Thailand - Koh Chang - Aerial view of Koh Ngam, in Koh Chang, Trat, thailand - AdobeStock_445335408

Motor Yacht Charter
Koh Chang

The unspoilt beauty of the Koh Chang Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand makes it a very special destination for a motor yacht charter.

This protected marine area encompasses 250 square miles and is renowned for its biodiversity, pristine beaches, and sparkling turquoise surrounding waters. Wake to the sound of gentle waves lapping against your yacht and dive right in to swim amongst vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life.

Koh Chang offers the perfect opportunity to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature.

What Makes Koh Chang Special?

Island Hopping

Koh Chang is surrounded by other beautiful islands, such as Koh Mak and Koh Kood, which can be easily reached by boat. The freedom of a motor yacht charter allows you to visit multiple destinations and experience a variety of beach and marine treats, all at your own pace.

Authentic Thai Culture

Koh Chang itself has a strong cultural identity, with fishing villages, local markets, and seafood restaurants that give you a feel for traditional island life. In contrast to more touristy destinations, Koh Chang has a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for getting away from it all.

Marine Biodiversity

The waters surrounding Koh Chang are part of the Mu Koh Chang National Park, a protected marine ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life, making it an excellent destination for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Privacy and Exclusivity

With a charter in Koh Chang, you can escape the crowds and enjoy the privacy and exclusivity of your own motor yacht. You have the flexibility to choose secluded anchorages and explore hidden bays inaccessible by other means.

Secluded Beaches

Koh Chang is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning secluded beaches, often only accessible by boat, making it a perfect destination for a yacht charter. Relax on board in some of the most beautiful surroundings in the world.

Island Exploration

Koh Chang is the second-largest island in Thailand and offers various opportunities for exploration, not just by boat but also on land. Follow hiking trails to stunning waterfalls or visit wildlife sanctuaries; there's something to keep everyone happy.

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Culinary Delights

Koh Chang and Thailand in general are renowned for their delicious cuisine; from fresh seafood delicacies to aromatic curries and spicy street foods, every meal is an adventure for your taste buds.

Not To Be Missed

Koh Kood Island

Also known as Ko Kut, Koh Kood is a picturesque island with glorious beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical rainforests, making it a popular destination for yacht charters.

Koh Mak Island

Close to Koh Kood, Koh Mak is another beautiful island known for its white sandy beaches and clear waters. It offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities and stunning sunset views.

Koh Chang's Temples

Discover the spiritual side of Koh Chang by visiting its temples. The Wat Salak Phet Temple, with its ancient ruins and serene atmosphere, is a must-visit.

Koh Wai Island

A small island known for its secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters, Koh Wai is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. Yacht charters can anchor here and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.

Salak Phet Bay

Located on the southeast coast of Koh Chang, Salak Phet Bay is a scenic area known for its calm waters and mangrove forests.

Koh Ngam Island

A private island, Koh Ngam is a hidden gem with stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Yacht charters can anchor near the island and enjoy the exclusive experience of this secluded paradise.

coral reef macro : texture, abstract marine ecosystem background on a coral reef - AdobeStock_301591670

Koh Rang Marine Park

A protected marine park located south of Koh Chang, Koh Rang offers abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Yacht charters can anchor here to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring the untouched beauty of its underwater world.

Best Times To Visit Koh Chang On A Motor Yacht

Thailand has a tropical climate, so you can sail all year round. The motor yacht charter season typically has two main parts: the dry season (high season) and the wet season (low season).

The high season runs from November to April, where dry and sunny weather is expected, and the seas are generally calm, making it ideal for sailing or cruising.

The low season runs from May to October and is characterised by higher humidity and occasional rainfall.

Weather

Monthly weather for the area *

Avg. High Temp Avg. Low Temp Avg. Wind
JAN 31.5°C (89°F) 22.6°C (73°F) wind direction 182degS
FEB 32.6°C (91°F) 24.0°C (75°F) wind direction 177degS
MAR 33.2°C (92°F) 25.5°C (78°F) wind direction 177degS
APR 33.3°C (92°F) 27.7°C (82°F) wind direction 172degS
MAY 32.2°C (90°F) 27.5°C (82°F) wind direction 189degS
JUN 30.4°C (87°F) 26.5°C (80°F) wind direction 183degS
JUL 29.8°C (86°F) 26.3°C (79°F) wind direction 195degSSW
AUG 29.9°C (86°F) 26.2°C (79°F) wind direction 184degS
SEP 29.7°C (86°F) 25.6°C (78°F) wind direction 191degS
OCT 31.1°C (88°F) 25.5°C (78°F) wind direction 238degWSW
NOV 32.6°C (91°F) 24.8°C (77°F) wind direction 134degSE
DEC 33.4°C (92°F) 24.0°C (75°F) wind direction 131degSE
* Weather information is based on the previous year's records at local weather stations.

