Sandwiched by the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, Thailand is a topmost destination for Liveaboarders looking to scuba or simply bask in the country’s unparalleled beauty.
Photo by Ellen McQueen
Thailand’s nautical vista sports notable geological formations jutting from the sea, coastal jungle alive with lush flora and fauna, and the tempting turquoise hue of its waters. Scuba divers of all levels will enjoy exploring spacious coral reefs and biodiversity beyond compare, and the sea activities, coupled with exciting island excursions, make boat travel the ultimate way to visit this Southeast Asian paradise. The best time to experience the tropical climate is from November to April, when the seas are calm and the sunshine permeates most of the day. We’ve rounded up six of the best Liveaboards for a noteworthy Thai trip.
The Phinsi
The Phinsi, a custom-designed sailboat sporting massive red sails and a real pirate ship vibe, offers seven-day trips through the Similan and Surin Islands or five days through Southern Thailand, starting at Chalong Pier and including Koh Lipe. These Andaman Sea sites offer dives perfect for exploring depths of 20 – 30 meters, so having your Advanced Open Water certification is a plus, or you can take the course on the boat for an extra fee. The seven cabins ensure an intimate environment; all have air conditioning and an en-suite bathroom. After scuba, scour the library for reference books about the surrounding landscape or sunbathe in a lounger on the deck. From $199 per day.
Book at liveaboard.com
Merdeka 3
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Need a break from scuba? The Merdeka 3 is the perfect Liveaboard for travelers yearning for some R&R. This ‘Spaboat’ has a massage on board, and guests have free use of the kayaks and other boat facilities. Scuba divers and snorkelers alike will relish in the beauty of the bays along an itinerary that includes Chalong, Koh Phi Phi, Hin Muang, and Koh Rok Nok. Once you’re ready to dive back into the depths, your inner explorer may opt to take the Deep Adventure Dive course offered on board. The cruise is four nights, and the cabin options include double, twin, triple, or quad sleeping options. From $227 per day.
Book at Zubludiving.com
Giamani
Experience a genuinely personalized Liveaboard on the Giamani, a 24-meter ship with only five cabins. The attentive Thai hospitality and spacious decks ensure plenty of relaxing moments to digest the myriad wildlife below the surface. There are 3 to 4 dives a day, including night dives when possible, so you’ll definitely see the various breeds of sharks, shrimps, and other fish native to the Andaman. Nitrox is available on board, and specialized digital camera maintenance areas are on deck for those passionate about underwater photography. The take-off is from Tablamu, and the drop-off is at Chalong eight days later. From $349 per day.
Book at liveaboard.com
Sawasdee Fasai
With fifteen cabins and a capacity for up to 26 divers, the Sawasdee Fasai is an excellent option for extroverted adventurers. Hang out with your new friends on the enormous sundeck or in the indoor living room to discuss the famous dive sites from that day, like Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, and Elephant Head Rock. This vessel is also suitable for those seeking a more affordable option; four budget cabins have shared bathroom facilities. The round trip from Tablamu Pier includes 5 days and 14 dives, with free nitrox available. From $140 per day.
DiveRACE Class E
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The DiveRACE has several itineraries, including Northern Andaman’s Similan Islands and South Andaman’s Hin Deang and Hin Muang. The cuisine sets this craft apart from its competitors; delectable Thai and international buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinners will satisfy all diners after an intense day of scuba. Exotic marine life like whale sharks and mantas make for unforgettable diving over the 5 or 6-day trip. The cabins are exceptionally comfortable, including a private bathroom, hotel-quality bedding, and air conditioning. Whether on the lower deck preparing for a dive or the upper one sipping a sunset cocktail, the crew ensures you feel pampered and cared for during the journey. From $157 per day.
Book at liveaboard.com
The Junk
The Junk is anything but what its name claims to be. This 33-meter authentic wooden sailboat has been featured in many films, including the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, and uniquely offers year-round diving in Thailand. She sails around the Similan islands in the north and Rascha and the Phi Phi Islands in the south. The first-class chefs prepare not one but two breakfasts and five snacks a day, so you’re sure to be satiated even after the most intense of dives. All the cabins are on the lower deck, and loungers and bean bag chairs cover the shaded upper deck. From $159 per day.
Book at Zubludiving.com