| 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. | 
