8 Days / 7 Nights – Racha, Rok, Koh Ha, Phi Phi & Phang Nga Bay

Route overview

An indicative Andaman passage

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.

The forecast chooses the final track. Mileage, anchorages and activities are planning estimates. The skipper confirms the safest route after considering weather, sea state, tides, park access, yacht condition and crew experience.

Route map

Day by day

Indicative passage plan

Each day is a planning framework, not a promise of a particular anchorage or activity. At five knots, a 50-mile leg requires roughly ten hours underway before pilotage and manoeuvring.

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.