Phuket is the charter capital of Southeast Asia and it runs on the opposite calendar to the Mediterranean. The season is November to April, the cruising is the Andaman Sea, and the limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi group are what people come for. For a northern-hemisphere charterer it is a winter destination, which is most of its appeal.
Where a Phuket week goes
East into Phang Nga Bay for the limestone karsts and the hongs, south to Phi Phi and Krabi, or west to the Similans if the boat and the permits allow. Distances are moderate, the water is warm and flat in season, and much of the interest is at anchor rather than under way. It is a gentle sailing week with extraordinary scenery.
The season is not negotiable
November to April is the north-east monsoon: settled, dry and the whole charter season. May to October is the south-west monsoon with rain, swell on the west coast and much of the fleet stood down or repositioned. Booking outside the window is not a bargain, it is a different and much worse trip.
What it costs
No company in this record publishes a Thai rate. The nearest published anchors are Mediterranean and Caribbean: The Moorings publishes $2,634 to $36,999 for a Greek week and $3,284 to $49,584 for a BVI week, both for 2 people over 7 days. Thai bareboat sits broadly in that band, with crewed and gulet-style charters well above it.
Questions people ask about yacht charter phuket
How much is a yacht charter in Phuket?
No Thai rate is published in this record. For anchors, The Moorings publishes $2,634 to $36,999 for a Greek week and $3,284 to $49,584 for a BVI week for 2 people.
When is the Phuket charter season?
November to April, the north-east monsoon. May to October brings rain and west coast swell and much of the fleet is stood down.
Where do Phuket charters cruise?
Phang Nga Bay for the limestone karsts and hongs, Phi Phi and Krabi to the south, and the Similans further west where permitted.