Anchorage· Koh Lanta Yai· Thailand
Had Khlong Dao Anchorage
7° 38.1′ N · 99° 1.4′ E
The northernmost of Lanta's west-coast beaches, a long curve of sand tucked behind the Laem Kaw Kwang headland. It is the best northeast-monsoon anchorage on the island, with resorts, beach bars and Saladan village a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Practical
Anchor mid-bay in the northern part in 4-6 m; the best shelter and holding are right behind Laem Kaw Kwang (Southeast Asia Pilot waypoint, 43 nm from Ao Chalong). Good shelter in the NE monsoon, little or none in the SW monsoon: the whole west coast becomes untenable from roughly May to October. Approaching from the south, watch for a rock awash off Laem Yung, and a dangerous rock that dries at low tide separates Khlong Dao from Ao Phra-Ae a mile south. Land the dinghy on the beach; bungalows, restaurants and limited provisions are ashore, but the coast road runs at least 500 m back from the sand. For proper shopping, fuel by jerry can and the ferry pier, go to Saladan, just to the north. Anchoring is possible almost anywhere along the west coast in under 10 m.
Best for
Easy NE-monsoon base with beach restaurants and Saladan's shops nearby
Season
Nov-Apr (NE monsoon); untenable in the SW monsoon
Nearby
- Klong Dao Beach0.3 NM away
- Kaw Kwang Beach (Laem Kaw Kwang)0.5 NM away
- Lanta Laundry Lounge and Otteri Wash & Dry, Saladan0.6 NM away
- Citrus Restaurant & Bar, Klong Dao0.7 NM away
- Koh Lanta Fuel (road stations; no confirmed fuel dock)0.7 NM away
- Phra Ae Monday Market0.8 NM away
- Saladan Walking Street Food Market1.1 NM away
- Abdul's Pancakes, Saladan1.2 NM away