SOUTH PATTAYA BAY
This anchorage is secure only in the northeast season. Good holding can be found in 4-5 metres a quarter mile north of the gap between Bali Hai Pier and the speedboat marina breakwater. At the time of writing this spot was far enough south to be safe from the dozens of parasailing speedboats running from the many anchored pontoons during the day.
The breakwater running from the south point protects a shallow speedboat marina, but it’s better to dinghy to the beach just east of the Bali Hai Pier. The pier is the main departure point for all kinds of boat activities and high volume island runs.
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There’s plenty of action ashore here, particularly at night, with countless bars, restaurants and more along the colourful and noisy strip. Evening entertainment can be found along the famous Walking Street in the south corner.
With so many parasails in the air during the day, it seems like absolute chaos, but watch closely – it’s organised chaos. If it’s too much for you, it’s far less stressful during the day three miles northeast, around the point at Naklua Bay where anchorage can be found at a comfortable depth on sand closer to the beach.
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