The coastline from Phuket to the Malaysian island of Langkawi is one of the classic cruising routes in South East Asia. It runs south through the Krabi islands, past Koh Lanta and the Trang islands, and on to the Tarutao archipelago before crossing into Malaysian waters.
Taken at an easy pace it fills a week or ten days. Each night is spent at anchor, and the passages between stops are rarely more than a few hours.
Why sail it
The southern Andaman is quieter than the waters around Phuket. The further south you go, the fewer boats you meet, and the islands around Trang and Satun have long empty beaches and small fishing villages.
Langkawi itself is a duty free island with good marinas and yacht services, and many owners use it as a second base. It is also a practical place to complete formalities when a foreign flagged yacht leaves and re-enters Thailand.
The route
Phuket to Koh Phi Phi
The first leg crosses to Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is managed by the national park, and access for boats is regulated. Early mornings are the quietest time around the islands.
Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
A short sail east and south brings you to Koh Lanta, with long west facing beaches and a national park at its southern tip.
Koh Lanta to the Trang islands
Koh Muk has the Emerald Cave, a sea cave you swim through at the right tide to reach a hidden beach. Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai have some of the clearest water on this coast.
The Trang islands to Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe sits at the edge of the Tarutao National Marine Park and is the last stop before Malaysia. The surrounding islands of Koh Adang and Koh Rawi are part of the park.
Koh Lipe to Langkawi
The final leg crosses into Malaysian waters to Langkawi, with marinas at Telaga, Rebak and Kuah.
Formalities
Crossing the border means clearing out of Thailand and clearing into Malaysia. Immigration is available on Koh Lipe during the season, and Satun on the mainland handles the rest of the year. On arrival in Langkawi, the marinas can direct you to the port clearance offices.
Procedures change, and for a foreign flagged yacht the temporary import status of the vessel also matters. An agent in Phuket or Langkawi can confirm the current requirements. Our guide to bringing a foreign flagged yacht to Thailand covers the background.
When to go
The route is at its best from November to April, in the north east monsoon, when the Andaman is calm and dry. Plan to be back in a sheltered base by the time the south west monsoon arrives in May. Our guide to the best time to sail in Thailand explains the seasons.
Questions people ask
How far is it from Phuket to Langkawi by boat?
The direct distance is around 120 nautical miles. Following the coast and islands, most yachts take a week or more.
Can you charter a yacht one way from Phuket to Langkawi?
Some charter operators offer one way itineraries between Phuket and Langkawi. Availability depends on the season and the yacht.
Do you need a visa to sail from Thailand to Malaysia?
Requirements depend on your nationality. Guests and crew clear immigration when leaving Thailand and again on arrival in Malaysia.
