Ao Luk
Ao Luek · Tham Lot Sea Cave area
8°22.3'N 98°44.2'E
Depth
2–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
Set 65m radius in the main inlet. Excellent mud holding throughout. Tidal range 2–3m — set scope for high water. The sheltered mangrove inlets provide almost complete protection from all directions.
About This Anchorage
Ao Luk is a network of sheltered mangrove inlets on Phang Nga Bay's northeastern shore, offering some of the best-protected anchorage in the region. The Tham Lot sea cave and Bor Thor mangrove forests make this one of the most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations in Thailand. The area is largely free of tour boat traffic. Excellent holding in deep mud throughout the inlet system. The town of Ao Luek has basic provisioning.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · S
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Respect the mangrove environment — do not take or damage vegetation. Some sections may have private aquaculture.
Hazards
- !Mangrove roots and snags at bay edges — stay in the channel
- !Very shallow in upper reaches — 1–2m at low tide
- !Limited swell but wind can funnel through the inlet at night
- !Mosquitoes in mangrove areas — especially at dusk
Skipper's Tips
- →Tham Lot sea cave is passable by kayak at mid-tide — a unique experience
- →Bor Thor mangrove kayak trails are a full-day exploration
- →Best anchorage for SW monsoon shelter — well-protected year-round
- →Local restaurants in Ao Luek town serve excellent Thai food
Facilities
Local restaurants in Ao Luek town
Nearest provisions: Ao Luek Town (2nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Year-round anchorage due to excellent mangrove protection. One of the few Andaman Sea anchorages usable in SW monsoon season.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
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