Junk boat "Chantara"

The Chantara invites you to a voyage to the fabulous shores of Koh Phangan, a ‘virgin’ neighboring island of Koh Samui. You will discover the virgin beauty of nature of Koh Phangan, investigate the colorful underwater life of Koh Mah with its crystal waters, beautiful coral reef and various kinds of fishes.

The junk boat will stop at Thong Nai Pan beach on Koh Phangan for jet-skiing, kayaking, surfing, or you will be able to have a massage and relax at secluded bays.

Encyclopaedic reference

Junk boat is a traditional Chinese and Japanese sailing vessel designed for voyages along the rivers and near the sea coast. It is still widely used in Southeast Asia. The word comes from Malay ‘djong’ that means ‘vessel’.

The main distinctive features of a junk are the sails from bamboo yards and mats in form of quadrangle, rostrum, and stern is raised a little. The sails can be rolled like jalousie. The massive rudder is fixed instead of a keel.

History of the Chantara junk boat

Originally constructed with beautiful teak wood, the junk Chantara was put into service in Burma near the end of the 20th century.

First sailed from the magnificent Burmese Banks, the former owner decided to move after the Tsunami of 2004. The Chantara sailed to the South, via Singapore, then up the east coast of Malaysia to enter the Gulf of Thailand.

After its renovation, the boat was called “Fortune”, but she changed her name again in October 2009 to Thai name ‘Chantara’.

Presently, the Chantara is based in Bangrak Bay, Koh Samui, in the north of the island. The Chantara sails inside the Gulf of Thailand. Generally, it travels around Koh Samui, to places such as Angthong Marine Park, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.