Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts. Pattaya is the main yacht centre on Thailand’s upper Gulf coast, used by vessels operating between Bangkok, Sattahip, Koh Sichang, and the eastern seaboard industrial ports. The region consists of open bays, low‑lying headlands, and offshore islands with depths reducing from 15–25 m offshore to 6–10 m near the coast. Navigation is shaped by commercial shipping, fishing fleets, unlit gear, and seasonal sea states.

Facilities are concentrated around Ocean Marina and Pattaya Bay. Provisioning, fuel, water, and marine services are reliable, with access to Bangkok’s supply chain. Anchorages are exposed during the southwest monsoon, and most yachts use the marina for secure berthing.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Approaches

Offshore depths of 15–25 m reduce to 10–15 m approaching Pattaya Bay and 6–10 m inside the coastal shelf. The area has dense fishing activity, with unlit traps and nets in 6–12 m. Commercial shipping transits between Laem Chabang and Bangkok, with large vessels passing close to Pattaya’s approaches. The islands south of Pattaya have fringing reefs rising into 3–6 m, particularly around Koh Larn and Koh Sak. Seasonal swell affects west‑facing approaches during the southwest monsoon. Tidal range is moderate, and currents are generally weak but influenced by wind.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Anchorage

Pattaya Bay provides anchoring in 6–10 m over sand with variable holding. The area is exposed to swell and vessel wash, and anchoring is not recommended during strong southwest monsoon conditions. Koh Larn offers 8–14 m over sand in settled weather, with coral shelves rising into 4–6 m near the shoreline. Koh Sak provides 10–15 m in calm conditions but is busy with day‑tour vessels. Anchorage selection must avoid ferry routes and marked exclusion zones.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Entry Formalities

Pattaya is not a primary port of entry. Yachts arriving from overseas clear Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine at Laem Chabang or Bangkok. Domestic movements within Thailand require no further clearance once entry is completed. Harbour inspections occur as required. Starlink and other satellite systems are permitted but must not interfere with local frequencies.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Marina Facilities

Ocean Marina Yacht Club sits on the Na Jomtien coastline south of Pattaya and functions as the primary yacht base for the entire upper Gulf of Thailand. It is the only facility in the region offering secure, purpose‑built berthing, and it supports both private yachts and a large charter fleet operating to Koh Larn, Koh Sak, and nearby islands. The marina basin is fully sheltered, with modern pontoons and infrastructure designed to accommodate vessels ranging from small sailing yachts to large motor yachts and superyachts. With more than 450 berths, it is one of Southeast Asia’s largest marina complexes and the only reliable all‑weather berthing option between Bangkok and Sattahip. The entrance channel has 3–5 m depending on tide, with 2.5–4 m in berths.

Pattaya Bay has no marina berths. Dinghy landings are made on the beach with 0.5–1.5 m at the shoreline depending on tide and swell. No haul‑out, hard‑stand, or marine workshops exist outside Ocean Marina.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Local Weather

Pattaya’s weather follows the Gulf of Thailand’s seasonal pattern, which differs from the Andaman Sea. Pattaya is outside the main cyclone belt, and severe storms are rare. Rainfall peaks from May to September.

• Northeast Monsoon (November–April). This is the dry season, with NE winds and relatively calm seas. Conditions are stable, and anchorages around Pattaya and Koh Larn are workable. Visibility is generally good.
• Southwest Monsoon (May–October). The wet season brings SW winds, frequent squalls, and rougher seas. Pattaya Bay becomes exposed, and swell can make anchoring uncomfortable. Koh Larn offers better shelter during this period.
• Transition Months (October and April). Conditions vary, with occasional storms and shifting winds. Afternoon sea breezes are common, and squalls occur during transitional periods.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Provisioning

Supermarkets: Pattaya has reliable supermarkets including Villa Market (Pattaya Klang). Tops Market is reliable for fresh produce and packaged goods. Foodland is a 24‑hour supermarket with imported items and a good butcher. Big C is a general supermarket with fresh produce and dry goods. Makro has bulk dry goods, meat, frozen products, and seafood. Central Food Hall has higher‑end imported goods and specialty items.

Markets: Pattaya Fresh Market, Naklua Market, and Thepprasit Market operate daily with high turnover. They supply local greens, herbs, tropical fruit, tofu, noodles, and curry pastes. Morning trading provides the best selection. Produce arrives from central Thailand and local farms. South Pattaya Market is reliable for fresh goods and Thai ingredients. Pattaya Night Bazaar near Second Road with street food and more. Soi Buakhao Market has fresh vegetables, herbs, and meats and open 05:00 to 10:00 hours. 

