A 12-day private yacht charter through Thailand's Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands is a journey into one of Southeast Asia's most dramatic coastal landscapes. This 142-nautical-mile circuit showcases limestone pinnacles rising vertically from emerald water, hidden lagoons carved into karst formations, pristine snorkelling reefs, and the iconic James Bond Island. The route balances exploration of remote anchorages with stops at well-developed islands and beach towns.
Your VoyageAo Po Marina to Khao Phing Kan
Depart Ao Po Marina on Phuket's northeast coast and motor/sail 15 nautical miles north to Khao Phing Kan, universally known as "James Bond Island" after its appearance in the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun." The approach is spectacular — limestone pinnacles rise hundreds of metres from emerald water with no apparent summit. The central rock formation juts vertically from the bay and is instantly recognisable. Anchor nearby (in designated areas) and explore by dinghy into the lagoon carved beneath the cliffs. The cave entrance is accessible at high tide; paddling into the cave system in a small boat is an unforgettable experience. The rock walls tower above, and the light filtering through the cave entrance is ethereal. Snorkelling around the base of the karst reveals excellent coral and abundant fish. The site attracts tour boats during the day, so arrive early or stay late for solitude.
Khao Phing Kan to Ko Yao Noi
Motor 12 nautical miles north to Ko Yao Noi, a large island in the heart of Phang Nga Bay that remains relatively undeveloped compared to other Thai islands. The main settlement is a fishing village with a few simple guesthouses and restaurants. The anchorage is peaceful; the surrounding landscape is dramatic limestone cliffs and mangrove forests. Snorkelling here is good — the reefs are in excellent condition and less visited than nearby sites. An afternoon excursion by dinghy into the mangrove channels reveals egrets, herons, and other birdlife. A dinner ashore in the village provides authentic Thai cuisine and local atmosphere without tourist crowds.
Ko Yao Noi to Ko Hong
A 10-nm sail south to Ko Hong, whose name means "Emerald Island" — a reference to the famous emerald lagoon carved into the island's interior. The outer anchorage is sheltered; from here, a dinghy or small boat excursion takes you to a narrow channel that cuts through a limestone wall. The passage opens into a freshwater lagoon surrounded by 300-metre cliffs, with jungle vegetation spilling down the rock face. The lagoon is emerald-coloured from mineral-rich freshwater input; swimming in fresh water surrounded by towering karst is a surreal experience. The outer reef of Ko Hong offers good snorkelling; the island itself is minimally developed.
Ko Hong to Krabi
An 8-nm passage south brings you to Krabi, a town on the mainland noted for its dramatic limestone cliffs and beach tourism infrastructure. Krabi town has good provisioning, restaurants, and a bustling night market. The anchorage is busy with tour boats and long-tail taxis, but it serves as a useful resupply point. Ashore, the Krabi riverfront has excellent local food stalls. The Four Islands speedboat tour (available through local operators) departs from here and visits four nearby islands — a popular option if you want to explore without sailing yourself. The limestone cliffs visible from the anchorage are spectacular and have become famous for sport climbing routes.
Krabi to Ko Phi Phi Don
A 28-nm passage south across open water takes you from Krabi to Ko Phi Phi Don, the larger of the two Phi Phi Islands. The approach is dramatic — twin limestone peaks emerge from the sea, and the island's distinctive geography becomes apparent: a narrow isthmus connects two hillsides, with Tonsai Bay on one side and Loh Dalum Bay on the other. Ko Phi Phi Don is the hub of Phi Phi tourism; the island has numerous resorts, restaurants, bars, and a high concentration of day-trippers. The anchorage is crowded in high season; book mooring buoys in advance or anchor early in the day. Despite the tourism, the natural beauty is undeniable. Snorkelling off the main beach reveals good coral and abundant fish. An evening meal and drinks ashore put you in the heart of the beach scene.
Ko Phi Phi Don to Ko Phi Phi Leh
A 2-nm hop to Ko Phi Phi Leh, a small island that is even more visually spectacular than Ko Phi Phi Don. The island has no permanent settlement; it is protected as a marine national park. The primary attraction is Maya Beach — a pristine crescent of white sand bordered by 100-metre limestone cliffs. The beach has been featured in countless travel magazines and films. Day-trip boats crowd the bay from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; arrive very early (8 a.m.) or after 4 p.m. for relative solitude. Anchor in a nearby protected bay; Monkey Beach on the north shore is accessible by dinghy. Snorkelling off the western shore (Bamboo Island, nearby) offers excellent reef with minimal crowds. The island is pristine and enchanting — the moment you've been picturing when you decided on this charter.
Ko Phi Phi Leh to Ko Phi Phi Don
Dedicate a second day to the Phi Phi Islands, exploring different anchorages and snorkelling sites. Bamboo Island, a small islet just north of Phi Phi Leh, has excellent snorkelling and a pristine beach. Viewpoint Hill on Phi Phi Don (a 30-minute hike) offers 360-degree views of the island group and the mainland. If you are a diver, the area around Phi Phi Islands is an excellent diving destination with multiple sites. A sunset meal at a beachfront restaurant on Phi Phi Don offers cold cocktails and fresh seafood.
