Thailand — Krabi & Phi Phi Islands

Ao Nang

Ao Nang Beach · Krabi Ao Nang

8°1.9'N 98°49.6'E

Depth

310m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

75m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

75m

Set 75m radius off Ao Nang beach. Anchor well clear of the longtail boat lanes. Tidal range 2–3m — the beach dries extensively at low tide. Position in 4–8m at low water.

About This Anchorage

Ao Nang is Krabi's main beach resort and the gateway to the surrounding islands and Railay Bay. The anchorage has good holding in sand and mud and is protected from N/NE winds. Longtail boats service the island routes constantly from the beach. Good provisioning and services ashore. The iconic karst cliffs rising behind the beach make this one of Thailand's most photographed anchorages.

Protected From

N · NE · E

Exposed To

SW · W · S

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Hazards

  • !High longtail boat traffic — busy lanes from the beach; stay clear
  • !Shallow beach extends far at low tide — anchor in at least 4m LW depth
  • !SW monsoon renders anchorage dangerous (May–October)
  • !Submerged rocks near the headlands at each end of the bay

Skipper's Tips

  • Anchor in the northern section of the bay for best shelter and clearer water
  • Longtail taxi to Railay Bay from the beach — a short trip to one of Thailand's most stunning locations
  • Check provisioning and fuel in Ao Nang town — good availability
  • Evening is beautiful with the karst silhouettes at sunset

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Extensive range of restaurants along the Ao Nang beachfront

Nearest provisions: Ao Nang town (0.3nm)

Best Months & Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

NE monsoon season (November–April). SW monsoon (May–October) makes this anchorage unsafe. January–March is the calmest period.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusDelta

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m

Around the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi coast, swell can enter bays unexpectedly and the large Andaman tidal range means your position changes constantly. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can enjoy the rock climbing, snorkeling, and sunsets with complete confidence.

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