Sunset BBQ on a Phuket Private Boat Tour
By December 23, 2022 Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Sunset BBQ on a Phuket Private Boat Tour

• Sunset is the opening music of the night.
• Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn.
• It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.
• Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully.

Ok, that’s enough inspirational quotes about sunsets.

Our brand-new Phuket Sunset BBQ is now available and can be part of any of our tours, or if you are looking for something magical then why not book up a Phuket Sunset Beach BBQ and Dolphin Spotting?

When it comes to BBQ’s, in my opinion, any time of the day or night is perfect for a BBQ, BUT if you want something special then how about, while watching the sunset, you enjoy a traditional Thai BBQ on a white sandy beach while enjoying a cocktail, all this adds up to that perfect BBQ experience, in fact that perfect 5 Star BBQ experience.

The 5 Star Marine Phuket brand-new Phuket Sunset BBQ is now available and can be added to any of the 5 Star Marine Phuket tours, so if you are heading to Phi Phi to check out the awesome Maya Bay, then on the way back you can stop and chill and relax and watch the Sunset drop down behind Phuket before you head back to the 5 Star Pier. Or if you are heading up into Phang Nga Bay to see the spectacular James Bond Island then again on the way back to the 5 Star Phuket Pier, you can enjoy a traditional Thai BBQ while sipping on a sunset cocktail.

BUT WAIT!

If you are looking for something magical then why not book up a Phuket Sunset Beach BBQ and Dolphin Spotting?

Grab your family and friends, and be ready for an unforgettable experience on the water.

The 5 Star Marine Phuket private Sunset Beach BBQ and Dolphin Spotting Tour, is unlike the standard Phuket group excursions. We will not hurry you from the beach to the beach, or rush you to miss any of the stunning Phuket Islands. You have exclusive use of one of our luxury speedboats.

The Phuket Sunset Beach BBQ and Dolphin Spotting tour is a special private cruise, and the perfect blend of snorkeling, dolphin spotting, and traditional Thai-style private beach BBQ.

As with all our 5 Star Marine tours, the Phuket Sunset Beach BBQ and Dolphin Spotting tour is bespoke, but as a general idea, you would leave from our pier in Boat Lagoon for a cruise around the stunning surrounding islands.

Go snorkeling in crystal clear waters where you will get to see an array of colourful tropical fish and other marine life; and of course, ALL snorkeling equipment is included on board.

Then we go and check out the dolphins. There is nothing that compares to seeing dolphins in their natural habitat, and getting the opportunity to witness them in the wild is a spectacular experience. So, this tour gives you the chance to potentially see a pod of dolphins; and as naturally inquisitive creatures they often come right up and swim alongside our speedboats giving you an unforgettable close-up experience.

After seeing these stunning playful animals, it’s then time to indulge in a private beach BBQ featuring authentic Thai-style beef and chicken satay, all grilled on the beach for you by the 5 Star Team. You can take a dip in the sea, and enjoy a cocktail or Mocktail on the beach as you watch the sky light up in a thousand colours for an unforgettable tropical sunset experience.

This is a true 5 Star Marine experience.

See the tour information here: https://5starmarinephuket.com/locations/phuket-sunset-cruise/

Thai Food Cooking Class in Phuket | Learning to cook Thai food with Authentic Thai Recipes
By November 17, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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.

Maya Bay in Phi Phi is OPEN
By October 5, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Maya Bay in Phi Phi is OPEN

Maya Bay, in Phi Phi, the most famous beach in Thailand, if not the world, is back open as of 1st October 2022. The iconic Maya Bay, in Phi Phi, closed on the 1st of August 2022 so that the Thailand National Park Authorities could assess the effect that the new rules and regulations that they had put into place since January, have had on the bay and the beach.

YouTube host Jay Leshark and his kids, got up before sunrise to head down to Maya Bay, with Cameraman, and 5 Star Marine Phuket tour guide Alex to try to be the first people on Maya Bay and see what it’s like after the 2 months that it had been closed.

