Towering limestone cliffs, jade-green bays and strings of tiny islands… Phuket is one of the best bases in Thailand for a week under sail. Whether you charter a catamaran with a skipper or a sailboat on Click&Boat, this 7-day Phuket sailing itinerary helps you make the most of the Andaman Sea without rushing from place to place.
You’ll start and finish in Phuket, glide through the karst scenery of Phang Nga Bay, overnight near Krabi’s famous Railay Beach, hop to the Phi Phi Islands and end with a relaxed swim around the Racha and Coral Islands before heading back to the marina.
7-day Phuket sailing route at a glance
- Day 1 – Phuket → Phang Nga Bay
- Day 2 – Phang Nga Bay → Krabi / Railay
- Day 3 – Krabi → Koh Phi Phi Don
- Day 4 – Explore Koh Phi Phi Leh & Bamboo Island
- Day 5 – Koh Phi Phi → Koh Racha Yai
- Day 6 – Koh Racha Yai → Coral Island → Phuket
- Day 7 – Check-out in Phuket
Distances each day stay comfortable (often between 15 and 30 nautical miles), leaving plenty of time for swimming stops and going ashore.
Day 1: Phuket to Phang Nga Bay (≈20 NM | 3–4 h)
Most charters from Phuket start from Ao Po or Chalong Bay. Once you’ve done the boat handover and stocked up on fresh fruit, snacks and plenty of water, set a course north-east into Phang Nga Bay.
As you leave Phuket behind, the coastline quickly dissolves into a seascape of vertical limestone islands and mangroves. Pick a first overnight stop such as Koh Hong, Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi. These islands offer sheltered anchorages, calm water for a first swim and, often, a small beach bar for sunset.
If you have time, take the dinghy to explore one of the hong lagoons: hidden rooms of water enclosed by cliffs and only accessible through narrow passages at certain tides.
Day 2: Phang Nga Bay to Krabi & Railay (≈18–22 NM | 3–4 h)
After breakfast on deck, continue east towards the Krabi coastline. On the way, you can weave between the needle-like rocks of Phang Nga, stopping for photos or a quick paddle.
Aim to arrive in the Railay area mid-afternoon. The peninsula, only reachable by boat, is framed by orange cliffs and white beaches. You can anchor off Railay West or Phra Nang Beach, paying attention to local mooring rules and long-tail boat traffic.
Spend the rest of the day on shore: walk to the viewpoint, watch rock-climbers on the limestone walls, or simply enjoy a cold drink at a beach bar while the sun sets behind your boat.
Day 3: Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Don (≈25 NM | 4–5 h)
Raise anchor and head south-west across open water to the Phi Phi Islands. On a clear day, you’ll see the outline of Koh Phi Phi Don long before you arrive.
Most yachts either anchor in Tonsai Bay (busy but convenient for restaurants and shops) or choose one of the calmer bays on the north and east coasts, such as Loh Dalum or Loh Ba Kao, depending on wind and swell. Your charter company or skipper can recommend the best options for the conditions on the day.
In the evening, stroll through the village, sample Thai street food or, if your crew is in the mood for it, discover Phi Phi’s nightlife. If you prefer peace and quiet, stay on board, enjoy dinner under the stars and listen to the sounds of the bay.
Day 4: Phi Phi Leh & Bamboo Island (local exploring | 0–10 NM)
Keep this day for short hops and exploration rather than a long passage.
In the morning, motor the short distance to Koh Phi Phi Leh, the uninhabited island just south of Phi Phi Don. This is where Maya Bay is located. Access is heavily regulated to protect the ecosystem: depending on current rules, you may need to stay in a designated area or skip the bay entirely. Your skipper or charter base will brief you on what’s allowed during your week.
Even without landing, the cliffs and turquoise water around the island are spectacular. Later, head north to Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai), where you can anchor in clear, shallow water ideal for snorkelling. With white sand and a fringe of trees, it’s a great lunch stop or overnight anchorage if conditions are calm.
Day 5: Phi Phi to Koh Racha Yai (≈30 NM | 5 h)
Time to turn back towards Phuket, but with one more island stop on the way.
Sail south-west towards Koh Racha Yai, a small island known for its crystal-clear water and laid-back feel. The main bay on the west side has a mooring field and a broad beach with a few resorts and restaurants. The visibility here is often excellent, making it a favourite spot for snorkelling and diving.
Arrive mid-afternoon, drop anchor or pick up a mooring buoy and spend the rest of the day swimming, paddleboarding or simply relaxing on board. At night, the bay is usually calm and offers beautiful starry skies away from the lights of Phuket.
Day 6: Koh Racha Yai to Coral Island & back to Phuket (≈18–22 NM | 3–4 h)
Enjoy a slow breakfast and an early swim before leaving Racha Yai. Your next stop is Coral Island (Koh Hae), just off Phuket’s south-east coast. As the name suggests, the reefs here are home to colourful fish and are easily reached from the beach.
Anchor for lunch in one of the bays, or go ashore for a last swim from the beach. In the afternoon, make the short crossing back to your base at Chalong Bay or Ao Po. Use the rest of the day for refuelling, rinsing the boat and maybe a final dinner in a local restaurant overlooking the harbour.
Day 7: Check-out in Phuket
On your final morning, it’s time for check-out with the charter company. Before you hand back the keys, take a moment to look at your route on the map: in just one week you will have sailed through some of the most iconic scenery in the Andaman Sea.
If your flight is later in the day, you can still fit in a Thai massage, a walk around Phuket Old Town or one last iced coffee before heading to the airport.
Best time to follow this itinerary
This route is easiest between November and April, when the northeast monsoon brings lighter winds and generally calm seas to the Andaman coast. Outside of this window, weather can be more unsettled and some islands or marine parks may close temporarily, so always check local advice with your charter base. We recommend you check out our guide for more Thailand sailing tips.
FAQ:
Is this itinerary suitable for beginners?
Yes, if you sail with a professional skipper. For bareboat, you should already be confident handling a similar-size boat.
How many miles will we sail in a week?
Roughly 100–130 nautical miles, with legs of about 15–30 NM per day and time for swimming stops.
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Phuket?
For bareboat charters, most fleets require an recognised licence (ICC, RYA, ASA or local equivalent) plus experience. With a skipper, no licence is needed.
Can we change the order of the stops?
Yes. This route is a template: you can add or skip islands depending on weather, park rules and what your crew feels like.
What’s the best time of year to follow this route?
The most reliable conditions are from November to April, when seas are calmer and many anchorages are more accessible.
