Liveaboard The Junk – Diving around Similan & to Khao Sok
Dive in one of Thailand’s most beautiful places from liveaboard The Junk and then head to Khao Sok National Park for a few days.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Diving around the Similan & Surin islands
Best travel time for a diving trip Thailand
The main diving season in the Similan Islands runs from mid-October to mid-May. Outside this period, the park is closed due to weather and monsoon conditions. Between December and April there is the greatest chance of seeing manta rays and whale sharks. The water temperature remains pleasant (28-30 °C) and visibility is excellent during the season.
Average temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Thailand
Since the water in Thailand is very pleasant, a shorty or 3mm is often sufficient. You will make 4 dives a day during this trip, so if you get cold quickly underwater you may also consider a 5mm.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 & 2 | Travel to Phuket & aboard The Junk
Today the journey to Phuket begins! It is an approximately 14-hour flight with a transfer. Due to the time difference, you will arrive in Phuket the next day.
After arriving at the airport in Phuket, a transfer will be waiting to take you to The Junk , the boat on which you will spend the next week. The boat departs from Thap Lamu, about an hour’s drive from the airport.
You can check in on the boat starting at 7 p.m., followed by a briefing and first dinner on board.
Day 3 & 4 | Diving around the Similan Islands
Starting today, it’s all about diving! The first dives of this trip will take you around the famous Similan Islands, without a doubt one of the most beautiful diving areas of Thailand. During these two days you will explore different dive sites within this protected marine park, known for its enormous biodiversity and spectacular underwater landscapes.
Underwater you will find impressive granite rock formations, swim-throughs, colorful soft corals and schools of tropical fish. Here you also have a chance to see reef sharks, barracudas, napoleon fish, morays, turtles and sometimes even manta rays passing by. The Similans are especially popular for their clear water, huge schools of fish and combination of macro life and larger pelagic species.
An average day looks like this:
- Light breakfast, followed by a briefing and the first dive
- Full breakfast and relaxation
- Briefing and the second dive
- Lunch and relaxation
- Briefing and the third dive
- Snack
- Briefing and the fourth dive
- Dinner
Day 5 | Diving at Koh Bon & Koh Tachai
Today you will dive at Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, two dive areas known for the chance to see larger marine life. Koh Bon is best known for its manta ray cleaning stations, where these impressive animals regularly hover above the reef. In addition, you can see schools of snappers, fusiliers and hunting trevallies here.
Koh Tachai offers spectacular underwater rocks, strong currents and plenty of underwater action. This dive site is popular for its huge schools of barracudas, tuna, reef sharks and colorful soft corals. Macro enthusiasts can also indulge here with nudibranchs, shrimp and other small reef dwellers.
Day 6 & 7 | Diving around Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
The next few days are devoted to diving around the Surin Islands and the world-famous Richelieu Rock. This dive site is often cited as one of the best in Thailand and is known for its enormous biodiversity.
Richelieu Rock is famous for the likelihood of whale sharks, but even without these giant visitors, there is an incredible amount to see here. Think schools of barracudas, trevallies, glassfish, seahorses, ghost whistle fish, morays and colorful soft corals that completely cover the rock. The combination of macro life and larger fish species keeps every dive here surprising.
Around the Surin Islands you will find healthy reefs, turtles, reef sharks and huge schools of tropical fish in crystal clear water. On day 7 you will make three dives instead of four, as the boat sails back to Thap Lamu harbor later in the day.
Day 8 | Off board and to Khao Sok National Park
After breakfast, it is time to disembark at the port of Thap Lamu. You will travel on to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The transfer takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. You will make the final leg by boat, as for the next few nights you will stay in a floating bungalow on the impressive Cheow Lan Lake.
After lunch there is time for swimming or kayaking on the lake. In the late afternoon you will take a boat trip across the lake past the imposing limestone rock formations for which Khao Sok is known. This area is often compared to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam because of the sheer cliffs rising out of the water, but in the middle of the Thai jungle. That is why this part of the lake is also called “Little Ha Long Bay.”
