Where is The Best Thai Restaurant in Phang Nga Bay?
Best Restaurant In Phang Nga Bay
Thai food is renowned worldwide for its irresistible flavors, aromatic spices, and vibrant presentation. The cuisine of Thailand has captured the hearts and palates of people from all corners of the globe.
Thai food is known for its perfect balance of flavors. Thai dishes masterfully combine sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy elements, creating a symphony of tastes that tantalize the taste buds. Whether it’s the tangy lemongrass in Tom Yum soup, the fiery kick of chili peppers in Som Tum, or the creamy coconut milk in Massaman curry, Thai food delights in its ability to create a harmonious blend of contrasting flavors in each dish.
Baan Rim Nam Koh Yao Yai
When you are out on a 5 Star Marine Tour in Phang Nga Bay, we would highly recommend the amazing Baan Rim Nam, on Koh Yao Yai.
Baan Rim Nam restaurant is a must-visit and not only because the food is very tasty, but also because of the fantastic location. As you sit on the wooden deck you overlook the tranquil bay and right in front
of you, see the floating shacks of the local fishermen, who bring their catch daily to the restaurant.
There are magnificent views from Baan Rim Nam. The awesome staff welcomes people all year round as t is such a popular restaurant. The service is very professional and polite and you really feel like you are at a 5-star restaurant, but still with that local restaurant feel.
There is no surprise there are so many good reviews online for Baan Rim Nam. Immediately as we arrived, we were met with a warm welcome and sat with a stunning view of the bay. The Thai food was to die for. Massive fresh tiger prawns from local fishermen prepared perfectly. Freshly fried fish, crispy and light, and one of my personal favorites is the raw prawn dish called locally – “Kung chae nampla”.
This is a Thai salad made from fresh raw shrimp soaked in Thai fish sauce and served with chunks of gourd, cloves of garlic, chilies, and spicy sauce.
NOTES – The spicy sauce is VERY spicy, and the gourds are VERY bitter
Their signature dessert was a total surprise. You need to watch the video to find out what this is.
Thai Food
Thai food is more than just a meal—it’s a social and cultural experience. In Thailand, meals are often shared, and dining is seen as a communal activity. The warm hospitality, lively atmosphere, and conviviality associated with Thai dining enhance the overall enjoyment of the food. Sharing a variety of dishes with loved ones, engaging in conversation, and experiencing the unique Thai dining culture
add an extra layer of satisfaction to the culinary experience.
Thai food’s irresistible flavors, fresh ingredients, diverse textures, versatility, exquisite presentation, and social aspect all contribute to its exceptional reputation. The balance of flavors, commitment to freshness, and attention to detail make Thai cuisine an absolute delight for the senses.
Whether you’re indulging in a spicy locally caught tiger prawn curry or savoring a tangy salad, the food at Baan Rim Nam, on Koh Yao Yai offers you a culinary journey that is unparalleled, making it truly deserving of its recommendations by the 5 Star Marine Phuket team as the Best Restaurant in Phang Nga Bay.
Beach and Water Safety In Phuket, Live Rescue Caught on Tape
Beach and Water Safety In Phuket
During Phuket’s rainy season, or as some call it, the Phuket low season or ‘green season’ which runs from May through late October the West coast beaches such as Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, and Kata and Karon Beach all are affected by the South westly monsoons.
The waves are a lot stronger and there can be a lot of trash and drift wood washed up. There are also rip tides, also called rip currents.
These Phuket beaches can be a dangerous place to swim IF you do not follow the rules which are very simple, but still each year there are people who just think, well in fact, they don’t think and just jump right in.
Yes, playing in big waves can be fun, but please read the details below to make sure you stay safe when coming on holiday to Phuket during the rainy season.
The Phuket Beaches Flag system.
Flags on beaches are used as a visual communication system to convey important information about water conditions and potential hazards to beachgoers.
Green Flag: A green flag typically indicates that the water conditions are calm and it is safe to swim. However, it’s always important to exercise caution and be aware of your swimming abilities.
