Best Anchorages in Thailand
From Phuket's limestone karst bays and Phang Nga Bay's hidden lagoons to Phi Phi's turquoise waters and Koh Tao's world-class dive sites — Thailand offers two distinct sailing seasons across its Andaman and Gulf of Thailand coasts.
2–3m
Andaman tidal range
THB
Currency (Baht)
2 seasons
Andaman & Gulf differ
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Verified anchorages
Thailand's Two Sailing Seasons — Know Before You Go
Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta): Best sailing November–April during the NE monsoon — calm seas, light NE breezes, excellent visibility. SW monsoon (May–October) brings strong winds, rough seas, and many anchorages become unsafe or untenable. Gulf of Thailand (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): Opposite season — SW monsoon (May–October) is the best sailing period. NE monsoon (November–February) can bring rough NE seas and squalls around Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The two coasts cannot be simultaneously in good season — plan your itinerary accordingly. Tidal range: Andaman Sea 2–3m semi-diurnal tides — set anchor scope for high-water depth. Gulf of Thailand is lower (0.5–1.5m). National marine parks: Anchoring is regulated or prohibited in several marine national parks (Ao Phang Nga, Had Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi, Hat Chao Mai, Ko Lanta). Fees apply and some zones prohibit anchoring entirely to protect coral and seagrass. Maya Bay (Phi Phi Leh) has a permanent anchoring ban since 2018.
Sailing Regions
Phuket & Phang Nga Bay
13 anchoragesPhuket is Thailand's largest island and the gateway to the Andaman Sea cruising grounds. Ao Chalong is the primary port of entry and cruising hub, with world-class marine services. Phang Nga Bay to the north is a UNESCO-designated Ramsar wetland of extraordinary beauty — hundreds of limestone karst islands rising vertically from the sea, with hidden lagoons (hongs) accessible by kayak, and the iconic James Bond Island (Koh Tapu). The Yao Islands between Phuket and Phang Nga Bay offer quieter anchorages with traditional Muslim fishing communities. This region is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park — anchoring fees apply in designated areas.
Tidal range 2–3m on the Andaman Sea — set scope for high-water depth. Ao Phang Nga National Park fees apply. Some zones restricted for coral and mangrove protection.
Explore Phuket & Phang Nga Bay anchorages →Krabi & Phi Phi Islands
10 anchoragesKrabi province stretches from the mainland karst towers of Ao Nang and Railay Bay south through the Phi Phi Islands to the remote southern islands of Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and Koh Kradan — a string of increasingly pristine destinations toward the Malaysian border. Railay Bay is accessible only by sea, backed by impenetrable jungle karst cliffs. Note: Anchoring in Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh) has been permanently banned since 2018 to allow coral reef recovery — day visits via tour boat mooring buoys only. The southern islands are among the least-developed in Thailand.
Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh) — anchoring permanently banned. National park fees apply throughout the Phi Phi group. Tidal range 2–3m. Clear Thai customs at Koh Lanta or Pak Bara before crossing to Malaysia.
Explore Krabi & Phi Phi Islands anchorages →Koh Samui & Gulf of Thailand
8 anchoragesThe Gulf of Thailand has the opposite sailing season to the Andaman Sea — the SW monsoon (May–October) provides the best sailing conditions, while the NE monsoon (November–February) can bring rough NE seas and squalls. Koh Samui is the main base with good facilities. Koh Phangan hosts the world-famous Full Moon Party monthly at Haad Rin. Koh Tao and the adjacent Koh Nang Yuan are Thailand's premier scuba diving destinations. Sail Rock (Hin Bai), midway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, is an open-ocean pinnacle offering world-class diving — whale sharks sighted regularly.
Gulf of Thailand season is OPPOSITE to Andaman Sea — SW monsoon May–October is best. NE monsoon (November–February) brings rough conditions. Tidal range 0.5–1.5m. Entry at Na Thon (Koh Samui) or Koh Tao.
Explore Koh Samui & Gulf of Thailand anchorages →Thailand Sailing Rules — Summary
- !Entry requirements: All foreign yachts must check in with Thai customs and immigration on arrival. Main Andaman ports of entry: Ao Chalong (Phuket), Krabi, Koh Lanta (Ban Sala Dan). Gulf ports: Na Thon (Koh Samui), Koh Tao. Q flag required until cleared. Cruising permit issued on clearance — carry it at all times.
- !Maya Bay anchoring ban: Anchoring is permanently banned in Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Leh) since 2018 under national park law. Day visits by tour boat with mooring buoys only, 08:00–17:00. Violation results in substantial fines and possible vessel detention.
- !National marine parks: Ao Phang Nga NP, Had Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi NP, Hat Chao Mai NP, and Ko Lanta Marine NP all require entry fees (approximately 200–400 THB per person per day). Some zones within these parks prohibit independent anchoring — use designated areas and mooring buoys where provided.
- !Coral protection: Anchoring on coral reefs is illegal under Thai environmental law and carries significant fines. Always snorkel to verify sandy bottom before setting anchor in any bay with coral. Use mooring buoys at dive sites.
- !Malaysia border crossing: Yachts heading south from the Andaman islands toward Langkawi (Malaysia) must clear out of Thailand at a designated customs point — Koh Lanta (Ban Sala Dan), Pak Bara, or Satun. Clear Thai customs before departing; do not stop at uninspected anchorages after clearing out.
- !Andaman tidal range: The Andaman Sea has a 2–3m semi-diurnal tidal range — significantly larger than many other tropical sailing destinations. Set anchor scope based on high-water depth. Many beaches and anchorage areas dry extensively at low tide.
For a full overview of anchoring rules in Southeast Asia, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.