Thailand — Koh Samui & Gulf of Thailand

Haad Rin

Hat Rin · Full Moon Bay · Sunrise Beach

9°41.3'N 100°3.6'E

Depth

312m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

75m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

75m

Set 75m radius in the main Sunrise Beach bay. Good sandy holding. The headland of Haad Rin separates two beaches — Sunrise (east-facing) and Sunset (west-facing). Anchor in Sunrise for SW monsoon shelter, Sunset side for NE monsoon.

About This Anchorage

Haad Rin at the southeastern tip of Koh Phangan is world-famous for the monthly Full Moon Party, attracting 10,000–30,000 people to Sunrise Beach. The anchorage in Sunrise Beach (Haad Rin Nok) faces east and is sheltered from W/NW winds. During Full Moon Party nights the beach becomes exceptionally loud and bright — anchor well offshore. Outside Full Moon periods, the headland is quieter with good sandy beaches and snorkeling around the rocks.

Protected From

W · NW · N

Exposed To

E · SE

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Hazards

  • !Full Moon Party nights (monthly) — extreme noise, light, and floating debris from 20:00–06:00
  • !Exposed to E/SE swell — can be uncomfortable in strong E winds
  • !High speedboat traffic bringing tourists to the Full Moon Party
  • !Litter in the water after Full Moon Party events

Skipper's Tips

  • Check the lunar calendar — Full Moon Party is the highlight of the Gulf of Thailand social scene
  • Sunrise Beach anchorage is good for SW monsoon season; Sunset side for NE season
  • Excellent snorkeling around the rocks at each end of Sunrise Beach
  • Longtail water taxi available from both beaches to Thong Sala

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Extensive restaurants and beach bars; full resort infrastructure for the Full Moon Party crowd

Nearest provisions: Haad Rin town (0.3nm)

Best Months & Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Best April–October (SW monsoon shelters the east-facing bay). NE monsoon exposes this anchorage — move to Sunset Beach (western side) in that season.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantus

Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m

In the Gulf of Thailand, unexpected NE squalls can develop overnight and ferry wash can drag an unmonitored anchor. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously — so you can enjoy the Full Moon Party, dive sites, and tropical evenings knowing your boat is protected.

Download Free for iOS