Phang Nga Bay is the reason most people charter a yacht in Phuket. More than forty limestone karsts rise straight out of jade-green water, hiding collapsed sea caves, tidal lagoons and a floating fishing village. Going privately means you set the timing — and timing is the whole difference between the bay at its best and the bay at its busiest.
Why go by private yacht
A shared longtail tour runs to a fixed schedule that puts every boat at James Bond Island at the same hour. On a private charter you choose the departure, so you can reach the headline stops before the day-trip fleet arrives and linger in the quiet bays after it leaves.
The bay is also sheltered from the southwest monsoon by the Phang Nga coastline, which makes it one of the few Phuket destinations that works year-round — including through green season, when the karsts under storm light are genuinely spectacular.
James Bond Island and the sea caves
Khao Phing Kan — James Bond Island since The Man with the Golden Gun — is the most photographed rock in Thailand. Arrive early morning and it is calm; arrive at 11am and it is not.
The more memorable stops are the hongs: collapsed cave systems at Koh Panak and Koh Hong whose interiors open into hidden lagoons, reachable only by kayak and only around low to mid tide. From outside they are completely invisible.
Best time to go
December to March gives the clearest water and calmest conditions. June to September brings dramatic light and near-empty anchorages. Because the bay is sheltered, it stays viable when the west coast is rough — so if your dates fall in green season, this is the route to pick.
Yachts running this route
11 vessels in the fleet run this itinerary. Prices are the starting rate for the route shown, and include crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkelling equipment and insurance.
| Yacht | Size | Guests | Type | Route | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocean Pearl | 42ft | 20 | Sport Cruiser | Phang Nga Bay (8hr) | ฿42,900 |
| Nautitech 40 | 40ft | 14 | Sailing Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (8hr) | ฿45,000 |
| Prada 50 | 50ft | 20 | Power Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (8hr) | ฿48,000 |
| Sanny 38 | 38ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (11hr) | ฿57,000 |
| Hennessy 40 | 40ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (11hr) | ฿57,000 |
| Satisfaction 55 | 55ft | 40 | Party Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (8hr) | ฿59,000 |
| Oceanland 45 | 45ft | 15 | Power Catamaran | Phang Nga Bay (11hr) | ฿62,000 |
| Halvorsen 50 | 50ft | 8 | Motor Yacht | Phang Nga Bay (8hr) | ฿79,000 |
Common questions
How long is a Phang Nga Bay yacht charter?
Most Phang Nga Bay charters run 8 hours, with 11-hour options on faster vessels for a fuller itinerary. Overnight 2-day/1-night charters are also available and let you anchor in the bay after the day boats have gone.
How much does a private Phang Nga Bay tour cost?
Private charters to Phang Nga Bay start from ฿42,900 per day on the Ocean Pearl, a 42ft sport cruiser for up to 20 guests, and rise with vessel size. All charters include crew, fuel, soft drinks, snorkelling equipment and insurance.
Can I visit Phang Nga Bay in the rainy season?
Yes. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered from the southwest monsoon by the mainland coast, so it stays accessible year-round and is one of the best green-season destinations from Phuket.
Ready to plan it? Tell us your dates and we will match the vessel to your group.