Ao Po Grand Marina Phuket - Yacht Club & Marina Resort

Operating with zero tide restrictions and 24-hour deep-water access into Phang Nga Bay, Ao Po Grand Marina accommodates 230 vessels, including superyachts of up to 100 metres and 499 gross tonnes. The purpose-built estate on Phuket's north-eastern shore combines marine engineering infrastructure with waterfront residential apartments, fitness facilities, and an established private yacht club environment.

Located in Thalang District, the independently managed marina opened in 2008 and stands as a key yachting hub in southern Thailand. The harbour functions as an operational home port for private vessel owners and a departure base for international charter fleets. Set away from the busy resort strips along the island's western coast, the property caters to sailors, charter groups, and long-stay expatriates seeking serviced apartment accommodation beside a functional maritime basin.

Marina Complex and Resort Breakdown

Ao Po Grand Marina combines heavy-duty marine engineering, serviced waterfront residences, dining venues, and recreational sports amenities within a single purpose-built estate on Phuket's northeastern coast. The property is organised into distinct operational and hospitality zones tailored to private yacht crews, long-stay apartment occupants, and day visitors embarking on sea excursions.

Deep-water access unrestricted by tidal variations is the central engineering asset of Ao Po Grand Marina. The harbour provides 230 fully serviced wet berths configured to handle pleasure craft, catamarans, and superyachts of up to 100 metres in length, with structural capacity for vessels measuring up to 499 gross tonnes. Skippers enter the basin through a 50-metre-wide fairway marked with navigation lights, leading to heavy-duty concrete floating pontoons. The dock layout incorporates finger piers up to 4.6 metres wide, alongside expansive 10-metre-wide walkways on the northern and eastern docks capable of handling service golf carts and heavy cargo movements.

Water depths maintain a minimum of 3 metres within the inner basin and reach 7 metres along the seaward side of the outer berths at lowest astronomical tide, eliminating the shallow-water stranding hazards found in southern Phuket anchorages. Berths are equipped with shore-power pedestals supplying single-phase configurations at 16A, 32A, and 63A, as well as three-phase connections at 63A, 125A, 250A, and up to 400A. Docks also provide metered reverse-osmosis fresh water and complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity.

Bunkering takes place at a dedicated deep-water fuel dock equipped with commercial pumps dispensing Shell V-Power diesel at rates up to 400 litres per minute, alongside Shell 95 gasohol. Shore-side technical operations centre on a paved 60-boat hardstand, a concrete launching ramp for trailerable craft, and dual Roodberg hydraulic trailer lifts rated at 47 tonnes (handling craft up to 60 feet with a 2.1-metre draft) and 80 tonnes (handling craft up to 100 feet with a 3.4-metre draft). Dockmaster personnel monitor marine VHF radio channel 69 continuously, working alongside 24-hour manned security, dock perimeter closed-circuit television, and integrated dockside fire-suppression stations. Vessels navigating into the bay should hail the dock office on VHF channel 69 on approach to confirm berth assignment and line-handling assistance.

Marina Living Apartments and Residential Suites

Shore-side accommodation is provided by Marina Living, a contemporary low-rise residential development located directly behind the harbour promenade. The complex consists of four-storey residential blocks comprising between 32 and 46 privately owned and managed units. Layouts span entry-level studio apartments measuring approximately 35 to 62 square metres, one- and two-bedroom suites, and top-floor penthouses exceeding 260 square metres. Individual floors contain no more than four residences, accessed through keycard-controlled passenger lifts that open into private entrance foyers.

Architectural planning relies on natural airflow, utilising dual-aspect covered terraces to draw maritime breezes straight through the open-plan interiors. Every apartment incorporates a complete western kitchen fitted with electric cooking hobs, built-in ovens, extractors, full-size refrigerators, and stone worktops. Bathrooms include enclosed walk-in rain showers and natural stone finishes, while larger multiple-bedroom configurations add outdoor Jacuzzi hot tubs built into broad private terraces overlooking the marina pontoons. Living areas feature individually zoned ducted air conditioning and double-glazed sliding glass patio doors that preserve cool interior temperatures and block operational harbour noise. The apartments operate on flexible daily, weekly, and monthly rental terms, suiting charter parties requiring accommodation before boarding, marine contractors working on dock refits, and long-stay expatriate residents.

