A brand-new charter makes island days feel easy. This Hot Chili power catamaran is built for fast hops between Phuket, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga, then it slows down where you actually want to swim and snorkel. I like the 15-knot cruising speed because it buys you more time on the water instead of watching the sea go by, and I also like the 5.5-meter beam for the stable, comfortable ride when the waves pick up.

You’re not squeezed in here. Even with a larger group feel, it’s designed for up to 14 guests with 3 crew, plus there’s a front sun-bathing area and a shaded cockpit/saloon in back. The vibe is practical and safety-first, and the crew team (names like Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em) is known for good English and clear, professional service.

One thing to plan for: it’s a full-day style outing, and some costs are not included—think national park fees and alcoholic drinks. If you want the day to be truly all-inclusive, budget a little extra for those add-ons and expect a lot of sun exposure.

Quick hits (the stuff that matters on the day)

• Brand-new Hot Chili comfort: front sun area plus shaded seating where you can actually cool off.
• 15-knot cruising speed: helps you fit more island time into a 4 to 10 hour day.
• Thai buffet lunch on board: fresh, Thai-style, served with soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee.
• Snorkeling gear included: you get the equipment, so you don’t spend your morning hunting it down.
• Crew that stays on task: safety briefing plus clear guidance, with a team known for strong English.
• WiFi on board: handy if you want to check messages or do a bit of work during quieter cruising stretches.

Entering the Hot Chili catamaran comfort zone from Phuket

This is a private power catamaran built for day trips from Phuket, and it shows in the layout. With a 5.5-meter beam, the ride tends to feel steady even when you’re bouncing across short stretches between islands. That matters if you’re prone to motion sickness, traveling with older family members, or just want the day to feel relaxed instead of sporty.

The design splits your day into two modes. Up front you’ve got a big sun-bathing area, which is perfect for that first-hit vitamin D moment. In the back, the cockpit and saloon area gives you shade and a place to sit while the boat is cruising or after you’re done floating in the water.

Also worth noting: there’s a drinks fridge onboard and a full galley, so food and refreshments aren’t an afterthought. The included menu is Thai-style buffet lunch with soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee. If you’re the type who hates paying extra just to eat well, this setup is a big part of the value.

And since this is a private tour, you’re not fighting for space with strangers when you’re changing into swimwear or grabbing snorkel equipment.

Hotel pickup and timing: getting to the marina without stress

Most days start with hotel pickup around 08:00, then you board at Chalong Marina, with departure around 09:00 and return around 17:30 for the Phi Phi-focused schedule. That long middle block is the whole point of a powered charter: you get time at multiple stops, plus a lunch that happens without leaving the boat.

Even if you’re not thinking about logistics, timing affects the trip. Early departure helps you reach islands while conditions are calmer and the water isn’t as crowded. A late return also helps you avoid scrambling for dinner plans.

Your ticket is mobile, and pickup is offered, so you’re not stuck with complicated meeting instructions once you arrive.

Phi Phi islands day: Monkey Beach time for swimming and snorkeling

If you’re choosing this itinerary for Phi Phi, plan for one of the most popular styles of island time: a first landing where you can get straight into the water. The day commonly starts with a stop at Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don, with time at Monkey Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

This kind of stop is great for two groups:

• You want an easy win early in the day, before you’ve used up all your energy.
• You want a place where you can snorkel without feeling rushed.

Practical note: snorkeling is a highlight here, and snorkeling equipment is included, so you can bring your own confidence (and a good attitude) instead of hunting gear last minute.

One consideration is that Phi Phi days can mean sun, reflections, and strong water movement in spots. If you burn easily, you’ll want a real sunscreen plan. Also, if you care about underwater visibility, you’ll often get better results when you’re in the water with patience instead of sprinting the first five minutes.

Ko Panak kayak and caves, plus Koh Hong and James Bond Island

This part of the route is what turns a standard island hop into something a bit more active and scenic. You’ll board the yacht, get a welcome drink and safety briefing, then head toward Ko Panak.

Here, the day typically includes a kayak and cave excursion at Ko Panak. Kayaking is a fun change of pace after traveling by boat, and cave areas usually mean cooler temps and a different kind of sightseeing. Just keep in mind that cave excursions can be physically awkward depending on your comfort level—think solid footwear, steady movement, and going slow when it’s slick.

Lunch is usually Thai buffet on board, so you don’t lose your momentum to finding a restaurant on land. Then the day continues with visits to Ko Hong and James Bond Island (the listing notes a by-dinghy approach for the James Bond stop). If you’re a fan of iconic views, this is where the camera-friendly spots happen.

The trade-off? These stops can feel like a lot in a single day. The power catamaran helps you cover the distance, but your best experience will come if you’re mentally ready for constant shifting between swim time, viewing time, and getting back on board.

Racha Yai & Racha Noi: snorkeling where conditions matter

A big part of choosing a private yacht is choosing snorkeling quality. For Racha Yai and Racha Noi, the itinerary typically plans the snorkeling location based on weather conditions. That’s not just a line in a schedule—it’s how you avoid wasting your one real snorkeling window.

This is also where the “best company” and “best snorkeling” energy tends to show up. The boat’s crew focuses on safety and timing, and since you’re not sharing equipment queues with a crowd, you can get into the water faster once you’re at the right spot.

