Thailand is the most developed charter market in Southeast Asia and the one that most closely resembles a Mediterranean week: a real bareboat fleet, professional bases, short hops and warm flat water. What is different is the calendar, which runs opposite to Europe's, and the scenery, which is unlike anywhere else in this record.
Where a week goes
East from Phuket into Phang Nga Bay for the limestone karsts and the hongs, the collapsed caves you enter by tender at the right state of tide. South to Phi Phi and Krabi. West to the Similans if the boat and the permits allow. Distances are moderate, the anchorages are sheltered in season, and most of the interest is at anchor rather than under way.
The season is not negotiable
November to April is the north-east monsoon and the whole charter season: dry, settled and reliable. 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 worse trip at a lower price.
What it costs
No company in this record publishes a Thai rate. The nearest published anchors are The Moorings' $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; crewed charters and the traditional wooden boats sold with crew run well above it and publish nothing at all.
Questions people ask about yacht charter thailand
When is the Thai 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.
How much is a Thai charter?
No company in this record publishes a Thai rate. For anchors, The Moorings publishes $2,634 to $36,999 for a Greek week and $3,284 to $49,584 for a BVI week.
Where do Thai charters cruise?
Phang Nga Bay for the karsts and hongs, Phi Phi and Krabi to the south, and the Similans further west where permitted.