Phuket & Phang Nga Bay

Phuket & Phang Nga Bay
Phuket & Phang Nga Bay

Description

Just a few miles northeast of Phuket is the star attraction – Phang-nga Bay. Here are more than 100 islands with geology varying from low, gently sloping hills to the sheer-sided limestone sea mountains (karsts) that rise vertically out of the water to stunning heights. Images of Phang-nga and its steep, majestic and strange outcrops have travelled the world.
While the bay itself is not large, the number of islands, inlets, mangrove channels and sea caves to be explored ensures that no matter how long a yachtsman spends here, new experiences will always be around the corner.

When to Go

Phuket and the surrounding areas are best known as a ‘winter’ destination amongst package holidaymakers looking for constant sunshine. But the ‘summer’ months-Phuket and Phang-nga’s ‘green season’ – offer perfect conditions for keen sailors who want something more than a gentle cruise between idyllic islands.
From May through to October, the southwest monsoon brings with it reliable winds averaging 12 knots. Spells of brilliant clear blue skies are interspersed with occasional showers – and temperatures are never lower than 25'C.
Phuket Race Week, held in July each year, is timed to take advantage of the green season’s perfect sailing weather and presents the perfect opportunity to combine a few days yacht racing with cruising Phang-nga Bay under sail.

Routes

Itinerary 3 days / 2 nights

Day 1: Phuket – Northern Phang Nga Bay
Yacht Haven Marina at Laem Phrao
Sailing to Northern Phang Nga Bay
Explore the rivers, caves & mangroves
Anchor for the night at Chong Lat, fascinating unspoiled island group
Day 2: Koh Yao Noi–Koh Chong Lat–Koh Taloo–Koh Yao Noi
Start sailing to Koh Ku Du and Ko Roi, fabulous un-inhibited island.
Upon arrival at Koh Roi, the good shelter in all seasons. A large attractive internal lagoon can be entered on foot but high tide from the east end of the beach.
Sailing back to Koh Yao Noi.
Anchor for the night at Ko Yao Noi where you can enjoy wonderful canoeing and beach to explore the virtually untouched nature.
Day 3: Koh Yao Noi–Koh Pak Bia–Koh Hong–Phuket
Sailing to Chong Koh Yao
Stop at Koh Pak Bia on the way
Sailing to Koh Hong, so named by its large internal lagoon, accessible only by dinghy across a shallow reef on tides above 1 meter
From Koh Hong, continue sailing through Chong Koh Yao, the passage channel between the Yao Islands
Come back at Yacht Haven Marina

Itinerary 7 days/6 nights

Day1:   Phuket – Phang Nga Bay
Visit the famous James Bond island
Day 2: Phang Nga Bay – Koh Pak Bia
Sail to Koh Pak Bia
Day 3: Koh Pak Bia – Ao Nang
Spend the night and go Shopping on Ao Nang, Krabi.
Day 4: Krabi – Koh Dam - Phi Phi Island
Pass through the Koh Dam group with Chicken Island on the way to Phi Phi.
Day 5: Phi Phi Island – Koh Rok Nok
Visit Phi Phi Ley on the way to Koh Rok Nok with amazing coral heads.
Day 6: Koh Rok Nok - Koh Racha
Straight sail to Koh Racha, the best beach in the region.
Day 7: Koh Racha – Koh Kai Group – Yacht Heaven
Stop for lunch at the Koh Kai Group before heading back to Yacht Heaven.

Access

Yacht Haven Marina, 8km from Phuket International Airport. Base of our bareboat fleet and departure of most curises.
Boat Lagoon Marina. 20 km from the airport. Our reservation and main offices.
Getting to Phuket from abroad
There are several direct flights between Phuket and international destinations, e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.
Dragon Air, Malaysia Airlines, Silk Airand Singapore Airlines also operate international flights connecting Phuket with other destinations. Please call airline offices for more details.
Transportation to and from the airport
Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, tel. 076 327230. Taxis between Phuket City and the airport costs approximately 400 bahts but the fare to the beach ranges between 500 bahts and 600 bahts (The rate may decline now). Minivans charge approximately 80 bahts /person to town, but 120 bahts/person to Patong, Kata and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
By bus
Air-conditionedditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leaves in the evening, take about 13 hours.
Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
By car
From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Phetchakasem Road) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang-nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.
By rail
There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.
By Ferry
During the high season, travelers may opt to get to Phuket from Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta (both are in Krabi Province). Few ports in Phuket provide this service with fares ranging between 300 bahts and 500bahts. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions.