Featured anchorage #2
Southeast Asia Pilot – August 2025
The Rok Island Group (Koh Rok Nok & Rok Nai) – Thailand
06°21.46N, 99°41.20E
Mooring buoys
Picking up moorings instead of anchoring is increasingly necessary as authorities scramble to preserve coral. Where we suggest you pick up a mooring, be prepared to move if asked to do so by the mooring’s owner or a local authority. In some anchorages, you may find moorings that aren’t mentioned in these pages because they weren’t there when the anchorage was last surveyed. Whichever case, it’s your responsibility to check moorings in terms of their availability, condition and suitability for your yacht. Be aware that some moorings are suitable for small, light boats only.
Overview:
Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai, part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, offer some of the clearest water in the Andaman Sea. With vibrant coral reefs, white sand beaches, and good holding in sand, it’s a favourite stopover for cruisers exploring the southern Thai islands.
Anchorage Notes
⇒ Depth: 8–12m on sand
⇒ Holding: Good, but check set as patches of coral are present
⇒ Protection: Best in NE monsoon; can be uncomfortable in SW monsoon
⇒ Hazards: Pick up a buoy if available. Otherwise don’t anchor too close to reef edges; snorkellers often in the water
Facilities & Shore Access
⇒ Ranger station for National Park fee payment
⇒ Mooring buoys available to protect reefs
⇒ Good snorkelling right off the boat – giant clams, turtles, and healthy coral gardens
⇒ Small beach for picnics and short walks
Why We Like It
⇒ Spectacular underwater visibility – often 30m+
⇒ Great lunch stop en route between Ko Lipe and Koh Lanta
⇒ Managed as a marine park, so reefs remain healthy
Southeast Asia Pilot – 7th Edition has detailed coverage of over 600 anchorages across nine countries. Available now in print and digital editions.
Southeast Asia Pilot and Phuket Publicity Services do their best to ensure that the information on this website is accurate. However, good seamanship demands that seafarers check critical information carefully with relevant sources to ensure it is up to date.FacebookLinkedInInstagram