Ko Phi Phi Don to Ko Lanta Yai
A longer 35-nm passage south takes you to Ko Lanta Yai, the main island of the Lanta archipelago. The transit crosses the Andaman Sea and typically takes 5–6 hours. Ko Lanta Yai is larger and less densely developed than the Phi Phi Islands; it retains a more laid-back, local atmosphere. The west coast has numerous beach resorts and calm anchorages. Saladan, the main town on the north shore, has provisioning and restaurants. The island is known for its long sandy beaches and clear water. Snorkelling around the island is good, with accessible reefs from many anchorages.
Ko Lanta Yai to Ko Lanta Yai (explore)
Spend a second day at Ko Lanta Yai exploring the beaches and marine life. The island's east coast has excellent mangrove forests; a dinghy expedition through the mangroves reveals egrets, otters, and pristine lagoons. The west coast beaches are ideal for relaxation — long stretches of sand with few tourists. The island is far enough from Phuket and Krabi to feel genuinely remote, yet it has enough tourism infrastructure for comfort. An evening longboat excursion to nearby islands (Koh Rok, Koh Haa) is possible if you have extra time.
Ko Lanta Yai to Krabi
Motor/sail 35 nautical miles north back to Krabi, retracing part of the outbound route. The passage offers time to relax and reflect on the week's experiences. Arrive in Krabi in mid-afternoon; a final evening exploring the night market and riverside restaurants rounds out the stay.
Krabi to Ao Po Marina
A 23-nm passage north returns you to Ao Po Marina. The transit typically takes 4–5 hours in the morning, leaving afternoon time for checkout and disembarkation procedures. The marina facilities at Ao Po are modern and professional; provisioning and services are reliable.
Ao Po Marina to — (depart)
Morning departure or final leisure time before heading to the airport. Phuket International Airport is 45 minutes from Ao Po Marina by car.
Season
October through April is the dry season and ideal for this itinerary. December–February is peak season — expect crowds at popular anchorages and higher prices. October–November and March–April offer warm weather with fewer tourists. The monsoon season (May–September) brings heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas; many charter companies cease operations.
Embarkation
Ao Po Marina on Phuket's northeast coast is the primary charter base. The marina has fuel, water, provisioning, and crew briefing facilities. Phuket International Airport is 45 minutes away; many charterers arrive a day early to acclimatise.
Provisioning
Ao Po Marina has supermarkets and fresh markets. Krabi (especially the night market) has excellent provisioning. Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta have basic supplies; stock up before departing Phuket or Krabi. Fresh seafood is abundant and inexpensive.
Visas
Most nationalities receive a 60-day tourist visa on arrival (passport valid 6 months minimum). Thailand has relaxed COVID-related restrictions; verify current entry requirements before travel.
National Parks & Regulations
Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park has designated anchorages and mooring buoys; use these to protect seagrass meadows and coral. Phi Phi Islands National Park is strictly protected — no littering, no fishing, no anchoring outside designated areas. Ko Lanta marine conservation area has similar protocols. Respect these rules; they protect the ecosystem.
Navigation
The Andaman Sea is well-charted, and the islands are easily navigable. Coral and rocks require careful piloting at slow speed in some passages. Electronic charts and pilot books are essential. Your charter company provides detailed route briefings.
This itinerary is a suggestion.
Your captain will adapt the route based on weather, marine park regulations, and your preferences. Extensions to Krabi's four islands, additional days at Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta, or detours to diving sites (Richelieu Rock, off Khao Lak) can be arranged. The moderate distances between stops allow flexibility; if you find a location compelling, stay longer. The warm tropical waters and consistent weather make this an ideal destination for relaxed, immersive sailing.
| Day | From | To | NM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ao Po Marina | → | Khao Phing Kan | 15 |
| 2 | Khao Phing Kan | → | Ko Yao Noi | 12 |
| 3 | Ko Yao Noi | → | Ko Hong | 10 |
| 4 | Ko Hong | → | Krabi | 8 |
| 5 | Krabi | → | Ko Phi Phi Don | 28 |
| 6 | Ko Phi Phi Don | → | Ko Phi Phi Leh | 2 |
| 7 | Ko Phi Phi Leh | → | Ko Phi Phi Don | 2 |
| 8 | Ko Phi Phi Don | → | Ko Lanta Yai | 35 |
| 9 | Ko Lanta Yai | → | Ko Lanta Yai (explore) | — |
| 10 | Ko Lanta Yai | → | Krabi | 35 |
| 11 | Krabi | → | Ao Po Marina | 23 |
| 12 | Ao Po Marina | → | — (depart) | — |
| Total | 142 | |||
