New Power catamaran for Phang Nga and Phi Phi island excursions

Island hopping feels better with room to breathe. The new Hot Chili catamaran gives your private group a stable, spacious base for exploring Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, or the Racha islands from Phuket. I like the 15-knot cruising speed, which makes a full day of island stops practical, and I like the broad 5.5-meter beam, with enough room for a sunny front deck and a shaded rear cockpit. The fresh Thai lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and onboard WiFi add real comfort.

The main caution is that the information lists capacity both as up to 14 people and as a price for groups of up to 8. Confirm the exact group limit and final price before paying. Routes, timing, and the number of stops also depend on your chosen itinerary and sea conditions.

Five useful things to know before booking

• Private charter from about $1,629.44: The listed price covers a group of up to eight, making the cost more sensible when shared by family or friends.
• Three different island routes: You can focus on Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, or Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
• A genuinely spacious catamaran: The 5.5-meter beam helps with stability, while the front sunbathing area and shaded cockpit suit different tastes.
• Thai lunch is prepared onboard: A buffet, soft drinks, iced water, tea, and coffee are included.
• A fast boat for a full day: At 15 knots, Hot Chili can reach the local island groups within a day charter.
• Strong service record: The company has a 4.9 rating from 59 reviews, with 98 percent recommending the experience.

Why the Hot Chili works well for a private day

This is not a basic transfer boat that drops you at an island and waits offshore. Hot Chili is designed as a floating base for a full day. You can sit in the shade, stretch out in the front sunbathing area, eat a proper meal, and return to the boat between swims and shore stops.

That matters in Phuket. Island tours can involve a lot of motion, noise, and crowded seating. A catamaran gives you two hulls and a wide platform, which generally feels steadier than a narrow boat. The 5.5-meter beam is especially useful for people who want comfort rather than a thrill ride.

I also like the way the layout serves different people at once. One person can sit under cover in the cockpit or saloon while another lies in the front balcony area. A designated drinks fridge keeps refreshments handy, and the full galley lets the crew prepare the included Thai-style buffet onboard.

The private format is the biggest selling point. Only your group takes part, so the day can feel more personal than a standard shared excursion. You still need to agree on the route and timing in advance, but a private boat makes it easier to balance snorkeling, swimming, sightseeing, meals, and quiet time.

The price: expensive alone, more reasonable when shared

The listed cost is $1,629.44 per group of up to eight. That is a large outlay for one or two people, but it works differently when you fill the boat with family or friends. At eight people, the rough cost is about $204 per person before any national park fees or optional extras.

The boat is described as accommodating up to 14 people, yet the advertised rate is for up to eight. That difference is important. Ask Faraway Yachting Co. Ltd. whether a larger party can board, and ask for the exact total for your group size.

The price includes several things that can add up on a private boat:

• Freshly prepared Thai-style buffet lunch
• Soft drinks and iced water
• Tea and coffee
• Snorkeling equipment
• WiFi onboard
• Crew service and private use of the catamaran

You still pay separately for national park fees. Alcohol is not included, and the stand-up paddleboard is also listed as an extra. If you want a simple day with lunch and nonalcoholic drinks, the package is fairly easy to budget. If your group wants alcohol, paddleboarding, or several paid park areas, allow more.

The strongest value comes from filling the boat. Eight friends who want privacy, a flexible pace, and a comfortable ride may find the price attractive. A couple looking for the cheapest way to reach Phi Phi should choose a shared excursion instead.

Route one: Monkey Beach and the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi itinerary begins with hotel pickup at 8:00 a.m., boarding at Chalong Marina, and departure at 9:00 a.m. The scheduled return is 5:30 p.m. That makes this a full day, not a quick morning outing.

The first listed stop is Monkey Beach on Ko Phi Phi Don. The plan is to arrive at Monkey Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. This is a good opening stop because it gets you into the water early, before the day becomes mostly sightseeing and lunch.

You should keep expectations sensible. The itinerary gives only about five hours of listed activity for this stop and does not spell out every Phi Phi landing. The actual time at Monkey Beach, the order of stops, and access to other locations can change with weather and sea conditions.

Phi Phi is the right choice if your priority is classic limestone scenery, clear water, and a lively island-hopping day. Snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to arrange your own equipment. The boat’s size also gives you somewhere comfortable to return to after swimming.

The drawback is timing. An 8:00 a.m. pickup, 9:00 a.m. departure, and 5:30 p.m. return leave a long day around the water. That is good for seeing more, but less suitable if you want a slow, short cruise. Confirm the pickup point carefully, since the general meeting information names Phuket International Airport while the Phi Phi schedule refers to hotel pickup.

Route two: Ko Panak, Ko Hong, and James Bond Island

The Phang Nga Bay route begins with boarding, a welcome drink, and a safety briefing. The boat then heads to Ko Panak for a kayak and cave excursion.

This route offers a different kind of day from Phi Phi. Instead of focusing mainly on swimming and snorkeling, it combines limestone formations, paddling, caves, and scenic stops. The kayak portion is likely to be the most active part of the itinerary, while the boat provides a comfortable place to rest afterward.

A Thai-style buffet lunch is served onboard, followed by time to relax. This is one of the practical strengths of a private catamaran. You do not have to search for a restaurant between stops, and the full galley allows the meal to be prepared on the boat.

The itinerary then includes Ko Hong and James Bond Island. The James Bond stop is listed as involving a visit by dinghy, but the supplied details do not explain the exact landing arrangements or time ashore. Ask for the day’s precise route if James Bond Island is your main reason for booking.

This option suits you if you want variety: kayaking, caves, a buffet lunch, dramatic rock formations, and a famous photographic stop. It may be less appealing if snorkeling is your main goal, since the Phang Nga plan emphasizes kayaking and sightseeing rather than reef time.

