Featured anchorage – Koh Phanak
Anchorage Review: Koh Phanak, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
08°10.487N, 98°29.230E (southwest bay)
Mooring buoys
Picking up moorings at an anchorage like Koh Phanak, instead of dropping anchor, is increasingly necessary as authorities scramble to preserve coral. Be prepared to move if asked to do so by the mooring’s owner or a local authority. Remember, 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 Phanak is one of Phang Nga Bay’s classic limestone islands: dramatic, sheltered, and full of small surprises. Lying within easy reach of Phuket’s east coast and Ao Po, it makes a rewarding stop for yachts cruising through the bay, especially for crews who enjoy exploring by dinghy or kayak.
By day, the island sees a fair amount of tour traffic, mostly visiting the caves and hongs hidden inside the limestone. By late afternoon, however, Koh Phanak often settles back into something much quieter. With the day boats gone, the anchorage takes on the stillness that makes Phang Nga Bay so memorable.
Anchoring
Koh Phanak offers several useful anchoring options depending on season and conditions. The southwest bay provides a secluded overnight anchorage in approximately 4m on mud, with good holding. This is a useful choice in the northeast monsoon season, when the island gives comfortable protection and easy access to the caves and limestone scenery on the west side.
The northwest bay is another good option, with anchoring in around 5m and similarly reliable holding. It is well placed for exploring the island’s hongs and overhangs by dinghy or kayak. As with all of Phang Nga Bay, depths are generally forgiving, but tides and soft mud bottoms make it important to anchor with care and allow enough swinging room.
In the southwest monsoon season, the east bay becomes the more sensible choice. Approach from the east and anchor in a comfortable depth on mud, again in about 4m. This side of the island offers better protection when westerly weather or swell makes the western bays less comfortable.
Visibility in Phang Nga Bay is often poor, so do not expect to eyeball the bottom as you might in clearer island anchorages. Use chart, depth sounder and tide carefully, particularly if moving close inshore or shifting anchorage during the day.
Facilities
There are no yacht facilities at Koh Phanak. There is no fuel, water, provisioning, rubbish disposal or marina support ashore, so yachts should arrive self-sufficient.
Phuket’s east coast marinas, Ao Po and the wider Ao Chalong / Phuket area remain the practical service bases before or after visiting. Koh Phanak is best treated as a nature stop rather than a service stop.
Eating & drinking ashore
Swim through the Emerald Cave – a hidden lagoon accessed via a short sea tunnel. It’s best at mid-tide when sunlight turns the water emerald green.
Highlights
The main attraction is exploring the island’s caves, overhangs and hongs. Some entrances are tide-dependent, and timing matters. At the right state of tide, kayaks and dinghies can reach hidden inner lagoons that are invisible from outside.
The scenery is pure Phang Nga Bay: vertical limestone, green water, mangrove edges and enclosed spaces that feel far removed from the busier cruising routes nearby. It is especially good for photography, gentle exploring and introducing guests to one of Thailand’s most distinctive cruising landscapes.
Crews should take care not to enter restricted or dangerous cave passages at the wrong tide. If in doubt, go with local knowledge or observe where experienced kayak guides are operating.
Why we like it
Koh Phanak is close enough to Phuket to be easy but still delivers a real sense of discovery. It has good holding, useful seasonal anchoring options and some of the best small-boat exploration in Phang Nga Bay.
It is not a provisioning stop, a beach bar stop or a marina stop. It is better than that: a proper cruising anchorage with atmosphere, shelter and character.
For skippers who like anchorages that reward patience, tide awareness and a little curiosity, Koh Phanak is a Phang Nga Bay favourite.
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