With the world still buzzing about the stunning Thai backdrops in The White Lotus, there’s no better time to experience this tropical paradise for yourself. Imagine waking up every morning to the gentle sway of the ocean, exploring hidden beaches, indulging in mouthwatering Thai cuisine, and ending each day with some of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ve ever seen—all while sailing through Thailand’s most breathtaking islands. Our 7-day catamaran adventure was the perfect mix of romance, adventure, and relaxation, and we can’t wait to share every unforgettable moment with you!
Day 1: Phuket to Phang Nga Bay
Our sailing adventure began at Yacht Haven Marina, where we met our exceptional crew and fellow adventurers over a welcome gathering at Wood Fired Grill Bar Restaurant. Special shoutout to our incredible tour leader, Aekkarat (aka A), whose infectious enthusiasm set the perfect tone for the journey ahead.
Excitement buzzed in the air as we stepped aboard the Catamaran Dream 82, our floating home for the next seven days. The sail to Ao Phang Nga (Phang Nga Bay) was nothing short of breathtaking—emerald waters stretching endlessly, limestone karsts towering in the distance, and the gentle ocean breeze carrying the scent of salt and adventure.
Our first evening at sea was pure magic. After a refreshing swim in the calm waters of Phang Nga Bay, we settled in for our first onboard dinner—a feast for both the senses and the soul. With the silhouettes of towering limestone formations surrounding us and the soft lapping of waves against the hull, we indulged in an array of authentic Thai dishes. The spicy Tom Yum Kung delivered a bold kick, while the fragrant pork mint with Thai basil was the perfect balance of heat and freshness.
As the evening wound down, we retreated to our cozy sleeping quarters, where the rhythmic sway of the boat and the soft hum of the sea created a soothing lullaby. Drifting off under a sky full of stars, we couldn’t wait to see what adventures awaited us in the morning.
Day 2: James Bond Island, Panyee Village & Railay Beach
We set off early to our first stop of the day: the iconic James Bond Island. Being early risers had its perks—we got to experience the quiet, untouched beauty of the island before the crowds arrived. There’s something surreal about standing on a beach so famous, yet having it almost entirely to ourselves. You might recognize this spot from The Man with the Golden Gun, and let me tell you, it’s just as stunning—if not more so—in person. The towering limestone karsts rising from the emerald waters made for some incredible photo ops, and we took a peaceful morning walk, soaking it all in before heading to our next stop.
From there, we sailed to the floating village of Panyee, a community built entirely on stilts over the water. Walking through its narrow wooden pathways, we got a glimpse into daily life—locals selling fresh seafood, kids playing soccer on a floating pitch, and families gathered around small eateries. We learned about the village’s fascinating history, how a group of sea nomads founded it over 200 years ago, and how it has since grown into a thriving community. It was a humbling reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of the people who call this place home.
Our afternoon was spent at Railay Beach, which quickly became our favorite stop of the trip. It had the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and nightlife—exactly what we were looking for. The scenery alone was unreal, with towering limestone cliffs, traditional Thai boats lined up along the shore, and one of the most stunning sunsets we’d ever seen. But beyond the views, Railay had an energy that made it unforgettable.
We hung out in a treehouse-style bar, had drinks at the laid-back Chillax Bar, and watched monkeys swinging through the trees like they owned the place (which, let’s be real, they kind of do). Exploring was easy—it was small enough to walk everywhere, but had plenty of cool bars, restaurants, and beachside spots to keep us entertained.
Dinner that night was at Mom’s Kitchen & Restaurant, a casual but highly-rated local spot known for its authentic Thai flavors. The whole fried fish was a must-try—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside. Every dish was fresh, spicy, and packed with that signature Thai balance of sweet, sour, salty, and heat.
After dinner, we met up with our boat crew for a night out on the beach, hopping between beachside bars, swapping travel stories, and laughing over rounds of Thai rum. The drinks were strong, the music was good, and the company was even better. It wasn’t just the scenery that made this trip special—it was the people. By the end of the night, we weren’t just fellow travelers; we were friends.
Day 3: Snorkeling & Sunset at Koh Phi Phi
Our third day was all about marine adventures—right up my alley! We kicked things off with a morning snorkel at Ko Kai (Chicken Island), where we swam among schools of colorful fish, vibrant coral formations, and the occasional curious sea creature. The water was crystal clear, making it feel like we had stepped into a real-life aquarium.
