Seasonal· Phuket· Thailand
Southwest Monsoon Exposure, West Coast (May-Oct)
7° 51.0′ N · 98° 15.6′ E · approximate
From May to October the SW monsoon brings swell, surf and squalls straight onto Phuket's west-facing beaches, Nai Harn to Mai Khao. Those anchorages become untenable, and the cruising moves to Chalong, Phang Nga Bay, the east coast and the lee of the islands.
Practical
Representative point off the west coast (approx). SW-monsoon shelter: Ao Chalong (very well protected, some ground swell), Racha Yai's Ter Bay, Koh Maithon East, Racha Noi East (day), Koh Rang Yai, Naka Yai and the marinas (SEAP). Nai Harn's surf makes dinghy landings hard early and late in the season. Wikivoyage warns of strong currents and drownings on west-coast beaches in the monsoon; heed the red flags. Kite surfers use Nai Yang in this season. The Racha passage gets confused seas with wind against tide.
Best for
Planning where to be in the monsoon
Season
May-Oct
Nearby
- Meridien Bay Anchorage (Relax Bay)1.5 NM away
- Freedom Beach Anchorage1.7 NM away
- Karon Beach Anchorage1.7 NM away
- Merlin Beach Reef Snorkel2.1 NM away
- Koh Pu (Crab Island) Snorkel, Kata2.4 NM away
- Paradise Beach Snorkel (Patong south)2.5 NM away
- Patong South Point Beaches Anchorage (Tri Trang)2.5 NM away
- Kata Beach Anchorage3 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).