Phuket Diving

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2012-02-26T10:15:00.000+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 1-5 March 2012.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 1-5 March 2012
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price:
Twin bunk cabins: 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins: Full

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Oktavia Liveaboard Review

2012-02-21T10:35:00.000+07:00

Have a look at this customer survey from Oktavia. The guests seem pretty happy!

We've had great feedback from Oktavia all season, even from a French diver who unluckily broke her ankle a few days before her trip. She decided to still go on the boat and Oktavia did everything possible to make her trip a pleasure including upgrading her to the master cabin FOC. This is what she had to say:

"Hi Paul,

The trip was really great, the crew was really nice to me and try to make me forget the fact that I could'nt dive :-(

The boat, the food and the diving staff were awesome. If we come back in thailand, we'll definitely go dive with you.

Thanks for the upgrading for the last 3 days, it made the live on board a lot more easy...

Best regards and thanks again"

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2012-02-16T01:00:00.001+07:00

20% Off White Manta special Similan/Surin trip

Dates: 20-27 February, 8 days 7 nights
Dives: 26
Destination: Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: FULL
Deluxe en-suite: FULL
Standard: 39,200 baht (reduced from 49,000 baht)

Included; 7 nights’ accommodation onboard, 26 dives, all meals on board, hot beverages, guides, air tanks, weights, transfers* to & from Boat
Not Included; National Marine Park fees (2,200 B.), equipment rental, soft drinks, alcohol, Nespresso machine, massages, Nitrox, transfers* outside Kata, Karon, Patong areas, Airport, & Khao Lak areas

Itinerary;
Day 1. (0 dives); Depart; Thap Lamu Pier, Phang Nga, 9-11pm, 20th Feb 2012
Day 2. (4 dives); Anita’s Reef (check), Boulder City, Shark Fin Reef, Honeymoon Bay
Day 3. (4 dives); Elephant Head Rock, West of Eden, Deep Dix, Waterfall Bay
Day 4. (4 dives); Rocky Point, Christmas Point, Koh Bon West Ridge, Koh Tachai Reef
Day 5. (4 dives); Koh Tachai Pinnacle, Richelieu Rock (x2), Koh Surin Turtle Ledges
Day 6. (4 dives); Koh Chi, Gypsy Village land visit, Koh Torinla, Koh Chi west
Day 7. (4 dives); Richelieu Rocks (x2), Koh Tachai pinnacle, Koh Bon Bay
Day 8. (2 dives); Koh Bon Pinnacle, Boonsung wreck. Return to Thap Lamu pier, Phang Nga by 3pm. Transfer back to hotel by 5pm/ Airport by 4pm.

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV LeMahe

2012-02-13T13:16:00.000+07:00

LeMahe has a last minute price for her trip on 17-21 February 2012.

Boat: MV LeMahe
Dates: 17-21 February 2012
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin cabin 21,000 baht per diver (reduced from 26,000 baht)

For more details about MV LeMahe see here

To book contact us

LeMahe Liveaboard

Last Minute Surin Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2012-02-12T08:58:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 14-17 February 2012.

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 14-17 February 2012
Destination: Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 18,900 baht per diver (reduced from 21,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

Free rental dive equipment on Oktavia Liveaboard

2012-02-07T13:08:00.000+07:00

MV Oktavia is offering free dive equipment rental for these trips:

Dates: 9-14 February: 5 days 5 nights
Diving at: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu.
Price: 25,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 9-11 February: 2 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Similan Islands only.
Price: 13,000 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 12-14 February : 3 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock.
Price: 19,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

For more info and booking please contact us

MV Oktavia

Last Minute Surin Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2012-02-06T09:00:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 7-10 February 2012.

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 7-10 February 2012
Destination: Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 18,900 baht per diver (reduced from 21,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

Free rental dive equipment on Oktavia Liveaboard

2012-01-29T09:22:00.000+07:00

MV Oktavia is offering free dive equipment rental for these trips:

Dates: 3-8 February: 5 days 5 nights
Diving at: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu.
Price: 25,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 3-5 February: 2 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Similan Islands only.
Price: 13,000 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 6-8 February : 3 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock.
Price: 19,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

For more info and booking please contact us

MV Oktavia

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2012-01-23T17:54:00.001+07:00

20% Off White Manta

Dates: 4-8 February, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
Deluxe en-suite: 28,400 baht (reduced from 36,000 baht)
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

and

Dates: 9-13 February, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: 30,400 baht (reduced from 38,000 baht)
Deluxe en-suite: 28,400 baht (reduced from 36,000 baht)
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

Chinese New Year Liveaboard Availability

2012-01-19T12:03:00.000+07:00

Good luck for this liveaboard trip

This weekend is shaping up to be the busiest of the season for Phuket and for the Phuket dive boats. Thousands of holiday makers from around Asia are descending on Phuket for a long weekend over Chinese New Year.

Most liveaboard dive boats are fully booked.

Of the low budget boats as of today there are a couple of spaces free on South Siam III and a couple of berths free on Mariner One.

All our mid budget boats are full.

In the higher budget Nautica has 3 spaces available departing 21 January. So does the Junk.

If you have a small group of 4-6 divers the Saimai is available for charter.

New Diving and Snorkeling Websites

2012-01-19T11:44:00.000+07:00

We've just launched two new websites:

SnorkelingThailand.com
We want to promote Thailand as a wonderful place for snorkeling as well as diving. There are so many choices and all the family can join in. Have a look here

SimilansDiving.com
This new website is designed for the increasing number of divers who only have a short window of time to come and dive the Similans. We have boats that depart and return every day. You can do a day trip, stay in the Similans for just 1 night or stay for longer. Whatever your schedule, we can accommodate you. Have a look here

Last Minute Surin Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2012-01-13T13:39:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 17-20 January 2012

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 17-20 Jan 2012
Destination: Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 18,900 baht per diver (reduced from 21,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

Tankae Seafood Chalong Bay

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000+07:00

Here's a boat that won't be making it on to the Thailand Liveaboards website, it's a bit of a tub!

I saw this at the weekend while we were eating at Tankae seafood restaurant close to Chalong. If you take the road to Phuket zoo from Chao Fa East Road and drive to the end you come to Palai Seafood Restaurant. There is a pathway from there along the seafront. Park up and walk along the path and pick a restaurant, the food is good in all of them and the prices vary by 20-30 baht per dish. A typical dish is around 120 baht so it's pretty cheap considering the location. After dinner, if it's low tide, you can walk it off and watch the locals collecting crabs and clams in the mud.

Low tide

Can I jump Dad?

Tankae Seafood restaurant

Free rental dive equipment on Oktavia Liveaboard

2012-01-08T13:52:00.000+07:00

MV Oktavia is offering free dive equipment rental for these up coming trips:

Dates: 10-15 Jan: 5 days 5 nights
Diving at: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu.
Price: 25,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear) / 20,300 baht per snorkeler

Dates: 10-12 Jan: 2 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Similan Islands only.
Price: 13,000 baht per diver (incl. dive gear) / 9,000 baht per snorkeler

Dates: 13-15 Jan Dec: 3 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock.
Price: 19,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear) / 15,600 baht per snorkeler

For more info and booking please contact us

MV Oktavia

Last Minute Richelieu Rock Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2012-01-06T01:00:00.002+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 10-13 Jan 2012.

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 10-13 January 2012
Destination: Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 18,900 baht per diver (reduced from 21,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

January Liveaboard Sales

2012-01-03T15:12:00.000+07:00

Happy New Year! Here are some non Thailand special offers for liveaboards in the coming months:

Mermaid II: Feb 25 Bali-Komodo-Maumere - cruise price now includes return airfare to Bali. If guests wish to stay and enjoy the Three Colour Lakes or just chill out, we can help. The airfare offer is valid till their selected return date to Bali.

Mermaid II: cruise with Mermaid II to Sorong. Join the Feb 25 Bali - Komodo - Maumere cruise and then relax on board free of charge as the boat travels from Maumere to Sorong. Enjoy the sights then stay on board for Mar 7 to 15 for an awesome time diving both the north and south of Raja Ampat region. Or join Mermaid in Maumere on March 3 and cruise through - dive Raja Ampat March 7-15 2012 - cost as per Raja Ampat trip cost only.

Mermaid II: Raja Ampat cruises March/April - 10% off

Mermaid II

MV Nautica has a special price for it's up coming Burma trip on 12-20 Jan 2012. Price: 74,880 baht per diver (reduced from 83,200 baht)

Nautica

The following offers are valid until 31 January:

S/Y Philippine Siren Tubbataha 21st - 27th March 2012 – was 1800 Euro 20% off NOW 1440 Euro Sailing from Puerto Princesa the S/Y Philippine Siren brings you to the atolls of Tubbataha and Jessie Beazley reef for opportunity to see many different shark species.

S/Y Indo Siren 23rd May – 2nd June Komodo 2600 Euro less 30% NOW 1820 Euro Departing from & returning to Bima Bay- a macro critter hotspot. This fantastic 10-night tour in Komodo takes you to Sangeang Island, Gili Lawa Laut -Castle & Cannibal rocks, Manta Alley and Nusa Kode. See mantas, reef sharks, schools of fish and creatures galore!

S/Y Maldives Siren Central B 21st - 31st May 2012 – was 2600 Euro 10% off NOW 2340 Euro Departing from Laamu, visiting Thaa, Ari Rasdhoo atolls before ending the 10 night safari in Male. Schools of reef sharks can be sighted in the kandus, whilst whale sharks visit the shallow bays which are excellent for critter hunting too!

S/Y Palau Siren 12th - 22nd February 2013 Palau Islands 10 Nights 2950 Euro less 10% NOW 2655 Euro.From Koror to dive the wrecks, Ulong Channel & Jelly Fish Lake as well as German Channel & Blue Corner. See the Rock Islands & dive with sharks & mantas over superb coral reefs.

SaiMai now has Nitrox. Similans Latest. New Year Availability

2011-12-27T12:50:00.000+07:00

MV SaiMai has added a Nitrox blending system for the benefit of it's divers. A good boat just got better.

MV SaiMai

Updates from the Similan Islands.
Slightly cooler waters than normal seem to have increased sightings of reef sharks in the Similans with lots of white tips and black tips being spotted as well as Leopard sharks. Manta Rays are still at Koh Bon and last week divers on the junk got to swim with dolphins, a very rare event here.

White Tip Reef Shark

See in the new year underwater.
Most boats are fully booked now until after new year. If anyone is looking to get on a boat at the last minute we still have space on Colona VI 29 Dec - 4 Jan.

Colona VI Liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2011-12-21T10:22:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 24-26 December 2011.

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 24-26 December 2011
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 14,900 baht per diver (reduced from 16,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-12-17T12:10:00.000+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 21-25 December 2011.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 21-25 December 2011
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price:
Twin bunk cabins: 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins: Full

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Colona VI

2011-12-14T17:34:00.000+07:00

Colona VI has a last minute price for her trip on 17-21 December 2011.

