🌊 A Dreamy 7-Day Family Catamaran Charter Through Thailand’s Andaman Sea
There’s something undeniably magical about falling asleep to the sound of gentle waves and waking up anchored in turquoise waters with limestone cliffs towering around you.
Add IN YOUR kids’ laughter echoing across the deck, tropical fruit breakfasts at sunrise, UNPACKING ONE TIME, and no set schedule… and you’ve got a recipe for one of our favorite family adventures ever.
Last FALL, we set off on a 7-day private catamaran charter through Thailand’s stunning Andaman Sea—and it was every bit as dreamy as it sounds.
Here’s a peek inside our route, our floating home, and the unforgettable moments in between.
Spoiler: the kids are still talking about it.
Our Floating Home: The 4-Cabin Catamaran
We chartered a modern Lagoon 42 catamaran with 4 spacious en-suite cabins—plenty of space for our family (and another HONESTLY). The beauty of a catamaran is its stability and generous deck space, which makes it perfect for families with young kids (ours WERE 4 AND 5 years old WHEN WE SAILED).
Big shaded cockpit = essential for snack time and family games
Netted lounging area up front = a kid favorite for spotting fish and turtles
Indoor salon = air-conditioned
Professional crew of TWO : captain AND chef - BOTH THAI AND EXPERTS IN THE AREA (AND PREPARING INCREDIBLE THAI DISHES!)
Meals were fresh, colorful, and kid-approved—think FRESH THAI DISHES, noodles, tropical fruit platters, and homemade pancakes in the morning. The chef even surprised the kids with Thai-style banana fritters one night under the stars.
📍Our 7-Day Route: Island Hopping Heaven
Day 1 – Depart Phuket → Overnight near Phang Nga Bay
We boarded in the afternoon from Ao Po Grand Marina, and within an hour, we were anchored beside towering limestone karsts in Phang Nga Bay. A sunset swim and dinner on deck set the tone.
Day 2 – Hong Island
We kayaked into hidden lagoons surrounded by jungle and cliffs. The calm water here is ideal for kids paddling or floating alongsidE… No crowds. Just nature.
Day 3 – Phi Phi Islands
We arrived early—before the day-trippers—and explored Monkey Beach (yes, there were monkeys!), snorkelING, and visited Maya Bay (made famous by The Beach). The bay is now protected and limited, which made it even more serene.
Day 4 – Bamboo Island
This tiny, powder-white island was a favorite. The kids built sand CASTLES while we snorkeled right from shore. The water clarity was unreal.
Day 5 – Koh Lanta
We docked at the relaxed, boho island of Koh Lanta, where we could stretch our legs a bit. We explored Old Town by tuk-tuk, grabbed ice cream, and stocked up on FOOTBALL JERSEYS AT THE MARKET.
Day 6 – Railay & Ao Nang (Krabi Mainland)
We anchored near Railay Beach and took the dinghy in for a little cave exploring and rock climbing. The kids loved “secret beach” discoveries, and we had a sunset cocktail at a cliffside bar with a view that felt straight out of a painting.
Day 7 – Return to Phuket
A smooth final sail BACK TO PHUKET TO CONTINUE OUR THAILAND JOURNEY — READ THE FULL ITINERARY HERE.
Unique Highlights + Family Tips
Early arrivals make all the difference: Your captain can help you beat the crowds at popular spots like Maya Bay and Monkey Beach.
Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and a kayak were provided and used daily.
No seasickness: The calm waters and steady catamaran made this a great choice for all ages.
Wi-Fi onboard: Yes, but we barely used it. The kids were too busy being pirates, snorkelers, and beach explorers.
Crew favorites: They knew hidden SPOTS we never would’ve found ourselves, including a completely empty sandbar at low tide where we played for hours.
Why It Works So Well for Families
What makes a sailing trip so special for families is the mix of freedom + flexibility. No packing and unpacking. No busy hotels. Just wake up, dive in, eat when you're hungry, nap when you're tired, and explore a new island every day. It’s bonding in the most beautiful way.
And for parents? There’s nothing like sipping a cold drink on the bow while the kids chase fish in waist-deep water, completely free of screens, schedules, or stress.
✨ Thinking About Chartering a Boat in Thailand?
Let me help you find the perfect boat, crew, and route for your family—whether it’s your first charter or your fifth. When you book with a travel advisor like me, you’ll get:
🛥 Vetted, family-friendly yachts and catamarans
📋 Custom itineraries with age-appropriate stops and safe anchorages
👩🍳 Crew matching (yes, it matters!)
🧃 Pre-arrival provisioning with snacks, drinks, and kid-friendly meals
📞 Full support before, during, and after your charter
This was one of our most memorable family vacations ever—and I’d love to help you create your own version of it.
📩 Ready to sail through Thailand with your crew?