For the next few days you will stay in the middle of nature, surrounded by tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs and a serene silence interrupted only by jungle sounds. Khao Sok is known for its pristine nature, unusual wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds, and relaxed atmosphere. After days full of diving, this is the perfect place to further explore Thailand above water as well.
You will stay in a raft house: a simple but cozy floating bungalow on the lake. From here you can swim, kayak and enjoy the unique surroundings. Lunch and dinner are included.
Day 9 | Khao Sok National Park
This day you will get up early, as the morning safari starts at 6:30 am. During a short hike you will reach a viewpoint where you will see the sun rise slowly as the morning mist passes over the lake, a special moment in the heart of the jungle.
At 7:30 a.m., breakfast will be ready. Then there is time to relax, swim or further explore the lake by kayak. Around noon you will enjoy lunch, after which an adventurous afternoon is scheduled.
You sail to the Prakarang Caves, known for their unusual stalagmites reminiscent of coral formations. Then you’ll take a jungle trek to the hidden Emerald Lagoon. Along the way, there is a chance to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds and other animals that live in this rainforest.
At the end of the day you will return to the raft house for another atmospheric evening on the lake. At 7 p.m. dinner will be ready and you can enjoy the peace and sounds of the jungle. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day 10 & 11 | Return home
At 08:00 you will enjoy breakfast overlooking the lake. Then there will be some time to take in the special scenery before we say goodbye to Khao Sok.
Around 9 a.m. you will return to the pier by longtail boat, across the panoramic Cheow Lan Lake. On the way you will again pass the impressive limestone rock formations that make this area so special. Around 10:00 am you will arrive at the pier and travel further towards Surat Thani.
From Surat Thani follows transfer to the airport for the return flight to Amsterdam. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll leave the same evening or stay an extra night in Thailand before the return trip.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the diving trip in Thailand?
Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock
Diving in the Similan Islands and at Richelieu Rock is among the absolute highlights of Thailand for many divers. Think huge schools of tropical fish, colorful soft corals, imposing granite rock formations and the chance of encounters with manta rays, reef sharks and even whale sharks. Each dive offers something different: from impressive large marine life to fascinating macro life. I
Aboard the iconic The Junk
One of the absolute highlights of this trip is staying aboard The Junk. This traditional ship, built in the style of a classic Chinese sailing junk, is a familiar sight in Thailand and offers a unique atmosphere not easily found on modern liveaboards. Between dives, you’ll enjoy views of the Andaman Sea, delicious meals and the relaxed ambiance on board.
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok forms the perfect conclusion to this trip. This impressive nature reserve is known for its ancient rainforest, high limestone rock formations and the beautiful Cheow Lan Lake. Here you will transition from life underwater to the tranquility of the jungle, surrounded by tropical nature and extraordinary wildlife. After a week of diving, Khao Sok shows us a totally different side of Thailand.
The accommodations
The stay and surroundings
The Junk Liveaboards
During this trip, you will stay aboard The Junk, undoubtedly one of Thailand’s most characterful liveaboards. This traditional 33-meter wooden sailboat breathes atmosphere and history and was even used in the James Bond film The Man With The Golden Gun. Unlike many modern liveaboards, this one is not about hotel-style luxury, but rather charm, coziness and an authentic liveaboard experience.
On board, there is plenty of room to relax between dives. On the sundeck with sun beds, enjoy the views of the Andaman Sea, while the covered lounge and outdoor deck are fine places to eat together, update logs or simply reminisce about the day’s dives. Fresh Thai and Western buffet-style meals are served daily, and snacks and drinks are always available. The boat also features a spacious dive deck with personal equipment areas, camera rinse tanks and two zodiacs that comfortably transport you to the dive sites
The boat can accommodate a maximum of 18 divers, providing a small and cozy atmosphere on board. Several cabin types are available: from double cabins to shared triple and quad cabins. All cabins are air-conditioned, have a private bathroom with hot shower and plenty of space for personal belongings. Thanks to the compact design of the boat, there is a relaxed atmosphere and you quickly get to know the group well, something that makes this liveaboard extra special.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is AUD 4.770 per person based on two people in one cabin. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
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Included in this trip, from AUD 4.770 p.p.
