Koh Pan Yi, otherwise known as Sea Gypsy Village, is built almost entirely on stilts over water to the south of the sheer cliffs of the island. The people here are really Muslim fishermen, not Sea Gypsies as the tourist name suggests. The nearest real Sea Gypsies live far south on Phuket Island.
The approach from the south is clearly marked by a light structure on a small rocky islet at the river entrance and the course to the village is straight. Favour the right side, if any, to stay in deeper water. Anchor in 4-9 metres to the east of the village, taking care to avoid the many floating cages used for raising fish.
There are dinghy landings, many restaurants and souvenir shops in the village, which is usually packed with up to 3,000 tourists during the lunch period, but is quiet and peaceful in the late afternoon and evening.
Further north on the east side of Khao Khian are cave drawings dating far back, perhaps to Neanderthal times. West of Khao Khian is a shallow mangrove river that passes through a tunnel in Khao Ra Ya, which is one of Phang Nga’s most spectacular caves.
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic Charts of the respective countries.
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