Boat: MV Colona VI
Dates: 17-21 December 2011 (4 days 4 nights with 14 dives incl. 3 night dives)
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price:
Twin bunk en-suite cabin 28,160 baht per diver (reduced from 35,200 baht)
Master double bed en-suite cabin 29,760 baht per diver (reduced from 37,200 baht)

For more details about MV Colona VI see here

To book contact us

Colona VI Liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV LeMahe

2011-12-12T11:50:00.000+07:00

LeMahe has a last minute price for her trip on 19-23 December 2011.

Boat: MV LeMahe
Dates: 19-23 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin cabin 21,000 baht per diver (reduced from 26,000 baht)

For more details about MV LeMahe see here

To book contact us

LeMahe Liveaboard

Special offer for Burma Liveaboard in January

2011-12-10T01:00:00.001+07:00

MV Nautica has a special price for it's up coming Burma trip on 12 January 2012.

Boat: MV Nautica
Dates: 12-20 Jan 2012
Destination: Burma Mergui Archipelago, Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
Price: 74,880 baht per diver (reduced from 83,200 baht)

The offer is open until 23 December.

To book contact us

Nautica Liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Daranee

2011-12-09T10:09:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee has a last minute price for her trip on 16-19 December 2011.

Boat: MV Daranee
Dates: 16-19 December 2011
Destination: Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price: Twin/Quad bunk cabins 18,900 baht per diver (reduced from 21,400 baht)

For more details about MV Daranee see here

To book contact us

MV Daranee

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-12-09T01:00:00.002+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 16-20 December 2011.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 16-20 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 baht per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2011-12-08T08:52:00.000+07:00

20% Off White Manta

Dates: 9-13 Dec, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: 30,400 baht (reduced from 38,000 baht)
Deluxe en-suite: Full
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Dive Race

2011-12-07T08:10:00.000+07:00

MV Dive Race has a last minute price for her trip on 9-13 December 2011 with 20% Off

Boat: MV Dive Race
Dates: 9-13 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Standard (lower deck) twin bed cabin: 17,600 baht per diver (reduced from 22,000 baht)
Standard (upper deck) twin bed cabin: 18,400 baht per diver (reduced from 23,000 baht)
Deluxe twin twin bed cabin: 20,800 baht per diver (reduced from 26,000 baht)
Master cabin: 23,200 baht per diver (reduced from 29,000 baht)

For more details about MV Dive Race see here

To book contact us

MV Dive Race

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-12-07T01:00:00.001+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 11-15 December 2011.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 11-15 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 baht per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Phuket Snorkeling

2011-12-06T11:17:00.000+07:00

Queen Angelfish

Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Phuket.

As divers we sometimes overlook snorkeling in favour of diving but snorkeling is just as much fun plus it's cheap, easy and suitable for the whole family. There are some excellent places to snorkel at the islands close to Phuket or even from the shore at Phuket's beaches.

Probably the best snorkeling is at the Similan Islands which can be reached by speedboat from Phuket. The water is the clearest and there are lots of shallow reefs full of fish life. Phi Phi Island also makes a great snorkeling day trip from Phuket with the chance to snorkel in the famous Mya Bay and also see monkeys on the beach.

Phuket's beach beaches for independent snorkeling are Kata Beach (south end), Karon Nui beach (le Meridien hotel), Jungle Beach (close to Naiharn beach) and Freedom beach (close to Patong beach).

More info on Phuket snorkeling and Phuket snorkeling tours on our website here

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-12-05T01:00:00.001+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 6-10 December 2011.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 6-10 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 baht per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Free rental dive equipment and Nitrox on Oktavia Liveaboard

2011-12-04T09:47:00.000+07:00

MV Oktavia is offering free dive equipment rental and free nitrox for these up coming trips:

Dates: 5-10 Dec: 5 days 5 nights
Diving at: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu.
Price: 25,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 5-7 Dec: 2 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Similan Islands only.
Price: 13,000 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 8-10 Dec: 3 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock.
Price: 19,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

For more info and booking please contact us

MV Oktavia

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-11-29T01:00:00.001+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 1-5 December 2011.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 1-5 December 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 baht per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Free rental dive equipment on Oktavia Liveaboard

2011-11-28T09:21:00.000+07:00

MV Oktavia is offering free dive equipment rental for these up coming trips:

Dates: 29 Nov - 3 Dec: 5 days 5 nights
Diving at: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu.
Price: 25,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 29 Nov - 1 Dec: 2 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Similan Islands only.
Price: 13,000 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

Dates: 2 - 4 Dec: 3 days 2 nights.
Diving at: Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock.
Price: 19,400 baht per diver (incl. dive gear).

For more info and booking please contact us

MV Oktavia

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2011-11-24T14:32:00.000+07:00

20% Off White Manta

Dates: 29 Nov - 3 Dec, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: 30,400 baht (reduced from 38,000 baht)
Deluxe en-suite: Full
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-11-22T09:17:00.000+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 26-30 November.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 26-30 November 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 baht per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 baht per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Whale Sharks at Similans last week

2011-11-18T14:00:00.001+07:00

As promised here is some footage from last week's trip on The Junk including a pretty large whale shark. The whaleshark appears 4.24mins into the clip. This video was filmed by Randy Travis who is rapidly making a name for himself as a Phuket's top underwater videographer.

If you fancy a trip on the Junk in 2012 you can get a 10% discount by booking 2 months in advance.

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-11-17T08:05:00.000+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 21-25 November.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 21-25 November 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 bah per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins full

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

What is the diving like at the Similans now?

2011-11-16T08:19:00.002+07:00

Divers are always saying stuff to me like, "I'm going on a liveaboard next week, what's the diving like at the moment?"

To see what the Similan's is like right now have a look on the Junk's facebook page. Guests from last week's trip are busy posting their photos and there is some pretty impressive stuff including two whalesharks.

Keith, the long time Junk tourleader commented,

"Came back from the second junk trip of the season at the weekend and what a trip. Great guests, 2 whalesharks, leopard sharks, black-tips, white-tips, turtles, seahorses, ghost pipefish and lots more. If this is anything like the season is going to go it is going to be another great one!"

The Junk is not the only boat seeing cool stuff at the moment. Guests on MV Vilai Samut snorkeled with Brydes whales this week!

Manta Rays at Koh Bon

2011-11-13T16:34:00.001+07:00

Reports are coming in that everyone is seeing Manta Rays at Koh Bon. The video below is from the Junk.

There are also reports of Whale Sharks at Koh Tachai but I haven't got any photographic evidence of that yet. It's lucky to see whalesharks this early in the season, I hope they hang around.

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2011-11-12T17:15:00.001+07:00

20% Off White Manta

Dates: 24-28 November, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: Full
Deluxe en-suite: 28,800 baht (reduced from 36,000 baht)
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

Special offer for Burma Liveaboard

2011-11-08T10:04:00.001+07:00

MV Nautica has a special price for it's up coming Burma trip on 23 November.

Boat: MV Nautica
Dates: 23 Nov - 1 Dec 2011
Destination: Burma Mergui Archipelago, Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai
Price: 59,000 baht per diver (reduced from 83,200 baht)

It's a pretty amazing price. The catch is it's for a booking of 4 divers minimum.

The offer is open until 14 November.

To book contact us

Nautica Liveaboard

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-11-07T09:22:00.001+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her trip on 11-15 November.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 11-15 November 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price:
Twin bunk cabins 22,160 bah per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)
Double bed cabins 26,160 bah per diver (reduced from 32,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV White Manta

2011-11-03T01:00:00.002+07:00

20% Off White Manta

Dates: 9-13 November, 4 days 4 nights
Dives: 14
Destination: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu

Price:
VIP en-suite: 30,400 baht (reduced from 38,000 baht)
Deluxe en-suite: 28,800 baht (reduced from 36,000 baht)
Standard: 22,400 baht (reduced from 28,000 baht)

White Manta details here

To book contact us

White Manta liveaboard

MV SaiMai Promo Video

2011-11-01T15:00:00.001+07:00

Here is a short promo video for the MV SaiMai taken last week on a trip to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa and Phi Phi. The diver is me! The video was shot by Randy Travis, a pro underwater videographer in Phuket.

I was very impressed by the comfort on board Saimai. It really makes a difference being on a small boat with just a few other guests. No crowded dive deck, no hurry, just relaxing cruising and diving. Andreas is an excellent cruise leader and underwater guide who knows exactly when and where to drop in at each dive site. He found us loads of cool stuff underwater including seahorses and ornate ghost pipefish.

The conditions for diving were excellent, if anything they were too good. I would've liked more current at Hin Daeng to attract the mantas but that wasn't to be. Koh Haa diving was superb.

MV Oktavia improvements and itinerary change

2011-10-30T15:00:00.003+07:00

MV Oktavia Liveaboard

The weather in the Andaman sea is perfect at the moment. The sea is flat and the sun is shining. The forecast for November is for more of the same. So with that in mind MV Oktavia have added Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai to their 4 day 4 night trips in early November. Previously these trips were only going to dive Similans and Koh Bon.

The trip dates are 4-8 Nov, 9-13 Nov, 14-18 Nov. All the trips are confirmed and have some space still available. The diver price is 21,500 baht.

I was on Oktavia last week for a look around. She's got an improved dive platform, a shiny new dingy and some new sun loungers. She's been completely repainted and all the soft coverings has been replaced. She's looking good. The crew are the same as last year with Bernie as tour leader.

More Oktavia details here

Phuket Teen Dancercise Contest, Jung Ceylon Patong Beach

2011-10-30T10:22:00.000+07:00

I was in Jung Ceylon shopping centre, Patong Beach with the family yesterday and took a couple of videos of this contest promoted by the Thai Princess as part of her To Be Number One campaign. It seemed to be a contest between schools from all over Thailand and some of them were very good.

Jung Ceylon always has little events going on, I'm sure they'll have something for Halloween tomorrow. There is a nightly sound and light show in the central open air arena and there are loads of good restaurants to eat at in the day and in the evening.

Jung Ceylon also has a cinema with 4D shows, a magic theatre (Joe Conrad the illusionist) and a nightclub (called Famous nightclub). It has it's own brewery (hidden away behind the Junk boat) and a 16 lane bowling alley. It is also attached to the Millenium hotel.

MV Hallelujah Blessed

2011-10-28T15:00:00.003+07:00

MV Hallelujah was blessed by a Buddhist monk on it's relaunch this week.

I hope he prayed for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.

World's largest solar powered boat at Phi Phi dive site

2011-10-27T15:00:00.001+07:00

Turanor. Photo: planetsolar.org

As I surfaced from a dive at Koh Bida Nai on Saturday I saw this beautiful boat, named Turanor, about 100 metres away. It has such a low profile that it was hard to see it from sea level with a slight chop on the water but back on the boat we got a better view.

It's a really impressive looking vessel. Swiss flagged Turanor is 13 months into a round the world voyage that started in Monaco, with the aim of highlighting renewable energy technology. You can get more info at planetsolar.org.

I would love it if all the dive boats here were powered by electric engines, it would be a lot quieter underwater.