From there, we cruised to Koh Maa (Dog Island), and the moment we jumped in, we were blown away by the coral reefs. The underwater world here was nothing short of breathtaking—massive brain corals, swaying sea fans, and flashes of neon-colored fish darting in and out of the reef. Even after days of snorkeling, this spot stood out as one of the most spectacular.
As the sun began to dip, we set sail toward Koh Phi Phi Don, the golden hues of sunset reflecting off the gentle waves. The sky transformed into a masterpiece of fiery orange, soft pink, and deep indigo, making for an unforgettable approach to the island.
Dinner that night was another spread of Thai favorites, enjoyed while we anchored near Monkey Beach—a spot famous for its cheeky, mischievous residents. As we ate, we could hear the rustling of monkeys in the trees and the occasional splash as they played along the shore. Between the incredible food, the company of our boat crew, and the surreal surroundings, it was one of those “this is what travel is all about” moments—pure adventure, relaxation, and magic all rolled into one.
Day 4: Exploring Ko Phi Phi Don & Sailing to Ko Phi Phi Leh
We arrived at Ko Phi Phi Don and spent the morning exploring the lively town, weaving through local shops and markets. We popped into a small art gallery where I found the perfect piece to take home—a little reminder of this beautiful place. Needing a quick refresh, we grabbed fresh fruit smoothies and wandered along the picturesque beach, snapping the quintessential Thai long-tail boat photos with the dramatic limestone cliffs in the background.
Here, we also met up with new travelers joining the trip—who, funnily enough, were also my clients! They had considered the 7-night sailing but were a bit skeptical about spending a full week on a catamaran, so they opted for the 4-night itinerary instead. It was such a fun surprise that we ended up sailing together after all!
Back on board, we set sail for Ko Phi Phi Leh, passing by Viking Cave along the way. The plan was to snorkel there, but the area was too crowded, so we adjusted course and moored just outside Pileh Lagoon instead. While waiting for the crowds to thin out, we floated in the calm water, using our life jackets as makeshift lounge chairs, completely surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It was one of those simple yet perfect moments—just hanging out in crystal-clear water, soaking in the beauty of this unreal place.
Later in the afternoon, we took the dinghy into Pileh Lagoon, where we swam and relaxed in what felt like our own hidden paradise. The turquoise water was almost too perfect, and with fewer boats around, it felt like we had the place to ourselves.
As the sun began to set, we sailed toward Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach. Even though it’s a top tourist spot, seeing it in person was something else—pristine white sand, towering limestone cliffs, and the kind of scenery that doesn’t even look real. We anchored just offshore and watched one of the most stunning sunsets of the trip, the sky turning into shades of orange and pink over the Andaman Sea.
Dinner that night was another feast of Thai favorites, including green curry with chicken, stir-fried seafood curry, and a spread of fresh tropical fruit. But what made every meal even better was Chef Chet’s legendary dinner announcements—he had a way of introducing each dish with such enthusiasm and flair that we couldn’t help but get excited. Every night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, we’d gather around, listening to him describe what was on the menu with his signature charm before diving into yet another incredible meal.
Day 5: Snorkeling, Dolphins Koh Racha Noi & Sunset on Koh Racha Yai
We woke up early, ready for another day of adventure on the water. Setting sail from Koh Phi Phi Don, we had an unexpected and incredible moment—a pod of bottlenose dolphins swimming alongside our catamaran! Seeing them so close, playfully gliding through the waves, was one of those magical moments you never forget.
After a smooth five-hour sail, we arrived at Koh Racha Noi (Small King Island), a secluded paradise known for its clear waters and thriving coral reefs. The moment we jumped in, we were surrounded by vibrant marine life, from colorful reef fish to delicate sea fans swaying with the current. The water was so clear it felt like we were floating in an aquarium.
After an hour of snorkeling, we dried off and enjoyed a fresh Thai lunch on board, with the ocean as our dining view. Then, it was time for another round of snorkeling—because why not? The afternoon was spent diving into the turquoise water, exploring the coral gardens, and soaking up the sun on deck.
As the sun started its descent, we set sail toward Koh Racha Yai (Big King Island). This island felt quieter and more remote, making it the perfect place to wind down. The golden-hour lighting, paired with the soft ocean breeze, made for an unforgettable sunset sail. We all gathered on deck, drinks in hand, just taking it all in—one of those moments where you realize this is what travel is all about.
