Maya Bay is Opening 1st of October 2023
Maya Bay Opening 1st October 2023
Maya Bay, a stunning beach located on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Leh will open again on the 1st of October after a well-earned 2-month holiday.
Among the myriad breathtaking destinations that Thailand has to offer, Maya Bay stands out as a true gem. Nestled within the Phi Phi Islands, this captivating bay has captured the hearts of travelers and locals alike, and its importance to Thailand goes beyond its natural allure.
Book a Private Boat tour to Maya Bay when it opens Click here
Maya Bay Phi Phi
Having gained international fame after being featured in the 2000 movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The bay’s pristine beauty and crystal-clear waters attracted a massive influx of tourists, turning it into a major tourist hotspot.
The popularity came at a cost as the delicate ecosystem of Maya Bay started to suffer from heavy footfall and environmental impact.
To address these concerns and protect the natural beauty of the bay, the Thailand authorities made the decision to close Maya Bay for two months every year, starting in 2018. The closure takes place during the monsoon season, usually from the 31st of July to the 31st of September. They have also put into place a host of new rules and regulations when the bay is open to help manage the number of tourists that visit the beach each day and where they can go when they get to the beach. No swimming in the bay.
So, the beach part of Maya Bay will reopen for guests from the 1st of October 2023. Book a Private Boat tour to Maya Bay when it opens Click here
But why do they close the beach part of Maya Bay?
There are several key reasons behind the annual Maya Bay closure:
- Ecological Restoration: The high number of visitors, boat traffic, and pollution from tourism were severely damaging the coral reefs, marine life, and beach ecosystem. By closing the bay for two months, authorities aim to provide a period of respite for the environment to recover and regenerate.
- Coral Reef Recovery: Coral reefs, which are highly sensitive to disturbances, were suffering from physical damage caused by snorkelers and divers, as well as from rising sea temperatures and pollution. The closure allows the corals a chance to recover and rebuild, which is essential for maintaining the biodiversity of the area.
- Reducing Footprint: The temporary closure helps reduce the overall impact of tourism on the bay’s infrastructure, including waste management and erosion control. The break allows for necessary maintenance and restoration efforts without the constant presence of tourists.
- Preserving Marine Life: Maya Bay is home to a diverse range of marine species. The influx of visitors, along with practices like anchoring boats on coral reefs, was disrupting the habitats of these species. A temporary closure helps protect these fragile ecosystems and allows marine life to flourish undisturbed.
- Educational Efforts: The closure period is also used as an opportunity to raise awareness among tourists about the importance of responsible tourism and environmental conservation. This helps in changing behavior and reducing the negative impact of future visits.
- Long-Term Sustainability: The ultimate goal of the annual closure is to ensure the long-term sustainability of Maya Bay as a natural attraction. By allowing the ecosystem to recover and thrive, authorities hope to strike a balance between tourism and conservation.
It’s worth noting that the decision to close Maya Bay for two months every year was met with mixed reactions. While it was applauded by environmentalists and conservationists, it also raised concerns among local businesses and communities heavily dependent on tourism for their livelihoods.
From 5 Star Marine’s point of view, we are very encouraging of the closure and we have always supported the efforts of the Thailand Authorities to manage not just Maya Bay, but all the stunning islands in Phi Phi and in Phang Nga Bay.
Maya Bay is not just a picturesque beach; it’s a symbol of Thailand’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the delicate balance between tourism and conservation. Its allure has drawn people from around the world, leading to both positive and negative impacts. The closure of Maya Bay and the subsequent conservation efforts underscore its significance and the importance of sustainable tourism practices.
As Thailand continues to evolve, Maya Bay serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to preserving its natural treasures for generations to come.
Book a Private Boat tour to Maya Bay when it opens Click here
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island Is Closing Soon | Phuket Thailand 2023
LATEST NEWS: Maya Bay Will Close Again in 2024.
Full Details Here MAYA BAY CLOSING 2024
Maya Bay Closed – Full Details In this video:
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is Closing
The Thailand National Park Authorities have announced that as of the 1st of August 2023, Maya Bay Phi Phi will close.
In an expected repeat of the closing of Maya Bay, Phi Phi for two months last year (2022), The Thailand National Park Authorities will again be using this time to check and assess the effects of tourists being on the beach and how the systems, which were put into place after COVID is working out. They will also be assessing the impact on the environment, both in the bay and on the land.