Arriving at 8 am they were the first people, apart from the National Park Staff, to come back to Maya Bay.

There was some very encouraging news, as they saw some very young Black Tip Reef Sharks feet from the beach, and not only baby sharks but also some young juvenile Black Tips as well. It seems that even though the new rules and regulations they set out in January did allow people back on to “The Beach” the sharks that had returned after the over 2-year closure are still there and still breeding. This is very good news.

As of writing this, we have not seen the full report from the Thailand National Park Authorities about the effects on Maya Bay, and when we do get this report, we will be sure to share it here.

The rules and restrictions that they put in place in January are still in effect, so many tourists will be restricted per day and no swimming in the bay, plus boats are only allowed to drop tourists off at the backside of Maya Bay.

We recommend that if you want to see Maya Bay on one of our Private Phuket Boat Tours then you leave as early as you can, as the Bay early in the morning is so beautiful and you will definitely miss the crowds. CLICK HERE to see the Phi Phi Tour

Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Thailand the bay and the beach were featured in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio filmed over 20 years ago.

In the past few weeks, Maya Bay and the movie producers of “The Beach”, known as 20th Century Fox, now named 20th Century Studios have been in the news as the Thailand Supreme Court has fined them 10 million Baht to restore the beach.

The 10 million Baht will be used by Thailand’s Department of Forestry to restore the natural environment at Maya Bay to its natural state.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with this news story.

How Long Can You Stay In Thailand For? | Breaking Phuket News | August 2022
By September 8, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

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

Phuket to James Bond Island
By August 24, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phuket to James Bond Island

Phuket to James Bond Island

Our Phuket to James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay is one of the most talked-about day trips in all of Thailand. Phuket to James Bond Island by speedboat is a luxurious day excursion that offers both iconic views and more athletic hobbies, such as cave searching and canoeing among the striking rock formations.

Our Phuket to James Bond Island speedboat tour will take you to a region of Phang Nga Bay that is unlike any other in the world because of the striking karst limestone seascapes that rise dramatically from the emerald ocean.

The Famous Island

If you choose our Phuket to James Bond Island private speedboat tour, our skilled crews will take you to the famous Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) so that you may take in the sights of Phang Nga Bay’s most iconic location. Since this is a marine protected area, boats cannot go too close, but nearby Koh Ping Ghan is an island with a huge leaning rock and several caves to explore and serves as a great vantage point for taking pictures of the renowned site.

Tourists have flocked to James Bond Island since the 1970s when the island played host to Bond’s villain Scaramanga in the film The Man With the Golden Gun. Because of this well-known film, many satisfied customers have chosen the James Bond Island Speedboat Tour offered by 5 Star Marine.

Phuket to James Bond Island Tour Highlights

Whatever your needs may be, 5 Star Marine will do its very best to meet them. In order to give you a day to remember, our seasoned captains and crew will assist you in avoiding the masses. Some possible places to visit during a speedboat tour from Phuket to James Bond Island are:

  • Stop by Panak Island to float along gently inside one of the hidden caves surrounded by mangroves, before enjoying a peaceful golden bay all to yourselves.
  • Move onto Ko Kudu Yai to take in the exquisite beauty of the clear turquoise water in this stunning lagoon.
  • At lunchtime why not make your way to the small island community of Koh Panyee; where huts, houses, and restaurants are built on stilts over the water?
  • Then get your Bond Instagram to pose ready as you make your way to James Bond Island, which is viewed from Koh Ping Ghan.
  • Continue on your James Bond Island Speedboat Tour with some sea canoeing or cave exploring before making your way back to base.
  • Make a final sunset stop at Koh Pear, a small strip of an island that looks and feels like you are walking on water – a perfect end to the day.

Phuket to James Bond Island Tour Inclusions:

Private boat inclusion

In order for you to have a Phuket to James Bond Island private speedboat tour that will make lasting memories, we are looking forward to having you join us on board a luxury speedboat provided by 5 Star Marine.

