Koh Chang Archipelago — Gulf of Thailand

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK), not Phuket. We provide a private van transfer from BKK direct to Salakphet pier on Koh Chang — about 4.5 hours each way. Plan to arrive in Bangkok the day before; the van leaves early. We can recommend Bangkok hotels close to the pickup point.

Yes — most of our sailors here are complete beginners. The Gulf of Thailand is the gentlest place to learn in tropical Asia: short passages, sheltered anchorages, light to moderate winds, and a Lagoon 421 catamaran that is genuinely forgiving. You leave the week with ASA 101 and ASA 103 — the same certifications that qualify you for bareboat charter worldwide.

The programme runs November through April only — the northeast monsoon. December and January are the driest and coolest months (averaging 2–6 rain days each); February and March bring lighter breezes that suit beginner-heavy crews. May to October is the southwest monsoon, when ferries to the outer islands suspend service and the weather is too unsettled to teach in.

Plan on 15,000–20,000 Thai Baht in cash per sailor (roughly $400–$550). ATMs on the outer islands are limited and unreliable, and you’ll want cash for shore dinners, optional dives, taxis, and cocktails. Pull baht from an ATM in the BKK arrivals hall — the exchange rate is better than at home or at the pier.

Soft duffel only — no hard luggage, the cabins are tight. Quick-drying shorts and shirts, swimwear (×2), reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in Mu Ko Chang Marine Park), polarised sunglasses with a backup, a light rain jacket, water shoes for reef and beach landings, insect repellent for evenings ashore, any personal medications, and a passport valid for at least six months from departure.

Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are aboard every day — fresh fruit, Thai coffee, light Thai-style lunches. Dinners are ashore four nights of the week (Salakphet pier, Koh Mak Art House, Koh Kood beach restaurants, Koh Mak again on the return) and aboard the other two. Budget around $12–$20 per shore dinner — Thailand is excellent value. Drinks ashore aren't included.

You earn ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat) and ASA 103 (Coastal Cruising) over the week. Theory is taught daily on deck and through the practical exercises; written exams are short and given on Day 6. Both certifications are recognised by ASA-affiliated charter companies worldwide and qualify you for bareboat charter on a 30–45ft yacht in many destinations.

Both — that's the point. It's a learn to sail vacation in Thailand: you earn ASA 101 and ASA 103 through daily hands-on instruction, and the classroom happens to be the Koh Chang Archipelago — snorkeling at Koh Wai, a waterfall hike on Koh Kood, and Thai dinners ashore most evenings. Instruction, accommodation aboard the catamaran, and certification exams are all included.

Many sailors fly back to Bangkok for a couple of nights to eat their way through the city — Chinatown street food, the rooftop bars, the temples. Others connect on to Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Singapore. The van transfer drops you at BKK, so onward flights are easy. We can suggest hotels in Bangkok and route ideas if you want help.