Maya Bay Beach will close from the 1st of August 2023
It will reopen on the 1st of October 2023. So book your tour NOW. Click Here
*As of writing these are the current dates, they may and could change.
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand IF, not the world. The Bay was featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 23 years ago.
Maya Bay became worldwide known after the 2000 film “The Beach” which was an adventure drama film directed by Danny Boyle, based on the 1996 novel by Alex Garland.
There was some controversy during the making of the film, with the production team accused of landscaping some of the beach and removing some of the coconut trees to make it more like the descriptions in the book.
Maya Bay may be closed BUT Phi Phi is all open – Find out more about the Phi Phi Tour. Click Here
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Closed for 2 Years.
Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years (2020 – 2022) by the Thai Government to help the ecosystem recover as it had become ruined by over-tourism. It reopened back in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that helped to manage the tourists and how they access the bay.
Some of those new rules and regulations:
- Not allowing boats to close into the bay and drop anchor.
- Guests must be dropped off at a newly built pier and stairs.
- Number of guests visiting each day is restricted.
- Not allowing anyone to swim in the waters or even go too deep into the sea.
Is the closing of Maya Bay a good thing?
Very simply – YES, it is!
If you still wish to visit Maya Bay our 5 Star Marine Phuket tours are still going to Phi Phi. You can see Maya Bay from a distance and get a stunning picture of the beautiful bay.
Then head to the awesome Pileh Lagoon ( Also a location used in the movie The Beach). Check out the monkeys on Monkey Beach. Snorkel with Blacktip reef sharks, visit camel rock, and all the other wonders that are Phi Phi.
You can book these tours here
Other Tour Options
If you are coming during August and September and what to visit a movie backdrop then head into Phang Nga Bay and visit James Bond Island. To find out more about this tour – Click Here
What Islands Are Open In Rainy Season 2023
What Islands Are Open in Rainy Season, June 2023
Phuket, Thailand’s rainy season, wet season, green season or whatever people call it, some of the islands in and around Phuket are closed so you will not be able to take a tour to them.
What Phuket Islands are closed and which Phuket Islands are open?
Let’s start with the Phuket Islands that are closed:
Although the Similan Islands are not in Phuket during the high season, we do have tours to them.
The Similan archipelago consists of eleven beautiful islands, and The Andaman Sea around the islands is one of the best-kept secrets of Thailand. The crystal-clear blue water is filled with marine life, which makes spotting, sharks, barracudas, triggerfish, and
various tropical fish, not a problem at all. It has some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Every year from the 15th May to the 15th October the whole of the Similan archipelago is closed to all tourists.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Similan. Please watch this video below:
If you are looking to have a similar experience to the Similan Islands then why not try the Phi Phi Tour. Stunning beaches and awesome marine life. Click here to find out more about our Phi Phi Tour.
Koh Ha and Koh Rok
Closed now and back open from the 15th of October are the tours to Koh Ha and Koh Rok. These two islands combine stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colorful marine life and corals, and therefore offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities you can find.
If you are looking to have a similar experience to the Koh Ha and Koh Rok then why not try the Phi Phi Tour. Stunning beaches and awesome marine life. Click here to find out more about our Phi Phi Tour.
Phuket Islands closing soon
Maya Bay Beach closing 1st Aug till 1st October
Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand IF not the world. The beach was featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 20 years ago. It will close on the 1st August to give the Thailand National Park Authorities time to check and assess the last few months effects of tourists being allowed back on the beach.
Maya Bay may be closed BUT Phi Phi is all open – Find out more about the Phi Phi Tour – Click Here
Phuket Islands that are OPEN in Rainy Season
Coral Island – Great for families
Coral Island is known locally as Coral Island is a great place to visit especially if you like to explore the region’s diverse marine environment and visit different islands., but most people will call it Coral Island. Although being a small island, it has a lot to offer whether you’re looking for a place to relax or go on an adventure.
The beautiful island getaway is only about 3 km southeast of Phuket. Coral Island has 2 main beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach and the snorkeling off Banana Beach is awesome but more of that later. The island is about 2.5 Km long with a dense tropical jungle in the center of the island. There is one other secluded beach on the South of the island called Freedom Beach.
