Fuel and water can be delivered to the quayside by trucks, but this is really only practical for larger vessels, since the wharf is designed for ships, so is not kind to topsides of cruising yachts. The port is also the main stopover for cruise liners plying the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Straits.
The sea port terminal, Ao Makham is a channel between Koh Taphao Yai and the main island of Phuket, north of Cape Panwa. Having been well dredged during the construction of the Phuket deep-water port, the passages north and south are buoyed and easily navigable.
7 miles from Ao Chalong
The best anchorage for yachts lies on the north side of Koh Taphao Yai in front of a small resort in 5-8 metres on a muddy bottom. It’s safe in all seasons, but can be very choppy in the northeast monsoon.
Not the most picturesque location, it is nevertheless convenient for town. At the time of writing, opposite this anchorage on the main island, next to the petroleum depot, is a small jetty with a floating pontoon that has road access to Phuket Town.