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Boat Charter Phuket
By July 30, 2022 Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Boat Charter Phuket

5 Star Marine

With 5 Star Marine, you can hire a luxury VIP speedboat for an exclusive Boat Charter in Phuket. Take this unique opportunity to experience stunning tropical islands surrounding Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phi Phi, and even further afield. The choice is yours when you book a Boat Charter Phuket with 5 Star Marine.

Guaranteed Flexibility

Your Boat Charter in Phuket comes with guaranteed flexibility for your peace of mind; therefore, if plans need to change due to poor weather conditions or personal circumstances, 5 Star Marine will honor all Boat Charters in Phuket with honest 100% refunds. This is part of our customer service which we dedicate to making your time on the sea a 5-star experience in every way.

In another way, your experience is also flexible from an itinerary element. You are able to plan your Boat Charter in Phuket with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is seamless and just right for you and your guests.

The choice really is yours with our custom Boat Charter in Phuket private tours; because when you book with 5 Star Marine, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary and can enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the actual day of departure, for the perfectly balanced experience. Our experienced crew might also discuss a few suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, and tide on the day of your Boat Charter in Phuket.

Customer Experience

5 Star Marine is extremely honored to have once again been given a Tripadvisor ‘Travelers’ Choice Award’ for 2022; which recognizes businesses that consistently deliver great service. This award makes them part of an exclusive group, ranking among the top 10% of listings on the platform.

5 Star Marine is delighted to have continued to earn top guest reviews for all their Boat Charters in Phuket for the last 2 years running; as this award highlights the top companies who consistently manage to deliver the highest levels of customer satisfaction for their experiences.

Boat Charter Phuket Inspiration:

A few examples of tropical journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Boat Charter in Phuket include:

Phuket Private Charter Inclusions

We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Boat Charter in Phuket will include the following:

Private boat inclusion

 

Explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Boat Charter in Phuket.

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Instagram

YouTube

What Are The Best Wet Season Island Hopping Destinations?
By June 29, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

What Are The Best Wet Season Island Hopping Destinations?

The Wet Season (also known as the Low Season or Green Season) starts in Phuket around May each year and continues through to the end of October. The signal of the change of seasons in Phuket is when the wind changes.

During our High Season or Dry Season, the wind blows from the East, during our Low Season or Wet Season the wind blows from the West. The West blowing winds brings more rain, monsoons, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Does It Rain All Day In Wet Season?

One of the biggest questions we see online and from our emails is whether it rains all day during the Wet Season. The reality is that it does not. We may have a passing shower or a storm for a day, but it is not raining all day every day. In addition to that, it can be raining on one part of Phuket and not another.

We live in a Tropical Climate, so the showers are generally passing and isolated.

Is It Safe To Go On A Private Boat In Wet Season?

It is very rare that we would need to cancel a tour in Wet Season. As I write this post right now we have low wind, blue skies, and calm seas. It’s the end of June and we feel as if this weather is going to continue for at least another week.

Due to the season though we always recommend to our customers to book the earliest available date in your holiday to go out on tour, so that we can then advise if the weather is not good to go another day.

During Wet Season we will time your tours a little differently to High Season. The high season is a great time to do sunset tours, whereas the low season is a great time to do early morning departures.

What Destinations Are Open In Wet Season?

During the wet season, it is safe to visit Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, Hong Krabi, Coral Island, Khai Island, Racha Island.

Destinations like Koh Rok, Koh Ha, and Similan are closed during the wet season for coral rejuvenation as well as due to the rougher sea conditions on the way to these destinations.

Summary: If you are planning a trip during the wet season, feel free to contact us and let us help advise you on the best destinations and the best day and time to get there.

James Bond Private Boat
By June 11, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Phuket Tips, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

James Bond Private Boat

Explore in comfort and style when you book our famous James Bond Private Boat tour.  Our luxury private speedboats are perfect when you get a group of friends or family together to enjoy this VIP experience.

We are happy to suggest an itinerary around seeing this day trip, and we stress that it is only a suggested itinerary, because with a James Bond Private Boat you get to decide the schedule with our experienced crew. Whilst on the James Bond Private Boat trip, we can easily accommodate and be flexible for your day; spend a little longer wandering around taking in the sites, or spend more time canoeing through caves, or enjoy a leisurely lunch.

