Koh Panyi, Phang Nga Bay
Anchorage Review: Koh Panyi Village, Phang Nga Bay, Thailand
08°20.017N, 98°30.284E – anchorage A on the Koh Panyi chart
Mooring buoys
The Southeast Asia Pilot entry does not identify a dependable public yacht mooring at Koh Panyi. Do not use a local fishing or tour-boat mooring without permission and a careful inspection. The skipper remains responsible for checking the tackle, depth, swinging room and suitability for the yacht. If there is any doubt, anchor as described below while keeping clear of fish cages and village traffic.
Overview
Koh Panyi is one of Phang Nga Bay’s most distinctive communities, extending over the water on piles beneath a sheer limestone island. Although it is often promoted as a ‘Sea Gypsy Village’, its residents are a long-established Muslim fishing community. Visiting by yacht reveals a different side of a place that is usually experienced only during a hurried lunchtime tour.
The village is busy during the middle of the day, when excursion boats arrive from Phuket and Phang Nga. Later in the afternoon the crowds thin, fishing boats return and the settlement settles back into its normal rhythm.
Anchoring
The anchorage is at 08°20.017N, 98°30.284E, marked A on the Southeast Asia Pilot chart. Anchor in approximately 4–9m to the east of the village, taking particular care to remain clear of the many floating fish cages.
A light structure on a small rocky islet marks the river entrance when approaching from the south. The route towards the village is straightforward, but favour the deeper right-hand side where practical. Make the final approach in good light, allow for fast tour boats and local fishing traffic, and confirm depth and swinging room independently.
Facilities
Several dinghy landing points provide access to the village. Ashore are restaurants, small shops and souvenir stalls, but services are arranged for residents and daytime visitors rather than cruising yachts.
Do not rely on finding fuel, potable water, repairs, waste disposal or comprehensive provisions. The sensible plan is to arrive self-sufficient and confirm any particular requirement locally before making arrangements around it.
Eating & drinking ashore
Koh Panyi has numerous seafood restaurants serving tour groups at lunchtime. Later service can be quieter and more personal, although opening hours vary with visitor numbers. Ask after landing and keep an onboard meal as the dependable fallback.
Highlights
North of the village, the east side of Khao Khian carries prehistoric rock paintings. They are best viewed from a small boat in settled conditions and with due care around the cliff and passing traffic.
West of Khao Khian, a shallow mangrove river winds between limestone outcrops and towards Tham Lot cave. This is dinghy or small-boat territory rather than a yacht passage. Depths vary, blind corners conceal fast tour boats and the outside of each bend generally offers more room.
Why we like it
Koh Panyi combines a practical Phang Nga Bay anchorage with an absorbing shore visit. The village architecture, fishing culture, mangrove waterways and surrounding karst landscape reward crews who stay beyond the busiest part of the day and explore at a more measured pace.
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