The chart shows the channel created by the northern part of Phuket Island and the mainland province of Phang Nga. At the western end, the main northbound road crosses over two bridges. The centre span of the old bridge has been removed and the new bridges have approximately 12 metres air draft.
Fishing vessels and large power craft regularly pass this way, but the route is not suitable with fixed masts. The passage out to the Andaman Sea is navigable with care, but the sandbar is constantly moving and this route is not recommended without local knowledge.
Yacht Haven Marina is located at Laem Phrao east of the bridge at the head of the channel. Accessibility to the nearby international airport is an advantage for those wishing to berth yachts here and fly in for holidays or weekends.
To find Yacht Haven from Phang Nga Bay, approach from the east into Pak Phra Channel. Approach Koh Ngam on a bearing due west (270°), leaving Koh Payu well to starboard as there are coral outcrops just south of the island. Continue past Koh Ngam keeping it to port on the same bearing until the northern power pylon shown on the chart is sighted.
Keep Koh Ngam astern and steer approximately 320° towards the pylon. When the marina is in view a pair of red and green buoys consistent with the IALA system (red: port, green: starboard on entry) guide you into the marina entrance from the north.
The same applies for night time access, except there is a sector light (red, white and green) to assist passage up the channel. Follow the white light (red or green indicates that you are off course) and look out for the red and green buoys at the marina entrance, which are not lit but have reflectors.
Approaching Laem Phrao, beware of shallow water on the port side after passing Koh Nok and the drying sandbanks on the east side of the channel, opposite the marina entrance.
This marina has all-tide access and superyacht berthing. Access is from the east on all tides, though deep draft vessels need to take additional care to follow the channel during lows. We recommend first time approach is made during daylight hours and at high tide. The minimum depth on the approach is 2.5 metres at low tide.
There are 300 berths all with power, water and internet facilities. In addition, the outer dock wave attenuator can cater to 30 superyachts up to 70 metres with drafts up to 5 metres. Minimum depth in the main marina is two metres at LAT.
Facilities include a special work dock for smaller jobs, fresh water and fuel delivery services. +66 (0) 76 206704. VHF Ch. 68.
On shore along the waterfront is the clubhouse bar and restaurant, marina office, dockside service companies and brokers. Showers, lockers, toilet facilities and some rent-a-car, tour and taxi operators are all available.
On the top road is the Galileo Maritime Academy professional crew school accommodations, MCA approved engineering workshops, survival training pool and advance fire-fighting facilities.
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8 miles from Yacht haven
8 miles from Yacht haven
A small island at the entrance to the sound affords good shelter for either season. Anchorage is in approximately 5 metres. The passage between Koh Wa Yai and Koh Wa Noi is narrow but navigable with care.
There is a sandy beach on the northwest point, commonly visited by hoards of returning sea canoe day tourists between 3-5pm.
