Thailand’s coast and the Andaman Sea which runs along it is another good family sailing destination, lots of small islands to look at, some flash looking but not too pricey resorts and their facilities, great snorkelling and a few famous films were shot here.

Most parties embark from Phuket, more specifically Ao Chalong, the big shallow anchorage to Phuket’s south. The island of Koh Lon lies in the bay’s mouth keeping waters calm inside. From Ao Chalong most crews head for Phang Nga Bay, famous for its steep rocky islands which tower out of the sea and the flatter islands and mangroves shore side. Waves have shaped the rocks and islands of this bay, frighteningly precarious overhangs tease with their shade; smaller crafts can make it under easily, but the view of them, complete with rainforests growing on top was enough for my wife.

Smaller crafts, I’m talking canoes and kayaks and the like come out in the afternoons, mostly from hire companies on the islands so be a bit wary. The channels between the islands and especially the mangroves in some places are quite narrow and some of the bays are like missing wedges of cake – narrow in their centre. The rock formations have also created caves and coves and other secrets, which made us feel like we were discovering things for the first time – except of course in the afternoons when we dodged the smaller boats. What we did usefully discover is that the sea in the bay is pretty shallow and we were able to anchor in less protected spots.

To the south is Krabi, a continuation of the rocky island theme but with less drama and more sand, there are some beautiful beaches here and Krabi Town is the best place to stock up on provisions. Our resident snorkellers found Krabi less crowded and more rewarding.

Further south again and you get to the Phi Phi islands, which seem to be even taller and narrower than those of Phang Nga Bay. The main port is on the south end of Phi Phi Don, the main island. The fringing reef off shore is again great for snorkellers but not so great for sailors, but the water’s clear and it’s easy to see the hazards. The water is really really clear. Phi Phi Le is where the Leonardo DiCaprio flim ‘The Beach’ was filmed, my wife reminded me of that several times.

Written by  Kenneth Hope.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions