Group tour Thailand - The Junk liveaboard & Khao Sok
A unique group trip combining the most beautiful dive sites of Thailand with the jungle and nature of Khao Sok. Together with a nice group of experienced divers you will discover Thailand under and above water.
Travel period
Features
Starting from
Group tour Thailand: diving around Similan & Surin
- Travel dates: January 15 to 25, 2027
- Tour guide: Sebastiaan op’t Hof
- Tour guide languages: Dutch, English
- Liveaboard: 7 nights on full board basis
- Accommodation: 2 nights in Khao Sok on full board basis
- Dive level: from Open Water
- Number of dives: 19 dives (4 per day)
Join us on a special group trip to Thailand! Together with group leader Sebastiaan you will discover the best of Southern Thailand during this trip: from world-famous dive sites in the Andaman Sea to the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok.
The adventure begins aboard a liveaboard around the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock, all diving areas known for their enormous biodiversity. Expect colorful reefs, schools of tropical fish, impressive granite rock formations and the chance of encounters with manta rays, reef sharks and maybe even whale sharks. With several dives a day, you’ll live fully in the rhythm of the sea, while in between you relax on board along with a friendly group of experienced divers.
After 6 days full of diving, we travel on to Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Here we exchange the underwater world for jungle, limestone rock formations and tropical nature. During these last days of the trip there is plenty of time to relax, explore the area and experience Thailand above the water as well.
This group trip is not only about beautiful diving, but also about traveling together, sharing experiences and enjoying everything that makes Thailand so special, both under and above water.
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.
Tour guide: Sebastiaan op’t Hof
Meet Sebastiaan, a passionate diver and co-owner of EWDR. With diving experience in Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, the Maldives and Cape Verde, he knows better than anyone what a dream diving vacation should look like. Sebastiaan enthusiastically guides our group tours and makes sure that everything is organized down to the last detail.
Overview participants
Available spots: 7 | Booked spots: 3
Joining us on this trip are:
- Male: 44. 45
- Woman: 78
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
Friday, Jan. 15 & Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027
Today we leave for Phuket! It’s a flight of about 14 hours with a transfer. Due to the time difference, we will arrive in Phuket the next day.
After arriving at the airport in Phuket, a transfer will be waiting for us to take us to The Junk , the boat on which we will stay for the next week. The boat departs from Thap Lamu, about an hour’s drive from the airport.
We can check in on the boat from 7 p.m., followed by a briefing and first dinner on board.
Day 3 & 4 | Diving around the Similan Islands
Sunday, Jan. 17 & Monday, Jan. 18, 2027
Starting today, it’s all about diving! The first dives of this trip we make around the famous Similan Islands, without a doubt one of the most beautiful diving areas of Thailand. During these two days we 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
Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2027
Today we 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
Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21, 2027
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, we make three more dives instead of four, as we sail back to Thap Lamu harbor later in the day.
Day 8 | Off board and to Khao Sok National Park
Friday, Jan. 22, 2027
After breakfast, we will disembark at Thap Lamu Port and 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. We cover the last part by boat, as we spend the next few nights 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, we 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. This is why this part of the lake is also called “Little Ha Long Bay.”
We will spend the next few days in the middle of nature, surrounded by tropical rainforest, limestone cliffs and serene silence interrupted only by jungle sounds. Khao Sok is known for its pristine nature, special wildlife such as monkeys and exotic birds, and relaxed atmosphere. After days of diving, this is the perfect place to further explore Thailand above water as well.
We will stay in a raft house: a simple but cozy floating bungalow on the lake. From here we can swim, kayak and enjoy the unique scenery. Lunch and dinner are included.
Day 9 | Khao Sok National Park
Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027
We get up early because the morning safari starts at 6:30 am. On a short hike, we reach a viewpoint where we see the sun slowly rise 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 will be time to relax, swim or further explore the lake by kayak. Around noon we enjoy lunch, after which an adventurous afternoon is scheduled.
By boat we sail to the Prakarang Caves, known for their unusual stalagmites reminiscent of coral formations. We then 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 we 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
Sunday, Jan. 24 & Monday, Jan. 25, 2027
At 08:00 we 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., we sail back to the pier by longtail boat, across the panoramic Cheow Lan Lake. Along the way, we again pass the impressive limestone rock formations that make this area so special. Around 10:00 am we arrive at the pier and travel on towards Surat Thani.
From Surat Thani follows transfer to the airport for the return flight to Amsterdam. Depending on the flight schedule, we will depart the same evening or stay an additional night in Thailand before the return trip.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from the group tour 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
Cozy group of divers
During this trip, you will set off with a friendly group of experienced divers who share the same passion: to enjoy life underwater as much as possible. Between dives there is plenty of time to exchange experiences, look at photos and relax together on board. The shared love of diving quickly creates a fine and casual atmosphere within the group.
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 CHF 3.434 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.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from CHF 3.434 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 CHF 1.066 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 group tour
Group trip
No, for stays in Thailand shorter than 30 days you do not need a visa. However, you do need a passport that is still valid for at least 6 months at the time of arrival.
This depends on each group trip we do, but the maximum group size for this trip is 10 participants. The group underwater depends on the level of everyone, but we do not dive with too large a group.
You can certainly participate alone! Most participants of our group trips come solo. This makes it so much fun, you get to know people and have dive buddies. Participating as a couple (or more) is also possible.
Yes, we create a group app in advance so participants can get to know each other and receive practical info.
Generally, you’ll share a room with someone of the same gender; the price of the trip is based on this. Would you prefer a private room? Please indicate this in your request, and we’ll check what options are available and what the price would be. On the liveaboard, you’ll often end up paying the price for the entire cabin, which makes it more expensive. In Khao Sok, we have more options for private rooms.
On the liveaboard, you share the room with a maximum of 1 person, even though there are options for 3 or 4 people in a room.
Yes, Sebastiaan is group leader for this trip. He has quite a few dives in his logbook and has also led several group trips. By the way, he is not the dive guide on this trip, the dives are guided by the crew of The Junk.
Additional costs here may include ordering alcoholic drinks on board and use of nitrox. Everything included on this trip is indicated under the heading “included.
During this trip, the group for diving can easily be divided according to experience.
The group trip often includes a day trip or activity. In this group trip it is the excursion to Khao Sok. Of course you can stay longer in Thailand if there are other places you would like to visit. We can make a custom itinerary for you.
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. You share the room with someone in the group of the same sex.
There is limited WiFi and cellular signal.
There is electricity (generator) and air conditioning from 18:00 to 08:00.
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