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - MV Hallelujah

2011-10-26T17:22:00.000+07:00

MV Hallelujah has a last minute price for her first trip on 1-5 November. Only twin bunk cabins are still available.

Boat: MV Hallelujah
Dates: 1-5 November 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu
Price: 22,700 bah per diver (reduced from 27,700 baht)

For more details about MV Hallelujah see here

To book contact us

MV Hallelujah

10% Off Dive Race 14-18 Nov

2011-10-26T15:11:00.000+07:00

Dive Race is offering 10% off it's first trip of the season for bookings of 2 people or more.

Boat: MV Dive Race
Dates: 14-18 Nov 2011
Destination: Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock
Price:
Master cabin: 26,100 baht per diver (reduced from 29,000 baht per diver)
Deluxe cabin: 23,400 baht per diver (reduced from 26,000 baht per diver)
Standard cabin: 20,700 baht per diver (reduced from 23,000 baht per diver)

To see more details about the boat click here.

To book contact us

MV Dive Race

Phuket Food Shortages and Price Rises

2011-10-26T14:46:00.000+07:00

Tesco Lotus fruit section at 10am this morning

I've just got back from 4 days on a liveaboard so I've been out of touch with the news.

On returning I find that the flooding in Bangkok and central Thailand has got worse and produce supply lines have been disrupted. Phuket residents are stocking up on essentials and shops are struggling to meet the demand.

Tesco Lotus shelves were almost bare this morning for many goods including fresh fruit, rice, bottled drinking water, UHT milk, condensed milk, toilet rolls and babies nappies. Lotus was rationing customers to a maximum three of each item.

Prices are expected to rise for all the items that are in demand. Inflation is already high in Thailand. Expect your holiday beer to cost a bit more this year.

MV Jazz sold and leaving Thailand

2011-10-21T15:00:00.000+07:00

So long and thanks for all the fish

We have just been informed by the owner of MV Jazz that the boat has been sold to a Singaporean group who will take the boat to Singapore where it will be refitted as a tec diving boat for wreck diving.

When I say we were informed I mean we received a brief one paragraph email saying sorry for the inconvenience. No phone call, no prior warning.

Now all the customers who are booked on the Jazz for this season, which starts next week, have to try and find a new liveaboard or completely change their travel plans. Not cool. It's particularly difficult for divers booked on the Burma trips as there is only one other boat diving Burma and the Nautica runs on different dates and is more expensive.

This is frustrating to say the least but it's not the first time and I doubt it'll be the last. Grrr....

Karon Beach today

2011-10-20T15:52:00.000+07:00

On my way back from Scuba Market in Kata I stopped and snapped a few photos of Karon beach. They are not great shots, taken with my phone, but they give an idea of what the weather is like at this time of year. While the rest of Thailand is flooded, Phuket is basking in sunshine.

What I like about Karon beach is that it's very long, great for walking or running on, especially at low tide. You can always find a quiet area of beach away from jet skis if you like. The path along the beach road is also good for strolling along in the evening. It's an uninterrupted path all the way, no need to step on to the road or over drainage holes. That makes a change in Phuket and is especially nice if you are pushing a pushchair. I noticed that the beach road has had the power cables put underground and the road resurfaced in an ongoing beautification project for Karon.

At the north end of the beach near the football stadium are some nice seafood restaurants. They are always busy in the evening. There are also so cheap Thai restaurants further south by Karon Park.

In the high season Phuket Scuba Club have a small set up at the south end of the beach near the Karon Beach Resort. They offer beach dives on the shallow reef there. Or you can do a long tail boat dive to Karon Rock, a submerged rock just offshore.

In the low season when the wind is blowing onshore it's common to see kitesurfers on the water. Swimmers need to take care on Karon in the low season, when strong rip currents can easily overpower the unwary.

In the first week of November this year Karon beach is hosting an international volleyball tournament with the top female teams from around the world competing.

South end of Karon beach restaurants

Karon beach road

To the beach

No lifeguards on duty today

Karon centre

Karon circle

Liveaboard trips this weekend

2011-10-19T15:00:00.021+07:00

The Thailand liveaboard season gets into full swing in about two weeks time but if you are in Phuket or Khao Lak now and you want to go diving, here are two trips departing this weekend:

Mantas are common at Hin Daeng

MV SaiMai
21-25 October
4 days 4 nights 14 dives
Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang

This'll be the first liveaboard to Hin Daeng/Muang this season so it'll be interesting to see if Mantas are there yet. There is one cabin left. If no one books this cabin I'm going to go on this trip so if you want to ruin my weekend...book now.

MV Daranee
22-24 October
3 days 2 nights 9 dives
Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang
16,400 baht per diver

This is a lower budget, shorter trip to Hin Daeng / Hin Muang and Phi Phi Islands. Twin bunk cabins are still available.

Diva Andaman under full sail

2011-10-18T15:00:00.014+07:00

Yannick at Diva Marine just send me these wonderful new images of Diva Andaman under sail in the Andaman Sea. What a beauty!

Nautica Liveaboard announces new prices

2011-10-17T15:00:00.001+07:00

MV Nautica

I posted a while back that Nautica planned to raise prices on 1 October. Well, it took them a bit longer than that but the new management released the new prices today.

Prices are up between 6 and 9 percent! You can see them here. At first sight the price rises seem steep but actually it's just bought them more in line with some of the other boats on the market.

Pre season bookings have been good for Nautica, I think that they have benefited from a gap in the market left by the departure to Indonesia of Queen Scuba, Black Manta, Mermaid I and Mermaid II.

More details about Nautica liveaboard here.

Phuket Sunshine

2011-10-16T13:44:00.000+07:00

Since I posted about the rains last week it's been bright sunshine and clear skies all the way in Phuket.

I took these pictures on Kata beach yesterday. Kata beach is a favourite of our family because it's lined with trees so you can find space in the shade to snooze or have a picnic. I also really like Kata Seafood restaurant at the far south end of the beach for it's good cheap food and great location. Next to the restaurant on the rocks is the tiny Ska Bar which is nice in the evenings. I'm not so keen on the hawkers who now appear every night on the beach selling fireworks to tourists who should have more sense. The paper lanterns are ok but the fireworks make me nervous. More than once I've seen them fall over in the sand and fire off horizontally. But I guess as long as people buy them they'll keep on being sold.

Later as I was driving past Patong beach I stopped to take a couple more snaps (below). The photos don't show it too well but I was surprised how browny green the sea of Patong Bay looked compared to the bright blue water at Kata beach which is only about 15km south.

Phuket Floods

2011-10-13T18:16:00.000+07:00

Rathutid Rd, Patong - Floods every low season

Just a quick post about weather here at the moment because it seems to be what most people are interested in.

I like to tell people that Phuket is an all year round destination, which it is. Usually when it rains in low season we get short sharp tropical downpours that clear quickly.

But it's not like that at the moment, in fact it feels like it's been raining non stop for weeks. Anyone who booked a holiday for the first two weeks of October is going home with less of a tan than when they arrived.

Thailand along with much of South East Asia is experiencing the worst rains for decades and it's causing severe flooding in much of central Thailand. As I write this the ancient city of Ayuthaya, north of Bangkok, is underwater and the floods have reached the outskirts of Bangkok, forcing families to flee their homes and businesses to close.

For anyone with an imminent holiday to Phuket I can tell you that Phuket is not underwater. There have been some flash floods in Patong beach and a couple of other areas. These happen every year and clear quickly. There have been some landslides which are troublesome to those of us that live here, causing traffic delays and pot holing the roads. But from a tourism point of view it's business as normal.

Today has been sunny all day so hopefully the weather Gods are smiling on us again.

October Liveaboard to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Phi Phi

2011-10-10T09:02:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee still has some spaces available on an early Hin Daeng/Hin Muang liveaboard trip departing Phuket on 13 October. It's the first chance to see Hin Daeng/Hin Muang this season, hopefully the manta rays are already there.

Manta Ray at Hin Daeng

Trip details:
Dates: 13-16 Oct 4 days 3 nights
Dives: 14
Dive sites: Phi Phi Islands, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang.
Price per diver: 21,400 baht
Price per snorkeler: 14,900baht

For more details or booking please contact us

Diva Andaman Phang Nga Bay Getaway

2011-10-09T12:12:00.000+07:00

Koh Phak Bia

Diva Andaman has introduced a new cruise for next summer between May and October.

She will still be doing the Phi Phi overnight cruises but will also be doing 4 night trips around Phang Nga Bay. These are non diving cruises that include snorkeling and kayaking. The cruise will first visit Krabi before moving into Phang Nga Bay.

It should be a great trip - Diva Andaman, one of the most beautiful boats in Phuket, sailing in Phang Nga Bay, one of the most beautiful sailing grounds in the world.

Phang Nga Bay Getaway cruise Itinerary:

Diva Andaman

Day 1: Board Diva Andaman in Chalong Bay, Phuket at 1pm for welcome cocktails then cruise 50nm to Koh Dam (Dam island) in Krabi which enjoying dinner on board.
Day 2: The morning is spent at anchor at Koh Dam so plenty of time for snorkeling and kayaking. After lunch cruise 10nm to the famous Koh Hong for an island exploration. More snorkeling and kayaking or just relaxing on the white sand beach.
Day 3: Spend the morning around Koh Hong then cruise the short distance to Koh Phak Bia where the boat will stay for the rest of the day. Relax, swim, snorkel, kayak.
Day 4: While enjoying breakfast cruise to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Anchor at Koh Raya and spend the day exploring the wonderful caves and mangroves of Phang Nga Bay.
Day 5: Enjoy breakfast while cruising through Phang Nga Bay back to Phuket. Disembark at Chalong Bay at around 11am.

More details here: Diva Andaman

Krabi Liveaboards to the Similan Islands

2011-10-05T15:00:00.000+07:00

Krabi-Phuket ferry transfer

We occasionally get asked if there are any liveaboard boats going from Krabi or Ao Nang beach to the Similan Islands. The answer is no, it's a very long way from Krabi to the Similans by boat. However if you are staying in a Krabi resort we can arrange transfers for you so that you can join a Similan liveaboard in either Phuket or Thap Lamu (Khao Lak).

The expensive way to transfer is by private car to Phuket or Thap Lamu pier. The cheaper route is by ferry from Krabi to Rassanda pier in Phuket. From there we will pick you up and either transfer you directly to the boat or take you to our office to away pick up from the dive boat operator.

Most liveaboards to the Similan Islands depart in the evening. So if you take the morning (9am) ferry from Krabi you'll be in Phuket by lunch time after a nice scenic ferry ride past the Phi Phi islands. That'll give you a few hours to relax and look around Phuket before joining your liveaboard boat.

So, don't let the fact that you are in Krabi prevent you from diving the Similans. Ask us about liveaboards with transfers from Krabi.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

2011-10-04T15:14:00.001+07:00

This last week's Phuket Veggie Festival has added colour to an otherwise pretty damp week. While driving around the island there is a good chance that you'll come across a procession of very wet worshippers dressed all in white, some with objects pierced through their faces, others in a possessed, trance like state.