Our James Bond Private Boat trip takes you to Phang Nga Bay which is one of nature’s stunning works of art. The seascape will present you with vast karst rock scenery at this visually stunning location. This luxury VIP James Bond Private Boat day trip allows you to enjoy the wanderlust sights, along with more active pursuits such as exploring caves in the area and taking a canoe out around the formations.

Our experienced teams will get you to the Instagram-worthy Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) during your James Bond Private Boat day trip, where you can enjoy the scenery of probably the most notorious spot in Phang Nga Bay. Boats are actually not allowed too close, as this is a protected marine area, but you can get snap happy at the famous sight from Koh Ping Ghan; an island with an immensely tall leaning rock and some small caves to explore.

Since the mid-1970s, James Bond Island has been popular with tourists as it became a major attraction following its appearance in the Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun; where it provided the hideout for Bond’s antagonist – Scaramanga. This explains why the James Bond Private Boat tour is one of our most popular day trips, and one our team of crew and captains thoroughly enjoy going to.

We would suggest making a stop off at the floating Muslim community of Koh Panyee during your James Bond Private Boat, perhaps for lunch. Here you will get to see huts, restaurants, and even a floating football pitch which are all built over the water.

The James Bond Private Boat tour is certainly something that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and our day trip has something for everyone. Whether you want to experience stunning seascapes, partake in canoeing, caving or explore famous locations; however please do note that our James Bond Private Boat day is not designed for those looking to go snorkeling, it is more about the seascapes, canoeing, caving and exploring.

James Bond Private Boat Highlights

Your James Bond Private Boat day trip will be flexible to allow us to accommodate your desires. Our experienced captains and crew will help you beat the crowds and give you a day to remember. Some highlights you might want to enjoy on your day trip include:

  • Stop by Panak Island to float along gently inside one of the hidden caves surrounded by mangroves, before enjoying a peaceful golden bay all to yourselves.
  • Move onto Ko Kudu Yai to take in the exquisite beauty of the clear turquoise water in this stunning lagoon.
  • At lunchtime why not make your way to the small island community of Koh Panyee; where huts, houses, and restaurants are built on stilts over the water.
  • Then get your Bond Instagram to pose ready as you make your way to James Bond Island, which can be viewed from Koh Ping Ghan.
  • Continue on your James Bond Private Boat tour with some sea canoeing or cave exploring before making your way back to base.
  • Perhaps you might make a final sunset stop at Koh Pear, a small strip of an island that looks and feels like you are walking on water – a perfect end to the day.

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

3 Day 2 Night Tour To Koh Mook [Part 2 Of 3]
By April 12, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

3 Day 2 Night Tour To Koh Mook [Part 2 Of 3]

Jump back on board with Jay, Alex, and the crew of Lucus 1 as they continue their 3 days 2 night exploration of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai, Phi Phi, Railay and beyond.

These overnight tours are a special addition that we set up here at 5 Star Marine when the pandemic started. If you are looking for something different, unique, and adventurous then this is the tour for you.

Watch along below:

Phuket Breaking News – Test And Go, Sandbox, Crocodiles And A New Water Park
By February 7, 2022 5 Star Marine News, Island Hopping, Private Boat Charter Comments Off

Phuket Breaking News – Test And Go, Sandbox, Crocodiles And A New Water Park

ANNOUNCEMENT – Thailand Pass Rules Update Frequently, The Information In The Below Post Is Now Out Of Date For Latest News Please Visit: https://5starmarinephuket.com/phuket-sandbox-rules-and-updates/

Join Jay and Shaun from 5 Star Marine as they discuss the latest news stories on Phuket. From the resumption of the Test and Go program, to Crocodiles being found on Bangtao Beach and a new water park opening up.

This is a light-hearted version of the news designed to keep you informed as well as give you some light entertainment to break up the constant negative news cycle. Watch along below: