Phang Nga Bay
Thailand · a week from Ao Po Grand Marina · about 104 nautical miles
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Phang Nga Bay is a sheltered sea of sheer limestone islands between Phuket and Krabi. Sea caves lead into hidden lagoons, the anchorages are calm in the dry season and the hops are short, until the final run home from Phi Phi. This loop takes in the classic islands of the bay, the cliffs of Railay and the beaches of Phi Phi.
Where the charter boats are
Most charter companies in Phuket are on the east coast of the island, facing the calm water of Phang Nga Bay. This week starts at Ao Po Grand Marina, home to some of the big fleets, with deep water and access at any state of the tide. Others sail from Yacht Haven Marina at the north end of the island, and from Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina near Phuket town.
Main bases: Ao Po Grand Marina. Marinas: Yacht Haven Marina · Boat Lagoon Marina · Royal Phuket Marina · Chalong Bay
When to go
- The sailing season runs from November to April, in the dry north-east monsoon.
- November, February and March are the sweet spot: steady light breezes, calm seas and a little more space in the anchorages.
- Christmas and New Year are the busiest and most expensive weeks, so book early.
- From May to October the south-west monsoon brings heavy rain, squalls and swell. Fewer boats sail then, and mostly inside Phang Nga Bay.
Weather
Hot all year, with two monsoons. The dry north-east monsoon brings the sailing season, and the wet south-west monsoon brings rain and swell. Phang Nga Bay is sheltered in most weather; the open water around Phi Phi is not.
north-east monsoon
from the north-east
Blows from November to April. Dry and steady, usually light to moderate, with calm water in the lee of the islands. The best sailing of the year.
south-west monsoon
from the south-west
Blows from May to October. Wet and gusty, with sudden squalls and a heavy swell on coasts open to the west. The crossing to Phi Phi can be rough.
Forecasts
- Thai Meteorological Department marine forecasts for the Andaman Sea, at tmd.go.th.
- Wind apps such as Windy or PredictWind for the week ahead, and for squalls in the shoulder months.
- Your charter company's briefing at check-in, with tide times for Phang Nga Bay.
Sea temperature: About 28 to 30 °C all year.
Where you moor
marina
Ao Po Grand Marina and the other Phuket marinas have pontoon berths with water and power, and staff to take your lines.
town quay
Hardly any for yachts. The piers at Railay and Phi Phi are for ferries and longtail boats, so go ashore by dinghy.
buoy
The national parks lay moorings at some islands to protect the coral. Use one when it is free, and check it suits a boat your size.
anchor
Mud and sand with good holding in most of Phang Nga Bay. Allow for the tide, keep clear of the longtail routes, and never anchor on coral.
Filling up: water, power and fuel
| Port | Type | Water | Power | Fuel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Po | Marina | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Charter base: start and finish. Deep water, access at any state of tide, and a fuel dock. |
| Koh Hong | Anchorage | – | – | – | No facilities. Sheltered anchorage; the lagoon entrance depends on the tide. National park fees apply. |
| Koh Phanak | Anchorage | – | – | – | No facilities. Quiet anchorage close to the caves. National park fees apply. |
| Koh Yao Noi | Anchorage | – | – | – | Village shops and restaurants ashore. Pick the side of the island sheltered from the wind. |
| Railay | Anchorage | – | – | – | Sand off the beach, exposed to the west and south-west. No fuel: leave Ao Po with full tanks. |
| Koh Phi Phi | Anchorage | – | – | – | Outer Loh Dalum bay or a park mooring. Busy with day boats until late afternoon. National park fees apply. |
A sample week
Saturday: Saturday is check-in day. Ao Po is about 30 to 40 minutes by taxi from Phuket airport, and drivers may not know the charter offices, so have the address handy. Boats are usually ready in the afternoon: do the boat briefing, stow the shopping and spend the first night in the marina.
Sunday · about 15 nm
Ao Po → Koh Hong, Phang Nga
North into Phang Nga Bay among sheer limestone islands, to Koh Hong and its hidden lagoon. Aim to arrive in the afternoon, as the day trip boats leave.
- Kayak into the hong at mid tide
- Swim off the boat in the evening calm
- Watch for sea eagles over the cliffs
Overnight: At anchor off Koh Hong in sheltered water, or on a park mooring if one is free.
