Seven Days Sailing from Phuket: Route and Tips
Alexandra
Average daily passages on this Phuket circuit run between 15 and 30 nautical miles, summing to roughly 100–130 NM over seven days; main bases for provisioning, bunkering and check-out are Chalong Bay and Ao Po, both equipped with fuel docks, repair yards and customs/harbour offices that operate standard charter procedures for international crews.
7-day Phuket sailing route at a glance
| Day | Leg | Distance (NM) | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Phuket → Phang Nga Bay | 15–25 | 2–4 h |
| Day 2 | Phang Nga Bay → Krabi / Railay | 18–22 | 3–4 h |
| Day 3 | Krabi → Koh Phi Phi Don | ≈25 | 4–5 h |
| Day 4 | Explore Phi Phi Leh & Bamboo Island | 0–10 | Local hops |
| Day 5 | Phi Phi → Koh Racha Yai | ≈30 | ≈5 h |
| Day 6 | Racha Yai → Coral Island → Phuket | 18–22 | 3–4 h |
| Day 7 | Check-out in Phuket | — | — |
Detailed daily notes and anchorages
Day 1 — Phuket to Phang Nga Bay: Depart early from Chalong or Ao Po to get into the karst maze before afternoon winds pick up. Phang Nga’s needle-like limestone pinnacles create sheltered water and sheltered bays ideal for short paddles, sea-cave explorations and photo stops; anchoring in the main lagoons requires attention to local buoy fields and conservation zones.
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Day 2: Phang Nga Bay to Krabi & Railay (≈18–22 NM | 3–4 h)
After breakfast, thread between the islets towards Krabi’s coastline. Aim to arrive mid-afternoon to anchor off Railay West or Phra Nang Beach, observing long-tail boat lanes and local mooring rules. On shore, routes marked to the viewpoint and rock-climbing areas are accessible from the beaches, making it an ideal afternoon on land before an overnight on the hook.
Day 3: Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Don (≈25 NM | 4–5 h)
Passages to Koh Phi Phi cross more open water; on clear days the silhouette of Phi Phi Don appears early. Common berths include Tonsai Bay for convenience or quieter bays like Loh Dalum and Loh Ba Kao depending on swell and wind. In the evening the village offers street food and nightlife, while secure anchorages allow for peaceful on-board dinners if preferred.
Day 4: Phi Phi Leh & Bamboo Island (local exploring | 0–10 NM)
Reserve this day for short hops. Koh Phi Phi Leh hosts Maya Bay and sensitive marine habitats; access is regulated and may be restricted — the skipper will brief you on permitted approaches and designated viewing areas. Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai) offers shallow clear water, excellent snorkelling and white-sand beaches suitable for lunch or a calm overnight when conditions permit.
Day 5: Phi Phi to Koh Racha Yai (≈30 NM | 5 h)
Head back toward Phuket with a stop at Koh Racha Yai. The west bay has a mooring field and a few resorts; water clarity is excellent here for snorkelling and diving. Mooring buoys reduce anchor damage to reefs — use them where available and maintain a watch for local fishing craft.
Day 6: Koh Racha Yai to Coral Island & back to Phuket (≈18–22 NM | 3–4 h)
Take a slow breakfast and swim before departing. Coral Island (Koh Hae) lies off Phuket’s south-east coast and is ideal for a last beach swim or snorkel. Return to Chalong Bay or Ao Po for refuelling, rinse-down and check-in tasks with the charter base; allow time for fuel logs and inventory checks before the final handover.
Anchoring, moorings and local regulations
Anchoring etiquette: favour mooring buoys in marine park zones, avoid seagrass beds, and use a stern anchor in narrow bays when needed. Check local notices for temporary closures — several marine parks impose seasonal restrictions to protect coral and nesting species. For bareboat charters, have recognised licences ready (ICC, RYA, ASA or local equivalents) and ensure insurance and safety equipment are fully documented.
Packing and provisioning checklist
- Charts and electronic navigation backups (paper + GPS)
- Passport, visas and crew list for customs
- Sun protection, reef-safe sunscreen and lightweight foul-weather gear
- Snorkel gear, small dive kit and water toys
- First-aid kit, prescription meds and seasickness remedies
Safety and seamanship tips
- Monitor local weather briefings; the Andaman coast is calmest November–April.
- Maintain a lookout for long-tail boats and fishing nets near shore.
- Plan fuel margins: some islands lack refuelling options—top up in Phuket or Krabi.
Geologically, the Phang Nga karst landscape formed over millions of years and now creates dramatic navigation channels and sheltered coves; historically these waters have been important local trade routes, which is why modern marinas and charter facilities cluster at Phuket’s main harbours.
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, understanding what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean; the platform values freedom, energy and the ability to choose your own course without limits on a good life, helping users find a vessel to fit preferences, budget and taste.
FAQ
Is this itinerary suitable for beginners?
Yes, if sailing with a professional skipper. Bareboat charters require prior experience handling similar-size yachts or catamarans.
How many miles will we sail in a week?
Approximately 100–130 nautical miles, with typical legs of 15–30 NM and ample time for swimming stops.
Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Phuket?
Bareboat charters mostly require a recognised licence; with a skipper you do not need a licence yourself.
Can we change the order of stops?
Yes. This route is a flexible template: adjust for weather, regulations and crew preferences.
The highlights of this itinerary include dramatic limestone cliffs, clear snorkel sites, calm anchorages for starry nights and culturally rich shore stops; experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
This itinerary is regionally relevant rather than globally game-changing: it reinforces Phuket’s position as a premier short-term charter destination in the Andaman Sea but does not materially shift worldwide travel routes. Nevertheless, the details matter to travellers and charter guests — GetBoat aims to stay abreast of developments and keep pace with changing conditions. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Summary: a seven-day Phuket circuit covers roughly 100–130 NM, linking Phang Nga Bay, Railay, the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Racha Yai and Coral Island, with daily legs that allow time for snorkelling, beach visits and on-shore exploration. For sailors and charterers, good planning around fuel, moorings and seasonal park rules ensures a smooth cruise; for holidaymakers seeking a memorable yacht charter, this route balances adventure and relaxation. Whether booking a charter or browsing listings and ratings to buy or rent a boat, platform transparency on make, model and reviews helps match boats to budgets and tastes—ideal for couples, solo travellers or groups looking for unforgettable time on the sea.
