Anchorage· Koh Tao· Thailand
Ao Sai Nuan Anchorage
10° 4.4′ N · 99° 48.8′ E · approximate
Two tiny white-sand coves, Sai Nuan 1 and 2, tucked into the boulder coast south-west of Mae Haad: a quiet lunch stop with clear water a short hop from the port.
Practical
Position approximate: placed about 200 m west of the OpenStreetMap beaches Haad Sai Nuan 1 and 2 and checked against the OSM coastline to be in water; the SE Asia Pilot does not describe this bay. Two islets lie just off the southern beach (OpenStreetMap), so approach from the north-west and keep a bow lookout for boulders and coral. Koh Tao Complete Guide calls the two beaches an unspoilt hideaway. There are no published moorings or depths here; Koh Tao's orange public moorings are free; each is designed for up to three moderate-weight vessels in reasonable weather (SE Asia Pilot). Where moorings are laid, assume coral or artificial reef beneath; anchoring is a last resort and damaging coral can bring prosecution and fines. Ashore, a walking trail runs from Charm Churee Resort past Sai Nuan, Cape Je Ta Kang and June Juea to Chalok Baan Kao (Koh Tao Complete Guide). West-facing: a fair-weather or NE-monsoon stop only; untenable in SW and W winds.
Best for
Daytime swim and snorkel stop near Mae Haad
Season
NE monsoon and calm days (Nov–Apr); exposed to SW and W
Nearby
- Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao Coastal Trail (Sai Nuan and June Juea)0.2 NM away
- Jansom Bay and Freedom Beach0.4 NM away
- June Juea Bay Anchorage0.6 NM away
- Ao Chalok Baan Kao Anchorage0.8 NM away
- Ao Mae Haad Anchorage (Koh Tao)0.9 NM away
- Chalok Baan Kao Shops (7-Eleven and Orchid Minimart)0.9 NM away
- Koh Tao Dive Shops and Tank Fills (Mae Haad)0.9 NM away
- Koh Tao Fuel and Water (Mae Haad, by jerry can)0.9 NM away