MAHA BHETRA

Thailand’s Andaman coast pairs the sheltered bays of southern Phuket with two of the country’s most protected marine parks, Mu Ko Similan and Mu Ko Surin. This 7 day, 6 night yacht charter departs from Nai Harn on Phuket’s south coast and finishes at Ao Po Grand Marina on the island’s northeast shore, tracing a route north through the Andaman Sea. Guests spend the early days snorkelling and diving around Ko Racha Yai’s clear lagoon before heading further offshore to the granite islands of the Similans, then continue north to Ko Bon and Koh Tachai for a chance to sight manta rays and reef sharks.

The route reaches its northern point at Ko Surin Nuea, home to a Moken sea gypsy community on the neighbouring island, before turning back south through Phuket to Ao Po. Both national parks operate on a fixed season, open from mid October to mid May, so timing is a key part of planning this route. Days on board mix long snorkel and dive sessions with quieter time at anchor, and the pace favours guests who want a genuine wilderness feel rather than a string of beach clubs and marinas.

This seven day charter begins and ends in Phuket, tracing a classic route through the Andaman Sea’s most iconic scenery. From the towering limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay to the hidden lagoon at Ko Hong, guests move through dramatic landscapes shaped by centuries of tide and wind. Railay Beach and the cliffs of Krabi offer a change of pace, with powder sand coves reachable only by boat and a backdrop favoured by rock climbers from around the world. Koh Phi Phi brings turquoise water and dramatic cliffs, home to Maya Bay when it is open to visitors. The voyage closes with a stop at Ko Racha Yai, prized for calm, clear water and easy snorkelling, before returning to Phuket. Along the way there is time for swimming, kayaking, snorkelling and simply taking in the scenery from the deck. This itinerary suits guests who want a mix of iconic sights and quieter anchorages, all within a short sailing distance of each other, making for relaxed days at sea between stops.

This seven day charter explores the quieter side of Thailand’s Gulf coast, based around Koh Chang in Trat province near the Cambodian border. The route moves through a scattering of small islands that make up the Koh Chang National Marine Park, far removed from the crowds of the Andaman coast. Koh Ngam, sometimes called Koh Chang’s answer to Phi Phi, offers a striking double bay joined by a narrow sandy spit. Koh Wai is quieter still, with no villages or roads and a fringing coral reef well suited to snorkelling. Koh Mak brings coconut plantations and long, easy beaches, while Koh Kood is known for its waterfalls and jungle interior. A stop at Koh Rang, the marine park’s protected core, offers some of the clearest water and richest coral in the region, and the small twin islands of Koh Rayang round out the week with a peaceful final anchorage. Guests can expect long swims, quiet beaches and plenty of time on the water, with each day bringing a change of scenery within a short sail of the last. This itinerary suits guests looking for an unhurried, nature focused alternative to Thailand’s more visited charter grounds.