Ever dreamed of exploring Thailand's stunning coastlines and vibrant islands by boat? Wondering which vessel will offer the perfect adventure for your travel style? Whether it's the leisurely journey of a traditional ferry, the authentic experience of a fishing boat, or the luxurious escape on a sailing catamaran, Thailand has a boat for every kind of explorer. Ready for a high-speed thrill or a tranquil sail? Curious about the best way to navigate the turquoise waters and discover hidden gems? Here, we uncover the diverse fleet of tourist boats in Thailand and find out which adventure awaits you on your next Thai getaway.
1. BIG BOAT
Description:
These are large, traditional-style boats used for tours around Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi Island and Koh Samui. These boats are designed to offer a leisurely and immersive experience, allowing tourists to fully appreciate the stunning natural scenery.
Features:
- Design: The design includes wide, open decks providing ample space for sightseeing, dining, and relaxing.
- Amenities: Equipped with dining areas, restrooms, and shaded seating.
- Capacity: Can carry larger groups, often 95-100 passengers.
- Tours: Focuses on sightseeing, visiting iconic spots like James Bond Island, Phi Phi Island and sea cave explorations.
Experience:
These boats provide a leisurely and scenic tour experience, ideal for photography and enjoying the natural wonders of the bay in a relaxed setting. Indulge in this boat experience through our Krabi Island Hopping Day Tour from Phuket,
2. SAILING CATAMARAN
Description:
Sailing catamarans are popular for luxury day trips and private charters, also used for leisurely sailing tours, including sunset cruises, offering a smooth and spacious sailing experience.
Features:
- Design: Twin-hulled for stability and comfort.
- Amenities: Often include sunbathing decks, shaded lounges, dining areas, and sometimes cabins for overnight trips.
- Capacity: Typically accommodates 30-35 passengers.
Experience: Sailing catamarans are perfect for those looking to enjoy the serenity of sailing, with ample space to relax, ideal for photography, sunbathe, and enjoy gourmet meals on board. It is perfect for romantic getaways or family trips. Indulge in this boat experience through our Catamaran Sail to Coral Island & Sunset Dinner Cruise and Day Trip to Coral and Racha Island By Catamaran
3. SPEED BOAT WITH 2 ENGINES
Description: Speed boats equipped with two engines are widely used for quick transfers and day trips to popular tourist destinations. It provides fast and efficient transport for short excursions
Features:
- Speed: Can reach high speeds, significantly reducing travel time.
- Amenities: Basic seating, often with minimal shade.
- Capacity: Usually carries 30-35 passengers.
Experience:
These boats offer an exhilarating ride, perfect for those looking to maximize their time exploring multiple destinations in one day. They are ideal for trips to places like the Similan Islands or Phi Phi Islands. Indulge in this boat experience through our Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay + Bamboo Island Full Day Tour by Speedboat, Angthong National Marine Park Tour and Tour James Bond Island on Speedboat
4. SPEED BOAT WITH 3 ENGINES
Description: With an additional engine, these speed boats provide enhanced power and speed, suitable for longer distances and larger groups.
Features:
- Speed: Higher speeds than two-engine boats. Suitable for high-speed travel over longer distances, ideal for tourists who want to visit multiple islands on one day.
- Amenities: Often includes better seating and more shade compared to smaller speed boats.
- Capacity: Can carry 45-50 passengers comfortably.
Experience: Offering a faster and more powerful ride, these boats are great for day tours that cover greater distances, ensuring more time at each destination. Indulge in this boat experience through our Day Trip to Coral and Racha Island by Speed Boat, Krabi Island Hopping Day Tour from Phuket, Koh Tao - Koh Nang Yuan Day Tour,
Coral Island Tour Pattaya, Phuket : Explore the Trio: Khai Islands Snorkelling Adventure with Furry Friends
5. SPEED CATAMARAN WITH 2 ENGINES
Description:
Combining the speed of a powerboat with the stability of a catamaran, these vessels offer a fast yet smooth and comfortable ride.
Features:
- Design: Twin-hulled with two powerful engines.
- Amenities: Often more comfortable than single-hulled speed boats, with better seating and amenities.
- Capacity: Typically accommodates 30-35 passengers.
Experience:
Ideal for those who want a quick and comfortable trip. These boats are often used for tours that require both speed and stability, such as those to the Phi Phi Islands or around Phuket. Indulge in this boat experience through our Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay + Bamboo Island Full Day Tour by Speedboat and Krabi Island Hopping Day Tour from Phuket.
6. SPEED CATAMARAN WITH 4 ENGINES
Description: The ultimate in speed and power, these catamarans are designed for fast travel and large groups, combining luxury and efficiency.
Features:
- Design: Twin-hulled with four powerful engines for maximum speed and stability.
