Islands from Bangkok · Thai Islands
The ultimate Andaman island hop by yacht
Seven days by sea
About The ultimate Andaman island hop by yacht
A week under sail or power is the most beautiful way to see the Andaman: board at a Phuket marina, cross Phang Nga Bay among its limestone towers, anchor off the Hong islands and Railay, and dive the reefs of Phi Phi.
Day 1: Phuket to Ko Nakha Yai
Board at Ao Po Grand Marina or Phuket Boat Lagoon on Phuket’s east coast and cruise to Ko Nakha Yai for a first evening at anchor (the marinas’ websites; TAT).
Days 2–3: Phang Nga Bay and Ko Hong
Phang Nga Bay National Park covers a vast area of sea and shore, scattered with limestone islands; Ko Tapu, the "James Bond Island", is here, and Ko Panyi’s stilt village (TAT). Kayak into the hongs, the hidden lagoons inside the islands, early in the day. In Krabi’s waters, Ko Hong has a lagoon (Thale Nai) and a curved beach of fine sand (TAT).
Kayak into the hongs, the hidden lagoons inside the islands, early in the day.
Day 4: Railay
Anchor off Railay West. The peninsula is cut off by limestone cliffs and reached by boat; Railay East is known for rock climbing, and Phra Nang Cave Beach lies at the foot of the cliffs (TAT). Dinner at The Grotto, Rayavadee’s restaurant in a cave by Phra Nang beach (rayavadee.com).
Day 5: Phi Phi
Cruise to Phi Phi Le, with its sheer cliffs and famous coves, and snorkel at Ko Bida Nok (TAT). Maya Bay closes to landings each year in the monsoon months; outside them, landings are controlled by the national park.
Days 6–7: Railay and back
Climb with a licensed guide at Railay East, paddle the mangroves at dusk, then return to Phuket.
Our advice: book a crewed yacht through an established charter company, and plan the route around the tides.
Why it's on our list
- Phang Nga Bay’s limestone towers
- Ko Hong’s lagoon
- Railay and The Grotto
- Phi Phi’s reefs
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The ultimate Andaman island hop by yacht before you go.