Approaching this anchorage, keep well off the rocky point to the west and set your anchor on the muddy bottom in 4-6 metres. Holding is firm enough that this spot not only offers good overnight protection in the northeast monsoon, but may be used in lighter winds during the southwest season too.
There is a small Muslim fishing village on stilts in the northwest corner of the bay. Approach by dinghy using the shallow creek on the west of the bay, and please observe the usual Muslim dress code.
This small island offers a great daytime anchorage in 8-10 metres off the sandy point to the northeast.
Snorkelling and diving are best on the seaward edge of the fringing reef on the northeast side the island. There is also an all-tide access beach on this end of the island.
Alternatively, good overnight anchorage can be found anywhere on the West Coast of Koh Yao Yai when the northeast monsoon prevails.
Koh Khai Nok is another great daytime anchorage. The brilliantly white, all-tide beach on its northern end can be seen from miles distant.
Anchor in 10-15 metres and be careful, as the bottom rises very quickly onto a sandy ledge scattered with coral heads. In either monsoon season, you will find a couple of places to tuck in close to avoid the occasional ground swell, which can occur in this open anchorage.
A wide variety of fish and corals make this island a favourite for scuba divers and snorkellers at slack water and neap tides. An excellent day destination for families because of the small cove teeming with brilliantly coloured Sergeant Major Fish, which will feed from your hand.
By far the busiest destination for speedboat tours from Phuket, there is a daytime restaurant on the beach. A 200 Baht fee per boat and 40 Baht per non-Thai visitor are levied by the local Or Bor Tor (Council) for visiting vessels. There is also a 150 Baht charge per couple for deck chairs, whether you use them or not! Take your wallet.
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.
The contents of this website may not be reproduced or copied in any form – printed, electronic, photocopy or otherwise – except for excerpts used in reviews,
without the written permission of the publisher.
Image Asia Events Co., Ltd