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East of Koh Siray, en route to Koh Yao Yai, is the Khai Island Group. The first is Koh Khai Nok, just five miles offshore and Koh Khai Nai a further two miles.
These islands are easily accessible from the main Phuket marinas. As a result, they are popular as a day trip destination. The water is clear and the snorkelling is good, unlike further north in the bay.
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13 miles from ao Chalong
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13 miles from ao Chalong
This is a great daytime anchorage. The brilliantly white, all-tide beach on its northern end can be seen from miles distant.
Anchor in 15-20 metres and be careful; the bottom rises very quickly onto a sandy ledge scattered with coral heads. Or, preferably, pick up one of the many orange moorings that are safe for daytime usage. In either monsoon season, you will find a couple of places to tuck in close to avoid the occasional ground swell, which can occur in this open anchorage.
A wide variety of fish and corals make this island a favourite for scuba divers and snorkellers at slack water and neap tides. An excellent day destination for families because of the small cove teeming with brilliantly coloured sergeant major fish, which will feed from your hand – although feeding the fish is now illegal and unaware visitors have been arrested for breaking this law!
By far the busiest destination for speedboat trips from Phuket, there is a daytime restaurant on the beach. A 200 baht fee per boat and 40 baht per non-Thai visitor are levied by the local council for visiting vessels. There is also a 150 baht charge per couple for deck chairs, whether you use them or not! Take your wallet. It is best to visit before 10 am or after 3pm to avoid the crowds. (Fees correct at the time of publishing.)
14 miles from ao Chalong
To the northwest of Koh Khai Nok, this islet has moorings and once hosted a stilted restaurant, tucked into the rocks, that was a favourite of local yachties. Sadly, it’s now derelict. Snorkelling along the reef edge is superb. Anchor off the reef in 15-20 metres either side – depending on conditions.
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FacebookLinkedInInstagram15 miles from ao Chalong
This is another very popular day trip destination for speedboat package tours from Phuket. The small islet offers a great daytime anchorage in 8-10 metres off the sandy point to the northeast.
Snorkelling and diving are best on the seaward edge of the fringing reef on the northeast side the island. There’s also an all-tide access beach on this end of the island.
Alternatively, good overnight anchorage can be found anywhere on the West Coast of Koh Yao Yai when the northeast monsoon prevails.
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