Cruising Guide

Koh Samui, Thailand

Chart 204

These notes are provided as a supplement to navigational information provided during your Sunsail chart briefing

and must be used in conjunction with the Thai Chart’s provided with your yacht.

Charts in this guide are provided for reference only and should not be used for navigation purposes.

All GPS positions are approximate.

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Contents

Contents ................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Planning Chart 204 ................................................................................................................................................ 4 Koh Samui ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

A Ao Bo Phut – Fisherman’s village .................................................................................................................... 6 B Ao Bang Rak - Big Buddha Bay ....................................................................................................................... 7 C Had Choeng Mon .............................................................................................................................................. 8 D Ao Chaweng ..................................................................................................................................................... 8 E Ao Thong Tekien .............................................................................................................................................. 9 F Ao Lamai ........................................................................................................................................................... 9 G Koh Katen and Koh Mat Sum ........................................................................................................................ 10 H Ao Na Sai ....................................................................................................................................................... 10 I Laem Chon Khram ........................................................................................................................................... 10 J Ao Nathon ........................................................................................................................................................ 11 K Ao Mae Nam .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Koh Phangnan ...................................................................................................................................................... 12 A Haad Rin Nai .................................................................................................................................................. 13 B Haad Rin Nok ................................................................................................................................................. 13 C Haad Nam Tok ................................................................................................................................................ 13 D Ao Thon Nai Pan ............................................................................................................................................ 14 E Bottle Beach .................................................................................................................................................... 14 F Ao Chalong Lam ............................................................................................................................................. 15 G Koh Ma ........................................................................................................................................................... 15 H Ban Thong Sala .............................................................................................................................................. 16

Koh Tao ................................................................................................................................................................. 17 A Ao Thain Ok ................................................................................................................................................... 18 B Ao Thain Tok .................................................................................................................................................. 18 C Ao Mae Haad .................................................................................................................................................. 18 D Koh Hang Tao ................................................................................................................................................ 19 E Mango Bay ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 F Ao Hin Wong .................................................................................................................................................. 20 G Ao Leuk .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Ang Thong National Park .................................................................................................................................... 22 A Koh Ang Thong .............................................................................................................................................. 23 B Koh Wua Ta Lum ........................................................................................................................................... 24 C Koh Wao Yai .................................................................................................................................................. 24

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Planning Chart 204

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Koh Samui

Koh Samui was discovered as a quiet unspoilt island by backpackers in the mid 1980’s. Since then it has been developed quite exte nsively with an explosion of growth in the last 5 years. There are now good roads, inte rnational hospitals and a Tesco Lotus supermarket. The main ferry port of Nathon is the business capital but has little to offer yachtsmen. Generally the east coast is the more developed with the North side being quieter and the southwest barely touched as y et. Lots of plans have been put forward for marina developments but this is probabl y a few years away and until then the sailing area should remain quiet and reasonably deserted.

A Ao Bo Phut – Fisherman’s village Waypoint 009º33·54N 100º01·45E The start and finish point for your Sunsail holiday is in Bophut, also known as the Fisherman’s village. Anchor (using all the chain in the locker) well to the west of the wooden jetty in 2 meters on a muddy bottom or use one of the Sunsail mooring buoys about 200 meters offshore of the base office. Call on channel 69 or telephone for anchoring instructions or assistance. Ice and water from a hosepipe are available, please call the base prior to arrival to arrange these. There are numerous restaurants ashore. Some of the favorites are “Happy Elephant” or “Starfish and Coffee” for great Thai food, “The Billabong Surf club” for western food and live music or “The Shack” for great BBQ steaks. Taxi’s can be arranged from the office or the end of the wooden pier to take you shopping at Tesco Lotus supermarket. Arnons Minimart has a reasonable selection for extra provisioning but no fresh

meats, vegetables or fruit. They also have a very good selection of wine, beers and almost anything else you may need! If you plan to stay ashore on the last night of your charter Smile House Hotel has very good accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, we can book rooms for you in advance. If you decide to explore the island we can arrange car hire or an island tour in a minibus which can end at the airport in time for your departing flight.