Route three: Racha Yai and Racha Noi for snorkeling

The Racha itinerary begins at Chalong Bay Marina, where you meet the captain and crew. The first stop is Ko Racha Yai, with the crew choosing a snorkeling location based on the weather.

That weather-based choice is useful. A good snorkeling spot depends on wind, waves, and visibility, so flexibility is more valuable than a fixed promise of one exact reef. The itinerary then continues toward Racha Noi, although the available details do not list every stop or activity in order.

Choose this route if water time matters most to you. The included snorkeling equipment keeps the arrangements simple, and the company’s strongest praise centers on the snorkeling, attentive crew, cold drinks, generous food, and careful safety approach.

There is also a practical work-friendly detail in the company feedback. One party was able to do some work during a multiday trip because the crew planned the route well and WiFi is available onboard. That does not turn the boat into an office, but it may help if you need occasional connectivity during the day.

The Racha route is probably the best match for people who want a quieter day centered on swimming and snorkeling rather than a long list of famous landmarks. As always, the exact water conditions can shape the experience.

Life onboard: shade, sun, food, and space

The boat’s layout is more important than it may first appear. The front sunbathing area gives you a place to stretch out, while the shaded cockpit and saloon provide relief from Phuket’s strong midday heat. A catamaran’s width also helps reduce the cramped feeling common on smaller day boats.

The drinks fridge is a small but welcome feature. Soft drinks and iced water are included, along with tea and coffee. Alcohol is not included, so do not assume that a private charter automatically comes with a bar service.

Lunch is a fresh Thai-style buffet prepared onboard. Food quality receives repeated praise in the available company feedback, including specific appreciation for the onboard chef Nui. Menus are not provided, so tell the operator about dietary needs before departure rather than waiting until lunchtime.

Snorkeling equipment is included. A stand-up paddleboard is not. This distinction matters if your group expects a wide range of water toys. The supplied details support snorkeling, kayaking on the Phang Nga itinerary, and dinghy access to James Bond Island, but they do not promise a full collection of inflatable equipment.

WiFi is included, another useful perk for families who need to stay in touch. Service can vary at sea, so treat it as a convenience rather than a guarantee of strong internet at every stop.

Crew service and the company’s strongest praise

The company receives a 4.9 rating from 59 reviews, with 98 percent recommending the experience. The most consistent praise is not simply for the scenery. It is for the crew’s professionalism, good English, attention to safety, helpful route planning, chilled drinks, and generous food service.

Names connected with the company’s boat teams include Flo, Steve, Glenn, Sunee, Milk, Em, and chef Nui. The available feedback covers several boats in the Faraway Yachting fleet, so you should not assume every named person will be on Hot Chili. Still, it gives you a useful picture of the service style the company aims to provide.

One group specifically praised the crew for handling a large party on a 51-foot catamaran. Another highlighted the team’s transparency from booking through the trip. Those details are valuable for a private charter, where clear communication can matter as much as the boat itself.

Safety also receives repeated emphasis. You receive a safety briefing at the start, and the crew’s route choices can change with weather. That is exactly what you want on an island trip, even if it means one planned stop is shortened or moved.

Timing, pickup, and the details to confirm

The tour information gives a range of four to ten hours, while the Phi Phi schedule runs from an 8:00 a.m. pickup to a 5:30 p.m. return. This suggests that the experience may be offered in several formats or routes. Confirm your chosen duration before booking.

Pickup is offered, but the meeting-point section identifies Phuket International Airport in Mai Khao. The Phi Phi itinerary separately names hotel pickup. These details do not match perfectly, so send the operator your hotel or preferred meeting location and request written confirmation.

Boarding takes place at Chalong Marina or Chalong Bay Marina, depending on the route information. A clear pickup plan will save time on the morning of the charter.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The activity is private, and service animals are allowed. The information also says most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed mobility guidance for boarding or movement around the boat. Ask directly if anyone in your party has specific access needs.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The trip requires good weather, so if the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you receive a different date or a full refund.

Who should book Hot Chili?

I would recommend this catamaran to a group that values space and privacy more than the lowest possible price. It makes particular sense for a family reunion, a group of friends, or a larger party that wants to share one boat rather than split up among standard tour seats.

The Phi Phi route suits classic island scenery and snorkeling. The Phang Nga route is better for kayaking, caves, Ko Hong, and James Bond Island. The Racha route is the natural choice for a snorkeling-first day.

You should think twice if you dislike full-day outings, want a guaranteed fixed schedule, or are booking for only one or two people. The price becomes harder to justify for a small party, and weather may change the plan.

Should you book this Phuket catamaran?

Book it if you can fill most of the available places and want a comfortable private base for a full day around Phuket. The wide catamaran, fast cruising speed, onboard lunch, snorkeling gear, shaded seating, and attentive service create a much more relaxed outing than a basic island transfer.

Before you commit, confirm three points: the maximum number of people on Hot Chili, the exact route and duration, and the pickup location. If those details fit your group, this is a strong choice for combining several Phuket island experiences without giving up comfort.

FAQ

How many people can join the Hot Chili catamaran?

The boat description says it can accommodate up to 14 people and three crew members. The listed price is for a group of up to eight, so confirm the permitted group size and pricing for larger parties.

What routes are available?

The listed options include the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay with Ko Panak, Ko Hong, and James Bond Island, and a Racha Yai and Racha Noi route.

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. A stand-up paddleboard is not included.

Are national park fees and alcohol included?

No. National park fees and alcoholic drinks are not included in the listed price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather cancellations by the operator qualify for a different date or a full refund.