Bamboo Island Group

To the north of Phi Phi Don lie two small islands, Koh Mai Phai (‘Bamboo’) and Koh Yung (‘Mosquito’). Between them and the northern tip of Phi Phi Don is a large area of submerged and dangerous coral reef called Hin Klang.

Koh Mai Phai

Anchor in 7-10 metres on a sandy patch off the southeast corner of the island. Take care to drop your anchor in sand. This avoids damaging the coral and at the same time minimizing the chances of fouling your ground tackle. The moorings are very close to the reef edge and are only suitable for speedboats and longtails that make the daily snorkelling pilgrimage from Phi Phi.

A small restaurant opens during the day. Beware of your course when heading back to Phi Phi. Go north or south of Hin Klang to avoid the dangerous reef.

Hin Klang Reef

The reefs around here are arguably the best diving outside of the Similan Islands. There are no safe overnight anchorages, though some locations can be recommended in either season for lunchtime or diving stopovers. Suitable only in relatively calm weather, your vessel should never be left unattended.

Koh Yung

The northwest side of this island has a sandy bank studded with coral outcrops rising from deep water. Approach with care from the west. Locate a sandy patch big enough to swing your anchor in 5-10 metres.

Koh Kai, Hin Musang & King Cruiser Wreck

On the passage back to Phuket from Phi Phi islands are some of the best dive sites in the region.4 miles NNE of Koh Kai is Hin Musang, locally known as Shark Point. Home to harmless leopard sharks, spectacular soft corals and moray eels, this dive site is one of the most popular. Moorings are placed around this pinnacle rock and can be used on a first-come basis.

(Shark Point. 7˚, 47.85 N, 98˚, 37.55 E)

Half a mile to the north is Anemone Reef, which is marked by a single mooring buoy. Here again magnificent soft purple corals and abundance of fish life.One mile east is the wreck of the 85-metre King Cruiser ferry, which came to grief in 1997 after clipping Anemone Reef. The Wreck is now home to many species of fish and has a colourful coating of corals. This is also marked with a single buoy.Koh Kai was once famous for schools of sailfish, which unfortunately have ended up in many of the local seafood restaurants. Occasional survivors can be hooked between 4pm and sunset but be sure to catch and release.

None of these open sites affords anchorage overnight.