New Power catamaran for Phang Nga and Phi Phi island excursions

The main appeal here is simple: you get a new, fast power catamaran for your own group rather than sharing a crowded day boat. Hot Chili carries up to 14 people with three crew, and its 5.5-meter beam gives you plenty of room to stretch out while the boat runs at about 15 knots between Phuket’s islands.

I like the choice of routes, from Monkey Beach and Phi Phi to Phang Nga’s caves and James Bond Island. I also like the practical comforts: a freshly prepared Thai buffet, snorkeling gear, a drinks fridge, WiFi, and both sunny and shaded seating. The main catch is price. At $1,629.44 for up to eight people, it is good value for a full group, but expensive for a couple or small family.

Key points to know

• A private Hot Chili charter carries up to 14 people, though the listed rate covers a group of up to eight.
• The 15-knot cruising speed lets the boat reach Phi Phi, Phang Nga, or the Racha islands on a day trip.
• Phi Phi, Phang Nga, and Racha routes are different options, so check exactly which plan you are booking.
• A Thai buffet lunch, soft drinks, iced water, tea, coffee, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi are included.
• The boat has a 5.5-meter beam, a front sunbathing area, and a shaded cockpit and saloon.
• National park fees, alcohol, and a SUP board cost extra.

A private catamaran with room to move

Hot Chili is designed for island hopping around Phuket, not for a slow sailing holiday. Its 15-knot cruising speed matters because distances between Phuket and the popular island groups can eat up much of a day on a slower boat.

The boat can take up to 14 people, with three crew on board. The price information is based on a group of up to eight, so ask for the correct total if your party is larger. For eight people, the listed price works out to about $204 per person. For two people, the same charter costs roughly $815 each, so this experience makes far more financial sense for a family group or a gathering of friends.

I like the layout. The 5.5-meter beam gives the catamaran a broad, stable feel, with space at the front for sunbathing and a shaded cockpit and saloon at the back. That arrangement lets your group spread out instead of sitting in one cramped row.

The full galley is another useful feature. Lunch can be prepared on board, and the designated drinks fridge keeps refreshments close at hand. This is a more comfortable setup than a basic speedboat, particularly when you are spending most of the day on the water.

Choose your island group carefully

The experience covers several well-known routes from Phuket, but these are not all one single packed itinerary. You should confirm the route, duration, and stops before paying, especially because the advertised duration ranges from about four to 10 hours.

The main choices are Phi Phi, Phang Nga with James Bond Island, and Racha Yai and Racha Noi. Each offers a different type of day.

Phi Phi from Monkey Beach to the limestone bays

The Phi Phi plan begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m., boarding at Chalong Marina, and departure at 9:00 a.m. The stated return time is 5:30 p.m., making this a full day on the water.

The first stop is Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don, also called Monkey Bay in the schedule. Here you can swim, snorkel, and relax. The stop gives you an early chance to get into the water before settling into the rest of the route.

Phi Phi is the best choice if you want the classic southern Thailand scenery: steep limestone cliffs, bright water, and famous island viewpoints. It is also the route most likely to feel busy, since Phi Phi is one of Phuket’s best-known day-trip destinations. A private boat gives you your own space on the journey, but it cannot make a popular bay empty.

The value of this route comes from the boat itself. You can return to the shaded cockpit after snorkeling, take lunch on board, and avoid spending the whole day squeezed into a large group transfer. The front balcony also gives you a good place to sit while the catamaran runs between stops.

Admission tickets are not included for the Phi Phi plan. National park fees are also excluded, so budget for those separately. The supplied details do not state the exact fee, so ask for the current amount before departure.

Phang Nga, Ko Panak, and James Bond Island

The Phang Nga route follows a different rhythm. You board the yacht, receive a welcome drink and safety briefing, then set off for Ko Panak.

Ko Panak is known here for a kayak and cave excursion. That is the most active part of the day and gives you a close view of the island’s rock formations rather than only seeing them from the catamaran. The details provided do not say whether kayaking is included in the base price, so confirm that point before booking. A SUP board is specifically listed as an extra, which may not be the same activity.

After Ko Panak, you return to the yacht for a Thai-style buffet lunch and time to relax. I like this order. A proper meal after the first water activity is more useful than a rushed snack, and the shaded saloon gives you somewhere comfortable to cool down.

The route then visits Ko Hong and James Bond Island. Ko Hong adds another island stop, while James Bond Island is the famous photo stop in Phang Nga Bay. This route suits you if you want dramatic limestone scenery and a mix of kayaking, sightseeing, and lunch on board.

It is less focused on open-water snorkeling than Phi Phi or the Racha islands. Pick Phang Nga for caves and rock formations, not because you expect the same type of reef day.

Racha Yai and Racha Noi for snorkeling

The Racha route begins at Chalong Bay Marina, where you meet the captain and crew. The first stop is Ko Racha Yai, with the exact snorkeling location chosen according to weather conditions.