Monday · about 12 nm
Koh Hong → Koh Phanak
Up early to reach James Bond Island before the tour boats, then back south to Koh Phanak for an afternoon of caves and mangroves.
On the way: James Bond Island, or Khao Phing Kan, with the limestone needle of Koh Tapu just offshore. The water is shallow, so go on a rising tide, anchor off and land by dinghy.
- Paddle the sea caves of Koh Phanak
- Explore the mangroves by dinghy
- Photograph Koh Tapu in the morning light
Overnight: At anchor off the east side of Koh Phanak, close to the caves.
Tuesday · about 12 nm
Koh Phanak → Koh Yao Noi
Round the north of Koh Yao Noi to its east coast, where fishing villages and rubber plantations look across to the islands off Krabi.
- Ride round the island by bike or scooter
- Eat at a village seafood restaurant
- Watch the sunrise over the Krabi islands
Overnight: At anchor off the east coast of Koh Yao Noi. In a fresh north-easterly, move round to the sheltered west side.
Wednesday · about 20 nm
Koh Yao Noi → Railay, Krabi
Across the bay past the Hong islands of Krabi to the limestone cliffs of Railay, one of the great rock climbing spots of Asia.
On the way: Lunch near the Hong islands, inside a national park, where a park fee applies.
- Walk to Phra Nang beach and its cave shrine
- Watch the climbers or book a lesson
- Have a sunset drink on Railay West beach
Overnight: At anchor on sand off Railay West beach. It can roll when the wind goes west.
Thursday · about 15 nm
Railay → Koh Phi Phi
South across open water to Koh Phi Phi, the best known islands in the Andaman Sea. Arrive in the afternoon, when the day boats thin out.
- Climb to the viewpoint over both bays
- Take a longtail to Maya Bay and Pileh lagoon
- Eat in the lanes behind Tonsai
Overnight: At anchor in the outer part of Loh Dalum bay, which shallows a long way out, or on a park mooring. Tonsai bay on the south side is busy with ferries.
Friday · about 30 nm
Koh Phi Phi → Ao Po
The long day of the week, about five hours under sail or engine. Leave Phi Phi early, pass west of Koh Yao Yai and be back in Ao Po by late afternoon.
- Have a dawn swim before leaving Phi Phi
- Watch for fishing floats and longtails
- Refuel at the marina fuel dock
Overnight: The last night is in the marina, with a farewell dinner ashore.
Friday evening and Saturday: Be back in Ao Po Grand Marina by Friday evening, refuelled at the marina fuel dock, for the check-in inspection. Saturday morning is check-out.
Navigation and mooring
- Phang Nga Bay is shallow, with mud banks and a tidal range of up to about three metres at springs. Plan each day around the tide tables and watch the depth, especially near James Bond Island.
- The hongs (lagoons inside the islands) are reached through sea caves that are passable only at certain states of the tide. Go by kayak or dinghy around mid tide and come out in good time.
- Coral fringes many islands, especially around Phi Phi. Never anchor on coral: use park moorings where provided, or anchor on sand or mud.
- Longtail boats are fast, loud and everywhere, especially at Phi Phi, Railay and James Bond Island. Keep a sharp lookout and give them room.
- Fishing nets, traps and floats are often unlit, and fishing boats work through the night. Sail in daylight only and be at anchor before dark.
Provisioning
- Large supermarkets around Phuket town and Thalang before you leave; most charter companies can deliver a pre-ordered shop to the boat.
- Small shops and markets on Koh Yao Noi, at Railay and on Phi Phi for fruit, water and ice.
- Simple Thai restaurants at most stops. Koh Yao Noi and many villages round the bay are Muslim communities: dress modestly ashore.
Rules and fees
- The charter company handles the boat's papers and the crew list. Carry passports aboard.
- Most stops are in national parks, including Ao Phang Nga and Mu Ko Phi Phi. Rangers collect entry fees per person, usually in cash. Check the current fees with the base before you go.
- Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh: boats may not enter the bay, visitors land at a pier in Loh Samah bay behind it, swimming is not allowed, and the bay closes for a period each year, usually August and September. Sunscreens that harm coral are banned in the marine parks.
A planning guide, not a navigational publication. Maps are simplified and distances approximate (Coastline © OpenStreetMap contributors). Always use official charts, the current pilot book, local notices and the latest forecast, and follow your charter company's briefing.