A private charter is the single biggest per-day upsell in a Thailand file — and the easiest to misquote if you don't know what's on the water. Here's the trade view from the team that operates it.
The three charter classes
Speedboats are the workhorses: fast, flexible, 10–30 guests depending on hull, ideal for covering Phi Phi or Phang Nga in a single ambitious day. They're about the destinations, not the journey.
Sailing catamarans are the experience: stable enough for guests who fear seasickness, wide decks for groups, trampoline nets for the photos. The classic run is Coral and Racha with a sunset return — less distance, more champagne. Day charters typically host up to 20–35 guests depending on vessel.
Motor yachts are the statement: air-conditioned salons, crew service, the platform for milestone birthdays, proposals and incentive-winner days. Overnight itineraries open up Phang Nga at dawn — the bay without a single other boat in it.
Routing by sea state
The Andaman has seasons, and charter routing follows them. November–April everything runs: west-facing routes, Phi Phi, the long days. In green season we route east and into the shelter of Phang Nga Bay — still spectacular, materially calmer. A good operator re-routes around weather; a reseller apologizes by email.
The questions that protect your client
- Is the vessel licensed and insured for charter, with certified crew?
- What is the wet-weather policy — re-route, re-date, or refund?
- Is fuel for the stated route included, or a surprise at the dock?
- Who handles national park fees and landing permits?
- What's the galley plan — catering aboard, beach club lunch, or island restaurant?
Our charter quotations answer all five in writing, because the question you don't ask is the one that becomes a complaint.
Quoting it
Charters price by vessel and route, not per head — which makes them margin-friendly for groups: a full catamaran often beats individual speedboat-tour tickets for parties of ten-plus. Fleet options, routes and net day rates are on the yacht & catamaran charters page, and the trade desk holds vessels on option for 48 hours while your client decides.