First, this morning I tried to go to Phuket Immigration but was diverted by the festival:

Veggie Festival in Phuket City

Later, driving to Chalong I hit another procession:

Then just up the road from our house in Kathu, an area with a large Chinese Thai community from Phuket's tin mining days, is the Kathu shrine which is central to the festival and has had food stalls selling vegan food all week. I'm not interested in the food. Not only is it vegan, which I am not, but it is also devoid of chilli, garlic, onions and pretty much anything else tasty. It's all about spiritual cleansing apparently. I just like walking around the streets in the evening, soaking up the atmosphere but if you like deep fried tofu you'll love it.

If you want to see some good photos (including the obligatory piercing images) have a look at this excellent Phuket Photo Blog. If you want to see it for yourself you've got one more day, it finishes on 5 October.

Best Phuket Day Trip

2011-09-30T15:00:00.000+07:00

Loi Kratong in Phang Nga Bay

In my opinion the best Phuket (Non Diving) Daytrip is Hong By Starlight by John Grey Sea Canoe.

Phang Nga Bay is a must see for Phuket tourists and one of the best ways to see it is by sea kayak. It's peaceful, non intrusive, eco-friendly and fun. There are a lot of companies running sea kayaking trips but John Grey's operation is still the best. It's the most expensive but this is a case of you get what you pay for.

The trip departs about midday (ish) and returns in the night after dinner on board. You get much more kayaking on this trip and at more places (the cheaper trips often just leave you on a beach in the afternoon) and you also get to see the lagoons at night. The food is excellent and plentiful, the crew are friendly and knowledgeable (Mr John Grey is often on the trips himself).

All in all it's a five star daytrip. More details here

What happens to Phuket Liveaboards in Low Season?

2011-09-27T15:00:00.000+07:00

Dilok Shipyard Phuket

With the Similan liveaboard season running from late October until early May some may wonder what the boats do for the rest of the year.

Liveaboard owners are always looking for a way to earn some revenue during the low season. Every year we receive low season schedules for boats who plan to run trips throughout May-October to the Phi Phi Islands or the Racha Islands. These schedules are often wishful thinking because the boats struggle to find bookings are rarely run more than one or two trips. Diva Andaman has done well with her Racha and Phi Phi trips because they are short and they focus as much on non divers as divers. MV SaiMai has also had several low season charters, at just 6 guests maximum it easier to find enough guests to run. The Junk finds it harder to fill the boat for her low season 6 night trips.

The Junk has another unique way of earning her keep in low season. She has been rented out several times by film crews. She was used in the movie Shanghai which was filmed in Bangkok in 2008. She also starred in The Swiss Family Robinson and a documentary called Das Weisse Gold. This is a great deal for the Junk, production companies pay well and she normally gets a complete repaint out of it.

Some liveaboards are lucky enough to get chartered for the low season. This year Giamani was sailed round to Koh Samui where she was chartered by a group of tec divers. She is returning to Phuket now and will head straight into the ship yard for a spruce up before the Similan season starts.

In previous years Thailand liveaboards spent the Thai low season diving in Komodo or Manado. However with a change of Indonesian regulations, Thai flagged boats are no longer able to operate as liveaboards in Indo. Mermaid 1, Mermaid 2, Black Manta and Queen Scuba therefore all took the decision to leave Thailand and re flag as Indonesian liveaboards.

White Manta in Phuket Shipyard

Most boats just don't run in low season. They get put on the hard stand in Ratanachai or Dilok shipyards. It's a chance for the crews to take a well earned holiday. After 6 months of living aboard many of them go home to their families for a couple of months. Some go and get jobs in other countries. Dive crew go to Bali or Egypt. I know one Thai cook who is currently working on a liveaboard in the Maldives. It's a time for hiring and firing as some crew members quit never to return, some are fired and some are poached by rival boats.

About this time of year the shipyard work starts in earnest as the boats are prepared for the high season. For most that means engine maintenance and a paint job but some boats go through more extensive redesigns and improvements. Nautica has changed her Nitrox membrane system this year. Also, some boats are built, White Manta is new this season, and others change owners. Viking of the Orient will sail as MV Hallelujah this season.

Low season is when a lot of companies decide on their schedules for the next season and schedules tend to change a lot as full charter requests force changes. This year we are seeing an increase in shorter trips and also more emphasis on Surin only trips. MV Daranee is departing from her usual 4 day 4 night format and offering Surin or Similan trips instead. It will be interesting to see if it's popular. Fewer boats are scheduling Burma diving this year. Maybe because of the entry costs or maybe because the sharks have largely been fished out.

New Price for the June Hong Chian Lee Liveaboard

2011-09-23T17:52:00.000+07:00

aka "The Junk"

The Junk under sail

Previously the triple share cabins were the same price as the twin/double cabins but they have been reduced to US$ 1,690 per diver.

Double cabin is US$1,990 per diver
Triple share cabin is US$ 1,690 per diver
Four share cabin is US$ 1,350 per diver

All cabins are en-suite and air conditioned.

Also note that you still have time to get an early booking discount. Book the Junk 6 months in advance and get 15% off, 3 months in advance for 10% and 1 month in advance for 5%.

Patong Beach Kiteboarding

2011-09-19T09:31:00.000+07:00

I was on Patong beach yesterday and I took a few photos to show what the weather is like in Phuket at this time of year. Yesterday was a typical Phuket low season day.

It was fine for most of the day with a nice on-shore breeze. We had a heavy rain shower at about 4pm that lasted about 20 minutes. We watched the rain arriving from out at sea and sheltered under a beer tent. It was good fun, everyone crowded in together.

Those who didn't mind getting wet just stayed out and enjoyed the warm rain, including the kite surfer shown below. He was going for hours and was pretty good, even doing a couple of jumps for me as he went past.

Some people like a deserted beach. I actually like the life on Patong beach. Yesterday there were people swimming, fishing, playing football, running, picnicing etc.

New Special Offers for Phuket Diving

2011-09-15T15:00:00.000+07:00

Our low season early bird offer expires today but a few liveaboards are still offering discounts for booking early:

The Junk Liveaboard

10% off Nautica for bookings before 30 Sept.
15% off The Junk for bookings 6 months in advance.
10% off The Junk for bookings 3 months in advance.
5% off The Junk for bookings 1 month in advance.
5% off Diva Andaman for bookings 6 months in advance.

We've also added a few more specials:

5% discount if you book 3 days of Diving day trips
10% discount if you book 5 days of Diving day trips
5% off a Dive course or Diving day trips if you book a liveaboard with us.
5% discount off your second booking with us.
10% discount off your third booking with us.
10% off Phuket tours if you book Phuket diving with us.

I hope one of these special offers tickles your fancy.

MV SaiMai HinDaeng Liveaboard in October

2011-09-14T20:07:00.000+07:00

MV SaiMai Liveaboard

MV SaiMai has 2 spaces available for:

21-25 October 2011
5 days 4 nights
To Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Haa and Phi Phi Islands

Price: 35,000 baht per diver.

SaiMai is a great small liveaboard taking just 6 divers max. There are very few liveaboards running in October and this should be a good trip. If the spaces don't get filled I might go myself.

MV Hallelujah Similan Liveaboard

2011-09-12T10:33:00.000+07:00

New for the coming 2011/12 Similan dive season is MV Hallelujah. Previously known as Viking of the Orient she is now being operated by the West Coast team who have years of experience running their Explorer fleet of liveaboards to the Similans, Koh Bon and Richelieu Rock.

Hallelujah is a big boat, 35m long with a steel hull and twin 450hp engines. She's currently in the shipyard here in Phuket having the final stages of her refurbishment. We'll get a good look at her next month and will post more photos on this blog then.

She should be a popular boat at 27,700 baht per diver in a twin bed cabin. That's good value for such a nice vessel. Hallelujah will take 24 guests in twin and double en-suite cabins. There are only 2 double bed cabins and these will be the first to sell out.

MV Hallelujah

MV Hallelujah saloon

Early Bird Discounts Ending Soon

2011-09-05T19:51:00.000+07:00

Save Money Diving

Just a quick reminder that our early bird special offer on Thailand liveaboards will expire on 15 September. That's just 10 days away.

If you want to get 10% off a Thailand liveaboard for the coming high season book before 15 September and pay in full.

Details here

Price changes and more from MV Nautica

2011-08-31T08:01:00.000+07:00

MV Nautica Dive Deck

MV Nautica is currently having it's annual refurbishments so that come the start of the Similan Islands and Mergui Archipelago dive season it will be all shiny and new.

The Nitrox system is being improved. The new membrane system will be able to produce unlimited Nitrox up to EAN38.

Also being added is a large HD display for viewing and editing your underwater images.

Nautica will also be raising liveaboard prices on 1 October 2011. Any trips booked before 1 October will still be at the old price. Also, any trips paid for in full before 1 October will receive a 10% early booking discount.

To see the Nautica schedule click here.

What to do in Phuket if it's raining

2011-08-28T15:00:00.002+07:00

It's still raining in Phuket. Low season has finally arrived and some tourists may be wondering what to do when laying on a beach chair is out of the question.

Bangla Road Patong Flooded

A few Phuket rainy day suggestions:

Go to the Cinema. Latest movies are on show at Jung Ceylon in Patong Beach, Central Festival or in Phuket Town (close to Robinsons).
Go Bowling. Rock and bowl in Patong is the best.
Shop 'til you drop. Central Festival and Jung Ceylon are always busier when it's raining. Or you could visit a gem factory and buy something expensive and shiny.
Visit Museums. Try the Phuket Tin Mining Museum in Kathu or Thai Hua museum on Ranong Road in Phuket Town.
Take a Thai Cookery Class. Learn to cook delicious Thai food. (If you are interested in this let me know, I know the perfect cook to teach you real Thai dishes).
Pamper Yourself with a Spa treatment. Phuket has a wealth of luxury spa's. Or you can just enjoy a traditional Thai massage at one of the many massage shops all over the island.
Visit temples. The biggest on Phuket is Wat Chalong but there are many others. Hire a taxi to take you around.
Fire some rounds at a shooting range. There is one in Chalong and one in Kathu. Or there is laser shooting in Jung Ceylon mall.
Eat and Drink. Sit in a bar or restaurant and watch the rain while you eat and drink yourself silly. Pick a restaurant on the water front and watch the waves of rain poor in. Relax with a book, listening to the sound of the rain on the roof. Or find a bar by the road and people watch.

Phuket Massage

The above list is all ideas which involve keeping dry but you could also take the opposite approach and revel in the water:

Go swimming. Hit the beach even though it's raining or visit Splash Jungle water park in Mai Khao beach.
Go diving. It's more or less the same underwater whether it's raining or not.
Go mountain biking or ATV riding. Ride around in the glorious mud.
Wakeboarding. Kathu has a cableski lake that is a great way to pass a wet afternoon.