Coral Island is one of the best family-friendly tours that 5 Star Marine Phuket runs. The island is safe for children to play, with white soft sand perfect for sand castles, as well as rock pools during low tide for children to explore, and they can learn to snorkel right from the beach, which makes it a fantastic destination for the little ones, and for those that may be a little worried about snorkeling from the back of the boat or in deeper water. The marine life just off the beach is stunning.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Coral Island. Please watch this video below:
Khai Islands
If you are looking for an easy close by tour that is perfect for young families then the 3 Khai Islands tour; Khai Nok, Khai Nai, and Khai Nui, is one of the best.
The 3 Khai Islands is a group of small islands just 20 – 25 minutes away from the 5 Star Marine Phuket pier at Boat Lagoon Marina.
Two of them (Khai Nai and Khai Nok) have superb sandy beaches and incredibly clear water where swarms of colourful and friendly fish come to swim around you. This makes these two Khai Islands perfect for those who have never tried snorkeling and would like to try, or for those who are a little nervous to snorkel in deep water. You are able to walk into the water and snorkel right from the beach, you don’t even need to float or swim as you will be able to explorer the underwater world while sanding.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Khai Island. Please watch this video below:
Maiton Island
Maiton Island offers some fantastic snorkeling. The coral reefs are alive and teeming with a variety of tropical fish and you can also Enjoy a mesmerizing experience through a giant clam garden. The best time for snorkeling at Maiton Island is from December to May when the sea around Maiton is crystal clear like a blue mirror.
After a couple of hours of snorkeling, it’s time to catch dinner.
Head out a little deeper and drop in a hook and bait and you will soon catch a fish or 3, and if they are big enough then you have dinner sorted as well, which you can give to the 5 Star Marine Phuket Team and they can take care of this for you and have it cooked up with Thai flavors and spices on the BBQ while watching the sun set behind Phuket.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Maiton Island. Please watch this video below:
Raya or Racha Islands
The two tropical Racha Island; Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, are sometimes called Raya Island or even King Island. BUT the name doesn’t matter as these stunning Phuket tropical islands provide the ideal destination to enjoy nature with some of the best snorkeling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
The Racha Island are comprised of two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. (Yai means “big” in Thai and, noi means “little”). The islands possess crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. They are very popular with divers and snorkellers, with challenging dive sites for advanced divers as well as plenty for beginners and snorkellers.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Raya or Racha Island. Please watch this video below:
Koh Hong
Among the more than 150 islands of the stunning Phang Nga Bay, Koh Hong is by far one of the most beautiful destinations with possibly some of the best views of Phnag Nga Bay from it’s awesome viewpoint.
Koh Hong is off the east coast of Phuket, in fact Koh Hong is closer to Krabi than it is to Phuket. Koh Hong island is known for its stunning natural beauty, soft white sand, and sparkling, crystal clear waters, making it a one-of-a-kind place for relaxation and island adventure.
To See An Overview Of A Tour to Koh Hong. Please watch this video below:
Discover the Best Islands in Phuket: A Tropical Paradise Awaits by Shaun Stenning
Shaun Stenning said, Nestled in the sparkling turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a tropical haven renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. However, beyond the mainland lies a collection of captivating islands that add an extra touch of magic to your Phuket experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the best islands in Phuket, each with its own unique charm and allure. Whether you’re seeking secluded beaches, thrilling water sports, or simply a serene escape, these islands are sure to delight and captivate your senses.
Phi Phi Islands: Known as one of the most beautiful island groups in the world, the Phi Phi Islands are an absolute must-visit destination. With their towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, these islands offer breathtaking scenery. Take a boat tour to explore Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” or go snorkeling and diving to witness the vibrant coral reefs that teem with life beneath the surface.
Similan Islands: A true paradise for divers and snorkelers, the Similan Islands boast some of the most pristine waters in the region. This group of nine islands is home to a thriving underwater ecosystem, where you can encounter colorful coral gardens, manta rays, and even whale sharks. The Similan Islands are a protected national park, ensuring the preservation of their natural beauty and wildlife.
Racha Islands: If you’re yearning for a tranquil retreat, the Racha Islands, also known as Raya Islands, are the perfect escape. Located just a short boat ride from Phuket, these islands offer serene white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush green hills. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, or simply basking in the sun. The Racha Islands offer a peaceful respite from the busier tourist areas.