Avoid the two large reefs north west of the base wh en departing or returning to Bo

Phut

B Ao Bang Rak - Big Buddha Bay Waypoint 009º34·00N 100º03·10E Good anchorage can be found anywhere in the bay in 3 to 4 meters making sure you leave plenty of space for the ferries using the main jetty. For the Big Buddah access to shore is just to the north of the main jetty. Walking to the left on the main road will take you to the daily fresh market with all the sights sounds and smells of how the locals do their shopping, the Big Buddha Café or BBC which is great for lunch, sunset drinks and dinner, and further on to Koh Fan, which is home to the Big Buddha. The main town of Bang Rak is along the coast to the south which is home to many bars and local Thai restaurants. Antica Locanda does

possibly the best Italian food and excellent pizzas whilst Ocean 11 has more contemporary Thai fusion dishes with a beautiful waterfront restaurant. JP Minimart has a good selection of extra bits for provisioning. If you are in need of a large screen for live sports events then the Premiership Bar is the best bet. Although the airport runway is nearby, the flights stop overnight but the further to the west the quieter it will be but avoid the very large reef at the western side of the bay which extends up to 500m from the shore.

Beware of the rocky reef extending from the Northea st corner of Koh Samui Pass between it and the island of Koh Kong Ok stayi ng in the middle of the channel

C Had Choeng Mon Waypoint 009º34·26N 100º05·00E The approach to one of the prettiest beaches on Koh Samui must be to the north of Koh Fan Noi as there is not enough water to pass south of the small island and Koh Samui. A good anchorage can be found in the middle of the bay in 6 to 8 meters. The world famous “Samui Imperial Boathouse” hotel can be found here along with several other good restaurants along the beach. In recent times large inflatable’s and jetski’s have appeared here during the day but come sunset the peace returns for a good sheltered anchorage in south-west winds. Beware of the reef and sand bar which connect Koh F an Noi to Koh Samui, this Island can be walked to at low tide without getting your knees wet!

D Ao Chaweng Waypoint 009º31·12N 100º03·40E This is the main tourist strip on the island. The bay is split up into two beaches by a rocky headland. Chaweng Yai to the North is the bigger beach with the smaller beach of Chaweng Noi to the South. Anchor in 5 meters on the sandy bottom just outside the swimming areas near the Tradewinds resort (head for above waypoint). The resort has an excellent restaurant and beach bar and John the Australian owner has a long association with the sailing scene on Koh Samui. You can preorder ice and fresh bread at the bar, and also top up your jerry cans with fresh water. Provisioning can be done in the many supermarkets and fresh markets. The easiest access to the town is through Tradewinds resort but it is polite to stop for a drink on the way through. Once on the main street the majority of shops, restaurants and entertainment including the famous Soi Green Mango are a short walk to the north The bay is well sheltered from Southwest winds but a ground swell can develop in strong Southerly winds when better shelter can be found off Chaweng Noi. Resorts, shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs run along the entire beach road and it is easy to hail a local pick up bus for 20 baht a kilometer. Be careful if swimming from the yacht during the day, as there are numerous jetski’s but these disappear late afternoon.

E Ao Thong Tekien Waypoint 009º28·44N 100º04·05E A small bay on the headland South of Ao Chaweng that makes a good lunch stop or a quieter alternative to Chaweng for the evening. There is good snorkeling and an abundance of fish and coral. Anchor well offshore in 10 meters on sand. This bay is home to a few beachside resorts with restaurants including the disappointing Samui Yacht Club which is a hotel not a yacht club. F Ao Lamai Waypoint 009º27·49N 100º03·27E Anchor well offshore in the middle of the beach in 6 to 8 meters staying well clear of the coral at the north of the bay. Facilities ashore are very similar to those at Chaweng, but it’s a bit quieter. This will be an uncomfortable anchorage in strong winds. Lamai is home to the famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai commonly known as Grandmother and Grandfather rocks.

