Sailing Thailand - Phuket to Ko Phi Phi Adventure Tour

Snorkel in hidden bays, laze on pristine beaches, and feast on tantalizing Thai cuisine prepared by a local chef. Get away from it all aboard a small private catamaran on a four-day voyage through some of Thailand's most alluring islands. This is a perfect add-on to our other Thailand trips or a serene escape from the crowds of Phuket.

Highlights  

Snorkel in crystal-clear water, sail through stunning southern Thai islands, feast on tantalizing Thai cuisine, relax on secluded beaches

What's Included  

Sail the Andaman Islands of Thailand. James Bond Island visit. Railay Beach visit. Ko Ha Yai visit. Snorkelling in Monkey Bay. Island visits included Krabi Islands, Ko Phi Phi, and Northern Phuket Islands. Snorkelling equipment and two kayaks.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

About Accommodation  

The catamaran is equipped with a total of 8 passenger cabins. Two deluxe double cabins are located on the main deck offering porthole views, a slightly larger bathroom, and they are more easily accessed without the use of steep stairs. There are six standard twin cabins below deck, accessed by steep stairs. All standard cabins feature porthole windows, and some are convertible to doubles subject to availability - please enquire when booking. For your added comfort all cabins feature air-conditioning and private en suite bathrooms.

Power onboard is 220V on European 2 pin sockets. Please note that this is not suitable for sleeping aid machines, as the power source may not always be operating. Bringing a battery pack is recommended.

Please be aware that as this is a real sailboat and not a cruise vessel, the space on board is tight. The sleeping quarters on sailboats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. The vessel also features an onboard kitchenette, interior and exterior common areas, and plenty of outside deck space.

Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on sailboats, however if a real sailing experience on a real sailboat is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Opportunities to sleep in open air on main deck are often available.

If you are a single traveller, you will be paired up in a cabin with another traveller of the same gender. You will be sharing a bunk or double bed with a fellow passenger of the same sex and sharing the bathrooms onboard. Please note cabins have limited luggage storage space. Most travellers spend little time in their cabins, mainly using them to sleep and store their belongings.

It may be possible to smell engine and/or diesel fumes when in the cabins, due to their proximity to the engine room. Most travel is done during the day, so it is unlikely you will be in the cabin when the engine is running.

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please contact the Skipper CEO directly via the G Adventures app as soon as possible. Or to in touch with the Head Skipper, please refer to our Emergency contact details below. We recommend sending a text and/or whatsapp to the numbers listed under Emergency Contact with your trip code details.

Important Notes  

1. Please note that space is very, very limited on the boat and especially in your cabin. It is important that you only take on board soft sided luggage such as a mid sized backpack or soft duffel bag, keeping your bag's weight to less than 15kgs. Suitcases are not appropriate for our Thai sailing adventure as they are not pliable enough to fit into the niches available for luggage.

2. Fresh water is very limited on board, and as such we ask for your understanding that showers are limited to one quick shower per person a day. One towel per week is provided for showering purposes - please bring a beach towel. Drinking water is provided free of charge on board the yacht.

3. It's important to note that the beds in the cabins are not the usual length of a standard bed. The length is approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet).

4. Pre-Trip Contact (G App)

For an enhanced sailing experience, we highly recommend downloading the G Adventures App. This essential tool provides your joining instructions and allows you to connect with your Skipper CEO two days prior to your departure date. Your Skipper CEO will also reach out through the G app chat section with any updates and information required. Stay informed and prepared by accessing all necessary trip details through the app. Ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your adventure by downloading the G Adventures App today!

COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

Joining Instructions  

MEETING POINT:
WoodFired Grill Bar Restaurant
195, 5, Mai Khao, Amper Thalang,
Phuket 83110, Thailand

Please meet your CEO at 3:00pm at WoodFired Grill Bar Restaurant by The Yacht Haven Marina. It is located next to the Yacht Haven Marina. A table will be set aside and a G Adventures flag flying in the restaurant. If you intend on ordering food please arrive earlier than the meeting time of 3:00pm as food orders can take some time to arrive.
(CEO on Whatsapp or call +66948283968)

If you arrive into Phuket Airport, please take a taxi to the meeting point.

Please note that if you're searching for the joining location online, you can also search for ‘Phuket Yacht Haven Marina' to view the location on the map, and then you can give the address of WoodFired Grill Bar, listed above, to your taxi driver.

(Don't forget to download your G Adventures App for any updates before the trip.)

Max Pax  

14

Group Size Notes  

Max 18, avg 10.

