Thailand is a boater’s paradise due to its beautiful crystal-clear waters and marvelous islands with endless sandy beaches. Hefty taxes have been done away with when buying a boat and the country is making it easier for large yachts with international crews to visit the Kingdom for extended stays.
Additionally, because of renowned international boat shows in Pattaya and Phuket, yacht fans from around the globe come to Thailand to see what’s new in the yachting industry, with the latest and greatest on display.
Whether you prefer the peace and quiet of a sailboat or the power of a cruiser, out for a day trip or an extended adventure, there are destinations for everyone. Here are our picks for the best spots in Thailand to float your boat.
1. Koh Samui
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most renowned islands, prominent for its sandy shorelines and chic hotels. There are many charters up for grabs. Cruising through the archipelago of Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must, as well as its unmistakable shores from Three Pillars to Sleeping Cow Island.
- Phuket
Phuket’s is a major destination on the worldwide yachting map as a result of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta. It’s Asia’s greatest and most well-known event of this type, with a hectic seven day stretch of yacht hustling on the Andaman Sea combined with massive island parties. The Regatta pulls in a few widely acclaimed names from the yachting scene. Phuket likewise plays host to those looking to purchase a yacht at the yearly Phuket International Boat Show, where boats of all sizes can be seen including top-of-the-line yachts. Idyllic waters and nearby beaches where you can throw in your anchor make Phuket a top destination.
- Pattaya
Yachting in Pattaya can become addictive, you have great islands nearby for day trips, or you can adventure further afield to the beautiful and fun island of Kho Samet for the weekend. Pattaya is also home to Ocean Marina and its yearly Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show held towards the end of November. The occasion presents a first look at the most recent and noteworthy industry innovation’s as well as plenty of boats of all sizes to tour and dream of. Pattaya is also home to the highly popular Top of The Gulf Sailing Regatta held every year in May.
- Krabi
In Krabi, yachting is rapidly becoming one of the most popular options for those who need to see southern Thailand from a radical new viewpoint. At Krabi Boat Lagoon, the island’s head marina complex, it’s anything but difficult to charter a vessel or bounce on-board one as a traveler. Krabi leads into another perfect yachting site, Phang Nga Bay, where it’s likewise simple to hop on an extravagant ride to other must-see islands like Koh Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Kai.
- Koh Phi Phi
The two greatest islands, Phi Don and Phi Leh have breath taking cliffs and jumps for the individuals who are keen on snorkelling and a swim, yet there are loads of other uninhabited islands to investigate.
- Surin and Similan
The Similan and Surin Islands are among the world’s best diving spots, and that is the thing that influences it as a prime area for yachting. Essential for the individuals who can’t get enough of diving into the seas’ most divine spots.
- Koh Chang
Koh Chang presents fantastic yachting settings for those needing to escape the crowds. Not at all like in Koh Samui or Phuket, you’re probably going to journey for a long while without seeing some other boats. There are likewise a lot of bays and remote shorelines in the Koh Chang archipelago to find.
- Hua Hin
Hua Hin isn’t real well known for its boating, the closest public marinas are in Pranburi, the next town south. But, in the area around Hua Hin there are small islands and wonderful beaches to access by boat, especially in the area of Dolphin Bay and further South. According to Scott Finsten, Harbor Master at Ocean Marina Pattaya, “People don’t realize what the gulf of Thailand has to offer. Everyone goes to Singapore, Malaysia or Phuket, on the Andaman side but few people come up here, and you go to some of these islands, especially off of Prachuabkirikan with the national park Sam Roi Yot, it’s just beautiful there.
- Phang Nga Bay
Located amongst Phuket and the western bank of Thailand, it contains maybe the most delightful and well-known gathering of islands in the country. Phang Nga Bay is a superb spot and a World Heritage Site, with numerous one of a kind attributes to explore, from a 200-meter tunnel from Koh Phanak to Khao Phing Kan, to the island where the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Shockingly, nowadays James Bond Island, as it’s presently called, is packed with sightseers everyday. Which is why, having your own boat is so great, leave the crowds behind and find your own quiet coves to explore with family and friends.
- Koh Lipe
The Butang Archipelago, the gathering of islands in which one finds Koh Lipe, is just heavenly. It’s additionally an incredible fishing spot, and a wide range of kingfish, red snapper and tuna are common in these gem blue perfect waters. Koh Lipe is also just 45 minutes by speedboat from Langkawi, Malaysia’s duty-free island. The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club is where you will want to moor while you head into town to load up on liquor and chocolates.