Anchorage· Khao Lak coast (mainland)· Thailand
Thap Lamu Anchorage (Ban Thap Lamu)
8° 33.7′ N · 98° 13.1′ E
An all-weather anchorage inside an enclosed river estuary used by the Thai navy, home to a big fishing fleet and the park boats. At 34 nm from the Similans it is the closest shore base with facilities.
Practical
Southeast Asia Pilot position 08°33.736N, 98°13.092E. Entry by daylight: keep well clear of the coral patch off the northwest side of Laem Ao Kham, pass well north of the headland heading due east to a red buoy at the start of the buoyed channel, then follow it south along the deep water close to the headland's east coast. The point light (Ban Tablamu, Fl 4s 10 M) is charted, but the pilot does not recommend night entry unless essential. Anchor in 6–9 m on good mud holding in front of the village, past the Royal Thai Navy jetty (forbidden to yachts), or across the passage with other yachts. Strong tidal streams run north and south through the passage. Fuel is pumped to the concrete jetty, with the day's price on a whiteboard opposite the restaurant. Shops have basics, and fresh fish is sold on the dock. The Navy Wives Club seafood restaurant is at the end of the public jetty. It is about 90 minutes by bus to Phuket Town. The river to the south has secluded coves.
Best for
All-weather staging, fuel and provisions before the Similans
Season
Year-round
Nearby
- Navy Wives Club Restaurant (Thap Lamu)0.3 NM away
- Thap Lamu Pier (park ferries)0.6 NM away
- Thap Lamu and Lam Kaen Laundries2.8 NM away
- Lam Kaen Fuel Station (Thap Lamu)2.9 NM away
- Khao Lak Dive Centres (tank fills and gear)5.2 NM away
- Nang Thong Supermarket and Khaolak Super Mart5.3 NM away
- Khao Lak Anchorage (Bang Niang)5.5 NM away
- Bang Niang Market6.6 NM away