Coral Island (Koh Hey): Situated just off the southeastern coast of Phuket, Coral Island lives up to its name with its vibrant and diverse marine life. The island offers an array of water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and parasailing. After exploring the underwater wonders, relax on the island’s picturesque beaches or indulge in a delicious seafood feast at one of the beachside restaurants.
According to Shaun Stenning, Phuket’s best islands offer a delightful range of experiences, from adventure-filled water sports to serene escapes where you can unwind and connect with nature. Whether you choose to explore the famous Phi Phi Islands, dive into the vibrant marine life around the Similan Islands, or seek solitude on the Racha Islands, each destination promises unforgettable memories and postcard-worthy views. So, pack your swimsuit, embrace the tropical vibe, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Phuket’s island paradise.
Top 5 Snorkeling Tours in Phuket, Thailand
The islands around Phuket are known for their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making them ideal for exploring and snorkelling. The region is home to a wide variety of coral reefs and other underwater habitats that support a diverse array of sea species, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks.
The warm, shallow waters and good depth visibility around many islands that are conveniently accessible on a day trip with 5 Star Marine, making it easy to see the underwater world and explore the reefs up close. In addition, trained guides can provide vital information about the aquatic ecosystems and help ensure a safe, memorable and enjoyable experience on your private speedboat tour.
1. Phi Phi
There are many reasons to consider a day trip to Phi Phi Island, which is located in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand. One of the main attractions of Phi Phi Island is its beautiful beaches and turquoise waters, which are perfect for swimming, snorkelling and exploring. The island is home to several stunning beaches, including Maya Bay, which was made famous by the movie “The Beach,” and Bamboo Island, which is known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.
A small selection of good spots for snorkelling in Phi Phi Island, include:
• Maya Bay: This is a popular spot for snorkelling, as the bay is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and is home to colourful tropical fish and sea turtles. Please note that you cannot snorkel directly from Maya Bay beach but can just beyond the bay from the boat.
• Loh Samah Bay: This bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.
• Bamboo Island: This small island is located a short boat ride from Phi Phi Island and is known for its stunning soft sand beaches and clear waters. It is a great spot for snorkelling where you might get the chance to see tropical fish and sea turtles, as well as an idyllic lunch picnic spot.
2. Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are well-known for their striking crystal clear seas and varied marine life, making them an excellent snorkelling destination. The islands are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park, which is home to a diverse array of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems. With these reefs you will encounter a wide variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, and potentially whale sharks.
With a variety of dive sites and snorkelling areas to select from, the Similan Islands are particularly renowned worldwide. Elephant Head Rock, famed for its massive underwater rock formations and colourful coral reefs, and Shark Island, which is home to a variety of sharks and other marine life, are two prime examples.
Overall, the Similan Islands are a fantastic snorkelling location, with pristine seas, rich sea life, memorable scenery, and a broad range of snorkelling spots to explore.
3. Koh Rok / Koh Ha
These islands are for you if you are searching for somewhere a little more exotic and are perhaps as breath-taking as the Similan Islands. These tiny islands are in the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, immediately south of Koh Lanta.
These two islands provide some of the greatest snorkelling options available due to their exceptional water clarity, rich marine life, and colourful reefs, which make for a very unique experience. In season, whale sharks are also frequently observed swimming between these islands.
Visiting Koh Rok and Koh Ha makes for a perfect multi night experience, and will provide some of the greatest snorkelling, beautiful soft sand beaches, and less crowds than the more popular Similan Islands. Compared to most other day trip destinations from Phuket, this one is a little further out, but the assured natural beauty makes the journey worthwhile.
4. Raya / Racha Islands
Raya or Racha Islands are renowned for their pristine seas and rich underwater sea life, making them a popular snorkelling destination. The islands are situated in the Andaman Sea and are home to a multitude of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems that are teeming with marine life, such as vibrant tropical fish and sea turtles.
Around Racha Island, there are several excellent snorkelling locations, including Siam Bay, which is located on the south side of the island and is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs and aquatic species including colourful tropical fish and sea turtles.
