Anchorage· Koh Tao· Thailand
Ao Chalok Baan Kao Anchorage
10° 3.8′ N · 99° 49.3′ E
A shallow, south-facing bay ringed by small resorts and dive centres, Koh Tao's quieter alternative to Sairee, with the John-Suwan viewpoint on the headland above.
Practical
Southeast Asia Pilot waypoint 10°03.756N 099°49.279E (anchorage A), 34 nm from Ao Nathon, Koh Samui. The Pilot gives no further detail; the bay shoals toward the beach, so sound in and use an orange mooring where available. New Heaven Dive School lists an artificial reef in Chalok Bay, so never anchor over it. Koh Tao's orange public moorings are free; each is designed for up to three moderate-weight vessels in reasonable weather, and dive boats may tie to your stern for a couple of hours while diving (SE Asia Pilot). Where mooring lines are laid, assume coral or artificial reef beneath; anchoring is a last resort and damaging coral can bring prosecution and fines. South-facing: good shelter in the NE monsoon, exposed to the SW. Ashore: dive centres, restaurants, a mini-mart (OpenStreetMap: Orchid Minimart) and a public slipway near the Moon Stone bar pier.
Best for
A quieter south-coast base in the NE monsoon
Season
NE monsoon (Nov–Apr); exposed to S and SW
Nearby
- June Juea Bay Anchorage0.2 NM away
- Chalok Baan Kao and Shark Bay Restaurants (Taa Toh, The Cape)0.4 NM away
- Chalok Baan Kao Shops (7-Eleven and Orchid Minimart)0.5 NM away
- John-Suwan Viewpoint0.5 NM away
- Ao Thian Og (Shark Bay)0.7 NM away
- Ao Sai Nuan Anchorage0.8 NM away
- Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao Coastal Trail (Sai Nuan and June Juea)0.8 NM away
- Jansom Bay and Freedom Beach1.1 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).