The Butang Group

The Butang group, part of Tarutao Marine National Park, provides the clearest waters and most beautiful coral gardens in the area. In their efforts to keep the coral in prime condition, the Thai authorities are levying heavy fines for any vessels found to be anchoring on the reefs. Anchor well off the reef edge or pick up a suitable mooring.

These granitic islands are blanketed by rain forest and fringed with white sand beaches similar to those found in the Similan Islands.

Access from the mainland is via Pak Bara, 60 miles from Satun. Ferries run into Koh Adang, Koh Rawi and Koh Lipe, which offer basic accommodation.

Anchorage can be found in 16 metres off the white sand beach east of Koh Barat. This spot is suitable during both seasons, although it is exposed to ground swells. Alternatively, around Koh Barat some shallower spots in and around 8 metres offer good holding in suitable conditions. Otherwise, the water depth is generally 20 metres or more but relatively calm within the entire harbour.

This anchorage in 10 metres on a sandy bottom provides a good overnight haven in the northeast monsoon. A number of bungalow developments are found in this popular bay. The best beach dinghy landing area is in the east of the bay, where there is a small sandy channel through the coral. As you approach from the west there are some exposed rocks at low tide.

These anchorages, one located opposite a Thai fishing station and a large sea gypsy village, the other to the east, north of the twin islands on the north east coast, offer reasonable overnight anchorage.

Anchorage (C) is among moorings in 12-15 metres on a muddy bottom. There are restaurants, limited fuel, water and a fisheries museum ashore at the National Park HQ. Anchorage (D), just west of Hin Takon Dukang is better in the southwest season in 8-10 metres.

To the north, across the channel, on the southern tip of Koh Adang is another gypsy village with a long jetty in a sandy lagoon, which can be accessed by dinghy.

Anchor west off the small islands in 8-12 metres with enough swinging room to avoid the fringing reef. This area is ideal for snorkelling and fishing. Anchorage and moorings can also be found in 20 metres east of the islets, if the northeast ground swell wraps around the south of Koh Rawi.

Day anchorage can also be found around the islets of Koh Palai and Koh Sawang for the best snorkelling, diving, and fishing in the group. The bottom rises sharply from depths of more than 25 metres around these southern islands, and any day anchorage should be approached with caution.

Anchor in 20 metres east of the reef bank opposite the beach or pick up a mooring. Keep well clear of the extending reef to the east on approach. The current is strong in this passage, and care should be taken when snorkelling.

Alternatively further west, there is a small sandy spot in 6-11 metres directly in front of the National Park headquarters off the reef edge. Ashore there is a freshwater creek leading to a year-round waterfall where jerry cans can be filled. There is a pleasant walk across the isthmus to the other beautiful beach on the north side.

Northeast of Koh Adang is a small island with good holding close to shore on either the east or west coast depending on the season and ground swell. Good snorkelling and diving.

Koh Tanga and Koh Chuku, halfway between Butang and Tarutao offer great snorkelling, diving and fishing. Well worth a visit en route to either destination.

The best anchorage is found on the east or west coasts between the north and south Tangas, depending on wind direction and ground swell. Alternative daytime anchorage can be found at (C) in deeper water in 15-20 metres off the southern end of Koh Tanga.

Fantastic daytime anchorages can be found anywhere around Koh Chuku on the sandy bottom. Moorings are available. Abundance of fish life and baby sharks make this a must stop for aquatic enthusiasts.

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