Laguna Phuket Open Water Swim By TriHub

In 1785, the island of Phuket faced a severe threat as Burmese forces attempted an invasion during the Nine Armies' Wars. Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Si Sunthon, two sisters who refused to succumb to the siege, commanded the local women to disguise themselves as soldiers to create the illusion of a massive defense force. This clever strategic deception forced the invaders to retreat by March 13, 1785. Today, participants in the Laguna Open Water Swim find themselves navigating waters that were once vital for the trade vessels of the 16th century, when the island was documented in navigation charts as Junk Ceylon, a name derived from the Malay 'Tanjung Salang'.

Race day conditions

The event, held annually at the SAii Laguna Phuket beachfront, offers distances of 1.5km, 3km, 4.5km for teams, and 6km. Swimmers must adhere to the mandatory use of a safety buoy, a requirement strictly enforced to ensure visibility during the swim. The start times are staggered, beginning at 6:30 AM for the 6km distance and concluding with the 1.5km event at 8:00 AM, with a strict cut-off time of 9:30 AM across all categories. This schedule accounts for the local maritime traffic and the need for clear navigation lanes. While the surface appears calm, the geographical history of the region is marked by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, which led to the installation of a specialized detection buoy system 1,000 km offshore to monitor seismic activity.

The marine environment

As you progress through your chosen distance, you are swimming within proximity to the Sirinat National Park, a protected marine area covering 68 square kilometers. The coastal waters here serve as a critical nesting ground for sea turtles along Nai Yang Beach. Further south, the prominent landmark of Laem Phromthep, or 'Brahma’s Cape', defines the southern tip of the island and serves as a natural reference point for the island's unique geography. The race is organized by the Laguna Phuket team, with registration fees supporting the operational logistics required to manage these open water corridors securely.