Phuket Sailing Guide, Thailand

All content in this section is excerpted from the Andaman Sea Pilot,provided courtesy of Image Asia. Written by Bill O'Leary and Andy Dowden. To see a list of stockists, or to order a copy, please visit www.andamanseapilot.com.

Around Phuket

The west coast of Phuket offers some of the clearest water and most beautiful beaches in the region. Consequently, here you find the biggest concentration of hotels and beachside activity in the Andaman Sea.

In the southwest monsoon, the anchorages are totally exposed, with a short swell (as much as 2 metres), a beach break, and the occasional strong, onshore squall. There are no recommended anchorages on this coast during the southwest season (June-October). In the northeast monsoon season, these anchorages offer perfect shelter in depths of 4 - 12 metres on a sandy bottom.

West Coast anchorages, from South to North: Nai Harn - Kata Beach - Karon Beaches - Patong - Patong to Bang Tao - Bang Tao to Sarasin Bridge

Year-round anchorage is available at Ao Chalong, on the island's southeast. Check the Marinapage for info on full-service marinas in Phuket.

Phuket Region

To the east and northwest of Phuket are some of the most stunning sailing grounds to be found anywhere. There are literally hundreds of anchorages, hidden coves and beaches among the many uninhabited islands, under soaring limestone cliffs and in waters teeming with tropical marine life.

Some spots, such as Phi Phi, are now well marked on the tourist map, while others may still offer quiet new surprises for cruising yachtsmen. Good sailing conditions year-round in many areas.

Destination highlights: Phi Phi Islands - Krabi - Phang Nga Bay - Similan Islands - Surin Islands

Beyond Phuket

South of Phuket through the Malacca Straits lies one of the busiest and most modern ports-of-call in the world, the island state of Singapore, with many fascinating points to see along the way in Malaysian waters.

For a completely different experience, sail northwest to Myanmar's Mergui Archipelago or further still to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands of India - both of these remote areas remain largely undiscovered sailing paradises. Aspiring adventurers take note.