Patok Beach is located on the north side of the island and has a beach which is known for its clear waters and divers’ underwater life, teeming with tropical fish and other marine life. In addition to snorkelling, these islands are home to noteworthy diving locations, have 5 star hotels and restaurants to select from for a tropical lunch.
5. Coral Island
Coral Island, commonly known locally as Koh He or alternatively Koh Hae, is located close to Phuket so lends itself to being conveniently located and extremely family friendly.
This Island is renowned for its crystal blue seas and abundant marine life, making it another popular snorkelling destination to add to your list. It is situated south of Phuket and is home to a multitude of coral reefs and other underwater ecosystems.
There are a number of excellent snorkelling locations around Coral Island, including the coral reefs that encircle the island and the shallow seas along the beaches. In addition, the island is home to various snorkelling and diving locations, including Koh Hae Yai, which is renowned for its vibrant reefs.
Coral Island also lends itself to being a family friendly day trip; not only is it located near to Phuket, but because a trip to Banana Beach Club on the island serves a good selection of dishes, has clean facilities plus offers massages, canoes and plenty of Instagram-worthy set ups.
We look forward to welcoming you for a trip of a lifetime, snorkelling amongst the rich coral and marine life we are lucky enough to have around the islands surrounding Phuket.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]
Thai Food Cooking Class in Phuket | Learning to cook Thai food with Authentic Thai Recipes
Where Can I Learn to Cook Thai Food in Phuket? How can I learn to cook Thai food from the locals? Where is the best Thai authentic cooking class? Which is the best Phuket cooking class?
These are a few questions that many people ask us when they are coming to Phuket, and we 100% understand why you would want to learn to cook Thai food.
CNN recently updated its list of the “World’s Best Food” with 50 of the most delicious dishes ever created. The number one was Massaman Curry, described by CNN as “The king of curries and perhaps the king of all foods”. Also on the list were many other Thai dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Nam Tok Moo, Somtam, and of course Thai Green Curry and the classic Thai dish Pad Thai.
With all these amazing dishes it makes perfect sense that when coming to Thailand you take some time out to go on a Thai Cooking Course, and that’s what we did. Jay Leshark headed to the awesome Brasswok Thai Cooking class to learn how to make some authentic Thai Food.
On the menu was three more traditional style Thai Foods, not the standard dishes thats for sure, such as a spicy Jungle Curry with underdeveloped chicken eggs, or a Tom Yum style dish with chicken feet and a stir-fried prawn with lotus stems. Now, these were special dishes prepared by the awesome Chef Pui the owner, chef, and teacher from Basswok Thai Cooking, just for Jay’s visit. These dishes are the times of Thai food that the Phuket locals would eat at home, they are more like Thai comfort food.
Now on most Thai food cooking classes menus, you will get the standard dishes to cook, you might even get a choice, and if you do then try something different. Of course, Green Curry, Pad Thai, Spring Rolls, and even Massaman Curry are on most Thai cooking schools’ lists and are all fantastic to learn to cook, and of course, eat, but after the experience at Brasswok Thai Cooking Classes, cooking new dishes with ingredients that you may have never used, or even known about is a must.
So yes, when you are in Thailand, you must take a morning or afternoon to go on a Thai Cooking class.
Favorite Locations
If you are looking for the best Phuket Island destination to visit then I am sure you would just go on your phone and search in Google “Best Phuket Islands to visit”
Yes, that is great, and Google, Alexa, and Siri are all great resources to get multitude of information, BUT I was taught, when visiting a new country or a new city, that if you want to know where the best food is or the best bars and restaurants are, or the best places to hang out or even the best Phuket Islands to visit then you should ask a local.
Our 5 Star marine Phuket team, has over 40 years of experience running Phuket Boat Tours, and not just that many of the 5 Star Marine Phuket Team grow up in Phuket or Phi Phi, or Phang Nga Bay so they have more than just the years of experience out on Boat Tours, they have their whole life living and experiencing the wonders of this beautiful area.
We had one simple question to ask the 5 Star Marine Phuket team and that was; What is your favorite Phuket Tour Destination?
