BLUE ANDAMAN
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Krabi Province · Andaman Sea
Krabi & Railay Yacht Charter
Just a couple of hours east of Phuket, Krabi and Railay trade open sea for a labyrinth of limestone: sheer cliffs, hidden lagoons and beaches you can only reach by boat. Chartering your own catamaran or sailing yacht lets you slip in before the day-trip flotillas and stay long after they leave, anchoring beneath the karsts with the water and the crew entirely to yourself. It is the Andaman at its most cinematic, on your own unhurried terms.
Sailing time from Phuket
Roughly two hours under power from Phuket's east-coast marinas, a little longer under sail, which makes Krabi and Railay comfortable as a long day out or, better still, an unhurried overnight.
Best time to visit
The prime window is the northeast monsoon from November to April, when the Andaman is calm and clear, with December to February the most reliable for flat seas and visibility. May to October brings the southwest monsoon and rougher water, though Krabi's east-facing bays can offer more shelter than Phuket's exposed west coast.
Recommended vessels
Catamaran, Sailing Yacht
A coastline carved from limestone
Krabi and Railay sit on the mainland side of the Andaman Sea, where sheer limestone towers rise straight from turquoise water and vanish into jungle. Railay itself is a peninsula sealed off from the rest of the mainland by cliffs, so it can only be reached by boat, which keeps it quieter and wilder than anywhere you can drive to. From the deck you look up at karst walls streaked with stalactites, dusky langurs picking through the treeline and white-bellied sea eagles riding the thermals. After the polish of Phuket, this stretch of coast feels raw and cinematic, and arriving on your own yacht is easily the most graceful way to see it.
Anchorages, beaches and hidden coves
Phra Nang Beach is the jewel, a curve of pale sand beneath an overhanging cliff and the Phra Nang cave shrine, best enjoyed by anchoring offshore and tendering in early. Railay West offers the classic sunset, while Poda Island and Chicken Island, named for its chicken-shaped rock spire, sit just offshore with easy reefs. At low tide a sandbar surfaces between Chicken, Tup and Mor islands, letting you walk from one to another across the shallows. Further north, Hong Island hides an enclosed lagoon reached through a narrow gap in the rock. A catamaran's shallow draught lets you tuck into coves the bigger boats cannot, and stay stable at anchor while you swim.
Snorkelling and diving in clear water
The reefs fringing Poda, Chicken and Tup islands are ideal for easy snorkelling, with shallow coral gardens, parrotfish and the odd blacktip reef shark cruising the drop-offs. Visibility is best on the calm days of high season, and your crew will read the tide and light to pick the clearest window rather than following a fixed schedule. Certified divers can arrange trips to well-known sites in the wider area, including the King Cruiser wreck and Shark Point on the passage between Phuket and Phi Phi, or the walls around Koh Bida. Gear, guides and a briefing can be organised in advance, so your charter flows from snorkel to dive to lunch without a marina scramble.
Kayaking, climbing and time ashore
Krabi is one of Thailand's great sea-kayaking coastlines. At Ao Thalane you paddle silent channels through mangroves hemmed by limestone, while the caves and lagoons around Bor Thor reward an early start. Railay is world-famous for rock climbing, from bolted routes on the East wall to deep-water soloing straight above the sea, and complete beginners can take a guided half-day. Ashore, follow the path to the Phra Nang cave shrine, scramble up to the Princess Lagoon viewpoint or cool off in Diamond Cave. Your crew can arrange guides, kayaks and climbing instructors so you dip into as much or as little as you like, then retreat to the yacht when the day-trippers arrive.
Southern Thai food and local flavour
Krabi's kitchen leans southern and boldly spiced, with Muslim-influenced roti and massaman curry alongside fierce local dishes like khua kling and gaeng tai pla. Ao Nang's seafront tables and the Krabi town night market are worth a run ashore for grilled prawns, whole steamed fish and cold beer. Aboard, your chef can build the day around the morning catch, searing squid and snapper on deck and laying out som tam, fresh mango and coconut. Tell the crew your tastes when you book, whether that means a long lazy seafood lunch at anchor or a chilli level that respects tender palates, and they will shop the local markets accordingly.
Why a private charter beats a group tour
The standard four-islands longtail tour herds hundreds of visitors onto the same beaches at the same midday hour, which is exactly when Phra Nang and Poda are busiest and hottest. On your own catamaran or sailing yacht you control the clock, arriving at first light or lingering into the golden hour when the day boats have gone. There is no fixed loop, no shared cooler, no waiting for strangers. The route bends to your mood, whether that is more time snorkelling, an unplanned swim stop or a slow sail home under canvas. For families, couples and small groups it is calmer, cleaner and far more private, with a crew whose only guests are yours.
