Anchorage· Koh Lawa Yai (Koh Wa Yai)· Thailand
Koh Lawa Yai Day Anchorage
8° 7.2′ N · 98° 26.9′ E · approximate
A small wooded island in the northwest of Phang Nga Bay, north of Ao Po, that Phuket charter catamarans use as a lunch and swim stop, often as the last stop before returning to Yacht Haven or Ao Po.
Practical
Position approximate: about 500 m southeast of the island's southern tip, worked out from the OpenStreetMap coastline of Ko Wa Yai (GeoNames lists Ko Lawa Yai as an alternate name; island centre 8.1255N 98.4446E). No cruising guide in the sources checked gives an anchorage waypoint, depth or holding for Koh Lawa Yai; it is not in the Southeast Asia Pilot anchorage index. Northern Phang Nga Bay is generally shallow and muddy, so approach on the official chart and sounder, ideally on a rising tide, and pick the lee side for the wind of the day. Treat it as a day stop unless you have checked the depth and protection yourself. The island is part of Ao Phang Nga National Park and has a ranger unit (Or Por 1). Ao Phang Nga National Park fee is collected in cash by rangers: Southeast Asia Pilot quotes 400 THB per person per day (undated, verify locally); a cruising yacht in January 2025 paid 300 THB per person on a receipt valid five days. No fuel, water or provisions; the nearest are Ao Po Grand Marina and Yacht Haven on Phuket.
Best for
Lunch and swim stop on a charter loop out of Ao Po or Yacht Haven
Season
Settled weather, mainly the NE monsoon (Nov–Apr)