Butang and Tarutao
The name “Tarutao was derived from the Malay word for “old, mysterious and primitive”, an appropriate name for these untouched wild islands, close to the Malaysian border.
In 1972, the Tarutao archipelago of 51 rugged, densely forested islands with pristine beaches was declared Thailand’s first national park. In 1974, the park was extended to incorporate the Butang Group of another 61 islands.
Both groups of islands are predominantly uninhabited, and home to diverse wildlife, waterfalls, caves, viewpoints and beautiful isolated beaches. Most of these islands are inaccessible by any other means other than a yacht.
The most well known island is Koh Lipe, one of the few islands offering good value accommodation, with a few bars and restaurants for those of you who would like some contact with civilisation.
- BUTANG GROUP & TARUTAO
- SAIL FROM PHUKET & KRABI
- SAIL FROM KOH LANTA
- SAIL FROM LANGKAWI
- SAILING INFO
Photo courtesy of www.southeastasiapilot.com
Butang Group
Relax on empty and unspoilt white sandy beaches, or explore the rugged wildlife inland. Trek through the rainforests, and follow the paths of others to secluded viewpoints. When the day is done, relax on the boat with a beer or glass of wine and watch the sunset turn to a starlit sky. Stop off at Koh Lipe and enjoy some of the freshest fish you’ll ever taste, or take a dip in the emerald waters to admire the living reefs.

SAILING FROM PHUKET / KRABI
TO BUTANG & TARUTAO
KOH LANTA
Several secure anchorages invite for an evening on shore with restaurants serving superb thai cuisine. One beach after the other offer great swimming and snorkelling. There's a waterfall to visit, as well as the pretty "Lanta Old Town" surrounded by mangroves.
KOH MOK, NGAI, KRADAN
Visit the "Emerald Cave" - enjoy stunning beaches - observe monkeys, lizards and migrating birds - swim, snorkel and relax.
KOH LIANG
Sail past tall limestone islands similar to those of Phang Nga Bay, time for fishing and snorkeling or visiting the small Sea Gipsy village onshore.
KOH PETHRA
Sail along the spectacular limestone ridge and jungle-fringed cliffs that are honeycombed with caves and overhangs, observe the birds' nest collection. Numerous caves and small coves invite for picnicking and swimming.
KOH TARUTAO
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
BUTANG GROUP
Sail around the uninhabited islands - enjoy unspoilt beaches, undisturbed wildlife, and pristine coral reefs - stop over at one of Koh Lipe's cozy beach bars.
KOH ROK
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
KOH HAA
Sail around the group of pinnacles - swim, snorkel, relax, enjoy the sunset on the anchorage - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Haa.
KOH PHIPHI
Visit the stunning bays and "The Beach", sail along impressive walls - snorkel, swim, relax - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Phiphi or the Bida Islands. Visit the northern island with for shore excursions to the village and Ton Sai Bay. Snorkel at Nui Bay.
For trips starting from Krabi: please note that positioning fees apply for yachts with bases other than Krabi.charter options:
On request we organise kayaks, rendez-vous scuba diving, scuba diving gear, diving professional, honeymoon specials, professional fishing gear and one-way trips.
The itineraries shown on the map are examples only. Add or reduce destinations according to your interests and time available on board. Contact us for creating your tailor made tour: enquiry form, email or telephone.
SAILING FROM KOH LANTA
TO BUTANG & TARUTAO
KOH MOK, NGAI, KRADAN
Visit the "Emerald Cave" - enjoy stunning beaches - observe monkeys, lizards and migrating birds - swim, snorkel and relax.
KOH LIANG
Sail past tall limestone islands similar to those of Phang Nga Bay, time for fishing and snorkeling or visiting the small Sea Gipsy village onshore.
KOH PETHRA
Sail along the spectacular limestone ridge and jungle-fringed cliffs that are honeycombed with caves and overhangs, observe the birds' nest collection. Numerous caves and small coves invite for picnicking and swimming.
KOH TARUTAO
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
BUTANG GROUP
Sail around the uninhabited islands - enjoy unspoilt beaches, undisturbed wildlife, and pristine coral reefs - stop over at one of Koh Lipe's cozy beach bars.
