Chong Pak Phra Channel

The chart shows the channel created by the northern part of Phuket Island and the mainland province of Phang Nga. At the western end of the channel the main northbound road crosses over two bridges, the lowest of which has approximately five meters of clearance at high tide.

Fishing vessels and large power craft regularly pass this way, but the route is not suitable with fixed masts. The passage out to the Andaman Sea is navigable with care, but the sandbar is constantly moving and this route is not recommended without local knowledge.

The Yacht Haven Marina is located at Laem Phrao east of the bridge at the head of the channel. Accessibility to the nearby international airport is an advantage for those wishing to berth yachts here and fly in for holidays or weekends.

Approaches to the channel

To find Yacht Haven from Phang Nga Bay, approach Koh Ngam on a bearing due west (2700), leaving Koh Payu well to starboard as there are coral outcrops just south of the island. Continue past Koh Ngam keeping it to port on the same bearing until the northern power pylon shown on the chart is sighted.

Keep Koh Ngam astern and steer approximately 320 degrees towards the pylon. When the marina is in view a pair of red and green buoys consistent with the IALA system (red: port, green: starboard on entry) guide you into the marina entrance from the north.

The same applies for night time access except there is a sector light (red, white and green) to assist passage up the channel. Follow the white light (red or green indicates that you are off course) and look out for the red and green buoys at the marina entrance, which are not lit but have reflectors.

Approaching Laem Phrao, beware of shallow water on the port side after passing Koh Nok and the drying sandbanks on the east side of the channel, opposite the marina entrance.

Yacht Haven Marina

An advantage of The Yacht Haven is its all-tide access and superyacht berth ability. Situated at Laem Phrao, it is also a safe year-round anchorage with the marina providing berthing facilities.

Access to The Yacht Haven is from the east on all tides, though deep draft vessels need to take additional care to follow the channel during lows. We recommend all first time approaches to be made during daylight hours and at high tide. The minimum depth on the approach is 2.5 metres at low tide.

Since 2008 there are 280 berths all with power, water and internet facilities. In addition the outer dock wave attenuator can cater to 20 super yachts up to 70 metres with drafts up to 5 metres. Minimum depth in the main marina is two metres at LAT.

Facilities include a special work dock for smaller jobs, fresh water and fuel delivery services. GPS position, 8 10.2N, 98 20.5 E. Phone 076-206704. VHF 68.

More information at www.yacht-haven-phuket.com  or email infoyacht-haven-phuket.com.

On shore is the marina office, dockside service companies, the Haven Restaurant and Bar, showers, lockers, toilet facilities, and some rent-a-car, tour and taxi operators. Yacht Haven management can arrange fuel, water and provisioning services.

Visiting yachts can make use of Yacht Haven’s work dock facility which is ideal for smaller jobs that do not require haul out facilities; such as teak decks, varnishing and all sorts of interior works.

Koh Wah Yai West & Koh Wah Yai East

A small island at the entrance to the sound affords good shelter for either season. Anchorage is in approximately five metres. The passage between Koh Wa Yai and Koh Wa Noi is narrow but navigable with care.

There is a sandy beach on the northwest point, commonly visited by hoards of returning sea canoe day tourists between 3pm and 5pm.