G Koh Katen and Koh Mat Sum Waypoint 009º22·50N 099º57·45E Anchor between the islands in 3 to 4 meters on a muddy bottom keeping well clear of the coral reef on the west side of Koh Mat Sum. A great secluded anchorage for a night under the stars. There are a couple of small bungalow resorts with basic restaurants in Ao Ork which is the bay on the east side of Koh Katen (more widely know as Koh Tan). This islands highest hill at 218 meters has some interesting paths interweaving the island. Take a hike on the nature trails to see various species of flora, birds, butterflies and animals. Although the beach on Koh Mat Sum looks appealing from a distance close up there is more broken coral than sand with many dingy catching rocks and coral on the approach. H Ao Na Sai Waypoint 009º27·00N 099º55·50E The main car ferry jetty is at Donsak pier in this bay. There is little of interest here but the five islands offshore of which Koh Mae Thap is the biggest make a good lunch stop if sailing North or South around the East side of Koh Samui. Not suitable as an overnight stop. I Laem Chon Khram Waypoint 009º30·16N 099º55·28E Anchor to the Northeast of Laem Chon Khram peninsula in 3 meters for a lunch stop. Ashore is Big John Seafood restaurant and bungalows. Not suitable as an overnight stop.

J Ao Nathon Waypoint 009º32·02N 099º55·50E This is the main town on the island with a large ferry pier, banks, a post office and customs and immigration. Anchor to the north of the ferry piers being careful of the reef that extends some distance from the beach. Not suitable as an overnight stop. K Ao Mae Nam Waypoint 009º34·34N 099º59·52E A pretty beach dotted with small bungalow developments. Along the beach you will find “Seaview” and a few other restaurants. There are also a couple of bars. “The Chillout Bar” is a great place for cocktails. Good anchorage can be found in the middle of the beach in 3-4 meters. Access to Koh Samui’s main ring road can be found near the Seaview restaurant. On this road are basic shops and taxis are available to take you to the bigger supermarkets.

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Koh Phangnan

This island is less developed than Koh Samui, but d oes have a tarmac road throughout. In recent years bungalow style resorts have sprung up everywhere and even a couple of larger 5 star resorts. It is a maj or destination for backpackers who are attracted by the monthly full moon parties in Haad Rin. The main towns are Thong Sala on the southwest corner of the island and Had Rin w hich runs along most of the southern coast to the southeast corner with other s mall villages dotted along the coast and up in the hills. Transport around the island is by covered pick up trucks, motorbike rental is strongly not recommended.

A Haad Rin Nai Waypoint: 009º41·35N 100º01·50E A good anchorage in 5 -10 meters during the northeast season only. The coral fringed beach is an almost continuous line of bars and restaurants. B Haad Rin Nok Waypoint: 009º40·36N 100º04·14E The best anchorage for Haad Rin is in the northern side of the bay in 6-8 meters. There can be a ground swell in strong southwest conditions. The beach is home to the monthly Full Moon Party, when very loud dance music booms out all night, it is not a one night thing however, there is loud music every night, so this is not a recommended night stop if you want to sleep! There are many restaurants, clothes shops, chemists and a couple of ATM machines. There are also a few mini-markets where you can get basic provisions. C Haad Nam Tok Waypoint: 009º45·00N 100º04·31E Anchor in 6-8 meters on sand well offshore in the centre of the open bay between the red roofed bungalows on the south of the bay and the white villa to the north. Ashore there is a path in the middle of the beach leading to the Tharn Sadet waterfalls. The walk takes about 45 minutes in total and is mildy strenuous in places. Several Kings of Thailand have visited these falls and are commemorated by engravings along the path. Don’t forget to take your camera and a bottle of cold water. On the beach are three small restaurants, who will fill your jerry cans for a small fee.

D Ao Thon Nai Pan Waypoint: 009º46·40N 100º03·40E If approaching from the south do not turn into the bay until north of the visible rocks to the south of the entrance. The two beaches in this bay are separated by a rocky headland. Anchor off the southern beach in 4-5 meters about 250m offshore. The beach is very shallow shelving so pull the dinghy right up to

the dry sand and use the dinghy anchor. Fishing boats tend to use this as a daytime stopover before heading out at night. This is a good bay for swimming and has great phosphorescence in the water at night. There are many restaurants, bars and bungalows along the beach. “Pingjun” and “Central Cottage” are two of the best. Along the beach to the south are a couple of small mini-markets, for very basic provisioning. In the northern bay you will find a few restaurants and Bert’s bar from where dive excursion’s to Sail Rock can be organized, but this northern bay can be susceptible to some swell.

