Phang Nga Bay Private Boat

With 5 Star Marine, you can hire one of our luxury VIP speedboats for an exclusive Phang Nga Bay Private Boat tour. Phang-Nga Bay, (or Ao Phang Nga National Park), has long been a popular destination for travelers from around the world and consists of numerous, beautiful islands.

Phang Nga Bay was a famous destination long before hit movies that were filmed there came out, including the 1974 Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun, which made ‘James Bond Island’ a world-renowned site.

With a custom Phang Nga Bay Private Boat, you will get guided around hidden coves and lagoons, as well as have the chance to stop off at the iconic James Bond Island if you wish. Our Phang Nga Bay Private Boat VIP tour is completely flexible, so you can customize your day with the help of our expert crew and captains to get an experience that is perfect for you.

On your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat day trip, you will see some stunning seascapes, including the huge jutting-out limestone formations and numerous caves. The whole area is a spectacular bay that offers a multitude of natural wonders just waiting to be explored.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous on your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat trip, why not do a little spot of sea kayaking and explore the incredible caves inside the towering karst formations in the area. Our crew knows exactly where to take you for these types of experiences, and are experts at beating the crowds too.

While on your Phang Nga Bay Private Boat trip, you will be taken on a tropical journey, and we would suggest making a stop off at the picturesque Gypsy Village (the floating Muslim community of Koh Panyee) during your day, perhaps for lunch. Here you will get to see huts, restaurants, and even a floating football pitch which are all built over the water.

Experience nature’s spectacular works of art; where the vast karst rock scenery presents a visually stunning location on your luxury Phang Nga Bay Private Boat. However please note this is not for those looking to go snorkeling, the Phang Nga Bay trip is all about the seascapes, canoeing, caving, and exploring.

5 Star Marine’s Phang Nga Bay Private Boat tour creates an unforgettable time at this world-renowned destination. By selecting this day trip, you will get the opportunity to discover Phang Nga Bay in the best conditions, with the least number of tourists, and also see parts of Phang Nga Bay that you will not experience on group tours.

Although our Phang Nga Bay Private Boat day trip is customizable, here is an idea of a sample itinerary you might enjoy:

  • Visit a hidden cave around Panak Island
  • Swim in clear turquoise waters at Ko Kudu Yai
  • Lunch and sightseeing at Koh Panyee floating village
  • James Bond Island tour (from Koh Ping Ghan)
  • Canoeing/caving in the Phang Nga Bay area

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun Stenning

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

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Maya Bay Phi Phi Island – The Most Famous Beach in Thailand

Maya Bay, Phi Phi is one of the best beaches in Thailand IF not the world, and was featured in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio which was filmed over 20 years ago.

Maya Bay Beach was closed for over 2 years by the Thai Government to help the environment as it had become ruined by over-tourism, and it reopened in January 2022 with new rules and regulations that help to manage the tourists and how they access the bay.

Host of 5 Star Marine YouTube Channel Jay Leshark with 5 Star Marine Guide Alex head to Maya Bay before it closes again in August for another few months, and see what it is like and how the new management of Maya Bay works and look for Black Tip Reef Sharks that since the closure has returned to the bay.

Maya Bay, Thailand with its towering limestone cliffs, clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beach, is one of the most beautiful locations in Thailand. The main beach on Maya Bay is about 200 meters long, with soft white sand and exquisitely wonderful Corals, in fact, the whole bay is one big beautiful Coral Reef.

Although small in size just 200 meters long and 15 meters wide — the bay has drawn global attention since it featured in the Hollywood movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, filmed there in 1999 and released in 2000.

The Beach movie was directed by Danny Boyle and was based on the 1996 novel of the same name by Alex Garland. It was not a huge hit at the box office and Leonardo DiCaprio who played Richard, a young American seeking adventure, was actually nominated for a Raspberry award for the worst actor the year the movie was released. He lost to John Travolta as Terl from Battlefield Earth and as Russ Richards in Lucky Numbers.

Here’s a fact: Ewan McGregor was cast as the main character of The Beach, before leaving due to disputes with the director.

Maya Bay will be closing again on the 1st August 2022 for 2 months for the local authorities to do some research on how the opening has affected the bay and if the restrictors that they have put into place are working to help the environment.