Waterfront Dining at Port of Call and d'deck Bar

Boardwalk dining at the marina focuses on informal waterside hospitality overlooking the moored fleet and Phang Nga Bay. Port of Call operates as the property's primary restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily between 08:00 and 22:00. Patrons can sit within an air-conditioned interior dining room lined with timber panelling and wine displays, or outside on a wide sheltered wooden deck elevated directly above the waterline.

The kitchen prepares a dual menu balancing regional southern Thai specialities with familiar international bistro standards. Thai selections include Goong Sarong (deep-fried local king prawns encased in crispy vermicelli noodles) and Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (a rich red coconut curry containing roasted duck, cherry tomatoes, and sweet grapes). Western dishes centre on premium grilled meats and seafood, including Australian Black Angus beef tenderloin accompanied by potato mash and red wine reduction, alongside grilled herb-crusted lamb cutlets paired with sautéed spinach.

Further along the boardwalk sits d'deck Bar, an elevated open-air observation terrace open each evening from 17:00 to 21:00. The venue serves draught and bottled beers, spirits, wines, espresso coffees, light toasted sandwiches, and cakes. A daily two-for-one happy hour runs between 17:30 and 18:30, covering house cocktails and local beers. Tables along the outer perimeter deck should be requested in advance if you want uninterrupted views across the water during late afternoon harbour activity.

Yacht Club Clubhouse and Wellness Amenities

Recreation and fitness facilities are grouped within a dedicated clubhouse building positioned behind the main boardwalk. The focal point is an 18-metre open-air freshwater swimming pool bordered by sun loungers and shade umbrellas, situated with direct sightlines over the inner yacht berths. Directly adjacent sits an air-conditioned fitness studio equipped with cardiovascular machines, stationary bicycles, free weight benches, and TRX suspension training rigs. Broad floor-to-ceiling glass panels face onto the pool terrace and landscaped tropical gardens.

The gym floor provides designated open space for stretching, floor yoga, and Pilates routines, with certified personal fitness instructors present during core daytime hours to provide workout guidance. Well-maintained changing rooms incorporate secure electronic storage lockers, private shower cubicles, dry cedarwood saunas, and tiled steam rooms. An adjoining wellness room offers private massage treatments, including traditional Thai pressure-point therapy and deep-tissue herbal oil rubs. Berth holders receive complimentary admission to the swimming pool, fitness gym, and wet facilities on presentation of their current marina registration documents at the reception counter. Visiting day guests can arrange short-term facility passes directly with clubhouse staff.

Charter Expeditions and Phang Nga Bay Cruising

The marina is one of Phuket's leading departure harbours for island-cruising itineraries throughout Phang Nga Bay and the northern Andaman Sea. Its northeastern position places vessels within thirty minutes of the limestone karsts, sea caves, and mangrove lagoons of Ao Phang Nga National Park, avoiding the prolonged open-sea motoring necessary when departing from southern harbours such as Chalong Bay.

Major international bareboat and flotilla charter operators, including Sunsail and The Moorings, run permanent operational charter bases from the docks, alongside brokerage and crewed-charter firms such as Simpson Marine and Lee Marine. Visitors can book bareboat catamarans, skippered day sails, and crewed superyacht charters directly through on-site operators. Dedicated boarding pontoons also support scheduled speedboat passenger transfers to luxury offshore island properties, including Santhiya Koh Yao Yai and The Naka Island on Koh Naka Yai. Commercial sea-kayaking day trips depart from the outer marina pier to explore the karst chambers of Koh Hong and Khao Phing Kan. Ship provisioning can be organised through the marina administration office, which handles dockside drop-offs of dry goods, fresh produce, ice, and duty-free beverages straight to vessel galleys. Travellers boarding private day boats or chartered catamarans must ensure they carry sufficient cash in Thai Baht, as national park rangers collect protected-area marine conservation fees directly at designated island anchorages.

Location and Getting There

Ao Po Grand Marina is located at 113/1 Moo 6 in Tambon Pa Klok, situated within the Thalang District on the quiet north-eastern coast of Phuket. The complex sits roughly 22 kilometres east of Phuket International Airport (HKT), a noticeably shorter transfer than to southern harbours such as Chalong. Driving from the terminal takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes via Route 402 and the eastward Route 4027 through Pa Klok. By contrast, Phuket Old Town lies 28 kilometres south (around 40 minutes by road), while the main west-coast resort centre of Patong is roughly 38 kilometres away, requiring at least an hour's drive across the island.

