Thailand Base Guide
About the Marina | Cruising Grounds | Around the Base | Provisioning | Things to Do | Water Toys & Sports
Whether this is your fifth trip or the first of many, we want you to feel at home when you're at a Moorings base.
About the Marina
Address
Moorings Thailand
Ao Po Grand marina
113/1 Moo 6
Tambon Paklok, Amphur Thalang
Phuket 83110, Thailand
Base Hours
8:00am to 5:00pm - 7 days a week.
Marina Facilities
The Moorings base has the following facilities: showers and toilets, bar and restaurant, nearby hotel and pool, ATM, telephone, and provisioning.
Cruising Grounds
Experience Level
A sailing qualification is not mandatory to charter here - but you must demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and ability. If our base staff are not confident in your ability when you arrive, they will arrange for a Moorings skipper to travel with you - at your own expense. Please ensure you have completed a Sailing resume or a Power resume to ensure you have the necessary experience required.
Cruising Area Restrictions
There are currently no specific restrictions, however a full chart briefing will be given at the base.
It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.
Download The Moorings Thailand Charter eGuide here.
Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.
Nighttime Sailing
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.
Cruising Permits & Taxes
There are currently no Cruising Permits or Fees required for cruising in this area of Thailand.
Moorings Fees & Taxes
There is no departure tax payable.
Around the Base
Accommodations
Supalai Resort
Chandara Resort
Banks
The airport is easiest place to exchange money, however there are banks and ATM machines at the Tesco supermarket. Moneychangers are located at Ao Nang beach and on Phi-Phi, although the exchange rates may not be as good.
Currencies / Money Exchange
The unit of currency in Thailand is the Baht. Money changing facilities are available at the airport and in most medium-sized towns. We recommend that sufficient money is changed before departing into the cruising area. The average would be 1,000 Baht per person per day. Credit cards are accepted only at larger restaurants and resorts.
Post Office
The nearest Post Office is located in Sapam 20KM from the base.
Opening times are: Monday to Friday: from 8:30am to 3:00pm during week time and from 8:00am to 10:00am during weekends. Stamps and a letter box are available at the Moorings base.
Dining
The base has a selection of restaurants and bars and there are two nearby hotels which can be booked at a discounted rate. Thai food is all cooked to order using fresh ingredients and lots of chili. It's quite easy to ask for the meal to be made a little less spicy for western tastes. Seafood features are on every menu with chicken, pork and beef also available is great vegetarian food. Rice and noodles are a main staple but western food is easily available. Enquire at The Moorings Customer Service for more options.
Provisioning
The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 7 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination.
Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht.
Supermarkets
The nearest supermarket is a 45-minute taxi ride from the base.
Things to Do
Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page for more of the best places to visit on your trip.
Phang Nga Bay
Located to the north of the base, Phang Nga Bay is a marine national park and an area of beautiful, unspoilt scenery. Sailing here is safe all year round. This is where most clients start their charter spending 2 or 3 days exploring the towering limestone islands of Ko Phanak and Koh Hong with their many caves and "Hongs" to explore.
Krabi Beaches
The main beach at Ao Nang is reasonably well-developed and has access to Krabi town by local transport. The beaches and scenery are fantastic with excellent snorkeling. There are many Thai restaurants and bars.
Koh Dam Group or Chicken Islands
The snorkeling here is excellent, with coral reefs to explore. On the way to Ko Phi Phi, charterers will pass the Bamboo Islands, which offer great snorkeling. Clients can visit 'Hin Klang' reef by either dive boat or longtail, which has the best diving outside of the Similian Islands.
Koh Phi Phi
The main island is Koh Phi Phi Don. There are dive trips, big game fishing trips, Internet cafes, restaurants and bars. Clients may visit Koh Phi Phi Lee, where they can see Maya Bay (where the filming of The Beach was held), a scenic sandy lagoon with white sandy beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. Viking Cave is well-known for its bird nests, which are harvested by locals to make the famous 'Birds Nest Soup'. The swimming and snorkeling in the area is excellent.
Koh Lanta
Often described as Phuket 20 years ago, the pace of life on Lanta is relaxed and easy going. There are two good beaches along the West Coast and good shelter in some beautiful anchorages on the East Coast during the SW season. The islands to the south have good snorkeling and the "Emerald Cave" on Ko Muk is a must-see on any two week sailing vacation. The Ko Rok group marks the southern edge of the standard cruising area.
Koh Racha Yai and Racha Noi
These islands, which lie to the south of Phuket, offer more good snorkeling and diving, as well as the relaxed pace of tropical island life.
West Coast Phuket
There are many beautiful long, white sandy beaches and anchorages on the West Coast. The water is crystal clear with excellent sailing and provides good holding for anchorages. The nightlife ashore ranges from a relaxing evening in a quiet bay to dancing and partying into the night at beaches such as Patong.
Similan & Surin Islands
Situated 35 miles off the West Coast of Thailand and 60 miles northwest of Patong beach, this National marine park is one of the world's top dive destinations. The waters around the Similan and Surin Islands are teeming with fish and surrounded by coral gardens. The park is open from the November 15 to May 15 and entry is allowed subject to paying the relevant National Park fees.
Koh Rok to Koh Tarutao
This area offers a wide range of anchorages. Koh Liang and Koh Phetra in the north are quiet and peaceful with the only inhabitants being the local wildlife. Further south is the resort island of Koh Bulon and the towering limestone island of Koh Tarutao. West of Tarutao is the Butang group, which offers unspoiled snorkeling and diving - worthy of being in the world's top ten locations.
Water Toys & Sports
For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.
In addition to exploring Thailand under sail, the following list may prove helpful in planning other aspects of your time with us. We're happy to arrange any extra activities for you at the base.
Snorkeling & DivingThe Moorings provides snorkeling gear (flippers, masks & snorkels) for all charters for your pleasure. Children's sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear.
The diving in Thailand is excellent. Clients must carry a PADI open water or equivalent qualification to be able to dive. Unqualified divers can do courses or resort dives. Prices range from center to center, but it usually costs between 2,500 Baht and 3,500 Baht per person for two dives and lunch. If a client wishes to dive while chartering with The Moorings, we recommend H20 Sportz.
The Similan Islands are a world-class diving destination and are accessible between November and April, subject to weather conditions. These islands are situated 60 miles Northwest of Patong and require a minimum charter duration of 7 days for a visit. Further information is available from the base on request.
The Surin Islands are another 50 miles north of the Similans and also offer superb diving, but fewer dive operators visit them. The Similan and Surin Islands are National Parks and are subject to a daily entry fee, which will be collected on site.
You will be asked to complete a waiver of responsibility form prior to departure from the base, if intending to cruise to the Similan or Surin Islands.
Fishing
Fishing with rod and reel or hand lines is permitted in all of the cruising area and there have been no recorded instances of Ciguatera poisoning. Spear fishing is not permitted.
There's a fishing shop 10 minutes from the marina if you'd like to purchase equipment.
For more information on what's included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.
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