Incorporating the Andaman Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia… and more
This island (named after the paper trees which used to be harvested here by the French) lies amidst a large area of shallow water with coral outcrops.
Koh Kradat is essentially not approachable by keelboats or powerboats, although longtails do land on it and it is approachable with care by dinghy. This is a privately owned island and has one small resort.
This almost flat island with a small hill rising in the centre has grasslands and is populated by a herd of wild deer, supposedly introduced by the French when they owned the island before King Rama V purchased it back from them over 100 years ago.
16 miles from Ao Khlong Son
Often referred to as Koh Chang’s Phi Phi island, the two peaks are bridged by a palm tree scattered sandy spit that delivers the idyllic tropical island scene. The bay on the southeast side makes for a great day mooring, but the shape of the island can cause turbulent winds.
This Island is part of the national park, hence there are no facilities. However, there is a completely deserted abandoned resort. Leaving the bay, steer well clear of the dangerous rock just to the south until in more than 10 metres depth.
Click to view Thailand photo gallery.
18 miles from Ao Khlong Son
Good protected overnight mooring on the southeast side of the island. Ashore is a small fishing community but no facilities.
18 miles from Ao Khlong Son
Beaches on the east side of the island are protected during the southwest winds and make for good overnight mooring. There are several resorts dotted along the coastline but access ashore is very difficult at low tide. The northernmost beach on the east side has a small bungalow resort.
18 miles from Ao Khlong Son
This is a beautiful island, one favoured by local sailors and fishermen seeking shelter. The bay on the northeast side offers good protection in the southwest season and makes for a great overnight anchorage. Anchor in 8-10 metres off the Paradise Resort. Good for a lunchtime stop in northeast season, but does get busy with day trippers at peak times – but they leave late afternoon.
[read more]
During the northeast season the bay on the south side of the island (F) offers good protection for overnight mooring and there is a pathway through to the northeast coast, which is an easy 20-minute walk through dense jungle − so take a torch.
East of Koh Wai is Koh Bai Dang with a small beach on the southeast. A good day stopover for snorkelling there is an abandoned National Park hut and short easy track over to the west coast cove where the island is narrowest.
[/read]
Click to view Thailand photo gallery.
20 miles from Ao Khlong Son
Another favourite of local sailors, the northern tip offers good overnight anchorage during the southwest season. Nice beaches surrounded by small islands and rocky outcrops make for a great view and excellent snorkelling.
Koh Rang is a part of the national park and offers limited daytime facilities. Entry to the national park is 400 baht.
South of (G), in the indent at 11°47.936N, 102°23.532E, is the National Park Headquarters with floating dock, snack shop and water hose. Anchor in 6-10 metres on sand and take your dinghy to the dock.
[read more]
During the northeast season, the west side of the island offers good overnight protection.
The best anchorage near great snorkelling is in 10 metres on sand east of the three islands in the north, at 11°48.694N, 102°22.757E. However, approximately 100 metres due west off the tip of the northernmost island is an unmarked shallow hazard. Known locally as Koh Tien, this 24-metre high rock spire ends one metre below water level and is not marked on the charts, though can sometimes be marked by local divers with a red buoy. This mysterious spire makes for a spectacular dive site and is known for big fish and shark sightings.
There’s another good anchorage close by, between the south of Koh Rang and the islet of Koh Tun (also called Koh Rang Lek). Anchor in 7 metres on sand and snorkel around the small islet. On the beach is a small fisherman’s temple.
This is a good overnight anchorage in the southwest season, but there are no restaurants ashore. Early in the morning or after 4pm is the best time to have the coral atolls to the east of Koh Rang all to yourself.
[/read]
22 miles from Ao Khlong Son
This is a large, very flat, island that has been inhabited for over 100 years. The favoured mode of transportation is by bicycle, motorbike or foot, which makes for a pleasant atmosphere. Local ferries deliver passengers to the numerous resorts scattered around the island with the main beach at (I).
( I ).The large bay on the northwest side of the island has good protection, although in depths less than 7 metres you may encounter coral heads. Anchor NW of the village pier in 5-7 metres for a short walk behind the resort to local artist Somchai’s house, where the grounds display his sculptures and are open to visitors.
[read more]
Koh Kham, a private island undergoing a very slow transformation into an exclusive resort, lies due west off the northern tip of the bay and is often joined to Koh Mak by a sand bar. This makes for a spectacular location, enhanced further by the mass of unusual rock formations.
( J ) The bay on the southwest side of the island is less populated and offers protection near the ferry jetty in 8-10 metres for overnight anchorage during the northeast season. Stay well clear of the fringing reef that runs the length of the beach and watch out for the thin lazy lines extending seaward from the jetty.
The surrounding smaller islands in the bay offer good views and great snorkelling. The beach road ashore has many small resorts and leads to the scenic hilltop view over to the northern bay. The best way to enjoy all that Koh Mak offers is to rent a motorcycle for the day. The BBQ Hut right next to the pier is the top spot to eat fresh seafood. Another good option is the Sabay Jungle Bar with a small deli counter. There are a few massage parlours and a well-stocked supermarket with ice for sale.
[/read]
Click to view Thailand photo gallery.
22 miles from Ao Khlong Son
Anchor in 8-10 metres southeast of Ao Tar Nid commercial pier. There’s a large coral outcrop just off the centre of the beach.
