Thailand has two coasts, and choosing the right one saves a lot of trouble. Phuket and the Andaman Sea on the west are where most shipped yachts arrive. The Gulf of Thailand on the east, with Laem Chabang and Pattaya, is closer to Bangkok. We ship to both from Dubai, Europe and the rest of Asia.
- West coastPhuket, Andaman Sea
- East coastLaem Chabang, Pattaya, Koh Samui
- Temporary stayUp to 2 years and 6 months
- Cruising seasonNovember to May on the Andaman side
Andaman coast or Gulf of Thailand?
Andaman coast
- Phuket is a regular call for yacht carriers in Southeast Asia
- Best if you want to cruise Phang Nga Bay, Krabi or the islands down to Malaysia
- The busiest yachting area in Thailand, with several full-service marinas
Gulf of Thailand
- Laem Chabang is served on request rather than on a fixed line
- Ocean Marina in Pattaya is the main base on this side
- Makes sense if the boat will live near Bangkok or around Koh Samui
If you're going to Phuket, our Phuket yacht transport page covers the port, the marinas and the season in more detail.
Temporary import rules
A foreign yacht doesn't have to pay Thai import duty if it's only visiting. Since February 2021, Thai Customs has allowed foreign yachts to stay for up to 2 years and 6 months. The first period is 6 months, then it's extended 6 months at a time. Customs asks for a guarantee to cover the duty, either as a cash deposit or a bank guarantee, and releases it when the yacht leaves the country. Extensions are filed in the 30 days before the current period ends, and no later than 5 working days before.
A yacht arriving on a ship follows the same logic, but the import is cleared as cargo. We prepare that file before the yacht is loaded, so the guarantee and the paperwork are ready when it arrives.
How the yacht is loaded and secured
- Survey. The yacht's condition is recorded with photos before it's lifted.
- Cradle. A cradle is prepared for the hull shape. The keel takes the weight and two side rails spread the rest.
- Lift. The ship's cranes lift the yacht in soft slings placed to its lifting plan, with a spreader bar keeping the slings off the topsides.
- Lashing. The cradle is fixed to the deck and the hull is strapped down. Our loadmaster signs off before departure.
- Discharge. In Thailand the yacht comes off the same way and goes into the water or onto the quay.
The Thailand International Boat Show takes place at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket from 14 to 17 January 2027.
Send us your yacht's details and where it's coming from. We'll suggest the best Thai port and send a quote.
Get a quote for ThailandQuestions about yacht transport to Thailand
How long can a foreign yacht stay in Thailand?
Up to 2 years and 6 months under the 2021 rules, in 6 month periods, with a deposit or bank guarantee covering the duty.
Which Thai ports take yachts by ship?
Phuket on the Andaman coast and Laem Chabang on the Gulf of Thailand. Phuket has more regular calls.
Do I pay import duty on a yacht in Thailand?
Not for a temporary visit. Duty only becomes payable if the yacht stays beyond its permitted period or is imported for good.