On the west side of Cape Panwa, there is a concrete jetty serving as a base for the Hydrographic, Fisheries, and Marine Biological Departments.

On shore, you will find the Phuket Aquarium. Anchor anywhere in the bay in 6-8 metres on a muddy bottom keeping well clear of the floating peal-farm on the west side. When rounding the cape, use the safe water mark to keep well clear of the off-lying rocks and reefs.

To the northwest lies Ao Yon. This bay offers good shelter in both seasons, has a fine beach and the original Phuket Yacht Club ashore. It is predominantly a dinghy sailing club but many cruising yachts make this bay their base. Enter from the east side of the bay to anchor in 4-6 metres inside the line of the fish farms on a muddy bottom.

On the north coast of Koh Hae there is a sandy bay with live coral fringing the beach. In the southwest monsoon season, sheltered anchorage is available on a sandy bottom in 8-10 metres.

Beware coral heads on the fringe of the reef rising from depths of up to 6 metres. Ashore, bungalows and restaurants cater to day visitors, while many tour operators bring their customers for snorkelling.

For a lunchtime stopover, try the small bay in about 14 metres on a rocky bottom on the south side of Koh Hae.

This is a very pleasant anchorage – quiet, nice coral and lots of fish. A small sandy beach with a local styled restaurant is accessible at high tide. There are a few resident hornbills for the nature photographer.

In the northeast season, this is more protected from the chop than the main anchorage directly across Ao Chalong bay. In the southwest season, the anchorage is open to a long fetch across the width of the bay.

A drying coral reef fringes the sandy beach, but there is an access channel at low tide. Two miles further north in Chalong Bay is a mangrove creek, which can be accessed by dinghy from mid-tide leading to a picturesque seafood restaurant on stilts.

Ashore at the anchorage are some private housing developments and some restaurants. Just behind the beach is a road that runs to the top of the mountain to a spectacular viewpoint giving a 360-degree panorama of Phi Phi islands and the south end of Phuket. The trip to Phuket town takes just 15 minutes, though finding transport can be difficult.

Ao Makham (Deep Sea Port)

The sea port terminal, Ao Makham is a channel between Koh Taphao Yai and the main island of Phuket north of Cape Panwa. Having been well dredged during the construction of the Phuket deep-water port, the passages north and south are buoyed and easily navigable.

Fuel and water can be delivered to the quayside by trucks, but this is really only practical for larger vessels, since the wharf is designed for ships so is not kind to topsides of cruising yachts. The port is also the main stopover for cruise liners plying the Andaman Sea and the Malacca straits.

The best anchorage for yachts lies on the north side of Koh Taphao Yai in front of a small resort in 5-8 metres on a muddy bottom. It is safe in all seasons, but can be very choppy in the northeast monsoon.

Not the most picturesque location, it is nevertheless convenient for town. Opposite this anchorage on the main island next to the petroleum depot is a small jetty with a floating pontoon that has road access to Phuket Town.

Koh siray

Koh Siray is on the eastern tip of the southern part of Phuket, separated from the main island by a small river – the area’s main fishing depot – and gives access to the island’s main commercial shipyards. These yards mostly take care of local fishing vessels and shallow draft tour boats; but after several years’ experience, they are able – and have the facilities – to handle keelboats. Appropriate cradles are available but bookings must be made in advance.

A photograph or plan of your underwater hull shape will assist the yard foreman in safely slipping your boat. All yards offer electricity, water and transport to town.

If you decide to slip your boat in the local yards, consider seeking advice from one of the marine services companies for the best options. Many projects are under way in the yards, which may be of interest to boat building enthusiasts.

Close to the river bridge (town side) is Tien Sin Pier where ferries depart for Koh Yao Yai twice daily. At the entrance to the river on the west side on reclaimed land is the Rassada passenger terminal, with ferries to Phi Phi and Krabi.

Approaches to Koh Siray

Pass between Koh Taphao Noi and Koh Taphao Yai, and proceed to the first channel marker shown on the chart. Head towards the second channel buoy and then proceed directly to the headland on the east side of the river entrance.

There are leading marks on shore but this channel is constantly moving, and the best advice we can give is to negotiate the entrance on a three-quarter tide rising and if possible follow a large fishing boat in the river.

There is a light on Laem Tukkae but this approach is inadvisable at night. Once in the waterway, the depth is adequate for most vessels, but the number of boats tied on each side of the river severely restricts its navigable width.

Diesel fuel in large quantities, water, ice, and provisions are available at the fishing port and at the shipyards further upstream on the left and on the right.

Extracted from The Southeast Asia Pilot (3rd Edition) cruising/sailing guide by Bill O'Leary & Andy Dowden − www.southeastasiapilot.com