E Bottle Beach Waypoint: 009º47·40N 100º02·09E Just round the headland on the North side of the island is this little bay possibly the prettiest beach in the area. Take care on your approach to avoid the charted rock on the east side of the bay. Anchor toward the western end for the best protection from the southwest wind in 4-5 meters on sand. There is a reef

extending off the shore so use shallow drive on the dinghy. There are a few

bungalow developments with restaurants ashore here, the best being “Bottle Beach 1”. You can fill your jerry cans here, and if they have a spare bungalow you may be able to have showers ashore, just speak to restaurant staff. The bay is quiet at night and a good starting point if heading up to Koh Tao the next day.

F Ao Chalong Lam Waypoint: 009º47·486N 100º00·20E A large pretty bay in the middle of the north coast, which is home to most of the area’s fishing fleet. Anchor in 7-8 meters on sand being careful of the many coral heads rising up to depths of less than a meter. A reef that dries in anything but a high tide takes up most of the shoreline. It has all the facilities of a small town and taxis can be found to take you to Ton Sala the Islands main town, giving you an insight into the cultural side of the island as you pass the temples and local communities en route. There are a few restaurants ashore on the road running parallel to the beach. Fresh provisions and a good selection of fresh fish are available from the street stalls.

G Koh Ma Waypoint: 009º48·03N 099º58·56E This small island on the northwest of Koh Phangan is good for snorkeling although in strong winds visibility can be poor. Approaching from the east head towards the middle of the sand bar

that connects Koh Ma to Koh Phangnan and anchor in 9 meters to get the best protection from any southwesterly swell. There is a resort with a restaurant and dive centre on the mainland. Access by dinghy is via a man-made channel through the rocks and coral, you will need to use shallow drive and may have to paddle the last 50 meters depending on the tide.

H Ban Thong Sala Waypoint: 009º42·30N 099º58·51E The main town and ferry port on the island with lots of old wooden shop houses and restaurants. Anchor to the west of the small island in 8 to 10 meters being careful not to impede the ferry traffic. Not suitable in the southwest season. The town has the usual array of restaurants, bars, banks, ATM’s and medical clinics and pharmacies. If you would like to visit this town it is recommended to anchor at Ao Chalong Lam (anchorage F) and travel by taxi here.

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Koh Tao

This island is one of the best, and now the busiest , diving and snorkeling spots in the Gulf of Thailand. Development has been kept under c ontrol so far and many of the resorts are simple with just a few high-end resorts and several dive shops. Most of the coastline is made up of large boulders and rocks wi th some sandy beaches. The main town is at Ao Mae Haad on the west coast with high- speed ferries to the mainland and other islands. Do not pick up a mooring buoy anywhere in this area as they belong to dive boats who

will get very annoyed if they find a yacht on their buoy. Anchor well away from any coral and watch for unmarked divers bubbles when mo ving about in the yacht or

dinghy.

Hin Bai or Sail Rock 09º 56.80minN 99º 59.40min E Heading 330 degrees from the NE tip of Ko Phangan f or 12 nm will bring you to the rock, one of the best dive sights in the Gulf of Th ailand. It is way too deep to anchor here so leave someone aboard the yacht and take it in turns to snorkel. This site becomes very busy at lunchtimes with dive boats fro m Koh Tao.

