Anchorage· Koh Tarutao· Thailand
Ao Son Anchorage
6° 37.6′ N · 99° 36.4′ E
Tarutao's longest west-coast bay: an all-tide beach about 3 km long, turtle nesting in season, mangrove channels to explore and a waterfall trail.
Practical
Southeast Asia Pilot (6°37.557N 99°36.403E): anchor anywhere in 6-8 m on sand, NE season only. Long all-tide beach; a few sea turtles nest November to March. Maze of mangrove channels at the south end for dinghy or canoe. Toilets and a freshwater stream by the ranger station at the north end. thainationalparks.com: camping, restaurant and rooms at Ao Son, kayaks, and rangers who can help find pythons for a small fee. Wikivoyage notes marine litter on the beach. Open to the west: leave if the SW monsoon sets in. Moorings Siam guide (Ao Son, 6°37.89N 099°36.45E): anchor in 6-8 m on sand; the ranger station offers a basic selection of food and cold beer (see Ao Son Ranger Station Restaurant and Water).
Best for
Quiet NE-season overnight with turtles and mangroves
Season
NE monsoon only (Nov–Apr)
Nearby
- Turtle Nesting Season, Ao Son0.6 NM away
- Ao Son Ranger Station Restaurant and Water1.4 NM away
- Lu Du Waterfall (Ao Son Trail)1.9 NM away
- Ao Makham Anchorage (Tarutao)4 NM away
- Ao Molae Beach, Tarutao4 NM away
- Ao Molae Park Restaurant (Tarutao)4 NM away
- Ao Talo Wao Historic Prison Camp4.4 NM away
- Ao Talo Wao Anchorage4.7 NM away