Dinner on board that night was another feast of Thai favorites—stir-fried beef with oyster sauce, fresh seafood, and an array of local flavors. With full stomachs and happy hearts, we settled in for one of our last peaceful nights at sea, the gentle rocking of the boat lulling us to sleep.
Day 6: Koh Yao Yai & A Perfect Last Full Day
The morning started with a smooth sail from Koh Racha Yai to Koh Mai Thon, a tiny, secluded island with crystal-clear waters and untouched coral reefs. Known as “Honeymoon Island,” it felt like a hidden paradise, far from the crowds. We had one last epic snorkeling session, swimming alongside schools of vibrant tropical fish, delicate coral formations, and the occasional curious sea turtle. The water was so clear that we could see every ripple of sand on the ocean floor, making it one of the most surreal snorkeling spots of the trip.
From there, we set sail toward Koh Khai Nai (Egg Island), a fun and lively beach destination known for its laid-back island bars, powdery sand, and calm, shallow waters. After so many days of sailing and adventure, this was the perfect spot to kick back with a cold drink, soak up the sun, and take a final dip in the warm Andaman Sea. Some of us grabbed cocktails from the beachfront bars, while others floated in the water, just taking it all in—the kind of moment where you wish time would slow down.
By late afternoon, we arrived at Koh Yao Yai (Long Big Island), a peaceful island that still holds onto traditional Thai culture. The pace here was slower, the scenery untouched, and the beaches uncrowded and quiet. We had a couple of hours of free time, and most of us took the opportunity to unwind with a beachfront Thai massage, sip fresh coconut juice at a local café, or just wander the shore, taking in one last perfect sunset. It was the perfect transition from our adventure-filled days to a more relaxed and reflective end to the trip.
For our final dinner together, we headed to C&W Restaurant, a small, authentic Thai eatery known for its fresh seafood and home-cooked flavors. The meal was a feast of local specialties, and the conversation was filled with laughter, travel stories, and promises to meet again.
Back on the boat for our last night at sea, we played games, shared our favorite moments from the trip, and stargazed from the deck. It was bittersweet—no one wanted the adventure to end, but we all knew we had just experienced something truly special.
Day 7: Koh Naka Yai & The Final Sail Back to Phuket
Our last morning at sea started with a peaceful sail to Koh Naka Yai, a small island known for its quiet beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush coconut groves. It was the perfect place to spend our final few hours in paradise. Some of us opted for one last swim in the calm waters, while others grabbed kayaks and paddleboards, making the most of the morning sun. It was a slow, relaxing start, allowing us to soak in every last bit of island bliss before heading back to reality.
After breakfast on board, we set sail for Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket, the place where it all began. The ride back was bittersweet—we all knew the trip was coming to an end, but it was hard to say goodbye to the routine of waking up to ocean views, island hopping, and incredible new friendships. As we sailed, we reminisced about our favorite moments, from snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to sailing alongside dolphins and watching unreal Thai sunsets.
By 11:45 AM, we arrived back at Yacht Haven Marina, marking the official end of our 7-night sailing adventure. With backpacks slung over our shoulders and sand still stuck to our feet, we exchanged hugs, contact info, and promises to reunite somewhere in the world. The best part? We didn’t just make memories—we made lifelong friendships.
Final Thoughts: A Trip We’ll Never Forget
As I sit here reflecting on our 7-day sailing journey through Thailand, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude. This wasn’t just a trip—it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, filled with hidden lagoons, stunning beaches, unforgettable meals, and new friendships that will last beyond this journey.
From early morning snorkeling sessions to sunset sails and late-night laughter on deck, every single day felt like something out of a dream. Whether it was kayaking through Pileh Lagoon, watching monkeys swing through the trees at Railay, or sipping Thai rum with new friends, this trip reminded me why I love to travel—not just to see new places, but to experience them fully and share those moments with incredible people.
Set Sail with Chelax Adventures
Want to create your own unforgettable sailing adventure in Thailand? At Chelax Adventures, we scout the best experiences firsthand so you don’t have to. Whether you’re looking for a private sailing trip, a mix of land and sea adventure, or the perfect Thai island escape, we can make it happen. Let’s start planning your dream trip today!