Phuket Mountain Biking in the Rain

A few things not to do in Phuket when it's raining in low season:

Moan that it's raining and there's nothing to do. You booked to come at this time of year so just deal with it. Phuket is still a fun place whatever the weather.
Ride a motorbike while holding an umbrella. The locals are pretty good at it but I wouldn't recommend riding one handed in the rain. If you are going to ride a motorbike/scooter/moped on Phuket's flooded roads watch out for splashes from passing cars, potholes hidden under water and mud slides on the road that will stop you dead and send you over the bars, I know this from personal experience. I also know that it's hard to kick start a bike if the kick start is under water, your flip flops fall off and float away!
Drown. I don't know the exact numbers but I reckon about one tourist per week drowns off Phuket's beaches in low season. These are often weak swimmers or drunks but there are certain beaches with strong rip tides that can catch anyone out. In front of Hilton Arcadia on Karon beach is a notorious location and beach lifeguards are not normally present.
Get electrocuted. Thailand's electricity safety standards are poor. Every year tourists are electrocuted. Just this week a 20 year old Brit died in Patong when he somehow touched a submerged plug socked in Patong. Be careful.

Is this Phuket's busiest ever low season?

2011-08-27T14:55:00.000+07:00

Phuket surfing is popular in low season

I was on Patong beach a few times last week. It was busy. Not high season busy but it certainly didn't feel like low season. There were two rows of sun loungers along much of the beach and at one time I saw 5 speedboats pulling parasailers. I remember just a few years ago the the beach chair owners would pack their loungers away for the low season and not return to the beach until mid October.

It's not just Patong beach either. Kata beach is also alive with tourists. There are quite a few surfers and body boarders enjoying the small waves. NaiYang beach is busy with kiteboarders. The beaches are really clean too. In previous low seasons I have bemoaned the amount of plastic garbage that washes up on the west coast beaches but it's not there at the moment, the beaches are spotless and the sea is a pleasure to swim in. I'm not sure who's doing the cleaning but it's working.

Back in Patong, which is after all the main tourist area, the Jung Ceylon shopping mall is packed in the day and the little strip of restaurants in there is busy at night. On Bangla road, the main bar strip in Patong, Tiger complex was full at 3am last Saturday. I mean full, even the bars right at the back. I remember being in there last August and it being nowhere near as busy.

Tiger bars, Bagla Road, Patong. Always popular

We keep being told that the global down turn is stopping people from travelling and that the strength of the baht is keeping people away but that's not what I'm seeing on the ground. May be it's the changing demographics of the Phuket tourist? More and more tourists are coming from Asia with it's booming economy and Australia with it's strong currency. We are seeing lots of Koreans, Indians and Russians at the moment. In July and August we've had plenty of Italian and Spanish customers as we always do at this time but in general there are fewer Brits, Europeans and Americans.

Dive boats are also going out full at the moment. I would normally tell people that the dive boats are less busy in low season but with fewer boats running at this time of year the ones that are running are taking advantage and cramming them in. It's the same on the Sea Canoe day trips which are also going out full every day.

Phi Phi island is also full, we can't book rooms in hotels at the moment, we've heard of backpackers sleeping on the beach.

The excellent weather for the first three weeks of the month have made Phuket feel like it's still the main tourist season to me. Tourists arriving at the start of August have had bargain hotel deals and high season weather, they were lucky. The weather has changed now though, it's been raining more or less continuously since Wednesday with flash flooding throughout Phuket. Tourists who arrived this week will not be so happy with their timing (apart from some of the Middle Eastern tourists who like the novelty of rain).

Phuket truly now feels like a year round destination. The weekends are even busier with Thai tourists coming in from off the island and expats from KL, Hong Kong and Singapore popping over for a short break.

Thai Driving License Renewal in Phuket

2011-08-27T14:37:00.001+07:00

Phuket Land Transport Office

Last Wednesday I renewed my 5 year Thai driving license for a new 5 year license. The requirements and process seems to change from year to year so I thought I'd let you know what the system is at this time.

Go to the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office in Phuket Town on Rattanakosin Song Roi Pee Road at 8.30am Monday to Friday. There's not much point in getting there early as no-one really forms an orderly queue but just pushes in when the doors open.

Those applying for a new license will be directed straight through to the eye test room. Those renewing a license should show their papers at the information table and she will collate them with the necessary form and then send you to the eye test room to the right.

Papers you need:
One copy of passport signed
One copy of visa and entry stamp signed
Proof of address which you can get from the Immigration office

Eye test

Your old license

On entering the eye test room place your papers in the tray. There is a short video showing what the three eye tests are. This was shown to us three times. There was then a 5 minute presentation in Thai explaining why we couldn't do those tests but would do others. The first test is an emergency stop test. Hit the break before the green lights hit 75. It's easy to do. Then second test is a colour blindness test. Pick the numbers out of the patterns like the photo here. The whole process takes about one minute. You then sign your name in the book and wait for the next stage in the process, the road safety video.

The Road Safety Video is shown upstairs on the second floor at 10am (we were told 10.30am but it started at 10am). You are free to leave the building while you wait. The video lasts one hour and covers 16 areas of the Thai highway code. It's a bit of a drag but there are some laughs in there because the laws stated will not exactly gel with your experiences of driving here.

As soon as the video finished head down stairs to the counter and tell them that it's finished. They will give you your papers back and a queuing ticket to get your photo taken. This is also where you pay the renewal fee (255 baht for bike license, 505 baht for car license).

Next step around the corner to the photographers booth, put your papers in her tray and sit on the benches and wait. She will call you to have your photo taken and a minute later you'll have your new plastic license in a little plastic wallet. Hand over another 110 baht and be on your way. I was finished and out of there by 11.30am.

Tips.

Do your car and bike licenses together to save time.
You can do the test three months before or three months after the expiry date. Licenses always expire on your birthday and a 5 year license will run 5 years from your next birthday. So by doing the test just after your birthday and the expiry date you get almost 6 years instead of 5.

Mini Break from Phuket - Chiang Mai

2011-08-23T12:14:00.000+07:00

If you haven't already visited Chiang Mai I highly recommend it. You can fly there from Phuket with Air Asia or Thai Air.

Why visit Chiang Mai?

Mae Sai Elephant Camp Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai City, located 700km north west of Bangkok and 300m above sea level in Northern Thailand offers a great addition to a Thailand beach holiday. It gives a glimpse of a different type of Thailand and it’s easy to meet local Thai’s, many of whom study at the 10 universities in the area. The people of Chiang Mai are proud of their city and its history as a separate Kingdom before Siam was unified.

Overlooked from the west by Doi Suthep mountain (1676m), Chiang Mai's atmosphere is softer and more relaxed than the southern beaches and Bangkok. There is a spiritual and cultural ambiance to Chiang Mai which is a cultural, religious hub for Thailand. The city is doing a good job of combining its historical identity as an ancient Lanna Kingdom with a new vibrancy of a modern city.

Prices are cheap in Chiang Mai too. A fruit shake that costs 60 baht in Phuket costs 25 baht in Chiang Mai. A massage that costs 300 baht in Phuket is 180 baht in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai has beautiful Lanna architecture that can be seen in both old and new buildings. The countryside is also beautiful and you don't have to get too far out of the city to escape civilization and enter the jungle.

Chat with a Monk in Chiang Mai

The walled old town has 121 temples open to the public and can be explored on foot although tuk tuks are pretty inexpensive too and it's really worth getting an English speaking TAT guide to explain the cultural significance's to you.

There are plenty of nearby day trips or longer excursions to keep you busy from short elephant treks to longer treks into hill tribe villages. Chiang Mai is the gateway to local hill tribe villages of Karen and Mon ethnicities. Adventure sports like rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking and micro lighting are also popular.

Many people do no tours at all but just come to soak up the ambiance. Make sure that you include a Sunday in your itinerary so that you can enjoy walking street market on Sunday evenings which is full of stalls selling handicrafts and artwork as well as hundreds of food stalls.

Less energetic activities include cruising down the Mae Ping River, spa treatments at the numerous luxury spas or just enjoy a foot massage at one of the street side stalls.

The night bazaar (every night) in the centre of town is also hugely popular and the many restaurants that specialize in Northern Thai food are not to be missed. There are a few bars in town but Chiang Mai is not a party town like the beach resorts are.

Chiang Mai and the surrounding area is also a good place to shop for Thai antiques, art and teak furniture. Phuket residents can save themselves a fortune by buying their house furniture in the north and shipping it down to Phuket.

Chiang Mai is a useful staging post for trips further north to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle or onto Laos, Burma and Cambodia.

Chiang Mai temple

When to go:

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are October to February when the weather is dry and at it’s coolest although Chiang Mai can be visited year round. October to December are the best months for trekking when the sky is clear, the mountains are green and there is less humidity. By March and April the humidity is much higher and the long sunny season has dried out the countryside. These are also the months that farmers burn off their fields which can leave the air hazy. May to September is the rainy season with September statistically the wettest month.

If you are coming in November try to plan your trip around the Loy Kratong festival which is held on the November full moon. If you are coming in April try to plan your trip around 13 April for the Thai New Year festival called Songkran (book your flights and hotel early for this). Northern Thailand celebrates Songkran for longer than the south of the country.

Where to Stay

Yaang Come Village

For a short visit stay in the central area close to the night bazaar. From this area you can easily walk to the old walled city. This is also the best place for restaurants, bars and shopping. Most daytrip attractions are less than one hours drive from this area. There is the full range of accommodation available in this area from 250 baht per night backpacker rooms up to luxurious 5 star hotels (ask us if you want recommendations).

The university area just outside the old town about 5 minutes drive from the night bazaar. It's a popular with travelers staying for extended periods or with ex pat residents and students. The area has plenty of trendy bars, restaurants and live music venues.

There are numerous small boutique hotels scattered around the surrounding countryside. Many are designed in the traditional Lanna style and are very beautiful. If you are looking for get away from it all tranquility these resorts are for you.

I stayed at the Centara Duangtawan which I booked with Agoda. It's a good value 3 star hotel in a great central location for the night bazaar, the old town and the nearby bars. If you want something more upmarket but still central try the Dusit D2. My mum stayed at the Dusit D2 and absolutely loved it. The Yaang Come Village is a beautiful boutique resort built in the Lanna style and just a short walk from the night bazaar.

Chiang Mai Nightlife:

Although there are a few beer bars in Chiang Mai this is not a party town, the atmosphere is more laid back. There are a few bars on Loi Kroh road and a few trendy cafes and bars in the university area.

My favourite night time venue was The Riverside bar and restaurant. They have 3 live bands each night, a mix of Thai and Western music. The food is good and so is the location on the river bank. When I was there the crowd was mostly Thai students and workers plus a few expats and a few tourists. It has a really great atmosphere. In the busy season it may be necessary to book a table in advance if you want to eat there.

Tiger Kingdom Chiang Mai

Mae Ping River at Baan Suan Restuarant

Baan Suan Restaurant

A Good Phuket Diving Dentist

2011-08-18T11:54:00.000+07:00

Entrance

I know lots of divers who are nervous about visiting the dentist. None of like the dentist much but for divers there is the added fear of trapped air pockets under fillings that could later lead to pain underwater.

