Koh Phi Phi Don is a dream. A scenic vision of lime rock karsts, azure waters, and sweeping sands sets the scene for another day in paradise. Some of the southern shores have been impacted by the tsunami although redevelopment is certainly underway. In the northeast, however, you will find areas of Phi Phi Don that are completely untouched by the trials and tribulations of wild weather. These northern shores are still home to Thailand's indigenous ‘Sea Gypsies’. Phi Phi Don is one of the two main islands that make up the famed Phi Phi islands and being one of the main players means it is well set up to receive tourists. Snorkelling, sipping cocktails, feasting on the island's signature seafood, and blissing out on the beaches can keep you rested. For those charter guests seeking a more bustling scene, there’s vibrant nightlife to be found in Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Bay.
Made famous by its iconic outcrop, Koh Dam translates to ‘Chicken Island’ in Malay, and charter guests are sure to see why on the approach to this tropical haven. Located just a short distance southwest of the enamoured Rai Leh peninsula, Koh Dam forms part of a smattering of stunning islets, each framed by pristine white sand beaches and fragrant vegetation. Connected via sandbank to neighbouring Thale Waek, this secluded spot looks out across typical Thai landscapes of dramatic limestone, jade green waters and hazy indigo horizons. An idyllic experience for those wanting an authentic escape, you can choose to moor up on the eastern side of the island, allowing charter guests to admire its signature silhouette against the setting sun.
Shake off the crowds and head for Krabi where palm-fringed beaches breathe easy beneath glowering limestone cliffs. Krabi is exactly the Thai delight you have been seeking. Making its home in the Hat Noppharat Thara-Ko Phi Phi National Park, you will find yourself smitten as you explore the pristine clean beaches and tiny tantalizing towns along these sweet sailing grounds. Krabi is also home to the world-famed Phi Phi Islands with their full moon parties and feature-length beaches made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio. Even beyond the fame of Phi Phi, charter guests will find a smorgasbord of salt and sun delights. Be sure to visit Koh Lanta with its rugged emerald jungle and its peaceful sands - a striking contrast to the parties of Phi Phi. Sailing these islands gifts you bustling resort towns, heaps of culture, incredible food, local encounters, and some truly special beaches
Stashed between Krabi and Phuket, you will find the untapped island of Koh Yao. Part of the Phang Nga National Park, Koh Yao and Koh Yao Noi are pristine Thai delights. Emerald waters, the rising spires of limestone cliffs, and longtail boats perched on pure white sands set the scene for an amazing anchorage. While not a secret destination, there are fewer tourists on Koh Yao meaning that the island still retains its authentic vibe. Warm calm waters, greenery draping over the cliffs, and secret little beaches are sure to tempt charter guests in for hikes, swims, and renting a scooter to ride around and explore. For those looking to party, you may need to sail for a different island - Koh Yao is all about peace and tranquillity with little more socializing than sipping a cold beer in one of the very few bars.
Famed as being one of the most popular spots in the whole of Phuket, Patong Beach is a buzzing and vibration destination filled to the brim with wild watersports, an eclectic nightlife, and enough places to party to keep you going from dusk until dawn. With its two-mile beach flanked by market stalls and food vendors, and its warm blue waters splashed with sailboats, jet skis, rainbow parasails, and banana boats, there’s plenty to pique your interest on land and sea. With the famed Bangla Road close by, as soon as the sunsets, charter guests wanting a taste of the famed party action can head to Thailand’s most notorious street where over a hundred bars, live music venues, and karaoke keep the vibe lively. Those charter guests lucky enough to visit on Thai new year can participate in the Songkran Festival - AKA the world's biggest water fight. Beach Road is also a great spot for shopping and the night markets offer curious charter guests the chance to taste a smorgasbord of local delights.
Constantly recognized and celebrated as one of the finest beaches in Thailand, Nai Harn Bay is a beauty queen. With its gorgeous greenery backing the curve of pale alabaster sands to the turquoise sea where bright and breezy yachts bob on the horizon, Nai Harn Bay remains the stuff of dreams. Even during high season, the shore never gets too busy and there are plenty of luxury restaurants, bars, and chic little hideaways to keep you well fed and watered along the way. Sign up for a beach massage, feast on delicious Thai seafood, and explore other pretty nearby beaches such as Ao Sane, Rawai, and Ya Nui. Back on Nai Harn Bay, you can also see the ornate little temple of Wat Nai Harn with its glorious gilded architecture and its shimmering pond where you can also rent paddle boats for an innocent afternoon of bliss.
Just a few kilometres from Phuket but far enough to feel like you have crossed the high seas into another secret world, the Racha Yai Islands are an idyllic retreat far from the madding crowd. Comprising two islands - Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, both of these islands offer safe and sweet anchorages for drinking in island life. Racha Noi remains uninhabited and boasts a beautiful rocky coast and untempered nature. For those who want to plunge into pristine sea life, you can do it all on these shores - everything from spearfishing to snorkelling, wreck diving and more. Racha Yai on the other hand is all gorgeous sandy sweeps, pretty resorts, clear snorkelling spots, and vibrant bright reefs. While the area is popular with day travellers sailing over from nearby Phuket, having access to your own charter means that you can explore every corner and find out exactly why these shores take their name from the word Raja meaning the true king of islands.
Divers delight at Hin Daeng, known as Thailand’s deepest drop off spot. This is the perfect place to plunge into the blue and swim alongside Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. The impressive seamount rises and breaks the surface of the Andaman Sea and is said to be one of the best dive sites in the whole of this area. Named the ‘red rock’ due to the vibrant red coral that adorns the rising rock, it's a stunning place to drift, dive, and make acquaintance with some truly spectacular specimens of the sea including turtles, rainbow runners, and even leopard sharks resting in the sand. Due to the strong currents that sweep in, Hin Daeng is for experienced divers only.
Coral Island is a picturesque destination southeast of Phuket and is blessed with crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. The island offers a serene and secluded sanctuary for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Surrounded by lush greenery, visitors can explore hidden coves and secluded bays, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The island's stunning coral reefs are teeming with colorful tropical fish and other fascinating underwater creatures. Nature lovers can also trek through the island's dense forests and adventure enthusiasts can try their hand at Parasailing.
Pretty Phuket may be the largest island in Thailand but that doesn’t take away from its spectacular beauty. Still boasting whimsical white sands and towering coconut palms, the island has every kind of beach you could wish for with more than 40km of sandy stretches to choose from. Some notable shimmering beaches to pick from include Kamala Beach with its traditional Thai feel and Patong Beach which was designed for pure-play.
The Old Town is the perfect place to go to ogle at brightly painted colonial mansions and the nearby Similan Islands offer charter guests the chance to soften at the local elephant sanctuary. Those looking to party all night long can follow the bright lights of Bangla. Of course, it goes without saying that the local food scene is ever a homely yet extravagant taste affair.