A phinisi charter from Phuket connects the traditional Indonesian seafaring vessel with one of Asia’s most celebrated island regions. The Bugis schooner tradition, which has produced working and charter vessels across Southeast Asia for centuries, reaches its natural expression in the warm, island-rich waters of the Andaman Sea. Phuket provides the infrastructure, while the phinisi provides the character: broad teak decks, a high-sided timber hull, and an unhurried approach to passage-making that is perfectly matched to the shorter inter-island distances here.
The phinisi fleet for Phuket and the wider Andaman ranges from 20 to 45 metres, with interiors combining Indonesian craftsmanship with the standards expected of a luxury charter. Guest capacities run from six to twelve in three to six cabins. Crew numbers are typically generous, five to eight, ensuring attentive service throughout.
Weekly rates start at approximately 45,000 Euros and reach 390,000 Euros for larger, more elaborately fitted vessels. The advance provisioning allowance of around 30 percent covers provisions, fuel, and local fees.
The northeast monsoon season from November through April gives reliable conditions. A phinisi’s motion at anchor in the flat, protected bays of the Andaman is particularly comfortable, and the vessel sits beautifully against the limestone backdrop of Phang Nga Bay.
