3–10 March 2027 · 1 590 € / person
Yacht: Island Spirit 410
Start & finish: Salak Phet (Salakphet), Koh Chang
Arrival: Fly into Bangkok, then travel to Koh Chang by minibus and ferry. Allow approximately 6 hours for the transfer, depending on traffic and the ferry.
White-sand beaches, palm-fringed islands, river explorations by SUP and rainforest waterfalls: little adventures ashore and on the water make this much more than a sailing trip. From Koh Chang we head towards Koh Mak, Koh Kood and Koh Rang, with short sailing legs and plenty of time at each stop.
Where we sail
Koh Kood – follow the rivers into the rainforest
On Koh Kood we stop in several bays where small tropical rivers meet the sea. We explore upstream on paddleboards and in the yacht’s dinghy, passing lush riverside vegetation. Water levels determine how far we can travel along these short stretches of river, usually a few kilometres; where needed, we continue on foot to visit waterfalls hidden in the rainforest. It is a chance to add a little jungle exploration to our beach days.
Koh Mak and Koh Kood – a quieter side of Thailand
On our previous trips, these islands felt quieter and less centred on Western tourism than Thailand’s major resort destinations, and even Koh Chang. Resorts and restaurants popular with Thai holidaymakers now also welcome international visitors, combining comfort with a more local atmosphere. That character is a big part of their appeal for us.
Koh Kham – white sand and buildings reclaimed by nature
Just off Koh Mak, we visit tiny Koh Kham for its white-sand beach, clear water and an unusual sight: an unfinished resort whose buildings are slowly disappearing beneath climbing plants. The contrast between the beach and the overgrown structures makes this a memorable stop. A small daytime beach bar was operating on our previous visits; if it is open, we can pause there for a drink.
Koh Rang – snorkelling in the national park
Around Koh Rang we stop for clear water and colourful marine life. Whale sharks are also sighted in the wider area: if recent local reports and conditions are favourable, there may be a chance of this extraordinary encounter, potentially while snorkelling. These are wild animals, so a sighting cannot be guaranteed.
Koh Wai and Koh Ngam – small island favourites
Koh Wai makes a lovely stop for a swim and some unhurried island time. Close to Koh Chang’s southeastern tip and our departure base, Koh Ngam has two green island sections joined by a narrow, palm-fringed strip of sand, with a bay on either side. Depending on our route and the weather, we may also stop at Koh Mai Si Lek near Koh Kood.
Bang Bao – a village above the sea
On Koh Chang we visit Bang Bao, a village built on stilts over the water. Along its long pier, interconnected houses, shops and restaurants can make you forget that the sea is beneath your feet. At one of our favourite restaurants, openings in the floor beneath the tables let you dangle your legs above the water.
Thai flavours ashore
The islands’ local restaurants are a particular pleasure for lovers of Thai food, and we enjoy stopping for meals by the water. Many places also offer milder dishes and options closer to Western tastes.
Easy, relaxed sailing: short distances between stops and typically calmer seas at this time of year make this an appealing choice for a first sailing holiday. We sail by day and spend our evenings in bays or harbours. Our route and water activities always follow the actual wind, sea conditions and water levels.
Yacht & accommodation
Sail aboard a Island Spirit 410 catamaran, with accommodation in shared double guest cabins. The skipper uses a crew cabin or the saloon.
Price & costs
Prices are per person sharing a double cabin. Estimated additional sailing costs: €50–100 per person for fuel, marinas, moorings and national park permits.
- Catamaran and standard boat costs, plus a skipper: Miklós Herendi or an experienced colleague.
- The cost of Pantaenius insurance associated with the shared refundable yacht security deposit.
- Accommodation in the normal guest cabins, sharing a double cabin.
Travel to the embarkation port, flights, food, drinks and optional land activities are excluded from the sailing price.
Participants share a refundable yacht security deposit. The associated Pantaenius insurance cost is included in the price.
Stay longer ashore
On arrival, an optional night in Bangkok leaves time for an evening in the city and a short sightseeing visit the following morning. We depart by minibus around noon, aiming to reach Koh Chang by evening, including the ferry crossing. You can add a further 1–2 days ashore if you wish.
After sailing: Angkor and the Kulen Mountains. If there is interest, we can arrange a typically two-day cultural and nature programme for the group in Cambodia, based in Siem Reap. Visits to the temples of Angkor and the Kulen Mountains offer a very different experience after relaxing at sea.
Another option: Chiang Mai and northern Thailand. For those who prefer to continue within Thailand, we can also organise a cultural land programme around Chiang Mai. The destination, duration and details of the extension will be tailored to the interests of those joining.
These land extensions are optional and arranged subject to interest. Programmes, accommodation and transfers are charged separately.
Flights and arrival
Fly into Bangkok (BKK), then join our shared minibus and ferry transfer to Koh Chang. We allow around six hours for the transfer; the exact journey time depends on the starting point in Bangkok, traffic and ferry queues. Choose flights that leave time for the overland journey and an overnight stay in Bangkok.
We recommend the shared minibus: in our experience it offers better value, while flying domestically to Trat still leaves around 2–2.5 hours by road and ferry to Salak Phet. We coordinate the meeting point and transfer time with the participants’ arrival schedules.
Based on our search on 30 October 2026, we recommend the following flights for your consideration. Prices are per person; all times are local.
China Eastern / Shanghai Airlines via Shanghai: USD 774.06 per person return.
Outbound: 1 March 2027, Budapest 11:30 → Bangkok 2 March 12:20.
Return: 11 March, Bangkok 19:05 → Budapest 12 March 07:05.
The Expedia offer includes one cabin bag and two checked bags of 50 lb (approximately 23 kg) each. Plan one night in Bangkok before the transfer to Koh Chang on 3 March.
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul: USD 1,023 per person return.
Outbound: 1 March, Budapest 09:10 → Bangkok 2 March 04:15.
Return: 11 March, Bangkok 10:20 → Budapest 19:10.
The outbound journey takes 13 hours 5 minutes and the return 14 hours 50 minutes. Plan one night in Bangkok after disembarking on 10 March; check the baggage allowance for your chosen fare when booking.
Turkish Airlines: Budapest–Thailand · Qatar Airways
Bangkok flight search
You can also book through our travel agency partner, Opal Travel. Contact us if you would prefer assistance with your flight booking.
Booking
- Book individual places, as a couple or group, or reserve an entire yacht.
- Groups of at least four booking together receive 5% off; whole-yacht bookings receive 10% off.
- Sole occupancy of a double cabin requires payment for both berths.
- 50% is due at booking, with the balance due 45 days before departure. Bookings within 45 days of departure require full payment upfront.
- Departures are subject to sufficient bookings. If we cancel for insufficient bookings, sailing payments are refunded in full.
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