A Ao Thain Ok Waypoint: 010º03·42N 099º50·01E Anchor in 10 to 15 meters on a rocky bottom. There is a bungalow and restaurant development ashore but access to the beach is not easy unless it is high tide. Not suitable as an overnight stop. B Ao Thain Tok Waypoint: 010º03·80N 099º49·50E Anchor in 10 to 15 meters on a rocky bottom. There are a few bungalow and restaurant developments ashore but access to the beach is not easy unless it is high tide. Not suitable as an overnight stop. C Ao Mae Haad Waypoint: 010º05·40N 099º49·30E Anchor in 9 to 10 meters on sand to the north or south of the ferry jetties being careful of the many lazy lines and mooring buoys. A large coral reef extends up to 200 meters offshore along the whole length of the bay making access difficult at low water springs. Be especially careful as you approach the reef in the dinghy as there are several coral bommies which are marked with buoys, as you reach the beach look out for the web of longtail lazy lines. It is advisable to raise the engine and paddle the last 10 meters. The anchorage is exposed to the wind and swell in the southwest season so it’s only suitable as a daytime stop. Due to the volume of boat traffic stay close to the yacht when swimming or close to shore when snorkeling. Ashore you will find excellent mini-markets, chemists, good souvenir and clothes shops, cheap CD/DVD stalls, a good selection of restaurants and of course many dive shops. Fresh bread can be bought in the morning from the bakeries and ice is available from the factory at the top of the town. If you are planning on spending a day ashore there are several good walks around the island.

D Koh Hang Tao Waypoint: 010º07·15N 099º 48·95This is one of the most stunning spots in the in 10 meters on sand roughly mid channel well away from the dive boat moorings on the east side of the island. Take

places to learn to dive. The beacthere is a restaurant and bar here which are only open during the day. It gets very busy

high speed. E Mango Bay Waypoint: 010º07·50N 099º 50·00This is the only inhabited bay on the north side of KoThe water is deep all the way into the bay and there are no hazards to watch out for. In the late afternoon and early morning this bay is a paradise with some goodbut during the day it can get very crowdeboats come here. This is not a recommended overnight stop due to a dangerous swell that can build up overnight. Anchor well off the coral in 10 to 12

48·95E This is one of the most stunning spots in the area. Anchor

roughly mid channel well away from the dive boat moorings on the east side of the island. Take

your dinghy and tie it to the jetty to go ashore where you may be charged a small landing fee to go onto the island as it is rented from the government. The fish, coral and swimming pool like clarity make this one of the more popular

The beaches have fine sand and restaurant and bar here which are only open

busy around lunchtime with day-trippers and dive boats but is a quiet and peaceful

nighttime anchorage. When swimming stay close to the yacht as dive boats and day-trip boats can leave at

50·00E This is the only inhabited bay on the north side of Koh Tao. The water is deep all the way into the bay and there are no hazards to watch out for. In the late afternoon and early

a paradise with some good snorkeling it can get very crowded as many dive his is not a recommended overnight

stop due to a dangerous swell that can build up overnight. the coral in 10 to 12 meters. Two resort

developments with restaurants occupy the cliffs overlooking the bay. The Mango Bay Grand Resort is well worth the climb. The food, service, cold beer and viewexcellent and it is an effort to leave the loungers andback down to the yachts. You may regret it if you decide to stay the night in this bay!

worth the climb. The food, service, cold beer and view are all excellent and it is an effort to leave the loungers and make it

ou may regret it if you decide to stay

F Ao Hin Wong Waypoint: 010º06·35N 099º51·00E This anchorage is quite deep at around 12 to 15 meters and you should beware of huge boulders on the seabed that are visible in the clear waters. This anchorage is the most protected in the southwest season, so if other bays are a bit rolly head here. Ashore are two resorts with restaurants. “Hin Wong”, on the left as you look at the shore, is at sea level and has a stone quay for your dinghy. It has good Thai food and cold showers. “View rock” has a floating pontoon and the restaurant is set half way up the cliff on stilts. There is a cold water shower at the top of the pontoon. Ting the owner is very friendly and can provide up to date weather forecasts, he also has a

very small mini-market. The menu is a mixture of Thai and Western food, which is all very good. The No-Name is the best in the sailing area. You can refill your water tanks here if you are eating at the restaurant, mention this to Ting during your evening meal and he will explain the procedure. Generally there will be no charge for this so be sure to leave a generous tip at the end of your meal. Both resorts offer taxi services to Mae Haad town. Be sure to agree on a price first. If getting a taxi back to “View Rock” be sure to tell the

taxi driver this in Mae Haad or they will take you to “Hin Wong” at the bottom of the hill. The snorkeling here is some of the best on Koh Tao. Along the shore below “View Rock” is the best place to start and head up the bay from there in amongst the huge boulders.