Local Essentials

Language

The official language of Thailand is Thai, and English is widely understood and spoken in tourist areas.

Currency

The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht, abbreviated as "THB" or denoted by the symbol "฿."

It's important to note that while credit cards are commonly accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, having some Thai Baht in cash is advisable, especially in more remote or rural locations.

Tipping

Tipping is common practice in Thailand, and if a service charge is not included, it is typical to leave 10 -15% of the total.

Is A Motor Yacht Right For You

Speed and Range

Motor yachts have powerful engines, so typically offer higher speeds and can cover greater distances than sailing yachts.

Stability

Motor yachts generally provide a more stable platform than the average sailing yacht, both while cruising and at anchor.

Propulsion

Motor yachts rely exclusively on engine power, whereas a sailing yacht typically uses wind and sail as their primary source.

Fuel Consumption

While they can cover more range in shorter times than sailing yachts, this means motor yachts consume more fuel which can affect your final costs for the charter.

Itinerary Flexibility

Motor yachts are less dependent on wind conditions, allowing for more predictable and potentially wide-ranging itineraries and schedules.

Onboard Experience

The experience on a motor yacht is often more akin to a luxury hotel, with the emphasis on comfort and amenities.

Draft and Boat Hull Depth

Many motor yachts have a relatively shallow draft or hull depth, allowing them to access areas that deeper-keeled sailing yachts cannot.

Crew Specialisation

Crews on motor yachts focus more on navigation, hospitality, and maintaining complex systems, rather than sailing skills.

Target Audience

Motor yacht charters are likely to appeal to those seeking luxury, comfort, and efficiency of travel, rather than the sailing experience itself.

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Layout and Space

Motor yachts often feature more expansive interior spaces and amenities as the design isn't constrained by sailing requirements.

Charter Types In Koh Chang

Bareboat Motor Yacht Charters

A bareboat charter with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Koh Chang and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.

We select our motor yacht fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a motor yacht you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.

Skippered Motor Yacht Charters

With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Koh Chang and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.

However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.

On skippered charters, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.

Crewed Motor Yacht Charters

Crewed yacht charters from Koh Chang come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.

How To Book

How To Book Your Motor Yacht From Koh Chang

Koh Chang is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.

You can search for your dream motor yacht via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.

Pure Thoughts

Koh Chang has a seriously chilled-out feel, especially on the east side with traditional fishing villages dotting the coast, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.

Explore the local markets and taste authentic Thai cuisine or venture into the rainforest and trek to waterfalls like Klong Plu, admiring exotic wildlife on the way.

Koh Chang has excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities, with the park boasting some of the healthiest and most vibrant reefs in the Gulf of Thailand. Visibility in Koh Chang's waters is typically excellent, often exceeding 20 meters (65 feet). Keep an eye out for reef sharks, rays and turtles. Popular spots include Hin Luk Bat, known for its swim-throughs and tunnels; Koh Rang Pinnacles, where divers can encounter large schools of fish; and the HTMS Chang Shipwreck, an artificial reef created from a decommissioned Thai Navy ship.

The island is also home to several luxury resorts and spas, allowing you to pamper yourself after a day of exploration. Unwind with a relaxing massage or indulge in a sumptuous meal prepared by world-class chefs. The island's natural beauty and luxury amenities make it a perfect destination for those looking for a truly special and rejuvenating vacation.

Koh Chang benefits from its accessibility; just a short journey from Bangkok, the island offers a convenient escape from the bustling city. In conclusion, Koh Chang's untouched natural beauty, range of activities, luxury amenities and accessibility make it an extraordinary place for a motor yacht charter.

Also Discover

FAQ's

What Are The Main Things To Consider Before I Charter A Motor Yacht?

If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.

How Do I Choose The Right Motor Yacht?

When chartering a motor yacht from Koh Chang, consider factors such as budget, yacht size and type, along with the crew when relevant to make sure they're a good fit for you and your party.

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

What Type Of Yachts Can I Charter From Koh Chang?

There are typically five main types of boats and yachts you can hire in Koh Chang, which are Sailing Yachts, Catamarans, Motorboats, Gulets and Luxury Yachts (including Superyachts)

How Do Charter Fees Work When Chartering A Motor Yacht?

Once you've found your perfect motor yacht, you will typically pay an upfront deposit fee for holding the boat (these vary from 20% to 50% of the charter fee), and then you will pay the rest one month before departure.

How Long Does A Motor Yacht Charter Typically Last?

The typical times for a motor yacht charter are either 7 or 14 days, but you can charter boats longer if you wish. Most charters, particularly in high season, start on Saturdays and finish seven days later.

What Happens If There Is A Problem With My Motor Yacht Charter?

The good news is we spend a lot of time vetting who we work with, so this rarely happens, but if there is a problem, you can contact your charter company or ourselves who will be available to sort out any issues.