26 miles from Yacht haven
Good overnight holding can be found in 7-10 metres to the east of the low rock in the middle of the passage (Hin Klang Rong).
The largest village is on Koh Yao Noi, 1km in from the jetty; this is the best bet for topping up stores. Visit the little local restaurants or get a ferry to Phuket from the all-tide floating jetty.
South of this anchorage is a long sandy spit ideal for swimming at high tide. A few scenes of The Mechanic Resurrection were filmed here. It’s busy from after lunch till late afternoon with day-tripping speedboats. Three smaller fishermen villages perch on the north shore of Koh Yao Yai, one of them with a long jetty.
A visit ashore is an interesting experience, but note that the people are Muslim and women should cover up. Alcoholic beverages are not available at these north Koh Yao Yai villages (nor should they be taken ashore).
Reasonably maintained concrete and black top roads now traverse the lengths of both Koh Yaos and the islands are fast becoming popular destinations for mountain biking adventure tours from Phuket.
Three miles southeast of the channel is Koh Rang Nok. This is well worth passing by to see the cave and suspended dwelling under the rock wall on the northeast corner. The dwellings house the vigilant guardians of the culinary-valuable birds nests. There are many signs strewn around the island warning against landfall. You are strongly advised to heed them.
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