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Traveling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. Included breakfasts will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or rice soup or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport  

25m (82 ft) sailing catamaran.

Finishing Point Instructions  

There are two options to travel back to Phuket from Koh Phi Phi, where the tour ends;

1. Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket ( finishing at Rachada Pier). This ride will take about 2 hrs. From there, please note that travellers will have to take a taxi from Rachada Pier to Phuket Airport, which is about an hour drive and will cost about 1000 THB (about $30-35 USD). This will be cheaper than taking public transportation.


2. Option two is to take the speed boat from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket (finishing at Rachada Pier) which will take about 1 hour. From there please note that travellers will have to take a taxi from Rachada Pier to Phuket Airport, which is about an hour drive and will cost about 1000 THB (about $30-35 USD). Rachada Pier is located nearby Phuket old town. Phuket Airport is located in the North

Ferry & Speed boat price could be a bit more expensive or a bit cheaper depending on the season. The tickets for the speedboat or ferry are always available to purchase on arrival at Koh Phi Phi (cash only). Travellers can ask the CEO to help book this transfer for them on the first day after the welcome meeting.


Please note that it is also possible to take a speed boat or ferry to Krabi Airport from Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi (Dropped off at Ao Nang Pier)
will take about 2 hours, then take taxi to Krabi Airport (about 45 minutes). Cost about 600 -800 THB ($18 - 25 USD)
- Taking Speed boat will take about 1 hours. 800 - 1000 THB ( $25 - 30 USD).

Packing List  

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Trip Specific Safety  

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Local Dress  

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.

Departure Tax  

All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket

About our Transportation  

Please note that this is a sailing catamaran, and the skipper will be using wind power when the winds are agreeable. Although this is not a learn to sail program, you may have a chance to learn a few tricks of the trade and assist the skipper with navigation while sailing. There are times when motoring the catamaran will be required, due to unfavorable wind conditions.

Local Flights  

There are no local internal flights in this itinerary.

Tipping  

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO, Skipper and Cook did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $10-15 USD per person, per day can be used.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, skipper, assistant/cook.

Group Leader Description  

This sailing adventure is staffed by a qualified skipper, a local cook/first mate and a G Adventures CEO. Your onboard team know the Thai Islands extremely well and are passionate about sharing their hidden secrets with their "crew". They know the best secluded beaches, snorkeling spot, coolest beach bars and where you can check your internet. Our Cook is very welcoming and more than happy to give informal Thai cooking classes while your delicious meals are being prepared in the ship's galley.

Meals Included  

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Optional Activities  

Phang Nga Bay
- Dinghy Excursion

Railay Beach
- Visit the Shrine of the Sea Princess

Ko Phi Phi Le
- Snorkelling

Minimum Age  

Minimum age of 16 years for this trip.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Money Exchange  

During this tour the local currency you will use is the Thai Baht. As currency exchange rates in South East Asia do fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for the most up to date daily exchange rates: www.xe.com for each of the above mentioned currencies. The best way to carry your money is in debit cards, withdrawing cash in local currencies from ATM machines. ATMs are found throughout South East Asia and will generally accept cards on the Visa and Mastercard networks. It is a great idea to travel with both a Visa and Mastercard if at all possible in case of loss or problems with one card, you will have a back up. Please note, your bank will charge a fee for overseas withdrawals. USD Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible. You should bring some cash with you for emergency situations (please refer to our trip dossier) but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix. Travellers cheques can be tricky, timely and expensive to exchange. While we do not recommend that you bring them as your primary source of funds, it is great to have one or two cheques in case of emergency. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers' cheques in US currency are the easiest to exchange. Cash advances can also be made with some banks but are time consuming and tend to have high fees attached.Credit cards can be used at some upmarket restaurants, and at some larger stores if shopping for big items. If you are bringing US Dollars, please make sure that the notes are new and in good condition. Notes older than 2003, or with any tears or blemishes may not be accepted. Be fussy with your bank when buying cash!

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Accommodation  

2 deluxe double cabins, 7 standard twin/double cabins, all en suite cabins with air conditioning (3 nts).

What to Take  

There is limited space on the yachts. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A good size daypack is also essential PLEASE NOTE: No hard suitcases are permitted.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

All purchases made onboard the boat must be made with cash.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Health  

Please note: We do not have a constant power source onboard, and cannot facilitate the use of Sleep Apnea/CPAP machines. Bringing a suitable battery pack is required.

Inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are not available on board. You may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.