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
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Port Navigation
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Hi Craig, as far as we are aware there are no marinas on Ko Pagan.
The nearest marina to this group of islands is south in Malaysia – Terengganu
https://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Malaysia/KualaTerengganu
Or north to Racer Marina at Pranburi just south of Huahin.
https://www.noonsite.com/Countries/Thailand/pranburi
found excellent mechanic and electrical services guy in Koi Samui…. highly recommended David Lloyd mobile phone number +66 623276635… rebuilt my generator, Yamaha engine, various pumps and hydraulics (lift)… finally an expert in Koi Samui..
Although there is not a marina on Samui I understand there is one on Ko Pagan. Does anyone have contact or other info?
Probably you are already aware, but in case not or in case of others attempting the same logistics exercise for the first time, a ‘re-entry’ permit is needed in order that the non-O visa not be invalidated. If invalidated, the application procedure has to be repeated upon return to Thailand. I just completed the non-O visa application, 1-year extension and re-entry permit procedure myself. FYI and thanks for the info about Koh Samui.
Reported by Martina & Reinhard Moedl:
Following information which might be interesting to other sailors (October 2017):
Our yacht flies the Malaysian flag, my wife and crew, as well as myself, are Austrian citizens, we both have one-year non-O visas for Thailand.
Coming from Terengganu, Malaysia, we cleared in at Koh Samui (my wife as a passenger). In Koh Samui, I tried to get information about the requirements for departing to Europe by plane whilst leaving the yacht in Thailand. Immigration on Koh Samui was unable to give me any information and told me to ask at Customs. Customs explained several times (including the boss of the desk-officer), that there is no requirement. They said, “Just take your luggage and travel home“.
After arriving in Koh Chang, we contacted the Laem Ngop Immigration office. Here we were told about the correct procedure which is as follows:
– Bring ALL required documents to the Immigration office – in paper-copy (Passport, contract with marina, plane ticket incl. return-flight).
– Pay a deposit of THB 20.000 which will be refunded on your return to Thailand back at the Immigration office.
– I received an envelope which I had to hand over to the Immigration officer at the airport on departure.
Everything was clear, smooth and without any needs of discussion.
BTW:
The Harbour captain in Koh Samui wants to get paid a “personal fee“ of THB 500 for each clear-in / clear-out. Negotiation, therefore, is required, don´t pay more than THB 200, better zero, of course.