Ao Po
Ao Po Grand Marina · Phuket NE anchorage
8°4.7'N 98°25.3'E
Depth
3–8m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
Set 70m radius. The narrow inlet provides excellent all-round protection. Mud bottom offers excellent holding. Watch for fish farms and aquaculture cages in the upper reaches.
About This Anchorage
Ao Po on Phuket's northeast coast is a sheltered inlet leading to Ao Po Grand Marina and a staging point for Phang Nga Bay cruises. The mangrove-lined inlet has excellent holding in deep mud and provides protection in nearly all conditions. This is a popular overnight anchorage for cruisers heading to or from Phang Nga Bay. The marina has good facilities and a fuel dock.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W · S
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free in anchorage (marina berths charged separately)
- Permit required
- No
Hazards
- !Fish farms and aquaculture cages in upper reaches — navigate carefully
- !Mangrove snags at bay edges — stay in the channel
- !Shallow bar at entrance — check tide before entry at spring tides
Skipper's Tips
- →Ao Po Grand Marina has fuel, water, and provisioning
- →Good base for day trips into Phang Nga Bay
- →Mangrove scenery and birdwatching from the cockpit
- →Local fishing boats share the anchorage — courteous distance
Facilities
Restaurant and bar at Ao Po Grand Marina
Nearest provisions: Ao Po Marina / Phuket Town (6nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon (November–April) is the primary cruising season. The enclosed location makes it usable year-round as a shelter in SW monsoon.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
In Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the 2–3m Andaman tidal range means your boat's position changes dramatically with the tide. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the hongs, beaches, and karst formations with complete peace of mind.
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