Thailand Pass Update – May 2022

Breaking News:

The Thailand Pass (for international travelers wishing to enter Thailand) has moved from an approval process to a simple registration process. On May 20th the CCSA (Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration) held a meeting to discuss the latest entry rules. You can watch the latest update here, plus we have outlined the changes below for ease.

The New Registration Process:

For international arrivals from June 1st 2022, the Thailand Pass has been eased significantly. So, when you submit your information, you will automatically get your QR code and approval to enter Thailand. Essentially it has moved from an approval system to a simple registration process only. For more information on this, you can visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand dedicated page.

Thailand Pass

What Is Different?

With the old version of the Thailand Pass, you had to go into the Thailand Pass system and submit more types of documentation. Then you would have to wait to be approved, or otherwise to enter Thailand. It was an approval system vs the new Thailand Pass registration process.

What Information To Submit:

The Thailand Pass has been updated and streamlined in the process. The rules are simple, you only need to show your vaccination status and proof of travel insurance. Please note, that for the Thailand Pass you are not required to be vaccinated, but you do need to declare your vaccination status. You can apply here for the new Thailand Pass.

Thailand Pass

Streamlined Entry Into Thailand:

So that’s basically it; just enter your vaccination status and proof of travel insurance and your Thailand Pass will be registered, a QR code is given automatically and you can enter Thailand. It really did just get that simple. We are happy to say that this is the end of the more complicated Thailand Pass, although we foresee you will need to pre-register your information to be able to travel into Thailand for the next couple of months; then it could possibly be scrapped altogether.

Why Come To Thailand Now?

It is now easier than ever to enter Thailand, so you get the chance to come on holiday here easily for the first post Pandemic (or even Endemic) low season. Phuket has so much to offer, a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. There is also lots to see and do, with a good percentage of the island opened up; and with more tourists we expect even more restaurants, bars and tourist attractions to reopen their doors.

Keeping Up To Date:

5 Star Marine has been providing informative and up-to-date information on all aspects of entry rules, from the Thailand Pass updates right back to when they were giving information on the Sandbox schemes and entry measures, since around July 2021.

Holiday Inspiration:

5 Star Marine runs fully customized private tours on their luxury fleet of speedboats. Here’s some  inspiration you can plan with them for your upcoming Thailand adventure:

So, what are you waiting for? With the simple Thailand Pass now in place, we look forward to welcoming you to Phuket.

For bookings or Information:

www.5starmarinephuket.com

+66-93-720-6221

[email protected]

Krabi Private Tour

With a Krabi Private Tour onboard one of 5 Star Marine’s luxury private speedboats, you will get to experience the stunning beauty of Ko Hong Krabi and the smaller Krabi province archipelagos. Plus, you get to enjoy all of this at your own pace when you book a Krabi Private Tour.

The sheer natural beauty you encounter on a Krabi Private Tour is breathtaking. This area provides you with everything you could want from a day out. Indulge in a swim to cool off in an emerald green lagoon, try a spot of snorkeling, discover the white sandy, private beaches, take a hike or enjoy a 360o viewpoint and sightseeing – there is something to keep everyone happy.

Visit Ko Hong on your Krabi Private Tour; it sits in-between the Koh Yao Islands and Krabi mainland and boasts a remarkable lagoon which you enter through a narrow passageway after which you are greeted by the scenic and mesmerizing Ko Hong Lagoon. This striking turquoise body of shallow water is surrounded by high rock walls lined with lush mangroves giving a forgotten world feeling to it. Only accessible by small boat or longtail, some areas are so clear and shallow you can easily see your feet on the underwater sand.

If you wish to pick up the pace a little, why not make your way around to a more recent addition to the island whilst on your own Krabi Private Tour. The breathtaking 360o Viewpoint has an impressive metal staircase structure that was just built-in in 2020. It gives panoramic 360o views of Krabi and the surrounding islands and is arguably one of the best seascape views of the Krabi island sets, Phang Nga Bay, and surrounding islands in the national park that you can get.

After enjoying these stunning panoramic seascapes, make your way to Railay Beach for a walk around, discover some caves or stop for a spot of lunch. Alternatively, we can arrange a private western or Thai menu lunch on the beach during your Krabi Private Tour; simply let us know and we can organize this. In the afternoon, you might want to enjoy some snorkeling at Chicken Island or explore the nearby Ko Poda beach.

The choice really is yours, because when you book a Krabi Private Tour with us you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary with the help of our professional and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience.

Why Pick Our Krabi Private Tour?

