Overview
Starting and finishing in Phuket, this extended route takes you from the Racha Islands down to remote Rok and Koh Ha, then up through Phi Phi, Railay and Hong Island before winding into Phang Nga Bay. Expect superb snorkeling, quiet anchorages, iconic viewpoints and classic limestone scenery.
We meet around 10:00 AM at Chalong Bay, Phuket to start the trip and head first for Koh Racha Yai.
Morning – Racha Yai
- Cruise to Koh Racha Yai, a pretty island with clear water and white sand
- First chance to swim and snorkel
- Enjoy your first taste of the cook’s cuisine on board
Afternoon – Racha Noi
- In the afternoon we continue further south to Koh Racha Noi
- Very clear water and a quiet, secluded anchorage
- Spend the first night on board in a peaceful bay
We depart early for Koh Rok, about 47 NM away.
Koh Rok – Twin-Island Paradise
- Two small islands in the middle of the ocean
- Some of the best snorkeling in the region
- Super-clear water inviting you in at any time
- Abundant marine life and healthy coral
We spend the entire day swimming, snorkeling and relaxing, and overnight at anchor off Koh Rok.
In the morning there’s more time for snorkeling at Koh Rok before breakfast and departure.
Koh Ha
- Sail about 16 NM to Koh Ha, a small group of five rocky islands
- Great snorkeling with dramatic rock scenery
- Look out into the blue while snorkeling – manta rays and whale sharks are sometimes seen here
- Imagine a 10-meter whale shark cruising past – totally harmless, as they are plankton feeders
Afternoon – Phi Phi Islands
- In the afternoon we depart for the Phi Phi Islands
- Arrive at Tonsai Bay just before sunset
Evening options:
- Go ashore to experience the busy party scene of Phi Phi
- Or anchor in a quieter bay if you prefer to relax on board
Morning – Phi Phi Viewpoint & Long Beach
- Highly recommended walk to the Phi Phi Viewpoint (about 90 minutes up and back)
- Enjoy a spectacular panorama over the bays and surrounding islands
- Back on board for a quick swim and breakfast
Next, we stop at Long Beach:
- Nice fringing reef in front of the beach
- Famous for snorkeling with blacktip reef sharks – completely safe and unforgettable
Phi Phi Leh & Maya Bay
- Cruise to Phi Phi Leh, one of Thailand’s most dramatic islands
- Visit Maya Bay, made famous by “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio
- You’ll immediately see why this bay was chosen as a film location
Pileh Bay & Bamboo Island
- Pileh Bay is our lunch stop – a long, narrow bay backed by steep cliffs
- Take out the kayaks to explore this deep bay and its lush vegetation
- In the afternoon we leave Phi Phi and sail to Bamboo Island for the night
- Low sandy island, very quiet and a complete contrast to the towering cliffs of Phi Phi
Morning – Bamboo Island
- Visit Bamboo Island in the morning
- Walk on squeaky, fine white sand – an experience in itself
- Great snorkeling on the south and west sides of the island
Chicken Island (Koh Kai)
- Late morning sail to Chicken Island, actually two islands connected by a sandbar at low tide
- Time for swimming, snorkeling and beach walks
Afternoon & Evening – Railay Beach
- In the afternoon we move to Railay Beach
- A peninsula with no road access – all goods and people arrive by boat
- World-famous for rock climbing on steep limestone cliffs – try a beginner route if you wish
At night you can enjoy the lively beach bars of Railay, or simply relax on board and watch the lights from the shore.
Koh Hong (Krabi Province)
- First stop is Koh Hong (Krabi), an amazing island destination
- Uninhabited except for gibbons, birds and lizards
- The name “Hong” means “room”, referring to the lagoon hidden within
Here we can:
- Take the dinghy or kayaks into the inner lagoon
- Explore small sea caves and enjoy emerald water surrounded by cliffs
Koh Pak Bia
- Afternoon stop at Koh Pak Bia
- Beautiful limestone formations and sand spits that appear at lower tide
Evening – Koh Yao Noi
- Sail to Koh Yao Noi to anchor in one of its beautiful, quiet bays
- Enjoy a peaceful evening with views of scattered limestone islets
After breakfast we start exploring the western part of Phang Nga Bay.
Koh Hong (Phang Nga) & James Bond Island
- First visit Koh Hong (Phang Nga Province) to explore all the nooks and crannies of this limestone island
- Next to Koh Hong lies James Bond Island (Koh Tapu), famous from “The Man with the Golden Gun”
Koh Panyi – Sea Gypsy Village
- Continue to Koh Panyi, a 200-year-old sea gypsy village
- Built largely on stilts over the water between limestone rocks
- Walk the narrow walkways, visit the local mosque, houses and shops
- Spot the famous floating football field used by local kids
Evening – Koh Panak
- In the early evening, sail to Koh Panak and anchor there for the night
We start the morning by exploring the caves of Koh Panak.
Cave & Hong Exploration
- Take the kayaks out in the early morning light
- Some caves are accessible by kayak or even by foot at low tide
- We bring flashlights for orientation as we pass through the dark tunnels
- On the other side, the cave opens into hidden hongs – enclosed spaces open to the sky with dense vegetation and their own micro-climate
Final Swim & Return
- After cave exploration and lunch, we set sail for Koh Kai
- Last opportunity for a snorkel and swim in clear water
In the afternoon we sail back to Chalong Bay, Phuket, aiming to arrive around 5:00 PM, where your journey ends.