Thailand — Phuket & Phang Nga Bay

Nai Harn

Ao Nai Harn · Nai Harn Bay

7°46.4'N 98°18.3'E

Depth

310m

Bottom

sand

Alarm Radius

70m

Holding

Good

Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius

70m

Set 70m radius in the main bay. The bay is well-protected in the NE monsoon season but can be untenable in SW monsoon. Position away from the beach to avoid surge.

About This Anchorage

Nai Harn is one of Phuket's most beautiful bays, tucked in the southwest corner of the island and popular with cruising sailors during the NE monsoon. The Royal Meridien hotel sits at the northern end and the Royal Phuket Yacht Club is based here. Clear water with good sandy holding. During the NE monsoon season the anchorage is calm and scenic. Avoid entirely during SW monsoon (May–October) as the bay becomes exposed and dangerous.

Protected From

N · NE · E

Exposed To

S · SW · W

Anchoring Rules

Anchoring fee
Free
Permit required
No

Hazards

  • !Untenable in SW monsoon (May–October) — do not attempt
  • !Surge can develop with S/SW swell even in otherwise calm conditions
  • !Swimmers and jet skis near the beach — maintain clearance

Skipper's Tips

  • Anchor in 4–8m on the sandy bottom well off the beach
  • Royal Phuket Yacht Club has a dinghy landing — check if open to cruisers
  • Beautiful sunset views from the anchorage
  • Walk or take a taxi to the Royal Meridien beach club for sundowners

Facilities

Water Fuel Restaurant Provisions WiFi

Several beach restaurants and the Royal Meridien hotel facilities nearby

Nearest provisions: Rawai (3nm)

Best Months & Season

November, December, January, February, March, April

NE monsoon season only (November–April). The bay is exposed to SW swell and completely untenable May–October. One of Phuket's most idyllic anchorages in season.

Recommended Anchor Types

RocnaMantusCQR

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.

Download Free for iOS