The top 4 Phuket Island Tour destinations from the 5 Star Marine Phuket Team were:
Koh Ha (Including Koh Rok)
If you are looking for something a little more exotic, lesser known, and arguably as beautiful, (if not more), than the Similan Islands, then Koh Ha and Koh Rok are perfect. These small islands are situated South of Phuket. The stunning water clarity with a diverse range of colourful marine life and corals, therefore make Koh Ha and Koh Rok some of the best snorkelling opportunities you can find
Phi Phi
Phi Phi is a really well know location and of course has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Maya Bay made famous after being featured in the 2000 movie, “The Beach” featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. While many people mistakenly believe that Phi Phi is made up of just one Island, in fact, it is a group of 6 islands in total. Phi Phi also offers you experiences such as Monkey Beach and Viking Cave, as well as opportunities to swim with Black Tip Reef Sharks.
James Bond Island
Phang Nga Bay truly is one of nature’s spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location, and the most famous island in the whole of Phang Nga Bay is James Bond Island. This famous landmark in Phang Nga Bay found its way onto the international tourist map through its starring role in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
Racha
Lying about 20kms south of Phuket, the Racha Islands comprise two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. To confuse matters they are also known as Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi. Raya Islands provide the ideal destination to enjoy nature. With some of the best snorkelling reefs in Thailand and quiet, tropical white powdery beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, they provide a balanced combination of relaxing, tranquil locations with amazing sea life.
So, there you have it, the locals have spoken. Of course, there are many more destinations that you can visit and explore while out on a 5 Star Marine Phuket Private Boat Tour. Just drop us a message and we will be happy to guide you to the best destination for your ultimate Phuket Island experience.
James Bond Island and Phang Nag Bay Private Boat Tour
Phang Nga bay is a popular Private Phuket Boat Tour including the iconic James Bond Island. The 5 Star Marine Phuket boat tour into Phang Nga Bay from Phuket takes you into some awesome limestone caves and stunning hidden lagoons as well as kayaking up close to the limestone Kasts and visiting the amazing floating football pitch in Koh Panyi at Phang Nga Bay, Thailand, and of course going to James Bond Island, the island used in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”
Before you get to see the amazing James Bond Island, whose name in Thailand as Ko Ta Pu, (Also known Khao Ping Kan, BUT that is a different island, don’t worry I will explain all later), take your time to enjoy the spectacle that is Phang Nga Bay. This stunning bay offers you so much to see and do. The hundreds of caves alone could take you months to explore and that’s not to mention the stunning hidden lagoons and beaches or the stunning limestone Karsts that rise up from the emerald waters which you can explore up close by kayak. Phang Nga Bay is part of what was once a huge coral reef that covered much of what is now Southeast Asia.
One of the other amazing sights to visit when you head out for a Private Phang Nga Bay boat tour is the world’s only floating football pitch. This amazing floating football pitch is at Koh Panyi, which is a fishing village in Phang Nga Province, Thailand, notable for being built on stilts by Malay fishermen. The football pitch was built by children who rather than spend the day fishing, wanted to play football. So, they found some old buoys and slowly made their very own floating football pitch.
James Bond Island is one of the must do’s when you are on holiday in Phuket, as I mentioned earlier it has many names. So, the island that most people take their selfies in front of is what is called Ko Ta Pu, translated into English, which means Nail Island. This was the island that in the James Bond Movie “The Man with the Golden Gun” was the backdrop when James Bond and Scaramanga had their duel. The island that your private boat will drop you off is called Khao Ping Kan, but both are more commonly known as James Bond Island.
If you are looking for a real epic day trip, checking out the awesome spectacular scenery that only Phang Nga Bay can offer then book up a Private Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour. You will not be disappointed.
Fun Fact:
Did you know that Ko Ta Pu, was also used in another James Bond film, Tomorrow Never Dies, BUT it was said to be in Vietnam.
YouTube host Jay Leshark and camera man, and awesome 5 Star Marine Phuket tour Guide Alex head out to spend a day exploring Phang Nga Bay. They float into caves, and find hidden lagoons, before kayaking and getting up close with the stunning limestone rock formations, and then they finally get that perfect Instagram picture at James Bond Island. Oh yes and Jay gets to check out the amazing floating football pitch at Koh Panyi. Must remember to take a football next time.
Private Boat Tour Phuket – Recommended Departure Times
We take our customer satisfaction seriously; this means that we regularly run staff training. Only yesterday we had our Guide Team in training and planning sessions for the upcoming high season.
One of the things we like to do as a company is run our private boat tours to avoid the crowds. After discussions yesterday we would like to update our recommended departure times.
