Thailand
Southeast Asia: the de facto superyacht hub of Asia, Phuket and the Andaman coast
Overview
Thailand, and specifically Phuket, is the de facto hub for superyachts in Asia. Boats arriving from Europe make it a first port of call: it sits right next to the near-legendary Phang Nga Bay, with good marina facilities and a well-connected international airport.
The Andaman coast is the heart of it, with anchorages at Phang Nga Bay, the Phi Phi islands, Koh Lanta and Chalong Bay. Cruising on the east coast, the Gulf of Thailand, is less well known but includes the Koh Chang islands and an easy transit from Bangkok to Pattaya and onto the water.
Superyachts can also anchor at Koh Samui, the third-largest island, and visit the nearby Angthong National Marine Park with its 42 uninhabited islands. Chartering still has regulatory hurdles, but there are well-established ways to make it work.
Marinas & Map
Map Key - Marinas
- Ao Po Grand Marina (Phuket)
- Port Takola (Krabi)
- Phuket Boat Lagoon
- Yacht Haven Marina (Phuket)
- Royal Phuket Marina
✈ Phuket International Airport
Gulf of Thailand (off map, east coast): Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Immigration Bureau and Customs Department. Ports of entry: Ao Chalong (Phuket), Port of Krabi, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Satun and Bangkok Port.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.go.th
Customs: customs.go.th
International Airports
Phuket International · Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) · Krabi · Surat Thani · Hat Yai · Chiang Mai.
Key Anchorages
Phang Nga Bay · Phi Phi · Koh Lanta · Chalong Bay · Koh Samui & Angthong Marine Park.
Local Services
Agents
Asia Pacific Superyachts · Boat Lagoon Yachting
Brokerage & Charter
Lee Marine · Fraser Asia · Simpson Marine
Repair & Refit
Clearvac Engineering · Eclipse Marine · Phuket Yacht Services
Shipyards
Bangkok Dock · Phuket Premier Boatyard · Ratanachai Slipway
Management
Northrop & Johnson
Events
Phuket King's Cup Regatta · Thailand International Boat Show
APSA Grand Tour: Thailand
Gordon Fernandes of Asia Pacific Superyachts leads APSA's Grand Tour of Thailand, from the Phuket marinas and Phang Nga Bay to the cruising grounds of the Andaman coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Phuket the superyacht hub of Asia?
Phuket has the region's deepest cluster of superyacht marinas and refit facilities, an international airport, and sits beside Phang Nga Bay, making it the natural first port of call for yachts arriving from Europe.
When is the best time to cruise Thailand by superyacht?
November to March, during the north-east monsoon, is the prime season on the Andaman coast around Phuket.
Which marinas in Thailand take superyachts?
On the Andaman coast: Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Yacht Haven Marina and Royal Phuket Marina on Phuket, and Port Takola at Krabi. Ocean Marina Yacht Club at Pattaya serves the Gulf of Thailand.
How do superyachts clear into Thailand?
Clearance is handled by the Immigration Bureau and Customs Department, with ports of entry at Ao Chalong (Phuket), Krabi, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Satun and Bangkok.
Which APSA members are based in Thailand?
Thailand's APSA members are Asia Pacific Superyachts, AsiaMarine Thailand, Boat Lagoon Yachting, Clearvac Engineering Asia, Ocean Marina, Simpson Marine Service Thailand, Thai Yachting Business Association, Thailand International Boat Show and Thailand Yachting Conference. See each in the members directory above.