Ban Thap Lamu is an all-weather anchorage which makes a good coastal stopover on the way to the Similans or Surin Islands. It is actually an enclosed river estuary, one used regularly by the Thai navy. On the eastern side there is a small village and the Thai Navy base.
Only 90 minutes by regular bus service from Phuket Town and 34 miles to the Similans by sea, it is the closest shore base with facilities to the islands.
The headland four miles north (Laem Hin Bai) is part of the Khao Lak National Park. The long sandy bay, which extends north of the headland for 12 miles is now rebuilt after suffering extensive damage in the 2004 tsunami.
Anchoring anywhere along this coast is appropriate in high season only, but our recommended anchorage is at the southern end.
When entering the estuary, keep well clear of the coral patch on the northwest side of Laem Ao Kham. The point has a light flashing every 4 seconds, but night entry is not recommended unless it is essential.
Pass well north of Laem Ao Kham on a heading due east towards a red buoy. This marks the beginning of a buoyed channel which turns south following the deep water close to the east coast of the headland.
Pass the Royal Thai Navy jetty (forbidden to yachts) to anchor in 6-9 metres in front of the village of Ban Thap Lamu. There is good holding in mud, with strong tidal currents in the passage running north and south.
The village has a seafood restaurant on the end of a public jetty, and shops with all of the basic Thai necessities. Avoid anchoring too close to the jetty because of the longtail traffic, especially in the morning.
Approach from the west taking care to avoid the rocks around the headland and the isolated rock outcrops just to the north of the anchorage.
Anchor in 3-6 metres on a sand/mud bottom. Well protected in the north east monsoon. A short dinghy ride ashore gives access to bungalow resorts and hotels.
The main road leads to Khao Lak National Park headquarters, a spectacular waterfall and the route south to Phuket.
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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