Overview
Yacht Haven Marina is on Phuket's north-east coast, and sailing yachts cannot pass under the bridges to the north of the island. The route therefore runs around the south of Phuket and up the west coast before the crossing to the Similans. Four days include passages of 40 to 50 nautical miles, so this route suits experienced sailors or a charter with a skipper. The Similan Islands National Park is open from 15 October to 15 May. Park entry fees are paid separately, overnight stays ashore are not permitted, and the yacht anchors overnight where the park allows. The final route is agreed before departure.
Day 1
Yacht Haven Marina → Koh Naka Yai
Approx. 11 NM
Board at Yacht Haven Marina from 14:00 and make a short afternoon sail to Koh Naka Yai for the first night at anchor.
Day 2
Koh Naka Yai → Laem Promthep → Bang Tao Bay
Approx. 43 NM
Sail south along the east coast of Phuket, round Laem Promthep at the island's southern tip and continue up the west coast to Bang Tao Bay for the night. This is a long sailing day.
Day 3
Bang Tao Bay → Koh Miang (Similan Island No. 4)
Approx. 51 NM
Make an early start for the open-water crossing to the Similan Islands. Anchor off Koh Miang, where the national park headquarters is located, for the night. This is a long sailing day.
Day 4
Koh Miang → Koh Similan (Similan Island No. 8)
Approx. 8 NM
Sail north through the island chain, with snorkelling stops where the park permits. Visit Donald Duck Bay and the Sail Rock viewpoint on Koh Similan, then anchor in the island's north-west bay for the night.
Day 5
Koh Similan → Koh Miang
Approx. 8 NM
Spend the morning around Koh Similan before sailing back south to Koh Miang for the night, ready for the return crossing.
Day 6
Koh Miang → Bang Tao Bay
Approx. 51 NM
Make an early start for the return crossing to Phuket's west coast and anchor in Bang Tao Bay for the night. This is a long sailing day.
Day 7
Bang Tao Bay → Laem Promthep → Koh Naka Yai
Approx. 43 NM
Sail south along the west coast, round Laem Promthep and head north along the east coast to Koh Naka Yai for the final night. This is a long sailing day.
Day 8
Koh Naka Yai → Yacht Haven Marina
Approx. 11 NM
Make a short early-morning sail back to Yacht Haven Marina. The yacht must be returned by 10:00.