The recommended departure times for our Private Boat Tours are not set in stone, you have the flexibility to select a different time; however, with that said, our Guide Team feels that the best way to avoid the crowds is to depart from your hotel at the following times:
06:30 AM – Beat the Crowds
This departure time means that we depart from the pier before the large group tours, and just after the sunrise tours. This should allow our Guide Team to build a program that avoids most of the crowds and creates a unique experience for you.
10:30 AM – Behind the Crowds
This departure time means that we depart from the pier after all the large group tours. This ensures we time our tour to go to the best spots after all the group tours have left them. It should also allow us to have clear water on the tour.
Both of these suggested departure times will allow our teams to create the perfect program for you, avoiding the crowds, in all tide conditions. When booking your next private boat tour with us consider these two departure times for the very best experience.
How Long Can You Stay In Thailand For? | Breaking Phuket News | August 2022
How Long Can You Stay in Thailand? New tourist visa rules, plus a brand-new café opening in Phuket and 5 Star Marine Phuket has a brand-new Phuket weatherman (kind of). All this is discussed in this month’s Breaking Phuket News by the owner of 5 Star Marine Phuket Shaun Stenning and YouTube host Jay Leshark, all while drinking coffee at the brand-new café “Next Door” to the 5 Star Marine towers.
How Long Can You Stay in Thailand?
Are you planning a trip to Thailand in the near future? If so, good news for you and good news for anyone working in the tourism industry, Thailand has decided to extend the stay period for those who enter Thailand on a Visa On Arrival. Starting on October 1st, 2022, Thailand CCSA has announced that the Visa extension stay period will be extended from 30 days to 45 days.
“We are looking to extending their stay, This will help boost tourist spending, revive the economy and reduce impact from the coronavirus pandemic.”A CCSA official said.
But Who can take advantage of these new rules?
The Visa extension rule will allow tourists from 64 different countries to come into Thailand without applying for a visa before they arrive. Which countries are on the list? please see below the full list:
The new visa extension is all part of the Thailand government’s efforts to increase economic recovery post-pandemic as it looks to gain 8-10 million foreign arrivals this year. This was the figure reported in The Bangkok Post.
In August, Tourism and Sports Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said some 1.07 million foreign tourists had entered Thailand in July, which is the first time that monthly arrivals have exceeded 1 million since the pandemic.
But even better news for travelers from Korea, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Chile, as you will receive permission to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days under Visa Exemption.
New Coffee Shop open in Phuket
Always wanted a have a coffee overlooking the 5-Star Marine Towers, well now you can. The Next-Door Café has opened right next door to 5 Star Marine offices, so when you come on a 5 Star marine private boat tour you can grab a freshly brewed coffee or a snack before you go.
And finally, 5 Star Marine has a brand-new Phuket Weather Station that can accurately tell you what the weather is doing live, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The new station has been in creation for many years using NASA scientists to help with the hard stuff, hence why their rocket launch for Artemis I was delayed. Many people may say it’s just a coconut on a string, and well to be honest they might be right.
Here is the full list of countries that can get the NEW 45 days Visa on Arrival.
1 Andorra
2 Argentina
3 Australia
4 Austria
5 Bahrain
6 Belgium
7 Brazil
8 Brunei
9 Cambodia
10 Canada
11 Chile
12 Czech Republic
13 Denmark
14 Estonia
15 Finland
16 France
17 Germany
18 Greece
19 Hong Kong
20 Hungary
21 Iceland
22 Indonesia
23 Ireland
24 Israel
25 Italy
26 Japan
27 Korea
28 Kuwait
29 Laos
30 Latvia
31 Liechtenstein
32 Lithuania
33 Luxembourg
34 Macau
35 Malaysia
36 Maldives
37 Mauritius
38 Myanmar
39 Monaco
40 Mongolia
41 Netherlands
42 New Zealand
43 Norway
44 Oman
45 Peru
46 Philippines
47 Poland
48 Portugal
49 Qatar
50 Russia
51 San Marino
52 Singapore
53 Slovak Republic
54 Slovenia
55 South Africa
56 Spain
57 Sweden
58 Switzerland
59 Turkey
60 Ukraine
61 United Arab Emirates
62 United Kingdom
63 United States
64 Vietnam
