Painting of Bangkok on the Chao Praya River – photo by Carol Kent / Watercolor by Waterlogue
I am just back from traveling 8,517 miles to one of the most amazingly scenic and dramatic familiarization tours I have ever been on – a yachting fam trip in Thailand. Traveling on exquisite yachts, we enjoyed the local customs and culture enveloping a three-week journey through Southeast Asia.
For a description of each motor yacht we were fortunate to cruise on in the Bay of Thailand, please click the links below.
97′ MIA KAI – Bilgin Motor Yacht is a stunning contemporary yacht that has 4 ensuite cabins and 5 crew. We enjoyed outstanding service as we spent an entire day exploring Phi Phi Islands – a photographer’s dream. Born in the UK, Capt. Chris came to Thailand years back, where he met his wife. He has extensive cruising knowledge of the Mediterranean and now prefers its beauty. The chef prepared traditional Thai meals and was conscious of our virgin Thai taste buds. Perfectly paired with wine, we all enjoyed the aft-deck lunch and atmosphere.
108′ DOLCE VITA – Numarine motor yacht is modern comfort at sea. She sleeps 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins. Between DOLCE VITA’s brilliant features and Captain Danilo’s great personality, one week on this cutting-edge boat is hardly enough! We sailed out of Phuket Marina and headed to the popular Krabi, where both the weather and the water temperature were warm. READ MY BLOG: Chartering in Thailand Onboard DOLCE VITA
101′ BLOSSON, built by Asondoa, has 4 contemporary en suite cabins for a maximum of 9 guests. Her five crew includes a masseuse, a Thai Chef, and Ing (Chief Stewardess), a hospitality graduate of the University of Chiang Mai.
Flying from Boston to Tokyo, then on to Bangkok, took approximately 22 hours. The plane ride on JAL (Japan Airlines) is totally different than our Western air carriers. JAL provides fresh local cuisine accompanied by bona fide Asian service with a smile.
I booked a Boston to Bangkok round-trip ticket so I could take advantage of low-fare one-way air travel to Chiang Mai (75-minute duration with 45+ flights per day), North, then a one-way to Phuket (2-hour duration but fewer choices for direct flights), and back to Bangkok. Flying back to Bangkok is only 3 hours, and prices begin at $40 U.S.!
THAI-TINERARY
I spent 6 days in Bangkok, only 2 days in Chiang Mai, and 6 days in Phuket (4 of which were cruising on 2 exquisite yachts out of Northern Yacht Haven Marina).
My philosophy is to get the most out of traveling: with flying and driving such a long distance and a time change of 11+ hours ahead, one needs to saturate all the senses.
One must spend time in bold, bustling Bangkok, where transportation choices can be quite exciting. Choose your Tuk Tuk driver who displays a yellow license plate (the government supplies the fuel, so rates tend to be a great value). You can also get around Bangkok easily with the BTW sky train, and combine the city discoveries riding on the “long tail boats’ that ply the Chao Phraya river and intertwine major and small waterways.
Take three to four days to get acclimated to the heat and the many great aromas of street food stands. Bangkok has so much to offer, from temple-hopping (be sure to cover your arms, no shorts, and no shoes when entering) to shopping at the malls and street markets. Just for fun, we added a “must-do” side trip to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Home to elephant sanctuaries, the University of Chiang Mai is where hospitality degrees are at the top of the list for students. It has the best “Lady Boy’ show in all of Thailand, they claim.
Now we were ready to begin our yachting adventure on the island of Phuket.
Recent data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its research partners highlights that Asia has reclaimed its position as the primary engine of global travel growth. By early 2026, Asia is leading international travel demand, with Eastern and Southeast Asia together accounting for 31.7% of the global market share.
Phuket Island is known for its beautiful beaches, bars, and nightclubs. To escape the noise of increased tourism and to meet the demand for boating, there has been an increase in yacht choices for every budget.
Choosing the right yacht means knowing what is included in the price and what flag it flies. Many of the yachts fly the registered Thailand flag, which allows an itinerary that suits a 4-8 day (or more) charter beginning and ending in Phuket Island.
If it is a foreign-flag vessel, you may start in Phuket; however, you would need to end in Langkawi, Malaysia. This means you’ll have to fly out of Langkawi International Airport, back to Bangkok – a 4-5 hour flight.
A one-way itinerary is also fabulous since many of the great dive sites are off the coast of Malaysia. This also means that being on your private yacht enhances your experience of the more remote islands. You can have your own Robinson Crusoe experience!
We help you find the right yacht, crew, and itinerary for your adventure. Our services are complimentary and help you make the most of all you want to do.