That flexibility is useful. Snorkeling quality depends on wind, visibility, and sea conditions, so choosing a suitable location on the day is more sensible than following a fixed reef stop at all costs. The plan then continues toward Racha Noi, although the supplied details do not spell out every stop or timing for that route.

Choose Racha if snorkeling is the main reason you want a private charter. The equipment is included, and the boat gives you a comfortable base between swims. The crew’s safety focus is also worth noting. One account specifically praised the attention given to safety, chilled drinks, helpful service, and the food.

The Racha option may be less appealing if you want famous landmarks or a long list of sightseeing stops. Its strength is time in and around the water.

Lunch, drinks, and the useful comforts

Lunch is a freshly prepared Thai-style buffet served on board. Food is one of the most frequently praised parts of the experience, and that matters on a full-day charter. You are not left relying only on packaged snacks between swims.

Soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee are included. Alcohol is not included, so bring that cost into your planning. The boat has a drinks fridge, but the supplied information does not state the rules for bringing your own alcohol. Ask the operator before loading anything.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, which saves you from renting a mask and fins separately. A SUP board is not included. WiFi is also available on board, and one account even described being able to do some work during the trip because of good route planning and connectivity.

That does not mean you should treat the charter as a floating office. Weather, route changes, and time in the water can affect the signal. Still, WiFi is a handy extra if you need to check messages during the day.

What the layout means for your day

The front sunbathing area is the spot for open views and a warm ride. The rear cockpit and saloon provide shade, comfortable seating, and a break from the sun.

This mix works well for groups with different habits. Some people can sit in the sun, while others read, eat, or cool off under cover. On a long day, that choice is more valuable than a flashy extra.

The wide beam should also make the boat feel stable, though no catamaran can remove all motion in rough seas. If you are prone to seasickness, use the shaded central seating and check the marine forecast before setting out.

The crew consists of three people, and the service is repeatedly described as professional, attentive, and safety-minded. Names associated with Faraway Yachting’s onboard team include Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, and Em. Nui is also named as a chef on one charter. Crew assignments can change, so do not book expecting a particular person unless the company confirms it.

Timing, pickup, and the small logistical wrinkles

Hotel pickup is offered, and the Phi Phi schedule gives an 8:00 a.m. pickup followed by a 9:00 a.m. departure from Chalong Marina. The meeting-point information also lists Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao, so you should confirm your exact pickup point and transfer arrangement.

That airport reference may simply reflect the booking system’s meeting-point field, but it is worth clearing up. Chalong Marina and Mai Khao are not the same part of Phuket, and an early transfer can affect your morning.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is private, so only your own group participates. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed.

The charter requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Is $1,629.44 good value?

The answer depends almost entirely on group size.

For eight people, the price is reasonable for a private full-day boat with three crew, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi. You are paying for privacy, space, speed, and the ability to travel as your own group rather than joining a large shared excursion.

For 10 to 14 people, the value may improve further if the final price is adjusted to the larger group size. Confirm the exact rate, since the supplied price is listed for up to eight.

For two people, this is a luxury splurge. A shared excursion will almost certainly cost less, though it will not give you the same room, privacy, or control over how you spend the day.

The price does not include national park fees, alcohol, or a SUP board. Those extras will not ruin the value, but they should be part of your final budget.

Who should book Hot Chili?

I would recommend this charter for families, groups of friends, and celebrations where comfort and privacy matter. It is particularly well suited to people who want a proper lunch, shaded seating, and space to move around between swims.

The Phi Phi route fits first-time visitors who want the famous island scenery. Phang Nga is better for caves, kayaking, and limestone formations. Racha is the strongest choice if snorkeling is your priority.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. I would also avoid choosing the boat solely for a guaranteed list of stops. Weather affects the route, especially the snorkeling locations, and the day works best when you accept some flexibility.

Should you book this Phuket catamaran?

Book it if your group can share the cost and you value a private, comfortable boat more than the cheapest possible island trip. The broad catamaran, 15-knot speed, Thai buffet, helpful crew, and separate sun and shade areas make it a strong choice for a full day around Phuket.

Before booking, confirm three things: your exact route, your pickup point, and the total cost including national park fees. If you want caves and famous rock scenery, choose Phang Nga. If you want swimming and snorkeling, choose Racha. If you want the best-known island sights, choose Phi Phi and accept that some stops may be busy.

FAQ

How many people can join the catamaran charter?

The Hot Chili catamaran can carry up to 14 people and three crew. The listed price of $1,629.44 applies to a group of up to eight.

Which island routes are available?

The available plans include Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga with Ko Panak, Ko Hong, and James Bond Island, and Racha Yai with Racha Noi.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration ranges from about four to 10 hours, depending on the selected route. The Phi Phi schedule runs from an 8:00 a.m. pickup to a 5:30 p.m. return.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered. The Phi Phi plan lists hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m. The meeting-point information also lists Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao, so confirm your exact pickup location.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A freshly prepared Thai-style buffet lunch is included, along with soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the experience.

Are national park fees and alcohol included?

No. National park fees and alcoholic beverages are not included. A SUP board is also listed as an extra.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.