Arriving travellers can arrange an official meter taxi or airport limousine from the licensed counters inside the airport terminal, which generally costs between 600 THB and 800 THB (£14 to £19) for a standard saloon. Ride-hailing apps including Grab and Bolt operate across Phuket, though wait times can be longer on this rural eastern peninsula. For yacht crews and families travelling with heavy sailing baggage, pre-booked private minivan transfers arranged through local operators or the marina office cost around 1,000 THB to 1,200 THB (£24 to £28). Self-drive car hire is also available at the airport terminal from roughly 800 THB (£19) per day, which provides useful independence given the lack of passing street taxis outside the marina gates.

Costs and Booking

Rates for Marina Living apartment apartments and marina services vary by season, with peak pricing in force from November through February. At the time of research, private studio lets generally start from around 2,200 THB (£52) per night during the low season (May to October), rising to roughly 3,500 THB (£83) per night in high season. One-bedroom and two-bedroom units range between 4,000 THB (£95) and 8,500 THB (£202) per night, depending on duration and seasonal demand. Standard rentals include Wi-Fi, parking, and access to the pool and fitness centre. Long-term lets of thirty days or more typically meter electricity separately, and owners routinely require a refundable security deposit on arrival.

Wet berthing charges for visiting yachts depend on vessel length. Daily rates for a 12-metre monohull start from around 1,250 THB (£30), with multihulls incurring a 50 per cent surcharge. Metered shore power and filtered water are charged separately on departure. Berth holders receive free access to the clubhouse pool and gym, while outside day guests pay 200 THB per facility, or 500 THB for full access including sauna and steam rooms. Superyachts over 40 metres berth along the deep-water seaward pontoon with three-phase power up to 400 amps, with fees quoted on request.

Who It Suits Best

Ao Po Grand Marina caters primarily to yacht owners, charter crews, and sailing enthusiasts who need dedicated maritime infrastructure and unhindered access to Phang Nga Bay. It also suits couples and independent travellers seeking a quiet base away from commercial resort crowds, particularly those planning extended boat excursions or valuing a maritime setting.

Conversely, the complex does not suit budget backpackers, nightlife seekers looking for beach clubs, or families prioritising soft sand outside their door. The atmosphere revolves around sailing, boat maintenance, and a relaxed nautical lifestyle rather than conventional mass tourism.

What to know before booking

The site operates as a working marine port rather than a traditional beach resort. There is no swimming beach on the grounds, meaning beachgoers must drive across to west-coast shores or take day trips by boat to offshore islands.

Vessel movements operate independently of the tide. The deep-water basin maintains a minimum chart datum depth of three metres on the inner pontoons and seven metres along the seaward side of the outer docks, allowing round-the-clock entry and departure.

On-site retail caters strictly to marine supplies, yacht services, and basic day-to-day provisions. Comprehensive shopping, western supermarkets, and international medical clinics require an approximate 20-minute drive inland to Thalang town centre.

Public transport does not serve the marina gates. Arranging a hire car or booking private taxis in advance is necessary for travel beyond the immediate Pa Klok area, especially for airport runs and sightseeing across the wider island.

Practical Tips

Hiring a car at Phuket International Airport or arranging a rental through the marina office gives you independence if you plan to explore beyond the docks. Ao Po sits in a quiet corner of Pa Klok, and having your own vehicle makes it far simpler to visit local seafood restaurants, golf courses such as Mission Hills, and the west-coast beaches across Thalang District without relying on negotiated taxi fares.

Carry sufficient Thai Baht cash before boarding any day trip or charter. A Siam Commercial Bank cash machine stands at the corner of the upper car park by the taxi booth, which is convenient because national park entry fees for Phang Nga Bay and crew gratuities require cash payments.

Skippers navigating into the basin should hail the harbour team on VHF channel 69, which is monitored around the clock to assign berths and coordinate line-handling assistance. Berth holders should also keep their registration paperwork handy: presenting proof of active berthing grants complimentary daily entry to the clubhouse gym, sauna, and swimming pool.

For day excursions into Phang Nga Bay, arrange your dock departure before 08:30. Setting off early allows your boat to reach Koh Hong and the limestone pinnacles around James Bond Island well ahead of the crowded tour flotillas arriving from southern Phuket. Back ashore, time an evening drink at d'deck Bar between 17:30 and 18:30 to take advantage of their daily happy hour deal on cocktails and local beer.

When reserving an apartment in the Marina Living complex, request a unit on an upper floor to secure unobstructed sightlines across the outer superyacht berths and the islands of the bay. Arranging your yacht charters, residential accommodation, and airport transfers well in advance ensures smooth connections from the moment you touch down in Phuket.

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