I therefore thought I'd recommend my Phuket dentist who is a diver himself. He was recommended to me by a friend, Mick, previously tourleader on The Junk liveaboard.

City Park Dental Clinic is on Phang Nga Road in Phuket City opposite the Royal Phuket City Hotel and close to Phuket bus terminal. It's a small, well established clinic with all the facilities that you would expect.

Dr.Veranit Haycharoensri (Dr Nid) is experienced, speaks perfect English and is very friendly. He is also a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer.

Phuket Diving by Speed Boat

2011-08-15T09:55:00.000+07:00

Speedboat Diving

I've just added a page to ThailandLiveaboards.com website for private dive boat charter as more and more groups are asking for the option of chartering a boat privately.

Private charters appeal to groups of friends, families and companies. Private charters are ideal if you have a mix of divers and non divers who want to do different activities. They also suit travelers with tight time frames and those who want to avoid the masses.

What type of charter boat you choose will depend on your requirements. All the liveaboards on our website are available for charter if you book early enough. We are now also offering speedboats for daily diving (and non diving) charter. Speedboats are a great way to dive in the high season when the sea is flat. You get to the dive sites quicker so spend more time enjoying the area.

For example, a slow dive boat to Phi Phi takes three hours to get there and three hours to get back. So that gives enough time in Phi Phi to do two dives. A speedboat takes 45 minutes to get there so as well as doing 2 dives you can also visit Maya Bay, feed the monkeys on Monkey Beach and enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch on a private beach.

Our private speedboat charters are flexible enough to fit around your requirements. Check out the charter page for prices or email me for a quote.

Discounts on Komodo Liveaboards August - October

2011-08-13T17:53:00.000+07:00

Black Manta has a couple of special offers for last minute bookings on their Komodo liveaboards:

Black Manta Komodo Liveaboard

24-30 August 2011
7 days 6 nights Labuan Bajo - Komodo - Labuan Bajo
20 dives
Normal Price US$1,875
Discounted Price US$1,500

30 September - 4 October 2011

5 days 5 nights Labuan Bajo - Komodo - Labuan Bajo

13 dives

Normal Price US$1,375

Discounted Price US$965 plus FREE Nitrox (worth US$120)

More details here: Black Manta Komodo Liveaboard

Where to stay if you are diving Phuket

2011-08-10T15:00:00.000+07:00

Phuket daytrip dives depart from:

Chalong Bay for Phi Phi Islands, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Koh Doc Mai, Racha Yai and Racha Noi diving. (Year Round).

Thap Lamu (Khao Lak) for Similan Islands and Koh Bon diving. (November to April)

With this in mind look at the map of Phuket here. Chalong Bay is in the south east of the island. Thap Lamu is one hour drive north of the island (not shown on this map).

For diving day trips departing from Chalong Bay. Most dive operators start picking up at their divers at Patong hotels. They then travel south to Karon, then Kata, then across to Chalong Bay. They do not pick up in other locations without special arrangement and extra charges.

Staying north of Patong beach is not ideal if you plan to be diving from Chalong Bay. There are some dive centres that will transfer you from Kamala but you'll spend more time in a minibus than if you stay at, say, Kata beach.

For diving daytrips to the Similans and Koh Bon from Thap Lamu. Transfers start in the south of the island at about 6am and work their way north up the west coast so in this case staying up near the airport in somewhere like NaiYang beach is better.

Phuket Town is not a good location for divers. Dive companies don't like going there. Koh Maphrao (Coconut Island) is also off the transfer route, as are Thalang, Mission Hills, Cape Yamu, Ao Por. You will need to arrange a private taxi if you stay in one of these locations. Most companies also charge extra for pick ups in Rawai, Naiharn, Ao Yon, Cape Panwa.

I understand that there are many other factors that go into picking your hotel location other than diving but it certainly bears thinking about if you plan on doing a few diving day trips.

Divers staying in Khao Lak also need to be careful with locations. Khao Lak is rather stretched out and some resorts are miles from the Thap Lamu boat pier and an extra fee for transfers may be charged.

Another issue is that some resorts that are actually off Phuket Island still advertise themselves as Phuket even though they are in Phang Nga. Khok Kloi resorts are an example of this. Some resorts advertise themselves as Khao Lak even though they are in Thai Muang or further.

If in doubt please contact us and we'll advise the best location for you.

Mai Khao Beach Phuket

2011-08-09T10:17:00.002+07:00

I was up around Mai Khao beach this weekend so I took a few photos to post here. I want to blog about it to divers because we are receiving more and more enquiries from divers who have booked a hotel in Mai Khao beach only to realise that it's miles from anywhere.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, August 2011

MaiKhao is on the north west coast of Phuket Island, north of Phuket airport and just south of the Sarasin Bridge. It takes about one hour to get to Chalong pier which is where most of the Phuket day trip dive boats depart from. Divers who stay in the south of Phuket get picked up and transferred to the dive boats in Chalong free of charge. Divers staying in MaiKhao beach will be asked for an extra taxi fare which could be as much as 1000 baht (US$30) each way.

For Similan diving day trips or liveaboards, Mai Khao is ok. Most companies will collect you on the way to Thap Lamu pier (Khao Lak). But that's only for diving from November to April. If you are staying in Mai Khao in the off season from May to October and you want to dive you must be prepared to pay extra and have a long transfer. This seems to come as a surprise to many divers who thought they were getting a great deal on low season hotel rates only to realise that they are now trapped in an exclusive resort with exclusive prices.

In fact getting anywhere from Mai Khao beach is going cost you big, the taxi drivers have you pretty much captive there unless you hire your own car. If you fancy an evening out in Patong beach it will take about 50 minutes and cost about 1000 baht, probably more coming back late at night.

On the plus side, Mai Khao beach itself is beautiful. It's a very long, almost deserted stretch of sand edged by casuarina trees. There are some fine resorts on Mai Khao including the JW Marriott. Where as Naiyang beach a little further south is maintaining a low key vibe, Mai Khao is becoming the luxury 5 star resort area of Phuket to rival Laguna Phuket. More chain hotels are opening, the Holiday Inn will be finished soon. There are some large luxury condo resorts like West Sands and the JW Marriott Vacation club (time share). There is a water park called Splash Jungle that looked empty when I saw it. I'm not surprised when it's 1495 baht for adults (750 baht kids) and the beach is just down the road. There is also a Turtle Village shopping mall if you enjoy paying inflated prices for your tourist souvenirs.

So in summary, it's not that I don't like the beach itself, it's just that I think the location is too remote, particularly for Phuket divers. I will post more shortly on the best locations to stay if you are diving in Phuket.

Nice place for a picnic

Looking south down Mai Khao Beach

Looking north, it goes for miles

This lagoon is just behind the beach.
There is a small road circling it which makes for a
nice walk or bike ride.

Turtle Village shopping Mai Khao

Image from splashjunglewaterpark.com

Mai Khao Beach Splash Jungle water park

Down this track are some nice basic beach side bungalows
but the slightly odd owner wouldn't let me photograph.
Also there is a large hotel being constructed right next door.

Pretty

Not so pretty

Mai Khao

Backpacker Liveaboards in Khao Lak

2011-08-08T15:00:00.000+07:00

Nangnuan budget liveaboard

We've just added three more liveaboards to ThailandLiveaboards.com. All three boats fall in the budget category and are popular with packpackers. All three boats depart from Khao Lak (we can arrange transfers if you are staying in Phuket).

There are a lot of lower budget dive boats departing from Khao Lak. New ones come and go all the time so it's hard to keep a check on quality. So we have chosen three boats from a long standing Khao Lak dive centre with a good reputation. We sold these boats last year on our KhaoLakLiveaboards website and got good feedback.

These liveaboards are great value. The prices include a full set of dive equipment (including dive computer). To book you just need to pay a 20% deposit. You can pay the balance when you arrive in Khao Lak.

MV Andaman does 4 day 4 night trips (13 dives) to Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock for 17,900 baht per diver (incl. equipment).

MV Mariner One offers 3 day 3 night trips (9 dives) for 15,300 baht per diver (incl. equipment). You can choose the Similan Koh Bon itinerary or the Surin, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Itinerary. Or combine both trips for just 26,900 baht.

MV Nangnuan is the real budget boat. There aren't many boats left like this. She's small and has no cabins. She takes just 8 dives who sleep on mats on the covered upper deck. Facilities are basic but everyone comes back happy from these trips. It's a friendly, fun boat and the diving is the same great Similan diving as on the fancier boats. Nangnuan does 3 day 2 night trips (9 dives) to Similan and Koh Bon for 11,900 baht per diver (including equipment). It's often necessary to book Nangnuan early because she only has 8 spaces available.

For a full list of our Similan liveaboards departing from Khao Lak and Phuket look here.

New Liveaboard - MV Oktavia

2011-08-06T15:00:00.001+07:00

Oktavia Liveaboard sailing into the sunset

Ok, not a new liveaboard for the Similan Islands, Oktavia has been running successfully for 3 seasons, but a new addition to the ThailandLiveaboards.com portfolio.

Why have we added Oktavia? The short answer is that we kept hearing such good things about the boat and the whole operation in Khao Lak. As we dug a little deeper we found that Oktavia does the basics very well and does somethings differently (and better) than other comparably priced boats.

We like the itinerary options. A choice of Similan Islands numbers 4-8 for 2 days or Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock for 3 days or Similan Islands 1-9 plus Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock for 5 days
We like that guests get a good night's sleep on the first night with the boat on a mooring with the engines off, not motoring to the Similans.
We like that all are welcome on board. Men, women, singles, couples, old, young and also kids. Oktavia is a very child friendly dive boat. This won't appeal to everyone but there are diving and snorkeling families out there who will be welcomed on board Oktavia in a way that they are not on other liveaboards. The owner couple of Oktavia are on most trips and in our experience this improves the level of service.
We like that all are treated equally on board Oktavia. Snorkelers and non divers are catered for as well as divers. There are 4 dedicated snorkeling excursions per day with snorkeling guides and snorkeling briefings. There are trips to the beach, beach football, nature walks and more.
We like that despite being a big boat (29.5m), Oktavia takes a maximum of 20 guests. Actually she has capacity for more but chooses not to pile 'em high. There is loads of space on Oktavia both in the cabins and on the upper deck and sundeck. Being a big, wide and heavy vessel also keeps Oktavia stable in the water.
We like that Oktavia is generous to solo divers/guests who want a private cabin. Oktavia charges just 33% single supplement whereas most lifeaboards charge 80-90%.
We like that Oktavia teaches all levels of PADI dive courses on the boat. Non divers can try an intro dive or can get fully certified as PADI Open Water. Most liveaboards do not offer PADI certification in the Similan Islands so this is a plus.

Oktavia departs from Thap Lamu pier, Khao Lak. We can arrange transfers to Khao Lak for Phuket based divers. For more details about Oktavia schedules and Prices see here.

Relaxing between dives onboard Oktavia

Similan beaches have really white sand...

...and really clear water

Wonder how many attempts to get this shot?

Rak maak

Did he jump or was he pushed?

Too many Singha's last night?

