Koh Samui - Docking

Anchoring:

Anchoring options depending on season are as per the SE Asia Cruising Guide. Cruisers recommend anywhere off Chaweng Noi or Chaweng (the much larger of these two bays sharing the name Chaweng on the east coast). You must, however, check with the resort Managers before beaching your dinghy as some (not many) resorts are very exclusive and discourage this. Most are quite friendly and encourage your patronage.

Note that the further north you anchor off Chaweng’s main beach, the louder the beach bar noise can be. This often extends to 2-3am as raves/pool parties carry on until quite late during peak seasons (of which there are many).

The annual Koh Samui Regatta is held in late-May/early-June and the racing fleet typically anchors off mid-Chaweng bay near Centara Grand Resort or slightly north of there.

Ao Bophut is also a popular anchorage during the SW Monsoon as it is mid-north shore of Samui and affords protected anchoring throughout this monsoon. Anchor in 5-8m in mud. The more crowded speed boat anchorage closer to shore on the east side of the bay should be avoided as traffic there is heavier. Check with beach bar or resort owners on shore to leave your dinghy tied up.

During the NE Monsoon, Ao Bangrak is the anchorage of choice for all local yachts and speed boats as it affords natural protection with the island's NE-most peninsula blocking prevailing winds (this is the bay just east of Ao Bophut on the north shore). The bay is shallow and has sand bars and old tin-mine rubble/reef on the western shore. Anchor in mid-bay or further east in 5-6m with good holding on mud.

Land tourism reigns in Samui, especially on the beaches. If you anchor and go ashore, before leaving your dinghy on the beach be sure to befriend a local and make sure that where you are leaving your dinghy is ok and not in the way of any watersport operators. Confronting jet ski operators is strongly discouraged as these fellows can be quite aggressive.

Marinas:

There still is no marina in Koh Samui suitable for visiting yachts.

Supplies and Provisions:

Khun Daeng (friendly and fair Thai woman owner) at Pecherat Marina can help with diesel and water provisioning. Pecharat Marina (a misnomer, as it is only a jetty) is in the centre of the cluster of wooden and steel jetties mid-shore. Advance arrangements need to be made if wishing to use the jetty for fuel or water.

The substantial concrete jetty at the eastern end of the bay is the Seatran Ferry jetty and cruisers should stay clear.

The local market just east of the Seatran Ferry jetty in Bangrak is an excellent place for provisioning with a wide selection of very fresh seafood, vegetables, fruit, spices and dry goods. Also, the Bangrak Minimart opposite Pecherat Marina in Bangrak has a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits at reasonable prices (much cheaper than in the touristy area of Chaweng beach).

There are several larger department/grocery stores on the main Ring Road (Tesco and BigC are the best of these) and are a 10-15 min taxi ride from both Chaweng and Bangrak or Bophut.

Koh Tao

North of Koh Samui lies Kohn Tao, one of Thailand's leading dive centers.

Extensive artificial reefs have been laid down all around the island and anchoring anywhere is frowned on. Damaging coral can get you in trouble with the authorities. In most bays there are orange buoys for public use, designed to hold more than 1 vessel. If none are available, ask if you can join another boat on a mooring or hang off the back of them until a mooring becomes available. Dive boats have priority. If anchoring is the only option, be sure to ask a local first on where it is possible to do so.

Last updated:  May 2019