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Thailand
Motor yacht charter in Phuket
A British Princess 65 for groups who would rather spend the day on the islands than getting to them.
Motor yacht charter in Phuket is for people who begrudge half a day spent in transit. A sailing catamaran ambles out to Phi Phi; the Princess 65, at up to 30 knots, gets the group there far sooner and leaves more time for Pileh Lagoon, the white sand of Racha Yai or kayaking at Koh Hong.
It is a 20.2-metre flybridge yacht from a British yard. By day it carries up to 15 guests comfortably, and four cabins mean you can stay aboard for a night or two, say sleeping off Phi Phi and heading back the next day. The crew of three is typically a captain, a deckhand and a steward who looks after lunch and drinks, and a tender runs you ashore where a yacht this size cannot get close.
The Princess 65 suits family celebrations, business visitors and anyone who does not enjoy long passages under sail. The air-conditioned saloon is a relief in tropical heat, and the upper helm station gives a superb view of the sheer Phang Nga cliffs.
Motor yachts in Phuket
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €3,000 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €18,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- Captain, deckhand and steward
- Fuel for the agreed day route
- Water and soft drinks
- Masks and snorkels
- A tender for beach landings
Usually extra
- Per-person entry fees for the Phi Phi and Ao Phang Nga national parks
- Lunch from a set menu and alcohol
- Overnight stays and meals for the following day
- Extra fuel if the route changes during the day
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
Motor yachts in Phuket are based at the east-coast marinas, Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon, Yacht Haven and Ao Po Grand Marina, with Chalong sometimes handier for trips south to Racha. From the east side, Phang Nga Bay with Koh Hong and James Bond Island is closest, while Phi Phi and Racha lie across open water. In a day on this yacht you can realistically fit two or three swim and snorkel stops.
Marinas
- Ao Po Grand Marina
- Yacht Haven Phuket Marina
- Royal Phuket Marina
- Boat Lagoon
- Chalong Pier
When to go
The best window is November to April, when the Andaman Sea is dry and settled. From May to October the southwest monsoon makes Phi Phi and Racha weather-dependent, and the captain more often heads for sheltered Phang Nga. The Princess 65 is booked for a full day with an early start to stay ahead of the tour boats, or for two or three days with nights aboard.
Motor yacht charter in Phuket: FAQ
Why a motor yacht rather than a catamaran?
Speed and cool air. The Princess 65 moves between islands several times faster than a sailing catamaran, and the saloon is air-conditioned. A catamaran gives more deck space and sits steadier at anchor, but a motor yacht lets you see more places in the same day.
Can we stay overnight?
Yes, four cabins allow one or two nights aboard. Guests usually do this to wake up off Phi Phi or inside Phang Nga Bay before the day-trippers arrive. Food and drinks for those days are agreed in advance.
Does it suit a family with small children?
Yes, especially if the little ones struggle with long hours in the sun: the saloon is enclosed and cool, and passages are short. Request children's life jackets when you book.
What happens in the rainy season?
Charters still run from May to October, but the route follows the forecast. When the west coast is choppy, the captain will usually suggest Phang Nga Bay, where the water stays calmer.