With so much to see and do, the Krabi Private Tour is a perfect mix of sightseeing, adventure, snorkeling, and some of the best beaches in the area. 5 Star Marine are experts when it comes to the wide selection of islands and sightseeing spots around Krabi, and can sometimes get you to stunning locations with nobody else around.

Krabi Private Tour Inclusions

We like to look after all our guests, so you can sit back and relax knowing that your Krabi Private Tour will include the following:

private-boat-charter-inclusions

Explore the best destinations around Krabi in ultimate luxury, with your very own, bespoke Krabi Private Tour.

Contact us to book your Krabi Private Tour:

 

www.5starmarinephuket.com

+66937206221

[email protected]

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Check out The Phuket Boat Tour to Coral Island Video. Our next Phuket Adventure (WITH 15 Kids)

Host of 5 Star Marine YouTube channel Jay Leshark joins a family-friendly trip to Coral Island. 2 boats and 15 kids, how will Jay cope? The only way to find out is to watch the video below.

If you are looking for a perfect family boat tour then this trip is a must. Coral Island, also known locally as Koh He, is an easy and family-friendly day-trip destination from Phuket.

It is one of the most popular tours taken by the Phuket locals and expats families as it’s a short boat trip, so not too long for small children to be on the boat, and it can be part of a dolphin-spotting trip. We might not be able to guarantee dolphins, however, the team are are experienced in knowing the best times and locations to maximize your chances of seeing these playful animals.

BUT we can promise that this trip to Coral Island is awesome.

Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae or Ko He, is a beautiful destination only a few km southeasts of Phuket. The island has 2 main beaches: Long Beach and Banana Beach. Snorkeling off Banana Beach is really good, especially for young children as you can snorkel right off the beach and children are able to stand up as it’s not too deep.

On Coral Island, you can find a handful of restaurants, enjoy a few different snorkeling spots or just relax on its sandy beaches. There are also an array of activates to do such as Banana boating, parasailing and they even rent out see-through canoes, which are perfect for those who are not too keen on snorkeling but still want to see the amazing Phuket marine sea life.

And for those influencers out there are some awesome Instagram-worthy setups ready for you and your thousands of followers.

This tour, as in all our Phuket boat tours at 5 Star Marine includes soft drinks, water, fresh fruit, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and of course the excellent team that will guide you on this awesome tour.

Phuket Private Tour

Experience stunning seascapes, tropical islands, and limestone karsts around Phuket and the surrounding islands in absolute comfort onboard one of 5 Star Marine’s Phuket Private Tours.

On your Phuket Private Tour, we will send a proposal with a suggested itinerary. Why do we say “suggested”? Well, when you arrive at the pier for your Phuket Private Tour, our experienced crew will talk through the plan for the day. They can make suggestions based on variables outside of our control such as the sea, wind condition, tide, etc.

The choice really is yours because when you book a Phuket Private Tour with us, you get to carve out your bespoke and unique itinerary with the help of our professional and knowledgeable guides. Enjoy your collaborated itinerary planning on the day, for a perfectly balanced experience.

On your Phuket Private Tour, you might select to explore hidden bays, canoe through caves, relax on deserted white beaches, experience exotic marine life in crystal clear waters or even adventure up to breathtakingly high viewpoints. When you book a Phuket Private Tour with 5 Star Marine, we are able to tailor a bespoke itinerary just for you on your day trip / multi-night tour.

You can pick from a range of exotic and stunning island locations on offer, or why not try our “Phuket By The Sea Tour” which is our unique Phuket Private Tour program that leaves from the 5 Star Marine pier in Boat Lagoon and travels under the Sarasin bridge before you could make your way down to Banana Beach past Surin, Kamala and Patong for example, stopping off at a few of Phuket’s top-class beach clubs.

