It is possible to anchor just about anywhere off the western coast of Lampi Island. Lampi is the largest island in this southern group and, apart from the occasional nomadic fishing village, is uninhabited. The size of Lampi allows it to support much larger wild animals, including leopard and a small herd of elephant.
Anchor anywhere on sand in 6-12 metres. The Mangrove River is superb for dinghy exploring with plenty of wildlife and huge century-old mangrove trees towering overhead.
Enter the passage either side of the small rock island and south of the drying rock in mid-channel. Anchor in 7-10 metres on a mud and sand bottom off the eastern end of the small village. The currents can run up to 3 knots at mid-tide so put out plenty of chain.
This village is the only habitation in the area and is definitely worth a visit. The local monk at the Buddhist temple is a very welcoming and interesting character.
A local boat builder has recently set up shop behind the bridge in the village. He is constructing traditional Moken boats that are being hand sawn from trees on site. Take your camera.
A small island with a spectacular white sand beach backed by casuarina trees. Anchor in 6-8m on a sand bottom clear of the fringing reef.
This is a highly unusual area of mangroves and shallow waterways which is ideal for exploring by kayak and dinghy. There are around 30 small beaches on these islands and probably as many anchorages.
The islands support a thriving bird and wildlife population. It is common to see flocks of over 100 wreathed hornbills competing for a particularly desirable perch on the highest trees.
There are also Asian wild cats, fruit bats and macaque monkeys that make this home.
The channel of water separating the islands of Lampi and Wa-Ale Kyunn is about 200 metres wide and about 2 miles long. On either side, the channel is banked with steep sloping rainforest and by fringing coral reef below. Anchorage in the middle of the channel is in 10-15 metres. This anchorage is safe to sit out any storm.
Salet Galet is an area of outstanding beauty and is a good place to spot monkeys, wild pigs, hornbills, sea eagles and other creatures. There is a great jungle walk up west peak on Lampi with spectacular views over Salet Galet channel.
The mangrove river on Wa-Ale Kyunn is ideal for kayaking and ends in a small fresh water stream and waterfall.
Anchor in 5-7m on the sand flat inset into the reef. This is a magnificent location with a kilometre of white sand backed by verdant jungle.
This is a great area for morning and evening walks in the jungle with frequent sightings of macaques, hornbills, wild pig, gibbons and flying squirrels.
Approach with care heading due west about mid-way between the southern side of Kan Zar Gyi and the small rocky islands to the south. There are many rocks and coral bombies in this area but, with very clear water, these are easy to see.
Anchor on a sand patch in 10-12m of water. This anchorage has excellent protection during the North East Monsoon.
Ashore is a perfect white sand beach dotted with huge black limestone boulders. This is a great place to watch the sunset. There are interesting exploration opportunities of the west coast of Kan Zar Gyi and the rocky islets to the south from this anchorage.
This idyllic anchorage is in a natural ‘bay’ in the coral reef and is perfectly protected from just about any wind direction.
Approach the small point with the hill on it heading due west. At a distance of 200-300m off the point turn due north which brings you into a hollow in the reef. Anchor in 15m on a sand bottom.
This island offers everything with white sand beaches, great snorkelling and fishing, interesting jungle walks, caves with bats and sea swallows and even all year round water from a tiny stream.
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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