A land of soaring limestone cliffs, white powdered sands, and Crayola coloured coral reefs, Koh Hong is a tiny island just a day trip away from South Thailand’s gem of Krabi. The Hong Lagoon can only be reached by a narrow opening making for an exciting gateway into the glorious island. Sitting in the Thanbok Kharanee National Park, Koh Hong’s cliffs are majestic in mood - swathed in velvet and standing tall, they add to the iconic postcard sight that makes Koh Hong such a dream. Snorkelling on the island is a delight with shoals of shimmering fish dressed in their best colours weaving worlds of wonder beneath the sea. White-faced gibbons and monitor lizards scuttle and swoop on the land. Take the kayak out to explore the drama of the limestone cliffs, swim in the brightest turquoise waters, and spend hours relaxing on the sands.
Made famous by its iconic outcrop, Koh Dam translates to ‘Chicken Island’ in Malay, and charter guests are sure to see why on the approach to this tropical haven. Located just a short distance southwest of the enamoured Rai Leh peninsula, Koh Dam forms part of a smattering of stunning islets, each framed by pristine white sand beaches and fragrant vegetation. Connected via sandbank to neighbouring Thale Waek, this secluded spot looks out across typical Thai landscapes of dramatic limestone, jade green waters and hazy indigo horizons. An idyllic experience for those wanting an authentic escape, you can choose to moor up on the eastern side of the island, allowing charter guests to admire its signature silhouette against the setting sun.
Koh Phi Phi Don is a dream. A scenic vision of lime rock karsts, azure waters, and sweeping sands sets the scene for another day in paradise. Some of the southern shores have been impacted by the tsunami although redevelopment is certainly underway. In the northeast, however, you will find areas of Phi Phi Don that are completely untouched by the trials and tribulations of wild weather. These northern shores are still home to Thailand's indigenous ‘Sea Gypsies’. Phi Phi Don is one of the two main islands that make up the famed Phi Phi islands and being one of the main players means it is well set up to receive tourists. Snorkelling, sipping cocktails, feasting on the island's signature seafood, and blissing out on the beaches can keep you rested. For those charter guests seeking a more bustling scene, there’s vibrant nightlife to be found in Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Bay.
Made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio movie aptly named The Beach, Koh Phi Phi is a bonafide bucket list destination. With cream coloured sands and waters swirling in shades of unimaginable blue, from the deck of your yacht it's easy to believe you have died and gone to heaven. While corners of this beautiful island have been handed over to development, you can still find those golden corners away from the full moon parties and tourist hordes. Phi Phi Leh is all lyrical carved cliffs and crystal clear waters - a dream for snorkelling and seeing with crystal clear visibility all the pleasures of the underwater world. For charter guests looking to lean into scenic Thai beauty but don’t mind sharing the space with other revellers, Koh Phi Phi is the poster child attracting travellers from far and wide for good reason.
A tropical paradise also going by the name of Raya Island, Koh Racha sits just 20km to the south of Phuket and is a prime charter destination for those who want to centre their time around diving, snorkelling, and swimming in clear turquoise waters. With the whitest sands and coral clad seabeds, not to mention five spectacular beaches to choose from, Koh Racha is an ocean lover's dream. There are plenty of dive sites to pick from, meaning that those delving into the blue can be a beginner or advanced and still get their fill of impressive aqua adventures. Patok Beach is the mainstay shoreline with a luxury resort and curved bay of brilliant bone-white sands. Siam Bay is a mere hop and skip away and boasts plenty of space and sweet relaxation beneath the palms. Along with snorkelling and diving, charter guests staying on Koh Racha can trek and fish and soak up the charm of island life.
The Malacca Strait is home to one of Thailand’s most famous tourist spots - Phang Nga Bay. The poster child for perfect looking Thailand, Phang Nga Bay is all emerald waters, teetering limestone karsts, colourful islets, and drifting long tail boats. This is the stuff movies are made of and it comes as no surprise that Phang Nga has featured as a filming locale in everything from James Bond to Star Wars. Stretching out for 400 square kilometres and with jaw-dropping scenery, a marine national park, ancient rock paintings, and a ton of amazing adventures, you can drop anchor and never want to leave. Some highlights of Phang Nga Bay include taking a traditional style canoe to explore the limestone karsts and intricate cave systems. Be sure to visit the bright village of Koh Panyee - home to the cave paintings, it is also a place where you can see colourful traditional boats, stilted homes, market stalls, and a glorious golden mosque. Phang Nga is also home to lavish resorts, tailor shops, and James Bond island tours.
Stashed between Krabi and Phuket, you will find the untapped island of Koh Yao. Part of the Phang Nga National Park, Koh Yao and Koh Yao Noi are pristine Thai delights. Emerald waters, the rising spires of limestone cliffs, and longtail boats perched on pure white sands set the scene for an amazing anchorage. While not a secret destination, there are fewer tourists on Koh Yao meaning that the island still retains its authentic vibe. Warm calm waters, greenery draping over the cliffs, and secret little beaches are sure to tempt charter guests in for hikes, swims, and renting a scooter to ride around and explore. For those looking to party, you may need to sail for a different island - Koh Yao is all about peace and tranquillity with little more socializing than sipping a cold beer in one of the very few bars.
Pretty Phuket may be the largest island in Thailand but that doesn’t take away from its spectacular beauty. Still boasting whimsical white sands and towering coconut palms, the island has every kind of beach you could wish for with more than 40km of sandy stretches to choose from. Some notable shimmering beaches to pick from include Kamala Beach with its traditional Thai feel and Patong Beach which was designed for pure-play. The Old Town is the perfect place to go to ogle at brightly painted colonial mansions and the nearby Similan Islands offer charter guests the chance to soften at the local elephant sanctuary. Those looking to party all night long can follow the bright lights of Bangla. Of course, it goes without saying that the local food scene is ever a homely yet extravagant taste affair.