- Liveaboard The Junk
- 6 nights in a shared cabin (max 2 people)
- Accommodation on full board basis
- Tea, coffee, juices and soft drinks
- Dive package with up to 19 dives
- Khao Sok
- 2 nights in shared basic accommodation
- All meals listed
- Excursions as described in program
- General
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Return flight Phuket from AUD 1.480 p.p.
- Marine Park Fee (80 USD)
- Park Fee Khao Sok (9 USD)
- Entrance to Prakarang Cave (8 USD).
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- Diving equipment (150 USD)
- Dive computer (50 USD)
- Nitrox (175 USD)
- 15L tank (70 USD)
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Frequently asked questions about this trip to Thailand
Diving general
To take this trip, you must be at least Open Water certified and have at least 10 logged dives.
We sail the Similan & Surin Islands route, starting and ending in Thap Lamu.
The itinerary description described in this trip is an example. The exact itinerary and locations visited may change depending on local regulations, guest experience, weather and logistics at the captain’s discretion.
An average day looks like this:
- Light breakfast
- Briefing and the first dive
- Full breakfast and relaxation
- Briefing and the second dive
- Lunch and relaxation
- Briefing and the third dive
- Snack
- Briefing and the fourth dive
- Dinner
Diving around the Similan and Surin Islands is generally suitable for all divers. However, some dive sites are outside the depth limits for beginners or are subject to strong currents and waves, making them challenging or unsuitable for novice or inexperienced divers.
Dive sites range from rocky peaks and walls to sheltered bays and gently sloping coral reefs. Visibility ranges from 10 to 40+ meters, depending on location, tides and weather. The marine life is equally varied and includes everything from tiny crabs and nudibranchs to whale sharks and manta rays.
Close by and there is a zodiac with which to make dives.
The maximum number per day is 4 dives. On the last day you will make 3 dives because the boat has to return to port.
Yes, there will be some night dives during the week.
Yes you can. There are PADI courses given. You can take an AOW course and a nitrox course here.
Diving equipment
The tanks are DIN but INT adapters are available.
Some 15L tanks are available. The additional cost for using a 15L tank is 70 USD for the entire trip.
Yes, the use of nitrox is 175 USD for the whole week.
Yes you can. However, it is important to pass this on as soon as possible so that the correct measurements are available.
Renting a full kit (excluding dive computer and torch) are 150 USD for the entire trip. Renting a computer costs 50 USD and the cost of a torch is 25 USD for the entire trip.
Liveaboard
Meals on board are served buffet style and include a variety of fresh local and Western dishes prepared with the finest ingredients from the region. A selection of fresh fruits, salads and high-quality fish and meat dishes is always available. Between meals, you can enjoy snacks, water, fruit juices, tea and coffee throughout the day and night.
Yes, all cabins have private bathrooms. You share the cabin with someone of the same sex.
Yes, towels are provided both in the cabin and on the dive deck.
The cabins are equipped with liquid soap dispensers with both shower gel and shampoo. Do you bring your own shampoo and shower products? If so, please make sure they are reef-safe!
Yes, but this is not included in the stay. A bottle of wine on board costs 27.50 USD and a beer costs 2.50 USD. Of course, after drinking alcohol, you will not dive on the same day.
No, there is no Wi-Fi or satellite internet available at The Junk.
Cell phones with international roaming or a Thai SIM card and data package will allow you to stay connected throughout most of the liveaboard trip.
However, around the Similan and Surin Islands and the southernmost areas, the mobile network is limited and on some islands there is no coverage at all. Around the islands near Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, mobile coverage is reasonable, but somewhat variable.
Accommodation Khao Sok
You will stay in basic accommodation, with private bathroom, minibar, air conditioning and fan.
There is limited WiFi and cellular signal.
There is electricity (generator) and air conditioning from 18:00 to 08:00.
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