- Amenities: Enhanced seating, onboard entertainment, and more spacious layouts. Ideal for demanding and longer tours, providing a thrilling yet comfortable journey.
- Capacity: Can carry 60-65 passengers.
Experience:
These boats provide a top-tier experience, ideal for private charters, corporate events, or large groups wanting to travel quickly and in style. They are perfect for high-speed transfers and extensive day tours, offering both comfort and speed. Indulge in this boat experience through our Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay + Bamboo Island Full Day Tour by Speedboat and Krabi Island Hopping Day Tour from Phuket.
7. LONGTAIL BOATS
Description:
These boats were originally designed for commercial fishing but are now repurposed for tourist activities. Traditional fishing boats, known as "longtail boats" or "Ruea Hang Yao," are often used for local tours and fishing trips.
Features:
- Design: Characterized by a long, narrow hull and a distinctive long-tail propeller engine.
- Capacity: Small, usually accommodating up to 15 passengers.
- Purpose: Besides fishing, these boats are used for island hopping, snorkelling trips, and exploring coastal areas.
Experience:
Riding in a traditional fishing boat provides a rustic and authentic Thai experience. The boats often stop at less touristy spots, offering a unique perspective of the local way of life and natural beauty. Indulge in this boat experience through our Tour James Bond Island on Speedboat, Sailing Through Time: Bangkok's Cultural Waterways, Market Marvels: Floating Market Fun with Elephant Shows and Floating Market & Death Railway Adventure Private Tour
8.LUXURY LONGTAIL
Description:
An upscale version of the traditional longtail boat, the luxury longtail offers a more comfortable, personalised and exclusive experience, used for private tours and sightseeing. These are favoured for their scenic appeal
Features:
- Design: Characteristic long-tail propulsion system, where the engine is mounted on an extended drive shaft, sometimes modern navigation equipment.
- Amenities: Upgraded with comfortable seating, cushions and sunshade canopies.
- May include refreshments, guided tours, and snorkelling gear.
- Capacity: Typically caters to small groups, up to 8 passengers.
Experience:
Ideal for travellers seeking a blend of traditional and luxurious experiences, these boats offer personalized service and access to less crowded destinations. Indulge in this boat experience through Tour James Bond Island on Speedboat
9.FERRY
Description:
Ferries in Thailand are a primary mode of transportation for tourists traveling between islands or from the coastal cities and mainland to the islands. These large boats can carry approximately 400 passengers along with vehicles in some cases.
Features:
- Amenities: Usually include seating areas, sometimes with air conditioning, restrooms, and snack bars.
- Capacity: Can accommodate hundreds of passengers.
- Routes: Popular routes include Phuket to Phi Phi Islands, Koh Samui to Koh Phangan, and mainland to various islands.
- Schedule: Operate on a fixed schedule with multiple trips per day during peak tourist season.
Experience:
Ferries offer a stable and relatively comfortable ride, making them ideal for those who might be prone to seasickness. They provide scenic views of the coastline and islands.
10.FISHING BOATS
Description:
Fishing boats in Thailand, especially those used for spot fishing, are specialized vessels designed to provide anglers with the best possible experience on the water. These boats are equipped with features that cater to both novice and experienced fishermen, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern convenience.
Features:
- Usage: The target areas for the usage for this type of boat includes, specific fishing spots known for high fish activity, including coral reefs, wrecks, and other underwater structures that attract fish. Fishing trips include both - the day and night fishing
- Amenities: Comfortable seating arrangements, often with shaded areas to protect from the sun. Coolers or live wells to keep the catch fresh. Some boats provide fishing gear, including rods, reels, and bait, as part of the charter package. Life jackets, first aid kits, and sometimes GPS and radio for navigation and safety.
- Capacity: Can accommodate small groups, usually between 12-15 anglers, depending on the size of the boat.
Experience:
Depending on the region and season, anglers can expect to catch a variety of species. Besides fishing, the trips offer stunning views of Thailand’s coastline, islands, and marine life. Trips can often be customized to suit the preferences and skill levels of the anglers, making them suitable for families, groups of friends, or serious fishing enthusiasts.
Exploring Thailand's coastal beauty by boat offers an incredible array of unforgettable experience. From the traditional elegance of the big boat to the luxurious comfort of sailing catamarans, there’s a perfect vessel for every traveller's taste and adventure level. Whether you're drawn to the traditional charm of the Phang Nga big boats, the luxurious comfort of sailing catamarans, or the thrilling speed of modern powerboats, there's a vessel to suit every traveller's taste and adventure level. Each type of boat provides its own distinct way to navigate the country's stunning waters, from the tranquil exploration of sea caves and lagoons to the high-speed excitement of island hopping. By choosing the right boat for your journey, you can ensure that your maritime adventure in Thailand is as perfect and memorable as the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture you encounter along the way.