Phuket to Phi Phi Sailing Route: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for Charter Yachts

Why the Phuket to Phi Phi Route Deserves a Spot on Your Sailing Bucket List

The Andaman Sea between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands ranks among the most visually dramatic sailing grounds in Southeast Asia. Limestone karsts erupting from turquoise water, sheltered bays fringed with jungle, and a cruising distance short enough for even a five-day charter make this route accessible without sacrificing adventure. From the departure point at Ao Po Grand Marina on Phuket's east coast, the Phi Phi archipelago sits roughly 24 nautical miles to the southeast -- a comfortable half-day sail in the prevailing northeast monsoon breeze.

What sets this route apart from more established Caribbean or Mediterranean circuits is the sheer density of world-class anchorages packed into a compact area. You can sail from a secluded cove to a bustling beach bar in under an hour, or disappear into a mangrove-lined bay where the only company is a resident sea eagle.

Understanding the Monsoon Seasons

Northeast Monsoon: November to April

The prime sailing window runs from mid-November through late April. During these months, the northeast monsoon delivers steady winds of 10 to 18 knots, predominantly from the north-northeast. Seas are generally calm, with swells rarely exceeding one meter. Visibility underwater reaches 20 to 30 meters, making this the ideal season for combining sailing with snorkeling and diving.

Air temperatures hover between 28 and 33 degrees Celsius, and rain is rare -- expect perhaps one brief afternoon shower per week at most. January through March is the driest and most settled period, though it also coincides with peak tourist season and higher charter rates.

Southwest Monsoon: May to October

From May onward, the southwest monsoon brings heavier rainfall, confused seas, and winds that can gust above 30 knots. Maya Bay and several west-facing anchorages become untenable due to swell exposure. Most charter companies restrict Phi Phi itineraries during this period, and several national park sites close entirely from mid-May through September.

Day-by-Day Sailing Itinerary: Seven Days from Phuket to Phi Phi and Back

Day One: Ao Po Grand Marina to Koh Naka Yai

Distance: 4 nautical miles. Sailing time: 45 minutes.

Resist the temptation to rush south on the first day. After your charter briefing and provisioning at Ao Po Grand Marina, make the short hop to Koh Naka Yai. The island's western bay offers a sandy bottom in 4 to 6 meters of water, perfect for setting the hook with confidence while the crew finds its sea legs. Snorkeling along the rocky southern headland reveals hard coral gardens and resident clownfish colonies.

Spend the afternoon swimming and adjusting to life aboard before a sundowner overlooking the limestone islets of Phang Nga Bay to the north.

Day Two: Koh Naka Yai to Koh Yao Noi

Distance: 8 nautical miles. Sailing time: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Sail southeast across the strait to Koh Yao Noi, one of the Andaman's best-kept secrets. The eastern coastline is dotted with small fishing villages, rice paddies, and rubber plantations that feel miles from the tourist trail. Anchor off Tha Khao pier in 5 meters over sand and take the dinghy ashore to rent a scooter. The island's interior roads wind past water buffalo, mosques, and roadside fruit stalls selling mangosteen and rambutan by the kilo.

For a more secluded anchorage, continue around to Loh Paret bay on the island's northeast side where the holding is excellent in soft mud.

Day Three: Koh Yao Noi to Koh Racha Yai

Distance: 18 nautical miles. Sailing time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

This is the longest passage of the trip, cutting south past the eastern flank of Phuket toward the Racha Islands. Depart early to catch the morning breeze, which typically fills in from the northeast by 0900. Koh Racha Yai's Ao Tawan Tok (Batok Bay) on the western shore is the standout anchorage -- a horseshoe of white sand backed by coconut palms, with crystal-clear water over a sandy bottom at 6 to 10 meters depth.

The bay does attract day-trip speedboats from Phuket between 1000 and 1500, but by late afternoon the anchorage empties and you have the sunset to yourself. The reef along the bay's southern arm offers some of the best shallow snorkeling on the entire route, with frequent sightings of hawksbill turtles.

