transfer (IBAN), PayPal, USDT. If we cancel (weather, force majeure) — full refund or rebooking.
The cruise suits adults of any age — no sailing experience required. Ideal for: couples and friend groups looking for an active holiday in an unconventional format; solo travellers who want to explore Thailand off the tourist trail; snorkelling, diving, and nature enthusiasts.
Yes — many participants join solo. Shared experiences on the route, swimming together, and dinners on board quickly bring the group together. If you prefer to travel at your own pace and keep to yourself — you can: no socialising is forced.
Yes — provided the children can swim and are comfortable with active outdoor activities. Recommended age: 10 and above. Life on a yacht requires attentiveness: open guardrails, ladders, and some motion. Child-size life jackets are on board. For families with young children we recommend a full charter.