Top 10 Marinas in Thailand
When the northeast monsoon eases in November and the Andaman Sea flattens into a glittering procession of limestone towers and turquoise bays, sailors from across the world converge on Phuket. The island's north coast has evolved into the yachting capital of Southeast Asia, with five marinas clustered within 15 kilometres of one another. Beyond Phuket, Thailand's marine geography is extraordinary — the Similan Islands rise from depths over 30 metres to the west, Phang Nga Bay's karst pillars define the imagination of any sailor who has rounded them, and the Gulf of Thailand's eastern coast offers a quieter, less-visited alternative. Thailand typically allows visits on a tourist visa, and cruising permits are issued at the point of entry.
Yacht Haven Marina, Phuket
Yacht Haven Marina sits at the northern tip of Phuket island near Ao Po Bay, providing one of the most sheltered berths on the island's east coast. The marina can accommodate superyachts up to 90 metres, offers 120 berths with shore power, and runs a full boatyard with a 70-tonne travel-lift. Its particular strength is the technical service network: engine shops, riggers, sailmakers, and electronic technicians all operate on site or within five minutes. Yacht Haven is the traditional finishing point for the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta, the premier offshore race in the region.
Royal Phuket Marina
Royal Phuket Marina, on the island's east coast near the town of Ko Kaew, is one of the largest marinas in Southeast Asia with over 300 berths. The marina complex integrates a luxury residential development, a four-star hotel, international restaurants, and an on-site supermarket. Vessels up to 100 metres can be accommodated. A 70-tonne travel-lift and full boatyard services are available. The marina hosts the annual Phuket International Boat Show and serves as a headquarters venue for the Kings Cup Regatta held every December in the waters off Phuket's southern cape.
Ao Po Grand Marina
Ao Po Grand Marina, tucked into the sheltered inlet of Ao Po on Phuket's northeast coast, is one of the island's quieter options. The marina offers around 80 berths in a mangrove-fringed bay that provides exceptional shelter during the southwest monsoon (May to October), when Phuket's west coast marinas can take a swell. The approach channel dries partially at spring low water; vessels drawing more than 2.5 metres should transit only on the flood.
Chalong Marina and Pier
Chalong Bay, on Phuket's southern coast, is the island's traditional safe anchorage and the departure point for dive trips to the Racha Islands and Phi Phi. Chalong Marina — a compact facility adjacent to the pier — offers around 30 berths and basic amenities. More important is the pier itself, which serves as a dinghy landing and supplies dock for the large number of boats that swing to anchor in the bay. Depths are variable but generally 4 to 5 metres in the main anchorage area.
Telaga Harbour, Langkawi (staging base)
While technically in Malaysia, Telaga Harbour on Langkawi is inseparable from the Thai sailing circuit. Most blue-water boats cruising Thailand's Andaman coast check in to Thailand at Phuket after a final approach from Langkawi. The standard route descends from Rebak Island Marina or Telaga Harbour past Ko Lipe and into Phuket through the Chalong Bay entrance — a distance of approximately 140 nautical miles.
Port Takola Yacht Marina, Krabi
On the mainland east of Phuket, Port Takola Yacht Marina and Boatyard in Krabi province is the gateway to Phang Nga Bay's magnificent limestone karst scenery. The marina has about 50 berths, a 50-tonne travel-lift, and a boatyard that specialises in fiberglass repairs and osmosis treatment. Krabi town, 8 kilometres away, is well supplied and easily accessible. Boats based at Port Takola can explore the sea stacks of Ko Hong, the cave passages of Ko Panak, and the bird's-nest soup caves of Phang Nga Bay within easy day-sailing distance.
Hin Kop Marina, Koh Samui
In the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui is the principal yachting base for the eastern basin. Hin Kop Marina on the island's northwest coast offers 60 berths in a well-sheltered bay, a fuel dock, and basic maintenance facilities. The marina is the primary venue for the Samui Regatta, held each May when the Gulf transitions from northeast to southwest monsoon. The anchorage off Chaweng beach on the east coast supplements the marina during the high season (December to February).
Royal Lakeside Marina, Bangkok
On the Chao Phraya River north of Bangkok, the Royal Lakeside Marina caters primarily to powerboats and the small fleet of motor-sailers that navigate the river. For deep-keel ocean-going yachts, the river's bridges and depths make it impractical, but shoal-draught boats and catamarans can access a fascinating upriver cruise to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Royal Navy Museum at Thonburi.
Racer Marina, Phuket
Racer Marina, on Phuket's east coast near Ao Makham, serves as a working boatyard for the island's racing fleet. The facility holds around 40 berths, a 30-tonne lift, and workshops for hull, engine, and rigging work. Several professional racing teams base their chase boats here during the King's Cup season, and independent delivery crews use it as a cost-effective alternative to the larger resort-style marinas.
Thong Not Bay, Koh Samui
Thong Not Bay on Koh Samui's northern shore is a popular hurricane-season anchorage used by boats based permanently in the Gulf of Thailand. There is no managed marina, but the holding is good in 5 to 8 metres of water, and the small pier at the north end of the bay provides a landing for supplies. Local fishermen keep their boats here year-round, and the bay gives about 180 degrees of shelter from the northeast monsoon.
Explore on the map
Use the interactive map to chart a full Andaman Sea circuit — from Langkawi north through Phuket to the Similan Islands and back around Phang Nga Bay. Explore Thailand on the map to overlay anchorages, dive sites, and marina locations for one of Asia's most rewarding cruising grounds.