Freedom Beach, just south of Patong
Photo by Bill O’leary

In the southwest monsoon, the anchorages are totally exposed, with a short swell (as much as 3 metres), a beach break, and the occasional strong, onshore squall. There are no recommended anchorages on this coast during the southwest season.

Although the wind usually shifts to the northeast monsoon in late November, westerly squalls can come up as late as Christmas. In the northeast monsoon season, these anchorages offer perfect shelter in depths of 4-12 metres on a sandy bottom. (The best anchor is a Bruce or a Danforth, due to the harder sand lying just below the surface.)

The anchorages mentioned in this chapter are by no means the only ones on the west coast. Indeed, the entire west coast provides good shelter, generally speaking.

Later in the season, a low northwesterly ground swell can make the more open anchorages a little uncomfortable; though certainly not to the extent they become dangerous.

The northeast offshore breezes provide strong conditions in relatively calm seas, making for exhilarating sailing up and down the coast. The waters between the southeast tip of Phuket and Koh Racha Yai are often confused in both seasons, particularly when you have the wind against the tide.

The Racha is a 5-star resort in the North West Bay of Racha Yai which is the first development of its kind on the island. There are also a few bungalows and restaurants on Racha Yai, concentrated near the north of the island.

Longtail daytrip boats make the journey to these islands from Phuket, and beach umbrellas are set up in anticipation. Excellent diving, snorkelling, and fishing are to be found all around this group.

Racha Yai Bay
Photo by Bill O’leary