Thailand is increasingly attracting superyacht owners and charterers away from a cold European climate, actively welcoming yachting visitors with Phuket developing its infrastructure and increasing the number of high-standard marinas in its continuing quest to be a major Asian hub for luxury yachting. 

The country has already seen a significant increase in superyacht arrivals, especially in Phuket, and is implementing new regulations and projects to support more visitors. This includes improving and building more marinas, streamlining procedures, and promoting the country through events like the ‘Thailand International Boat Show’.

Booming demand for large private yachts in Asia is also shifting the global luxury-marine landscape. According to the SuperYacht Times’ Asia-Pacific Superyacht Report 2025, the number of active superyachts (over 30 metres) in the Asia-Pacific region rose from 445 in 2023 to approximately 530 in 2024; an increase of roughly 19%. That surge is not simply in numbers. The composition of the fleet is evolving: more than 20% of these yachts now exceed 50 metres, compared with some 16% globally.

Key developments and incentives

• Marina and infrastructure development: Thailand is investing in its marinas to accommodate large vessels, with existing facilities capable of handling yachts up to 130 metres in length. Plans are also in place for new cruise terminal projects in places like Koh Samui and Laem Chabang.
• Policy and regulatory changes: The government is actively revising regulations, including those for superyacht arrivals, to streamline the process for foreign-flagged yachts and boost tourism.
• Financial incentives: Thailand has introduced policies like the removal of a 7% VAT on foreign-flagged superyachts over 30m operating in Thai waters, making it more attractive for charters.
• Promotion and events: The country promotes itself through events like the Thailand International Boat Show, which attracts international buyers and enthusiasts and boosts Phuket’s reputation as a yachting destination.
• Increased accessibility: The country has eased entry requirements and travel restrictions, making it easier for international visitors to travel to

There has been a significant easing of regulations for international yachts and for longer stays with new modern marinas opening or scheduled to open in the stunning destinations of Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka. “There are now world-class marinas and accommodation in nearly every Southeast Asia cruising region, with more coming”, enthuses Asia Pacific Superyachts GM Gordon Fernandes, reporting on new luxury marinas opening from his base in Phuket, Thailand. 

Thailand offers an enormous number of memorable island explorations and white sand beaches, natural beauty, cultural events and experiences, and all amidst genuinely kind and gracious people.

Andaman Sea exploring

In addition to Phuket’s four modern marinas, nestled strategically at the southernmost tip of the island is the new ‘ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket’. The Marina project features 171 berths for superyachts up to 200 feet and 25 hardstand spaces with 80 dry-stack storage.  Situated in the picturesque bay of Cape Panwa, the marina welcomes superyachts up to 37 metres.  A second new dedicated Marina designed for superyachts, dubbed ‘Port Macchanu Marina’, is located on Phuket’s northeast shore and will offer berths to superyachts ranging from 40 to 80 metres with onshore facilities. The Marina is adjacent to the Phuket Premier Boatyard. Now the new shipyard can service yachts up to 60 metres. 

Once in Phuket it’s time to relax at many of the white-sandy beaches, perhaps visiting the island’s Wats (Buddhist temples) and interesting villages while planning upcoming island exploration. In the evening, the Patong beach area has a buzzing nightlife and 5-Star resorts and restaurants dot the tropical landscape as well as tasty street food stalls featuring the world’s #1 rated favorite food. 

It is no secret that Thailand hosts some of the world’s most breathtaking natural sights, both inland and at sea. The great range of geological formations around the country offers an astonishing number of places to visit in the ‘Land of Smiles’. From the lush mountains of the central and northern areas of the country to weirdly shaped limestone formations of southern Thailand, the country owes part of its fame to its wealth of natural wonders. 

Nearby Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park covers an area of about 400 sq km, comprising 42 islands and islets. One of the unique sites in the region, the bay’s distinctive feature is the sheer limestone karsts that vertically jut out of the emerald-green water. Located to the north of Phuket, the bay is protected from both the northeast and the southwest monsoon seasons and waters remaining calm year-round. This adds to the appeal of its scenic wonders and abundant wildlife. James Bond Island, Koh Panyee, and Samet Nang She View Point are some of the must-visit sites in Phang Nga Bay.

The Phi Phi islands are picture-postcard islands and home to classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life, a paradise for many people. A group of six islands, the two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The smaller uninhabited Phi Phi Leh hosts stunningly beautiful bays and beaches, including the world-famous Maya Bay, site of the filming of the popular The Beach (2000) film.

When yachting to Khao Sok, nearby attractions include Phang Nga Bay with its iconic limestone cliffs and floating villages, the coastal towns of Krabi and Phuket, the island of Koh Samui, and the beach resort of Khao Lak. While yachting to Khao Sok itself isn’t a direct option as it’s landlocked, these coastal destinations are the closest and can serve as a starting point for a land journey inland to the national park. A low mountainous area covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, the central area of Khao Sok National Park hosts Cheow Lan Lake, contained by Ratchaprapha Dam. Like an inland sea, the 165-sq-km lake has the same characteristics as the famous Phang Nga Bay: tall limestone karst formations jutting out from the emerald waters of the lake, with sandstone and mudstone hills covered by vegetation even more diverse than the Amazon.

Gulf of Thailand cruising

When cruising the eastern side of the country in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui has gorgeous anchorages and offers side trips to world-famous diving spots Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago, with over 800 islands. Samui went from a ‘backpacker’s paradise’ to spectacular high-end resorts and villas and much of the natural beauty remains, offering hidden romantic retreats and exotic rainforests, scenic hiking and waterfalls and many beautiful Wats (Buddhist temples). 

Ocean Marina Jomtien in the Gulf of Thailand is Thailand’s first “Platinum 5 Gold Anchor Marina”, reports Asia Pacific Superyachts co-founder, Captain Charlie Dwyer. This global accreditation is the highest accolade awarded in the industry. With over 450 modern berths, providing safe anchorage for yachts up to 75m, full vessel maintenance facilities supported by a broad range of onsite marine trades and service providers and premium leisure facilities, Ocean Marina Jomtien is Southeast Asia’s largest marina and the gateway to yachting in the Gulf of Thailand.  

Taking a break to fly or journey to ‘The World’s Favorite City’, Bangkok, is where you can enjoy fantastic offers and attractions. Bangkok is world famed for its stunning international hotels and inclusive grand gala buffet dinners with top entertainment acts. Visit the capital city’s luxury hotels and shopping centres, offering a shopping paradise and famed river canal travel, matching the famed waterways of Venice. Floating markets on the canals, weekend markets and train markets offers unique gifts and fantastic food 

Thailand is a great option for visiting superyachts over the December through April season and the options are endless – a world of fun, sun and beautiful islands to explore while experiencing a unique culture.