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Phuket Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Phuket

Phuket is where Thai yacht chartering begins. Thailand’s largest island – roughly 50 km long and 22 km wide – sits in the northern Andaman Sea and serves as the natural launchpad for every Andaman itinerary, from a day trip to the Racha Islands to a two-week voyage south through Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and the Tarutao Marine Park. Five full-service marinas line its eastern shore, with Ao Po Grand Marina at the northern tip offering deepwater berths for superyachts up to 100+ metres and direct access to Phang Nga Bay. Royal Phuket Marina in Ao Chalong, Phuket Yacht Haven (332 berths accommodating vessels from 3 to 60+ metres) and Phuket Boat Lagoon round out the infrastructure. No other port in Southeast Asia matches Phuket’s combination of marina capacity, provisioning options and proximity to world-class cruising.

Beyond the marinas, Phuket rewards guests who step ashore. The island earned UNESCO City of Gastronomy status in 2015 for its unique blend of Thai, Chinese, Malay and European culinary traditions – you can taste the heritage in a morning bowl of Hokkien mee at a shophouse noodle stall, a Michelin-recognised lunch at L’Arôme by the Sea, or a dinner of Sino-Portuguese dim sum in Old Town. The Sino-Portuguese architecture along Thalang and Dibuk Roads is a living gallery of pastel facades, ornate doorways and restored mansions – Baan Chinpracha, built in 1903, has appeared in Hollywood films. And then there is the Big Buddha: 45 metres of white marble perched on the Nakkerd Hills above Chalong, visible from most of the island and most of the Andaman. Phuket is not just a marina – it is a destination in its own right.

Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Phuket fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Phuket

The Andaman’s Premier Yachting Hub

With five marinas, year-round marine services, customs and immigration clearance at Ao Chalong, and direct international flights to Phuket International Airport from more than 30 cities, Phuket is the easiest and most professional charter base in Thailand. Your transfer from runway to yacht can be arranged in under 45 minutes. The marina infrastructure supports everything from routine provisioning and fuelling to full technical services and refit capabilities – Ao Po Grand Marina, for example, has a 250-tonne travel lift. For the charter guest, this means seamless logistics, reliable services and more time on the water.

Gateway to Phang Nga Bay

Phuket’s northeastern marinas sit at the threshold of Phang Nga Bay – one of the most visually stunning bodies of water on earth. Over a hundred limestone karsts rise vertically from flat, jade-green water, hiding sea caves, mangrove lagoons and stilted fishing villages. James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), the limestone pinnacle of Khao Ta Pu and the tidal cave systems of Koh Hong are all within a two-hour cruise of Ao Po Grand Marina. Your crew can have you kayaking through a hidden lagoon before lunch on your first day.

Direct Access to the Andaman’s Finest Islands

From Phuket, the Racha Islands (Koh Racha Yai, 6.5 nautical miles south) are a 30-minute cruise – ideal for a morning snorkel on a day charter. The Phi Phi Islands are roughly 22 nautical miles southeast, a comfortable 1.5–2-hour passage. Koh Lanta, Koh Haa and the southern Andaman are a day’s cruise further. This means a single charter week from Phuket can comfortably cover Phang Nga Bay, Krabi, Phi Phi and the Racha Islands without a single long passage.

Culture, Gastronomy and Nightlife

Phuket’s western beaches – Patong, Kata, Karon – offer a full spectrum of shoreside experiences, from the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road to the refined hillside restaurants above Kata Noi. Catch Beach Club and Café del Mar bring Ibiza-style beach-club energy to the Andaman coast. For something quieter, Blue Elephant occupies a restored Sino-Portuguese mansion in Old Town and serves traditional Phuket cuisine with contemporary flair. The Boathouse at Kata has been a fine-dining institution since 1995, with a Wine Spectator-awarded wine list and Southern Thai seafood right on the sand.

Key Destinations Near Phuket

Phang Nga Bay – North of Phuket, over 100 limestone karsts rising from emerald water. James Bond Island, Koh Hong’s sea caves, Koh Panyee’s stilted village. Two to three hours from Ao Po Grand Marina. The most visually dramatic day-charter destination in Thailand.
Racha Islands – Koh Racha Yai (6.5 nautical miles south, 30 minutes) and Koh Racha Noi (13.5 nautical miles, one hour). Clear-water reefs, white-sand beaches and manta ray territory at the southern island. The classic Phuket day-charter stop.
Koh Phi Phi – Roughly 22 nautical miles southeast (1.5–2 hours). Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island’s coral gardens and the Bida Islands’ wall dives. The most popular multi-day destination from Phuket.
Krabi and Railay Beach – Roughly 30 nautical miles east across Phang Nga Bay (2–3 hours). Sheer karst cliffs, Railay’s water-access-only beach, and the four-island group (Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, Phra Nang Cave Beach).
Koh Lanta – Roughly 45 nautical miles south of Phuket. Seventy islands, white-sand western beaches, mangrove forests and the Old Town’s stilted houses. A quieter, more local alternative to Phi Phi.
Coral Island (Koh Hae) – Just 4 nautical miles off Phuket’s southern tip. Shallow reefs ideal for first-time snorkellers and families. A quick 20-minute tender ride from Chalong Bay.