Back from the beach

Thumbs up

Nature walk on Similan Island 4

Filling in logbooks?

Happy families

Welcome all, young and old

Catching fish between Khao Lak and Similans

Happy fisherman

Reel fun

Boat captains look younger every year

Giamani now taking just 12 Divers

2011-08-05T16:04:00.000+07:00

Giamani Liveaboard

For the 2011/12 Thailand liveaboard season Giamani is only taking 12 divers instead of 16 as before. Previously the Deluxe double cabins could be used as triples (the cabins have a double bed plus a drop down bunk). From this season these cabins will only be sold as double or twin berths (not triples). Giamani has 4 Deluxe Double/Twin cabins plus 2 Standard twin cabins for a total of 12 berths.

Personally I much prefer diving on a liveaboard with a small group of divers, rather than a factory style dive boat that pours divers onto a reef like bycatch from a fishing trawler.

Giamani has scheduled trips to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock as well as south Andaman trips to Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Phi Phi and Koh Haa.

Although Giamani has no trips scheduled for Burma's Mergui archipelago this season, she is still registered to dive in Myanmar waters and can be chartered by a group wanting to dive Burma.

Nai Yang Beach Phuket

2011-08-04T10:38:00.000+07:00

I was up around Nai Yang beach yesterday so I took a few photos to show why it's one of my favourite beaches these days. As Phuket gets more developed NaiYang beach is managing to maintain a chilled out feel. There are parts of the beach where you can hire a sun lounger and umbrella but much of the beach is left empty. There are no jet ski's to disturb the peace, just long tail boats used by local fishermen. You can enjoy a beach side massage or have a snack at one of several small beach restaurants.

The southern end of the beach is the busiest with restaurants, chill out bars and a couple of kite surfing schools that operate during the north west monsoon (May to October). At the northern end the beach brushes up against Sirinath National Park and small bamboo restaurants sit under the shade of the casuarina trees.

NaiYang beach is located a few minutes south of Phuket airport on the north west coast of Phuket Island. From November to May (the Thailand dive liveaboard season) Nai Yang beach can be a good place to stay before trips to the Similan Islands or before early flight departures from Phuket. From May to October when all Phuket diving is done from Chalong Bay I would not recommend Phuket daytrip divers to stay in NaiYang because it's too far from the boat pier and most dive centres will charge extra for the transfer.

You don't have to pay a national park entrance fee to go on NaiYang beach

NaiYang beach front restaurants

Another terrible low season day in Phuket ;)

Kitesurfing is very popular at NaiYang beach

NaiYang beach main street

Walk north on NaiYang beach and you'll have the beach to yourself

North end of NaiYang beach looking south

Tasty Thai food served at these small NaiYang beach restaurants

NaiYang beachside salas

Diving with a whale shark at Phuket Shark Point

2011-08-02T09:33:00.000+07:00

Thanks to Sophie for sending me these pics that she took from the SaiMai on 16 July. The group spent most of the dive at Shark Point with this whale shark and then snorkeled with it after the dive. One of those special diving days that you never forget.

10% off Liveaboards for Early Bookings

2011-08-01T15:00:00.004+07:00

Over the past few days I've been in a bit of a posting frenzy, ranting on about the coming Similan diving season and the need to book your liveaboard before all the trips are booked up.

As an encouragement to do just that we are offering a 10% discount for any bookings made before 15 September.

Details off the offer are here: Early Bird Special Offer

or just email me at info@thailandliveaboards.com

Last Minute Similan Liveaboard - Maybe not

2011-07-31T15:00:00.000+07:00

As already posted there are fewer liveaboards going to the Similans and Burma this season. So I don't expect to see so many last minute offers this year.

Over the last few seasons canny divers who visit Phuket and Khao Lak regularly have come to know that it's quite possible to wait until the last minute to book your dive liveaboard and benefit from 10-20% last minute discount.

With fewer boats around this year (especially mid range) and booming pre-season bookings we expect to see far fewer discounts on offer. Some dive boat operators have even told us that they will not be offering last minute prices this year as a matter of policy.

There will always be spaces on low budget boats as long as you are a little flexible on your dates but if you have fixed dates, particularly at the height of the Phuket tourist season, we recommend booking soon to be safe.

Fewer Burma Liveaboards this season

2011-07-30T15:00:00.000+07:00

Nautica Liveaboard to Burma

As well as there being fewer Similan liveaboards for this coming season there are also far fewer boats planning to dive Burma. Mermaid 1 has moved onto Indonesia. Saimai, FahYai and Giamani all plan to stay in Thai waters (except for private charters). So that leaves us with just MV Jazz (low budget Burma liveaboard) and Nautica (high budget Burma liveaboard) with set schedules for Burma next year.

The reputation of Burma diving has suffered in recent years. Burma used to be a destination for big sharks but most of those have been fished out now. Marketers selling Burma liveaboards on the promise of shark diving are deceiving their customers but that isn't to say that Burma diving is no good. Burma diving is excellent with amazing critter life, probably just as good as Indonesia diving. And it's not all small stuff. There are still a few sharks around, plus manta rays and if you are lucky squadrons of mobula rays. Plus on a Burma liveaboard that departs from Phuket you also get to dive the best of the Similans, Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon along the way.

One of the great things about Burma diving is that you are almost alone among the thousands of islands of the Mergui Archipelago. That will be even more true this season.

More info about Burma Liveaboards here
More info about Burma Dive sites here

Fewer Similan Liveaboards this year

2011-07-29T15:00:00.001+07:00

Yesterday I wrote that Black Manta liveaboard is now diving in Indonesia not Thailand. She is not the only boat that has made the move. Also changing destinations are Queen Scuba, Mermaid 1 and Mermaid 2.

Why have these liveaboards moved from Phuket to Indonesia? For the past several years these dive boats were flagged in Thailand and dived the Similan Islands from November to May. During the Similan off season the boats would sail down to Bali and dive Komodo, returning to Phuket again in November for the new season. That was until the Indonesian government changed the law. They now require all liveaboards operating in Indonesia to sail with an Indonesian flag. So with Komodo and Raja Ampat diving becoming increasing popular with traveling divers all these boats decided to relocate permanently to Indonesia.

There are several implications to this move and it's going to be interesting to see how it all plays out. The competition for divers in Indo has now increased massively. The traditional Indonesian dive operators really didn't like the Thai flagged boats diving Komodo for five months of the year so I reckon they are a bit worried now that four more big and well run dive boats are going to be competing with them year round. (This is a case of be careful what you wish for as it was the Indonesian operators who lobbied the Indonesia government to only allow Indonesian flagged boats).

Pawara liveaboard - set for a good season in the Similans

A question in my mind is whether there is a big enough market for all these dive boats in Indonesia. I can see that the Komodo bookings are good but Raja Ampat is a different story. Sorong, Ambon, Alor are all harder places to get to than Phuket or Bali. More flights are involved on hard to book Indonesian airlines. Raja Ampat trips tend to be long and therefore only of interest to really dedicated divers. This is not the case with Phuket liveaboards which are usually just 4 days 4 nights but can be as short as one night. There is a much bigger market for short dive trips with more casual divers in Phuket and Khao Lak. Thailand also has so much more to offer traveling divers besides just diving. Certainly there are lots of dedicated divers around, especially in Asia and the diving is superb, especially for underwater photographers but only time will tell if all these new boats can make a success of Raja Ampat or if some will fall away.

What does this mean for Similan Islands Diving? The first thing to say is that the boats haven't left Thailand because of the quality of the diving. All the dive operators are committed to Thailand are have plans to build newer, better boats for the Similan Islands. However as yet only one operator has done so with the introduction of White Manta into the Similan liveaboard market.

So for this season at least we will be seeing fewer dive boats in the Similan Islands. This is especially true of the mid price range boats. This will benefit the boats that remain. I expect Pawara to have a very good season, as well as Giamani and Scuba Explorer.

There are still plenty of budget Similan liveaboards available, particularly departing from Khao Lak but divers wanting a mid range liveaboard with double bed cabins, en-suite cabins, nitrox, hot water showers etc need to think about booking earlier this year to avoid being disappointed. This especially applies around Christmas, New Year, Easter and Golden Week busy periods. We are already struggling to find spaces over Christmas.

20% Discounts on Indonesia Diving

2011-07-28T15:00:00.001+07:00

Black Manta Liveaboard - Previously in Thailand, now in Indonesia

Black Manta was one of our favourite Phuket dive boats over the last few years but this year she has changed flags and now sails and dives in Indonesia. She is one of several liveaboards that have left Phuket this year (more on this in a future post) and we wish her well. The Komodo trips from August to October are filling up quickly. Then in October Black Manta moves round to Raja Ampat and there are discounts available on the transition trips. The trips have pretty exciting looking itineraries with the combination of world class macro diving at Alor or Ambon and diving the Banda Sea which is still a great place to see large pelagics.

The discounted trips are:
22-31 Oct 2011: Alor-Banda Sea-Ambon (27 dives) US$2,080 (reduced from US$2,600)
3-13 Nov 2011: Ambon-Banda Island-Raja Ampat (27 dives) US$2,400 (reduced from US$3,000)

More information here: Black Manta Indonesia Liveaboard

Black Manta will be replaced in the Similan Islands Thailand by a newer bigger dive boat White Manta. White Manta is already running dive liveaboard trips in Malaysia and getting good reports. As she hasn't arrived in Phuket yet I can't give a report but hope to see the boat before the season starts so I'll post a review then.

Thai Non Imm O (Marriage) Visa in Vientiane

2011-07-27T15:00:00.003+07:00

As a follow up to yesterdays post on Vientaine some Thailand expats may be interested in how I got a non immigrant O visa in Vientaine.

It seems to be getting harder and harder these days to get a Non Immigrant visa for Thailand in a neighbouring country but with the right papers it's easy enough in Vientiane. I just got a single entry 90 day Non Imm O visa (I didn't need a multiple entry so I can't say if they are possible to get or not).

I turned up at the consulate at 8.30am on the dot, that's the time the consulate opens. It took my taxi about 20 minutes in morning traffic to get from the Mongkol (riverfront) hotel to the consulate. (Note that there is an embassy and a consulate in Vientaine and visas are done at the consulate. Even if you say embassy to a tuktuk driver he'll take you to the consulate). By the time I arrived the queue was already long so my ticket number was 139 and there were at least another 100 behind me, so arrive early. The queue took 3 hours to get to me. After I had submitted my papers there was a further 45 minute wait to make payment and collect a receipt.

I arrived with a pile of papers. These are the ones they took from me:
Completed Form (freely available inside the embassy, ignore the guys outside the gates)
Passport
Copy of passport
2 passport photos
Copy of wife's passport
Copy of wife's id card
Copy of wife's tabien baan
Copy of marriage cert in Thai and English
Copy of marriage registration dov in Thai and English
Copy of my son's birth certificate in Thai and English
A letter from my wife (in English and Thai) asking that I be granted a visa because I support her and my son.
Copy of my drivers licence
Copy of my bank book showing over 400k baht
All my wife's papers were signed by her, all papers were signed by me.