What I like about this approach: it treats water conditions as the boss. Instead of forcing you into an area that doesn’t suit visibility or wave action, they adjust.

If you want to do more than snorkeling, note that SUP (stand-up paddle board) is not included. Your best move is to ask the crew what’s available day-of if you’re set on paddle time.

Food and drinks: Thai buffet lunch done the easy way

Food on a day trip can be either great or an afterthought. Here, you’ve got a full galley setup, and the included lunch is a freshly prepared Thai-style buffet. It comes with soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee, which is a practical combination for a hot day on the water.

A standout detail from the experience vibe is the attention to comfort and timing. The crew team is described as attentive and safety-focused, and a chef named Nui is specifically mentioned for a great onboard food experience. That’s the kind of detail that tells me the kitchen isn’t just warming pre-packed items.

Alcoholic beverages are not included, so if you want wine or cocktails, plan on adding that separately.

Crew professionalism: Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em

On water, the crew makes or breaks the day. In this case, the service quality is a clear theme: professional, clear communication in English, and a real focus on safety. You’ll also get a safety briefing and onboard help before you head out.

Names that pop up for the crew include Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em, with chef Nui credited for food. When you see that many names repeatedly, it usually means the company trains as a team instead of relying on one hero crew member.

The other practical perk: this kind of crew tends to keep the schedule smooth. That matters because there’s a lot to do during the day—boarding, snorkeling changes, lunch, and hopping between island viewpoints.

And yes, WiFi is onboard, which can be surprisingly useful if you want to check messages while cruising.

Price and value: what $1,629.44 per group really buys

The price listed is $1,629.44 per group (up to 8). But the yacht overview notes capacity for up to 14 guests. That mismatch is something to clarify before you pay—some bookings price by group up to a certain number, while the boat physically holds more.

So here’s how to think about value:

This charter is usually best when you spread the cost across more people. Private means you’re paying for comfort, stability, and included meals and gear—not just for transportation.

Included value that can offset the cost:

• Lunch (Thai buffet) plus soft drinks, iced water, tea, coffee
• Snorkeling equipment
• WiFi
• A private group experience with pickup offered

Not included costs to remember:

• National park fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• SUP (stand-up paddle board)

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, the private pricing may feel steep compared to shared boat trips. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is where the math starts to look better fast.

Practical tips to make the day easier (and better photos too)

Here’s what I’d do to avoid common day-trip annoyances:

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and reapply. You’ll be out in bright conditions for long stretches.
• Pack water-friendly shoes if you’re sensitive underfoot during snorkeling or cave-related areas.
• Bring a light layer or windbreaker for the cruise segments. Speed and sea spray can cool you down when you least expect it.
• If you care about paddle time, remember SUP isn’t included, so confirm options with the crew.
• Plan for national park fees even though the lunch/snorkeling package is included. You’ll have a smoother day if you treat park fees as a normal add-on, not a surprise.

Also, since pickup is offered and the day can run from about 4 to 10 hours depending on the route, you’ll want a flexible mindset. This isn’t a short, passive sightseeing bus day—it’s an active sea day.

Who should book this Phi Phi and Phang Nga catamaran?

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private day trip rather than a crowded shared boat
• A stable ride thanks to the wide 5.5-meter beam
• Good food without hunting for lunch on land
• Snorkeling that’s supported by included equipment
• A professional crew with strong English, including people like Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em
• The option to stay connected via onboard WiFi

It’s also a good choice for groups who prefer comfort but still want to do real activities—swimming, snorkeling, and a kayak/cave portion on certain routes.

If you’re the type who hates changing locations every couple hours, then a multi-stop itinerary might feel busy. In that case, you may prefer a simpler plan with fewer stops (but you’d need to compare options based on your travel style).

Should you book Hot Chili with Faraway Yachting?

If you want an island day that feels organized, comfortable, and built around snorkeling and food (not around rushing), this is an easy yes. The stability, included Thai buffet lunch, snorkeling equipment, and professional crew all point to a higher-quality day than the bare-minimum charters.

Book it if:

• You have a group and can spread the per-group cost
• Snorkeling matters to you
• You like the idea of a covered plan with a welcome drink, safety briefing, and a crew-led schedule

Skip or double-check if:

• You’re traveling as just a couple and the up to 8 pricing makes it hard to justify
• You’re very budget-focused and don’t want to account for national park fees and extra drinks

FAQ

FAQ

What islands can this private catamaran visit?

The itinerary includes stops around Phi Phi and Phang Nga areas, including Monkey Beach (Ko Phi Phi Don), Ko Panak, Ko Hong, James Bond Island, and Racha Yai & Racha Noi. Exact routing can vary by day and conditions.

How long is the tour?

Duration is listed as 4 to 10 hours (approx.) depending on the specific island route and schedule.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, and for the Phi Phi-focused schedule there is typically pickup around 08:00 before boarding at Chalong Marina.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are Thai-style buffet lunch, soft drinks, iced water, tea and coffee, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi on board. It’s a private tour for your group.

What is not included?

National park fees and alcoholic beverages are not included. SUP (stand-up paddle board) is also listed as not included.

Do I need to pay additional fees for parks?

Yes. National park fees are not included, so you should plan for that extra cost on the day.

Will the schedule change for weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi on board is included.

Is this a private tour or shared?

This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

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