Day Four: Koh Racha Yai to Phi Phi Don

Distance: 16 nautical miles. Sailing time: 3 to 4 hours.

Set sail southeast toward the towering cliffs of Phi Phi Don. The approach from the northwest is unforgettable -- the twin bays of Ton Sai and Loh Dalum create a narrow isthmus between dramatic karst walls. Anchor in Loh Dalum Bay in 8 to 12 meters over sand, or for more peace, continue around the northern tip to Laem Tong Bay, which is accessible only by boat and home to a handful of resorts with dinghy-friendly beaches.

Phi Phi Don's east coast has reliable holding in Ao Loh Bakao, a deep bay sheltered from the prevailing wind. This is also the jumping-off point for a dinghy exploration of Monkey Beach, a short stretch of sand where macaques congregate along the waterline.

Day Five: Phi Phi Leh -- Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon

Distance: 3 nautical miles. Sailing time: 30 minutes.

The uninhabited island of Phi Phi Leh is the crown jewel of the Andaman Sea. Maya Bay, famous worldwide for its cathedral-like cliffs, reopened under a strict visitor management system. Charter yachts cannot anchor inside the bay but can pick up one of the mooring buoys outside. Entry requires a national park fee of 400 Thai baht per person for foreign visitors (as of 2025-2026 season), and swimming inside the bay is restricted to designated zones during set hours.

Pileh Lagoon on the eastern side is equally spectacular and far less regulated. Drift into the narrow entrance between limestone walls into an emerald-green lagoon where the water depth drops from 20 meters to 2 meters in the space of a boat length. Snorkeling here is sheltered and warm, with juvenile reef fish schooling in the shallows.

Day Six: Phi Phi Don to Koh Mai Phai (Bamboo Island)

Distance: 5 nautical miles. Sailing time: 1 hour.

Bamboo Island sits north of Phi Phi Don and offers the archipelago's finest beach -- a complete ring of powdery white sand encircling a flat, forested interior. Arrive before 1000 to secure a spot on the western side in 5 to 7 meters over sand. The reef flat extends 100 meters offshore, providing a natural snorkeling trail through staghorn coral formations.

National park rangers collect an entrance fee, and camping is not permitted. But for a day of swimming, beachcombing, and reading in the cockpit with a view that belongs on a postcard, Bamboo Island is unmatched.

Day Seven: Return Passage to Phuket

Distance: 22 to 26 nautical miles depending on route. Sailing time: 4.5 to 6 hours.

The return leg to Ao Po Grand Marina is best tackled in a single passage, departing at first light to ride the morning calm before the afternoon sea breeze builds. If time allows, break the journey with a lunch stop at Koh Yao Yai's southern anchorages before making the final run north to the marina.

Practical Tips for Chartering This Route

Anchoring and Mooring

Most anchorages on this route are over sand or sand-and-mud, which suits both plow and Rocna-style anchors. Coral patches are common, so always check the bottom by snorkeling on your anchor before settling in. In national park waters, use mooring buoys where available to protect the reef.

Provisioning

Stock up fully at Ao Po Grand Marina before departure. While Phi Phi Don has convenience stores and restaurants at Ton Sai, prices are inflated and fresh produce selection is limited. Fill your water tanks at the marina -- watermakers are common on larger charter catamarans but should not be relied upon as the sole source.

What to Expect on the Water

Currents between Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands are generally weak, rarely exceeding half a knot. Tidal range in this area is moderate at 1.5 to 2.5 meters, which affects beach access at some anchorages but has minimal impact on navigation. Keep a sharp lookout for longtail fishing boats, especially around dawn and dusk, as many operate without navigation lights.

Final Thoughts on the Phuket to Phi Phi Sailing Route

This route delivers an extraordinary range of experiences within a compact sailing area. The combination of world-famous scenery, warm water, reliable trade winds, and relatively short passages makes it ideal for families, couples, and groups who want dramatic landscapes without punishing ocean crossings. Book between December and March for the best weather window, and plan your Maya Bay visit for early morning to enjoy the spectacle before the day-trip crowds arrive.