I'm not sure if you need all these docs but I had them just in case and the consulate took them. I also had photos of our family and our house and a map of our house location. These were given back to me.

The Visa fee is 2000 baht for a single entry and you collect the visa the following day in the afternoon from 13:00 to 15:00. People start queuing to collect their passports outside the gate at about 12 noon but it's not really necessary. I arrived at 1pm and got ticket number 107 and collected my passport within an hour, the queue moves quickly. There is no shelter from the midday sun or rain for those who queue outside the embassy.

I hope this is of use to someone. By far the biggest hold up on the day was muppets without the proper papers arguing with the embassy staff.

Interestingly the guy next to me at the counter was only after a tourist visa. The embassy official asked him conversationally if he was married to a Thai. He said he was and she asked where was his marriage cert? He said he only wanted a tourist visa but she handed him back his papers and said if he was married to a Thai he should apply for a marriage visa and if he didn't have the papers he would have to get a visa on arrival (just 15 days at the Friendship Bridge).

Another thing I noticed for tourist visas is that they say they require proof of onward travel from Thailand. Not sure if this is enforced but it could catch some people out.

Mini-break from Phuket: Udon Thani, Nong Kai and Vientaine

2011-07-26T10:23:00.001+07:00

Sala Keaw Ku - Nong Khai

Udon Thani is a 90 minute flight from Phuket direct with Air Asia. From Udon Thani airport it's just 56km down a good highway to Nong Kai and the border with Laos. It's an ideal weekend getaway from Phuket and an option for Phuket expats doing a visa run. Flights, food and accommodation can all be had cheaply. The Isaan area of Thailand is visited by only about 2% of tourists so if you want to experience real Thailand away from the crowds it's highly recommended. Isaan people are friendly with a real sense of fun.

In truth there is not much to see in Udon Thani town, I would recommend heading straight to Nong Kai and getting a guesthouse/hotel close to the Mekong river front. The river is nice to stroll along or just sit at one of the restaurants to enjoy the delicious food. Try the Isaan specialties of Somtam (Green Payaya Salad) and Larb (ground pork/chicken/duck with chilli). Both are eaten with sticky rice and go well with cold beer. Isaan spicy sausages are also great snacks.

For sightseeing in Nong Kai you could hire a motorbike or bicycle and explore the countryside. A must see attraction just a few kilometres out of town is Sala Keaw Ku, a bizarre statue park. (A tuk tuk will take you there and wait for you for about 150 baht).

There isn't a whole lot of nightlife in Nong Kai, not by Phuket standards anyway. There are a few beer bars around the Rimkong Road that are a little tired. An alternative is the Riverside Country Pub by the Thai-Laos Riverside Hotel with has live Thai bands each night and gets busy with locals on the weekend. It's a good atmosphere. They also serve food. Nearby is Bar Nana nightclub.

For those on a budget the Ruan Thani guesthouse with air-con rooms at 400 baht is well located on Rim Kong road. It's close to the covered market and the riverfront restaurants. The staff are friendly, the wifi is free.

The Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai over the border into Laos is just a few km's out of town (50 baht in a tuk tuk). Many travelers skip Nong Khai and go straight from Udon Thani airport to the bridge. Be aware though that the bridge is not open 24 hours, it closes in the evenings (no one seems to know the exact opening hours). When you arrive at the bridge and check out of Thailand you jump on the bus that takes you across the bridge (20 baht) to Lao immigration. Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival for about US$35 and a passport photo. Taxis and tuk tuks will be waiting for you outside immigration to take you to Vientaine (get ready to haggle).

Vientaine Riverfront Park in the evening

Vientaine is a sleepy capital city. If you stay somewhere near the centre you can stroll around most of the attractions. There is not much to see, a few temples, monuments and the odd National Museum. The main draw is again the riverfront which comes alive in the evening when locals and tourists alike come out to walk and eat. Street restaurants spring up along the road at dusk enticing you in with the smell of grilled chicken (Ping Gai). Because the restaurants are on the opposite side of the road to the river you can't actually see the river while you sit and eat which is a shame.

If you like beer, you'll love Lao beer, one of the best beers in the world and cheap at 10,000 kip (40 baht) for a big bottle. Don't expect any nightlife in Vientaine though, the place is pretty much dead by 11pm.

Lao people are friendly. If you can speak Thai they will understand you.

I stayed at the Mongkol hotel at one end of the riverfront road. I was very unimpressed and wouldn't recommend it. It's old and musty and the road is currently being dug up making for a muddy walk in the dark in the evenings.

I applied for a Thai Visa at the embassy while in Vientaine and will post separately on that for anyone interested.

All in all an excellent short break from Phuket. Although I'm glad to have seen Vientaine I don't feel the need to go back, two days is enough. I preferred Nong Kai which as well as the river restaurants also had some places to go in the evening. Travelers who skip Nong Kai in order to get into Laos quickly are missing out. I may visit Nong Kai again, maybe in October for the Naga fireball festival.

Whale Shark at Phuket Shark Point

2011-07-21T14:59:00.003+07:00

A whale shark was seen at Shark Point on 16 July 2011

MV SaiMai has just returned from an overnight charter from Phuket to Phi Phi with 5 happy divers from Singapore. On the way to Phi Phi on 16 July they dived Phuket Shark Point and spent nearly the whole dive with a whale shark. It even followed the boat after the dive!

In all they had 7 excellent dives in great weekend weather.

This is what the guests had to say about Saimai and the Phuket/Phi Phi diving:

"Hi Paul,

I still owe you some pics of the whale shark. I will be sending them over later on today. Thanks, we all had an awesome trip!! The boat was great, the food was absolutely amazing and Andreas was a great dive master, all the staff were really friendly. The dives were challenging but amazing. It was a short trip, but def exceeded our expectations :) we cannot wait to come back and do another trip.
Seeing a whale shark so close and getting to interact with it was a once in a life time experience. I have to admit i was a bit scared but looking back it was amazing!

Thank you so much for all your help organising. We will def recommend you to any of our friends and hope to come back soon :)"

SaiMai is perfect for charters of 4-6 divers.

Bali Komodo Diving

2011-07-16T15:55:00.000+07:00

May to October is the time of year when Phuket Divers like to head away on holiday to dive.

Bali Sunfish

Some dive staff head off to Koh Tao to work, some move to the red sea. Increasing numbers are taking advantage to the cheap flights between Phuket and Bali and going to dive around Bali and Komodo.

Several liveaboard boats that operate in Thailand's Similan Islands from Nov-Apr are now plying their trade in Komodo. Black Manta, Queen Scuba, Mermaid 1 and Mermaid 2 are all now sailing under an Indonesian flag.

Reports back from the Komodo diving this year have been excellent. One friend's comment was "beg, borrow or steel the money for a trip but whatever you do go, I saw everything I wanted to see."

My favourite spot has to be Horseshoe Bay in Rinca Island. It's got great divesites like Cannibal Rock and in between dives you can watch dragons on the beach or snorkel with dolphins.

July-August is also a good time to see Mola Mola around Bali. They can be seen on Bali daytrips at Nusa Penida among other places. I also love the Liberty Wreck dive at Tulamben, just metres from the beach.

New Daranee Itinerary for 2011/12 Season (Similan or Surin)

2011-07-12T17:00:00.000+07:00

MV Daranee Simila/Surin liveaboard

The vast majority of Thai liveaboards run 4 day 4 night itineraries. These trips dive mostly around the Similan Islands but also include a few dives at Richelieu Rock (best chance to see whalesharks) and Koh Bon and Koh Tachai (best dive sites for Manta Rays).

For the coming season MV Daranee has decided to try something new. From November to May you can choose to dive either:

3 days 2 nights (9 dives) in just the Similan Islands
or
4 days 3 nights (13 dives) in Surin Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock.

The 2 night Similans only cruise will suit divers on a budget and short of time.

The 3 night Surin trip is is great if you just want to focus on seeing bigger stuff or if you've dived the Similans before. Not many boats really dive Surin, it is much less visited than the Similans.

Also, a special offer. If you book the Similan and the Surin trip you can have one night free accommodation between the trips in their Patong hotel.

Details of the Daranee schedule, itinerary and prices are here.

It's nice to see a boat operator trying something new and we think divers are going to like the new format. Daranee has always been a favourite of ours in the budget category.

Guaranteed Whalesharks in Phuket?

2011-07-09T11:52:00.000+07:00

Although we always tell Phuket divers that whalesharks cannot be guaranteed in Phuket, that is exactly what one dive centre was doing yesterday. It's been a while since we've had so many whale sharks around in July. A good sign.

Looking north along Patong Beach Phuket

While in Patong beach this morning I took a couple of photos of the beach just to back up what I wrote yesterday about the great low season weather that we are having. These photos looking north and south show clear skies and a clean, uncrowded beach. Patong beach can get a bit too busy for my liking in the high season but in the low season (I think I'm supposed to call it Green Season now) Patong beach is kept clean and is great for walking or running on. There are still some people around and all the bars and restaurants are open for business so there is no feeling of the resort being closed down for winter.

Looking south along Patong Beach

Still on the Phuket weather, we've had no wind for a few weeks but anyone in to kitesurfing will be glad to know that there is a steady 15 knots blowing since Thursday. I was at NaiYang beach yesterday and there were 6 kitesurfers on the water and a few more setting up.

VW7BJ9K37BRW

2011-07-09T11:25:00.001+07:00

Phuket Low Season Diving

2011-07-08T17:06:00.000+07:00

For my first post on this new blog I thought I'd write about Phuket low season diving because it's something that we get asked about a lot and as Phuket becomes ever more popular as a year round tourist destination it's even more relevant.

A nice whaleshark pic to start this blog off.

From May to October the prevailing weather pattern is the south west monsoon which brings can bring wind and waves to Thailand's west coast. The Similan Islands Marine National Park is closed until late October because getting there by dive boat at this time of year can be rough. Surin, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai are out of the question for the same reason. When people read this and also see the weather statistics for this time of year it puts them off diving Phuket altogether but the fact is that Phuket daytrip dive boats are running daily to local sites like Shark Point, Racha Yai, Racha Noi and Phi Phi Island. And the diving is great. Actually it is often better than in the high season because there are fewer boats with fewer divers on the boats. We see far more Leopard sharks at Shark Point in low season, they come pack to the reef when all the divers leave.

Ok there are days when it's raining and the sea is rough. It happens. Occasionally the boats get cancelled. But most of the time the diving is great. The last month has been like high season weather with sunshine and flat seas. And whalesharks are everywhere everyday at the moment. We saw 4 whalesharks on one dive at Koh Doc Mai last Friday! That's four different whale sharks not the same whaleshark four times.

People always ask us, isn't it better to dive Koh Tao or Koh Samui at this time of year. We always say no, the diving is better in Phuket at any time of year. This is a hard sell. Because we are in the business of selling Phuket diving people assume that we are not being completely honest. But apart from Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock the diving in Phuket really is far superior all year round.

If you are interested in booking a Phuket Diving daytrip check prices here.