Phuket Private Tour Destination Inspiration:

A few examples of exotic journeys you can make with 5 Star Marine on your own bespoke Phuket Private Tour:

  • Phang Nga Bay to visit the infamous James Bond Island
  • Phi Phi, including Maya Bay (which opened again to guests in January 2022) – the location of The Beach film
  • Racha Islands soft white sandy beaches and abundant marine life
  • Dolphin spotting at Koh Mai Ton
  • Coral Island with full beach club, massage, and restaurant amenities at Banana Beach Club
  • Krabi, Hong Krabi lagoon, and the 360-degree viewpoint
  • Koh Ha and Ko Rok for something a little more exotic and lesser-known
  • Easy to access and shallow snorkeling at the Khai Islands
  • Tropical paradise in Koh Lipe

Your Very Own Phuket Private Tour

  • Our crew will be dedicated entirely to you, your family, or friends on board; attending to your requirements for the ultimate Phuket Private Tour
  • We can tailor a unique and customized program, to ensure the day exceeds your desires
  • We are flexible on pick-up and drop-off locations to suit you (hotel, pier, beach, etc.)
  • You can choose to remain at a lagoon or private beach for longer if you would like; you won’t have to fit in with a tour group timetable
  • With a small and intimate group of people, you get the flexibility to make the day what you want
  • You will get to discover hidden coves and caves that you will not experience on group tours
  • We can organize a private beach picnic for your Phuket Private Tour

Phuket Private Tour Inclusions

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

private-boat-charter-inclusions

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


Contact us to book your Phuket Private Tour:

www.5starmarinephuket.com

+66-93-720-6221

[email protected]

James Bond Island Private Tour

One of our most popular day trip destinations is the world-renowned James Bond Island Private Tour, which takes you to Phang Nga Bay. This luxury VIP speedboat Private Tour allows you to enjoy famous sights, along with more active pursuits such as exploring caves in the area and taking a canoe out around the formations.   

Whilst on our James Bond Island Private Tour, you will get to discover the stunning and vast karst limestone seascapes which jut out of the emerald-green water, giving the Phang Nga Bay area a truly unique and visually stunning location to explore.

Of course, our experienced teams will get you to the famous Koh Tapu (James Bond Island) to enjoy the scenery of probably the most notorious spot in Phang Nga Bay. Boats are 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.

In fact, this destination has continued to prove so popular that in the pre-pandemic days there were near on 1 million people per year coming to the area. Of course, this helped support the locals, shops, restaurants, and the floating Muslim community of Koh Panyee; where huts, restaurants, and even a floating football pitch are built over the water.

However, Covid-19 brought with it a harsh blow to the community with barely any visitors; on the other hand, it provided the peace and quiet that this area needed so very much. In turn, with more or less no tourists and far fewer boats venturing out to the area, this famous landmark and surrounding areas got their first chance in over 40 years to recover and recuperate.

The James Bond Island Private Tour is certainly something that should be on your bucket list, especially now that it is quieter than ever before. This Private Tour has something for everyone; whether you want to experience stunning seascapes, partake in canoeing, caving or explore famous locations; in more peace and quiet than in the last 40 years.

James Bond Islands Private Tour Highlights

Your James Bond Island Private Tour will accommodate your desires for the day. Our experienced captains and crew will help you beat the crowds and give you a day to remember. Some of the stops you might want to make 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 Island Private 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.

James Bond Islands Private Tour Inclusions:

private-boat-charter-inclusions

Phi Phi Island Private Tour

Enjoy our Phi Phi Islands Private Tour, where you get to experience the ultimate and iconic scenery on your very own private day trip. With 5 Star Marine, you can discover this world-famous location in luxury, onboard one of their VIP, upgraded speedboats.

Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds on your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour, so you can sit back and relax knowing you are in safe and capable hands. During your Private Tour, you will get the chance to enjoy the stunning coral reefs around Phi Phi which are bursting with colourful marine life, as well as experience the natural beauty of the area. Take your time swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear tropical lagoons as our captains guide you around the area.

Hello Maya Bay

Maya Bay only just reopened in January 2022 (and is definitely one of the most iconic areas you can visit on your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour); made famous after being featured in the 2000 movie, “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

This widely-known bay was completely closed to tourists for 3.5 years, by order of The Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This was necessary after sadly mass tourism destructed the coral life, reefs and marine ecology.

However, during this time the whole Maya Bay area underwent a significant and impressive rehabilitation project, which included planting new corals on the reefs over more than 4 acres in and around the bay. Parts of the beach were regenerated and protective walkways were constructed.

5 Star Marine will ensure that you enjoy the beautiful sandy Maya Bay, whilst practising responsible tourism to help keep the area protected and allow it to continue regenerating; all this can be part of your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour experience.  The Marine Park has worked tirelessly to get Maya Bay back to its previous paradise condition; so, we ensure that our tours adhere to the new rules and help demonstrate respectful tourism.