KOH ROK
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
KOH HAA
Sail around the group of pinnacles - swim, snorkel, relax, enjoy the sunset on the anchorage - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Haa.
KOH PHIPHI
Visit the stunning bays and "The Beach", sail along impressive walls - snorkel, swim, relax - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Phiphi or the Bida Islands. Visit the northern island with for shore excursions to the village and Ton Sai Bay. Snorkel at Nui Bay.
For trips starting from Koh Lanta: please note that positioning fees apply for yachts with bases other than Koh Lanta.charter options:
On request we organise kayaks, rendez-vous scuba diving, scuba diving gear, diving professional, honeymoon specials, professional fishing gear and one-way trips.
The itineraries shown on the map are examples only.
Add or reduce destinations according to your interests and time available on board. Contact us for creating your tailor made tour: enquiry form, email or telephone.
Add or reduce destinations according to your interests and time available on board. Contact us for creating your tailor made tour: enquiry form, email or telephone.
SAILING FROM LANGKAWI
TO BUTANG & TARUTAO
BUTANG GROUP
Sail around the uninhabited islands - enjoy unspoilt beaches, undisturbed wildlife, and pristine coral reefs - stop over at one of Koh Lipe's cozy beach bars.
KOH ROK
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
KOH HAA
Sail around the group of pinnacles - swim, snorkel, relax, enjoy the sunset on the anchorage - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Haa.
KOH PHIPHI
Visit the stunning bays and "The Beach", sail along impressive walls - snorkel, swim, relax - we can organise rendez-vous scuba diving at Koh Phiphi or the Bida Islands. Visit the northern island with for shore excursions to the village and Ton Sai Bay. Snorkel at Nui Bay.
KOH LANTA
Several secure anchorages invite for an evening on shore with restaurants serving superb thai cuisine. One beach after the other offer great swimming and snorkelling. There's a waterfall to visit, as well as the pretty "Lanta Old Town" surrounded by mangroves.
KOH MOK, NGAI, KRADAN
Visit the "Emerald Cave" - enjoy stunning beaches - observe monkeys, lizards and migrating birds - swim, snorkel and relax.
KOH LIANG
Sail past tall limestone islands similar to those of Phang Nga Bay, time for fishing and snorkeling or visiting the small Sea Gipsy village onshore.
KOH PETHRA
Sail along the spectacular limestone ridge and jungle-fringed cliffs that are honeycombed with caves and overhangs, observe the birds' nest collection. Numerous caves and small coves invite for picnicking and swimming.
KOH TARUTAO
Sail south to the pristine islands of Koh Rok - enjoy the uninhabited white beaches - snorkel the extended coral reefs - visit the ranger station and the monitor lezards - swim, enjoy, relax - we organize honeymoon overnights at the romantic anchorage.
charter options:On request we organise kayaks, rendez-vous scuba diving, scuba diving gear, diving professional, honeymoon specials, professional fishing gear and one-way trips.
The itineraries shown on the map are examples only.
Add or reduce destinations according to your interests and time available on board. Contact us for creating your tailor made tour: enquiry form, email or telephone.
Add or reduce destinations according to your interests and time available on board. Contact us for creating your tailor made tour: enquiry form, email or telephone.
Sailing Seasons
Phuket and the surrounding areas are best known as a ‘winter’ destination amongst package holidaymakers looking for constant sunshine. But the ‘summer’ months - Phuket and Phang-nga’s ‘green season’ – offer perfect conditions for keen sailors who want something more than a gentle cruise between idyllic islands.
From May through to October, the southwest monsoon brings with it reliable winds averaging 12 knots. Spells of brilliant clear blue skies are interspersed with occasional showers – and temperatures are never lower than 25'C. Phuket Race Week, held in July each year, is timed to take advantage of the green season’s perfect sailing weather and presents the perfect opportunity to combine a few days yacht racing with cruising Phang Nga Bay under sail.
Find more detailed information about anchorages at www.southeastasiapilot.com
Marinas
Phuket is home two two marinas:
Yacht Haven Marina, 8km from Phuket International Airport and base of most of the yachts.
Boat Lagoon Marina, 20 km from the airport.
Yacht Haven Marina, 8km from Phuket International Airport and base of most of the yachts.
Boat Lagoon Marina, 20 km from the airport.

