Seasonal· Koh Chang· Thailand
Eastern Gulf Northeast Monsoon Surges (Dec–Jan)
11° 58.7′ N · 102° 22.8′ E · approximate
From about December the northeast monsoon sets in over the eastern Gulf, and periodic 'surges' can blow 20–25 knots for a week or more. The usual pattern is strongest at night and in the early morning, easing to 8–10 knots by midday.
Practical
A 2014 Noonsite cruising report (Amber Nectar): the best time to arrive in the eastern Gulf is the end of October. November brings light, variable winds; the NE monsoon is felt from about early December, and a surge can blow hard for days. In January it is established and can blow hard for more than a week, strongest (20–25 kn) at night and in the early morning to about 11am–noon, then easing to 8–10 kn; that is the time to hop between islands. Expect some NW or SW swell and rolly anchorages. Thunderstorms in October–November mostly stop by December. Watch for typhoon remnants crossing Vietnam into the Gulf late in the year. In a surge, shelter in Ao Salak Phet, Ao Bang Bao or the Koh Kut Maisi Lek bay. The coordinate marks Ao Salak Phet, the recommended shelter.
Best for
Planning island hops around surge cycles
Season
Surges Dec–Jan; NE monsoon Nov–Apr
Nearby
- Ao Salak Phet AnchorageRight here
- Gulf Charters Thailand Base (Salak Phet)0.3 NM away
- Sailing Koh Chang Base (Bang Rong Than Pier)0.3 NM away
- Salak Phet Seafood Pontoons0.4 NM away
- Koh Chang Marina (Salak Phet)0.6 NM away
- Jab Jab Seafood and Aoy's Bakery (Salak Phet)1 NM away
- Koh Chang Naval Battle Wreck (Salak Phet)1.2 NM away
- Salak Phet Fuel, Water and Provisions1.2 NM away