Krabi & Railay highlights
- Phra Nang Beach and its cave shrine, at their quietest before the day boats
- Chicken, Tup and Mor islands linked by a walkable sandbar at low tide
- The hidden lagoon tucked inside Hong Island
- Snorkelling the shallow reefs off Poda and Chicken Island
- Sea-kayaking the mangrove channels of Ao Thalane
- World-class rock climbing and deep-water soloing at Railay
- Sunset and a swim off the deck at Railay West
A sample day on the water
Leave Phuket after breakfast and cross to Krabi in around two hours, dropping anchor off Chicken Island for a first snorkel while the reef is still quiet. Cruise to Phra Nang for lunch aboard and an afternoon ashore among the cliffs and cave shrine, then swim off the boat as the four-islands crowds thin out. Spend the night at a sheltered anchorage near Railay, dining on deck beneath the karsts, and wake early for kayaking at Ao Thalane or a climb above the sea. On day two, work north to Hong Island's lagoon before an easy sail back to Phuket, timing your return for sunset.
Yachts for Krabi & Railay
A selection from our fleet well suited to this route. See the full lineup on our charter fleet page.
CatamaranLobster
from THB 125,000/day
78ft · 120 Guests · 0 Cabins
Lobster Yacht Phuket is a 78 ft double-deck sailing catamaran that brings together space, comfort and atmosphere in a way few yachts in Phuket can. As one of the only vessels of its kind in Southeast Asia, it offers a refined yet lively setting for both daytime cruising and evening experiences on the water. Designed to host up to 120 guests, this luxury catamaran is perfectly suited for private charters, corporate events and boat parties in Phuket. The open layout across two decks creates a natural flow between relaxing, socialising and enjoying the surrounding views of the Andaman Sea. What sets Lobster Yacht apart is the overall experience. From the moment you step onboard, everything feels easy and well thought out. Whether you prefer a laid-back day at sea or a more vibrant sunset atmosphere with music and drinks, the yacht adapts effortlessly to your plans. For those looking for a spacious and well-designed yacht charter in Phuket, Lobster Yacht offers a balance of comfort, style and energy, making it a standout choice for groups who want more than just a standard boat trip.
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CatamaranCoco
from THB 29,899/day
40ft · 20 Guests · 2 Cabins
Coco is a beautiful 40ft Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran operating from Chalong Pier, one of Phuket's most popular departure points. Accommodating up to 20 guests, Coco offers a perfect balance of comfort, stability and performance for day trips to the island paradise of the Andaman Sea. Whether you choose to visit the crystal-clear waters of Racha Yai Island, the vibrant marine life at Coral Island, or the dramatic scenery of Maiton and Khai Nok Islands, Coco delivers an unforgettable experience with a professional crew at your service throughout the day.
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CatamaranTahaa
from THB 29,900/day
42ft · 20 Guests · 3 Cabins
Tahaa is a graceful 42ft Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran based at Chalong Pier, Phuket. Slightly larger than her sister vessel Coco, Tahaa offers generous deck space and comfortable accommodation for up to 20 guests on memorable full-day island adventures. Sail the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea to stunning destinations including Racha Yai Island, Coral Island, Maiton Island and Khai Nok Island with a professional English-speaking crew dedicated to making your day unforgettable.
View Details →Charter options for Krabi & Railay
Krabi & Railay charter questions
How long does it take to sail from Phuket to Krabi and Railay?
The crossing takes roughly two hours under power from Phuket's east-coast marinas and a little longer under sail, depending on wind and sea state. Because it is a genuine passage rather than a short hop, most guests enjoy Krabi and Railay as a relaxed overnight or multi-day voyage rather than rushing there and back in a single day.
Should we do Krabi and Railay as a day trip or an overnight?
You can visit in a long day, but an overnight or two-day charter is far more rewarding. Staying out lets you reach Phra Nang and the four islands before the longtail crowds arrive and after they leave, dine on deck beneath the cliffs and fit in kayaking or climbing at a civilised pace. The extra time also softens the two-hour crossing each way.
What kind of yacht suits Krabi and Railay best?
Catamarans and sailing yachts are the natural choice. A catamaran's shallow draught and stable twin hulls let you anchor close to the beaches and coves, with easy access to the water for swimming and snorkelling. A sailing yacht adds the pleasure of a quiet passage under canvas on the crossing. Both give you space, shade and a crew, which longtail day boats simply cannot match.
Can we snorkel and dive on a Krabi and Railay charter?
Yes. The reefs off Poda, Chicken and Tup islands offer gentle snorkelling suited to all ages, and gear is carried aboard. Certified divers can arrange guided dives at well-known sites in the wider area, such as the King Cruiser wreck and Shark Point, with instructors and equipment organised in advance. Let us know your experience level when you book so we can plan the right sites.
When is the best time to charter to Krabi and Railay?
November to April, the northeast monsoon season, brings the calmest and clearest conditions, with December to February the most dependable for flat seas and good visibility. The southwest monsoon from May to October is greener and quieter but can be wet and choppy, although Krabi's sheltered east-facing bays sometimes stay workable when Phuket's west coast is exposed.
Ready to charter to Krabi & Railay?
Tell us your dates and group size and we will craft the perfect private itinerary.