CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons (Panoramio)Anchorage· Koh Racha Yai· Thailand
Ao Batok (Racha Yai Main Bay)
7° 36.7′ N · 98° 21.8′ E
The west-facing main bay of Racha Yai, 14 nm south of Chalong: fine white sand framed by coral on both sides and turquoise water. It is a delightful night anchorage after a spectacular sunset, once the day boats have gone.
Practical
Most of the shallow bay is now taken by moorings, so anchor in 15-25 m on sand and calcified coral in the outer bay; there are sandy patches closer in, but do not damage the reef or foul the anchor (SEAP). The Racha resort has a high-season floating jetty in the south corner; tie the dinghy there only if eating at the hotel, close to the beach so you do not block resort transfer boats. Dive tanks can be filled on the beach; walking tracks lead to other beaches and across the island; quad bikes for hire. Noonsite lists Racha as a source of water. Day boats run all day, which is handy for crew changes. Use it in the NE monsoon; move to Ter Bay in the SW monsoon. The passage from Phuket's south cape is often confused, especially with wind against tide.
Best for
Blue-water swimming, snorkelling and a sunset overnight 14 nm from Chalong
Season
Nov-Apr (NE monsoon)
Nearby
- Siam Bay (Bay 1) Dive and Snorkel, Racha Yai0.7 NM away
- Racha Yai East (Ter Bay) Anchorage0.9 NM away
- Racha Yai Ter Bay Wrecks (Harruby, Sinaran Andaman)1 NM away
- Racha Noi West Day Anchorage7.6 NM away
- Koh Hae South Cove (Coral Island)7.9 NM away
- Koh Hae North Anchorage (Coral Island)8.3 NM away
- SEALLOYD ARC Wreck and Container Hazard8.8 NM away
- Koh Bon (Rawai)9 NM away