Andaman Sea, Thailand

Ki Panyi

Entering the river delta area in the north of Phang Nga Bay you will find the island of Ko Panyi where a densely populated small village is built on stilts sitting above the water. This is referred to as the “floating village”, but only the boats ride up and down with the tide, houses sit on stilts over the sea.

Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai

Two large islands sit in the middle of the bay: Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai, separated by a shallow passageway. Although a number of modern resorts have recently been developed here, these islands remain rural and traditional. The two islands are lush and geographically appear more similar to Phuket than the nearby hong islands, even if they are a world apart culturally. Going ashore will take you back in time to where the island of Phuket was before it became a major tourist destination.

Railay & Tonsai Beach

Across the bay from Phuket towards the east is Krabi province, a mountainous part of mainland Thailand known for their steep and towering cliffs that stand tall over the sea below. Railay beach is on a mainland peninsula but not accessible by roads because of the impenetrable mountains that block land travel to Krabi town. The beaches are lined by hotels and tourists brought in by longtail boats flood the white sand beaches. 

Ko Poda

Not far from the hustle of Railay beach is a group of islands with great snorkeling, idyllic beaches and world class deep water solo rock climbing. Arriving at these islands from Railay will remind you why sailboats are the absolute best way to see the world.

Ko Racha

Busy during the day with boats taking tourists back and forth from Phuket, parts of this sparsely inhabited island can become overwhelmed by daytripper tourists. Fortunately, for sailors, we spend our day sailing the seas. Tour boats leave Patok Beach in late afternoon as we arrive and by early evening the island is quiet and serene. Going ashore on a walk towards the village where the islanders live, you will pass by water buffalo grazing in fields along the dirt roads and islanders tilling the land. 

Phi Phi Islands

Sail here for the raucous good times and the perspective that it lends you. The Phi Phi Islands over the years have become a beacon for backpackers wondering this part of the world, and during a trip ashore, their slightly rambunctious lifestyle is beyond evident. This activity contrasts greatly with the experience a sailor will have just around the corner anchored off a jungle cove with monkeys on the cliffs high above your mast top.