Best Time to Charter in Phuket

Peak Season: December to February

The finest conditions of the year: clear skies, low humidity, air temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F) and calm Andaman seas. Underwater visibility peaks at 20–30 metres. This is the busiest and most expensive charter window, with the best yachts booking out by September. If these are your dates, enquire early with Boatcrowd.

Shoulder Season: March, April and November

March and April are the warmest months (often exceeding 35°C / 95°F), with the sea at its warmest (30–31°C) and anchorages noticeably emptier. November marks the start of the new season, with occasional transitional showers before the dry pattern settles in. Rates are typically 15–25% softer than peak.

Monsoon Season: May to October

The southwest monsoon brings periodic rain and rougher seas to the Andaman coast. Phuket’s east-coast anchorages remain sheltered, and many experienced operators continue to run charters through this period at significantly reduced rates. Conditions can be variable – some weeks are calm and sunny, others bring sustained rain. Your Boatcrowd specialist can advise on feasibility for specific dates.

Signature Experiences in Phuket

Kayak Phang Nga Bay’s Sea Caves – Paddle through tidal cave openings into hidden mangrove lagoons surrounded by vertical limestone walls. Your guide knows the tide tables and the secret entrances; you bring the camera.
Sundowners at James Bond Island – Anchor off Khao Phing Kan and watch the light change across the karsts as your crew serves Thai appetisers and chilled rosé on the aft deck.
Morning Snorkel at Racha Yai – A 30-minute cruise from Chalong delivers you to clear-water reefs with excellent coral coverage and tropical fish in 5–15 metres of visibility. Your crew has coffee and fresh fruit waiting when you climb back aboard.
Phuket Old Town by Tuk-Tuk – Wander the colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Thalang Road, visit the Thai Hua Museum, light incense at the Jui Tui Shrine and taste your way through Phuket’s UNESCO-recognised culinary heritage.
Catch Beach Club Afternoon – Step ashore at Phuket’s premier beach club for an afternoon of sun lounging, cocktails and a Mediterranean-Thai fusion lunch with your yacht anchored just offshore.
Sunset from Big Buddha – Take the tender ashore and drive to the 45-metre white marble Buddha on the Nakkerd Hills above Chalong. The panoramic views over the Andaman Sea, Chalong Bay and the distant Phi Phi silhouette are best at golden hour.

Yacht Types Available

Luxury Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – The most versatile choice for Phuket charters. Cruising speeds of 18–25 knots cover Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and the Racha Islands comfortably within a single itinerary. Crewed with captain, chef, steward/ess and full water-toy inventory.
Superyachts (100’+) – Ao Po Grand Marina accommodates superyachts up to 100+ metres, with full technical services and provisioning. The ultimate in space, privacy and service for larger groups or milestone celebrations.
Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Shallow draft, exceptional stability and generous deck space make catamarans ideal for Phuket’s sheltered bays and family-friendly itineraries. Popular for groups who value comfort and easy access to the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Phuket from Phi Phi by yacht?

Koh Phi Phi is roughly 22 nautical miles southeast of Phuket. On a motor yacht cruising at 18–20 knots, the passage takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. It is comfortable as a day charter from Phuket (a long but rewarding day), though most guests prefer an overnight itinerary to enjoy Phi Phi at its best.

Which Phuket marina should I depart from?

For charters heading north to Phang Nga Bay, Ao Po Grand Marina is the natural choice – it sits at Phuket’s northeastern tip and puts you in the bay within an hour. For southern routes (Racha Islands, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta), Royal Phuket Marina or Phuket Yacht Haven in the Chalong area offer the most direct departure. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will recommend the best base for your itinerary.

Is Phuket safe for yacht charters year-round?

Phuket’s prime charter season runs from November through April (the northeast monsoon), when conditions are at their best. During the southwest monsoon (May–October), the west coast can see rougher seas and periodic heavy rain, but the east coast remains relatively sheltered. Many experienced operators continue to run charters through monsoon season at reduced rates, particularly for itineraries that stay on the island’s eastern side and in sheltered bays. Your Boatcrowd specialist can advise on feasibility for specific dates.

Can I fly direct to Phuket?

Yes. Phuket International Airport receives direct flights from more than 30 international cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Australia. Major carriers including Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific serve the airport. Private jet arrivals are also accommodated. Your Boatcrowd team can arrange transfers from the airport to your yacht in under 45 minutes.

What is there to do ashore in Phuket?

Phuket offers far more than a marina. The Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture and UNESCO-recognised food scene are worth a full morning. The Big Buddha (45 metres of white marble above Chalong) provides panoramic views. Wat Chalong, one of the island’s oldest temples, dates to 1837. The western beaches – Patong, Kata, Karon – offer beach clubs, nightlife and fine dining. For something more active, elephant sanctuaries, zip-lining through the jungle canopy and Thai cooking classes are all available within a short transfer from the marina.