Some useful words: Shrimp (Kung), Crab (Pu), Squid (Pla Meuk), Chicken (Gai), Pork (Moo), Beef (Nuea), Egg (Khai), Mango (Ma Muang), Durian (Thurian), Rambutan (Ngo), Banana (Kluai), Papaya (Malakor)

Fish Markets: Naklua Fish Market is located in northern Pattaya with direct-from-boat seafood including prawns, squid, crab, and fish. The Four Regions floating market, Thailand’s largest floating market, is located on Sukhumvit Road, Bang Lamung District with many canals, walkways, and regional pavilions offering tropical fruits, Thai snacks, grilled seafood and more. Every day at 09:00 to 20:00 hours, go very early or on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Local Cuisine

Pattaya’s cuisine reflects central Thai cooking with strong influence from Gulf seafood landings. Steamed fish dishes such as pla neung manao (whole sea bass steamed with lime, garlic, and chilli) and pla tod nam pla (fried fish with fish‑sauce glaze) are common due to local coastal supply. Mixed‑seafood salads like yum talay combine prawns, squid, and shellfish with herbs and lime dressing. Everyday dishes include pad krapao (stir‑fried basil with chicken or pork), pad thai (rice noodles with tamarind, egg, and dried shrimp), khao man gai (poached chicken with rice cooked in broth), and kuay teow noodle soups prepared with pork broth or fish balls. Street stalls prepare khao pad (fried rice), gai yang (grilled chicken), and fast‑turnover seafood stir‑fries tied to local landings, including prawns, squid, and coastal fish. Coconut‑based curries such as gaeng khiao wan (green curry) and gaeng daeng (red curry) are widely available, along with tom yum goong (hot‑and‑sour prawn soup) reflecting regional seafood supply

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Fuel Supplies

Ocean Marina provides diesel at the dock with reliable turnover. Outside the marina, fuel is obtained by jerry can from roadside stations. Supply is consistent. Checks for water or sediment are recommended when purchasing from smaller outlets.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Water Supplies

Ocean Marina supplies potable water at the dock. Water delivery can be arranged through marina staff or local vendors. Outside the marina, water is collected by jerry can from municipal taps or roadside stations. Onboard filtration is standard practice.

Mechanical and Electrical Repairs Resource

If you are headed somewhere remote in Thailand then consider expanding your knowledge base or have an information resource on board for most DIY situations. Why not get a copy of my book The Marine and Electrical and Electronics Bible 4th Edition. By and for yachties, with everything from batteries and charging, solar and wind, diesel engines and marine electronics and so much more. Your complete boat systems guide. 650 pages of practical advice. In Australia or Southeast Asia go to Boat Books for a copy or order through Amazon. By a yachtsman for other Yachtsmen and Yachtswomen. Marine systems are my profession so let me help you save money.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Marine Services

Marine services are concentrated at Ocean Marina, including engineering, electrical, electronics, rigging, fibreglass, sailmaking, and haul‑out. Authorised agents for Volvo Penta, Yanmar, and major electronics brands operate in the region. Chandlery, hardware, gas refills, and specialist contractors are available in Pattaya and Sattahip. Major structural repairs are handled at Ocean Marina or Laem Chabang.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Local Customs

Pattaya follows national norms shaped by Buddhism and strong reverence for the monarchy. Respectful behaviour is required near temples and religious sites. Lèse‑majesté laws apply. Public confrontation is discouraged. Alcohol sale hours are regulated. Waste disposal rules apply near beaches, resort zones, and marine‑protected areas. Politeness and calm behaviour are valued. Remove shoes before entering homes or temples. Dress modestly in government offices and religious sites. Public displays of anger are discouraged. English is widely spoken in tourist areas but less common in markets. Interactions with officials are generally straightforward, and patience is appreciated.

Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts - Summary

Pattaya provides reliable marina facilities, provisioning, fuel, water, and marine services for yachts operating on the upper Gulf of Thailand. Navigation requires attention to fishing gear, commercial shipping, and seasonal swell. Ocean Marina functions as the primary base, with limited anchoring options along the coast. The region supports movements to Bangkok, Sattahip, Koh Larn, and the eastern seaboard ports. Pattaya Sailing Guide for Yachts has all you need.