G Ao Leuk Waypoint: 010º04·35N 099º50·50E On the southeast corner of Koh Tao this large bay offers good protection from the southwest ground swell. Anchor in 8-10 meters on sand avoiding the coral reef that fringes the bay. It is close to Shark Island, one of the best dive sights in the area so can get busy during the day. Ashore there are a couple of bungalow developments with restaurants. “Ao Leuk II” is set on stilts in the left hand corner of the bay. The view, service and food make this the best place to head for. There is good snorkeling here along both sides of the bay. Be careful when swimming of boating traffic and when using the dinghy to go ashore watch out for boulders and un-marked divers bubbles. In calm conditions Shark Island to the south of Ao Leuk can be reached by dingy for some great snorkeling. Make sure you have enough gasoline in the tank to get back to the yacht and keep a good look out for the many dive boats and divers that visit this site. This island should not be approached in the yacht.

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Ang Thong National Park

These awe inspiring, high limestone islands, for ye ars only accessible by longtail, were the original setting for Alex Garland’s book “ The Beach”. Here the scenery is beautiful but, with the exception of Koh Wao Yai to the North, visibility is generally not as good for snorkeling due to the shallow emerald g reen water. Please help the park rangers keep this area beautiful by following all N ational Park rules and regulations.

A Koh Ang Thong Waypoint: 009º38·30N 099º40·50E Anchor in 5 to 7 meters on a muddy bottom between the resort on the northeast facing beach on Ang Thong and Koh Phi for one of the best sheltered anchorages in the whole cruising area. Should any strong squalls pass over 360 degree winds are not uncommon so use all your anchor chain. The beach is fantastic with fine sand and a good volleyball court but take care of rocks when landing. Ashore is the National Park HQ, please make your way to the visitors centre to pay your 200 Baht per person (100 Baht for children under 14) and 50 Baht per boat entry fee. Other facilities include the “Sand Bar”, a basic Thai Restaurant and toilets. There are showers ashore here

but please do not use them as there is a severe water shortage. A good early morning hike can be had climbing the islands mountain to a viewpoint overlooking the islands but wear good shoes and take water with you. If making the climb in the late afternoon be sure to allow enough time to return before dark. The trip takes approximately one hour each way and is very hard work. For wildlife look out for the lampur monkeys, with their white spectacles. Along the beach there is another walk to the “Bua Bok” cave. It can be quite steep in places and takes 30 minutes each way.

Heading North from Koh Ang Thong to Koh Wua Ta Lum there is a large coral bommie in the middle of the channel marked with a red buoy . Pass to the east of it.

Its position is 009º 39.30min N 099º 40.30min E

B Koh Wua Ta Lum Waypoint: 009º39·50N 099º40·15E Coming from the National park HQ watch out for the reef mentioned on the previous page. Approaching from Koh Tao stay east of the islands turning west onto a bearing of 230 degrees just to the north of Koh Sam Sao leaving Koh Hin Tack to port and head toward the small beach anchoring in 6 meters on sand. Please raise your dinghy engine to avoid damaging the reef as you approach the shore. Follow the steep steps for a trail up to a viewpoint looking down on your yacht (if you anchored far enough offshore) and the national park. Another trail takes you down to the emerald lake inside the island. Don’t forget your camera and drinking water.

Beware of the sharp rock located in the middle of t he channel between Koh Wua Ta Lum, Koh Sam Sao and Koh Nai Phut. Its position is 009 º 39.45 min N 099 º 40.50 min E

Ang thong from the lake viewpoint.

C Koh Wao Yai Waypoint: 009º47·00N 099º41·00E This cluster of islands north of the park affords a good lunch stop on the way to or from Koh Tao. The waters are clear enough to snorkel in. Choose any anchorage in about 10m on a sandy bottom. Do not cross between the islands in the yacht, ther e is an un-charted reef that runs between them.