Koh Panak
Ko Panak · Panak Island
8°20.2'N 98°32.2'E
Depth
4–15m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
75m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
75m
Set 75m radius in the southern anchorage area. The island has multiple hongs accessible by kayak. Good mud holding in the anchorage bays. Tidal range 2–3m.
About This Anchorage
Koh Panak in northern Phang Nga Bay is famous for its multiple spectacular hongs (interior lagoons accessible by kayak through sea caves). Less visited than James Bond Island, Koh Panak offers a more tranquil experience of Phang Nga Bay's karst formations. The anchorage in the southern bays has good mud holding. Sea kayaking through the caves at appropriate tidal states is the main attraction.
Protected From
N · W · E
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- National park fee: approximately 300 THB per person per day
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Ao Phang Nga National Park fee required.
Restrictions: Do not attempt to enter the hongs without a guide or without checking tidal states. Some caves flood completely at high tide.
Hazards
- !Sea cave tidal hazard — hongs flood at high tide, impassable at low tide
- !Submerged rocks throughout the bay
- !Tour boat traffic during peak hours
- !Strong tidal currents in narrow passages
Skipper's Tips
- →Enter hongs at mid-tide rising — allows entry and exit before next high tide
- →Local guides from Phang Nga town know the tidal windows precisely
- →Quieter than James Bond Island — a more authentic Phang Nga experience
- →Night anchorage with phosphorescence in the water is magical
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Phang Nga Town (12nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon season (November–April). Good protection year-round in the main bay but approach in SW monsoon can be rough.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 75m
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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