Phi Phi Islands Private Tour Highlights

  • Start your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour by heading to Maya Bay at Phi Phi Ley, where you can now actually walk on the “beach”, and experience this beautiful and famous cove for yourself.
  • Cruise around to Loh Samah Bay; a small bay on the other side of Maya Bay that offers some beautiful marine life and makes for a good snorkeling stop.
  • Enter Pileh Lagoon to swim in the clear turquoise waters. Another famous stop on your Phi Phi Private Tour is this lagoon also featured in “The Beach” when Leonardo DiCaprio dived off into the stunning aquamarine waters.
  • Explore Small Monkey Beach, where you can see these cheeky little creatures sitting on the karst rocks and relaxing on the beach.
  • Your Phi Phi Island Private Tour could take you to Wong Long Bay, which we can still access despite the narrow entrance.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch, which can include Thai sharing dishes that we can arrange for you, on a sandy cove with a shallow bay at Big Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don.
  • Experience snorkelling at Ao Nuoi and discover rich corals and marine life together with a picturesque beach setting.
  • Complete your Phi Phi Islands Private Tour by taking in the beauty of Bamboo Island – a stunning setting, with shallow clear blue waters and a picturesque beach. Enjoy some snorkeling in this area and you might even spot a blacktip reef shark.

Phi Phi Islands Private Tour Inclusions:

private-boat-charter-inclusions

Bookings and Enquiries:

Shaun

+66 (0) 93720 6221

www.5starmarinephuket.com

[email protected]

Phi Phi Island

Looking For A Memorable Experience? – The Official Monthly Newsletter

It’s been another great month of tours. Seeing the smiling faces of our team, our guests and reading the amazing reviews online has really inspired us all to keep fighting forward. We are moving now into some of the best sea conditions of the year so it’s time to get out explore and find new places.

One of my new favorite places to visit is Koh Mook, with our team heading over there almost weekly at the moment. Swimming into Emerald Cave, exploring Koh Kradan (arguably the best beach in the area), and seeing the Dugongs.

Hoping to see you on board again soon!

–  Shaun


IN THIS MONTH’S NEWS!

  • Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!
  • Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.
  • 5 Star Vlogs.

Tours Of The Month – Bond, James Bond!

  • With a custom Phang Nga Bay tour, 5 Star Marine will guide you around hidden coves and lagoons, as well as stopping off at the iconic James Bond island which became a major attraction after featuring in the 1974 Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.

Volunteerism And How You Can Get Involved.

  • One of our very good friends (who started out as a Guest) Amy Tan writes this wonderful monthly newsletter highlighting what we like to refer to as “Volunteerism“. In her newsletter this month she focused on the Life Bag project that we have run here at 5 Star Marine.
5 Star MarineLife Bags

5 Star MarineLife Bags

READ HERE:

Staff Profile of The Month

  • Name: Alex
  • Position: Tour Guide
  • Favorite tour to go on: Koh Rok/Koh Ha
  • Favorite activity to do in Phuket when not working: Relaxing at the beach and spending time with family.
  • Favorite food: Any Phuket seafood. Phuket seafood is the best.

5 Star Vlogs

Have you liked and subscribed?

Stay up to date with the latest Phuket News, see one of our tours, and find things to do in Phuket.

We also have challenges for our YouTube host Jay Leshark who last month learned how to do Brazilian Ju-Jitsu on the beach. Well, we say learned, it was more of a… well best watch to find out what happened.

Go to our YouTube page and make sure you like and subscribe.  Join the 5 Star Universe.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST NEWS:


THE SEA IS CALLING!

Jump On Board On One Of Our VIP Private Speedboats And Explore The Amazing Islands Of Phuket – At A Discount – Contact Us To Discuss Our Discounted Returning Guest Rates.

Email

[email protected]

Phone

+66 93 720 6221

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+66 93 720 6221

Thailand Pass Breaking News – Updated Test And Go Measures – March 2022

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/


The CCSA met last week to discuss the further easing of restrictions and to allow the process of entry into Thailand as a tourist easier. In the announcement after the meeting, there were a number of changes to the entry conditions into Thailand.

These changes include the elimination of the need for a pre-departure RT-PCR test, a reduction in the amount of insurance coverage that is required, and a few other small adjustments

The bigger news is that we expect these to continue easing and that in July the CCSA plans to rule the Pandemic and Endemic which should see rules ease even further. Find out about the latest rule changes here: