Phang Nga Bay Limestone

DAY 1 · Ao Po Grand Marina

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Leave 10:00 am

A marina behind a rock breakwater on Phuket's north-east coast, with the charter bases for the big fleets and a short run to Phang Nga Bay. Stock up on water, ice and fruit before you leave, since there is little to buy once you are among the islands. On the way in or out, keep clear of Hin Klang, an unmarked rock awash on the northern approach.

• 9:00 amProvision and briefBuy water, ice and drinks here, then get your chart briefing before casting off.

11 NM · about 1 h 50 mto Koh Hong Anchorage B (Phang Nga, lagoon cave)

Koh Hong Anchorage B (Phang Nga, lagoon cave)

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 4.0

Arrive 1:00 pm · leave 9:00 am

A shallow mud anchorage just outside the small cave that leads into Koh Hong's hidden lagoon. Take the dinghy or a paddle craft into the hong, a lagoon open to the sky and ringed by limestone. Tour boats crowd the cave through midday, so wait until late afternoon, and stay out of the strong currents around the island.

• 4:00 pmPaddle into the hongGo after the tour boats leave. Dinghies are not allowed in the main cave; a kayak or paddle board is the way in.
• 6:00 pmSundowners at anchorCliffs on three sides and a quiet bay once the day boats have gone.

4 NM · about 40 mto James Bond Island Anchorage (Koh Daeng Yai channel)

DAY 2 · James Bond Island Anchorage (Koh Daeng Yai channel)

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 4.0

Arrive 10:00 am · leave 3:30 pm

A channel anchorage between Koh Raya Ring and the sheer cliffs of Koh Daeng Yai, close to the island made famous by a Bond film. Go ashore early or late, because the island is packed through the middle of the day. Approach from the south and keep east of Koh Yang, as a rock just under the surface in the Koh Yang passage has caught many boats.

• 10:30 amDinghy around the islandCircling Khao Phing Kan by dinghy avoids the crowd at the landing.
• 12:30 pmLunch and swim on boardCurrents run up to 2 knots here, so swim off the boat only near slack water.

4 NM · about 40 mto Koh Panyi Anchorage

Koh Panyi Anchorage

Photo: Glen MacLarty (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 2.0

Arrive 4:30 pm · leave 9:30 am

An anchorage east of Koh Panyi, a Muslim fishing village built almost entirely on stilts beneath a limestone cliff. Come ashore in late afternoon, when the day visitors have left and the walkways are calm. Dress modestly and leave alcohol on the boat. Avoid the fish cages on the way in, and expect longtail boats early the next morning.

• 5:30 pmWalk the stilt villageDinghy to the landing and stroll the walkways; the tour restaurants close early, so eat ashore soon after.

18 NM · about 3 hto Long Beach & Sabai Corner Anchorage (Koh Yao Noi)

DAY 3 · Long Beach & Sabai Corner Anchorage (Koh Yao Noi)

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Arrive 12:30 pm · leave 9:30 am

An anchorage off the north end of Long Beach on Koh Yao Noi, where small bungalows, beach restaurants and bars stay open all year. Anchor in 4 to 6 m off the southern end of that small bay. Drying coral banks fringe the sand at low tide, so land at mid-tide or higher. A small mini-mart sells ice, bread and drinks.

• 3:00 pmBeach afternoonSwim, then walk the road behind the beach for a beachfront dinner.
• 7:00 pmDinner ashoreThai seafood at one of the beach restaurants, with the dinghy tied up before the tide drops.

12.5 NM · about 2 h 5 mto Ao Po Grand Marina

DAY 4 · Ao Po Grand Marina

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Arrive 12:00 pm

Back at the marina after a short run from Koh Yao Noi. Allow time to refuel and finish the handover at the base before the office closes. Approach from the south or east and stay clear of the Hin Klang rock to the north.