Yellow Flag: A yellow flag is a cautionary flag that suggests moderate surf or currents. It advises swimmers to be aware of potentially hazardous conditions and to exercise caution while swimming.
Red Flag: A red flag is a warning sign indicating high surf and strong currents. It is used when there are potentially dangerous conditions, such as strong waves or rip currents. Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water when a red flag is flying.
NOTE: Sometimes on the Phuket beaches they will have a half red and half yellow flag, you will notice that there will be two flags around 100m to 200m apart. These are to indicate swimming zones and are set up by the Phuket Lifeguards to ensure you swim in the correct area.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific flag system which is used here in Phuket where you’re visiting a beach. Additionally, pay attention to any signs or instructions provided by the Phuket lifeguards to ensure your safety while enjoying the beach.
Rip Tides
A rip tide, also known as a rip current, is a powerful and narrow current of water that flows away from the shoreline, typically through a gap in sandbars or between offshore structures such as jetties. Rip tides can occur on any beach with breaking waves and are most commonly found in coastal areas.
If you find yourself caught in a rip tide, it’s important to remain calm and remember the following guidelines:
Stay afloat and don’t panic: The most important thing is to keep yourself afloat by treading water or floating on your back. Avoid wasting energy by struggling against the current or trying to swim directly back to shore.
Don’t swim against the current: Rip tides are extremely strong, and even the strongest swimmers can struggle to swim against them. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline, following the current. Most rip tides are relatively narrow, so swimming parallel to the shore will eventually allow you to escape its pull.
Signal for help: If you’re unable to swim out of the rip tide or you become too tired, try to signal for help by waving your arms and calling out to people on the shore. Lifeguards or other beachgoers may be able to assist you or alert professional rescuers.
Conserve energy: If you’re unable to swim out of the rip tide and there’s no immediate help available, conserve your energy by floating calmly. It’s essential to stay afloat and conserve your energy until you can escape the rip tide or until help arrives.
Swim parallel to the shore: Once you have escaped the rip tide’s pull, swim at an angle away from it and toward the shore. It’s important not to swim directly against the current as it may exhaust you.
Preventing getting caught in a rip tide is the best course of action. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards and pay attention to their instructions and warning signs. If you’re unsure about the water conditions or the presence of rip tides, it’s best to stay out of the water.
5 Star Marine Awarded 2023 Tripadvisor® Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
Outstanding Visitor Reviews and Ratings Place 5 Star Marine Among
Thailand’s Best Tours & Activities
We are honoured and privileged to be acknowledged by Tripadvisor with these prestigious achievements, which recognise companies that consistently provide exceptional experiences to their customers, resulting in outstanding guest reviews.
These awards position 5 Star Marine among the top businesses on Tripadvisor, acknowledging their tours and activities as the absolute “best of the best” in Thailand.
Shaun Stenning, CEO of 5 Star Marine commented: “We are delighted that we have managed to continue to exceed our travellers’ expectations. Achieving awards of this calibre requires immense dedication, hard work and an exceptional team. I take immense pride in our entire 5 Star Marine family, whose collective efforts have contributed to these awards; and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our amazing guests for their unwavering support throughout the past year.”
From humble beginnings as a boutique private tour company with just one speedboat, 5 Star Marine has now emerged as the number 1 ranked Tours & Activities provider in Phuket. Adding to these accomplishments, we are thrilled to have received the prestigious TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for the third consecutive year.
In addition to this, 5 Star Marine’s Phi Phi Island Private Tour and James Bond Island Private Tour have been recognised as the “Best Of The Best,” solidifying their status as one of the top 10 must-do experiences for every traveller visiting Thailand.
In conclusion, the company now holds impressive rankings of the 4th and 9th for the best things to do in Phuket as tours, while also securing the top spot as the number 1 tour operator in Phuket.
“Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best winners,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who matter most: your guests”
Discover more about our highly sought-after private tours on Tripadvisor by exploring them here:
Alternatively, please contact us directly to discuss or to book a bespoke private day trip itinerary.
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
Private Boat Tours Phuket Thailand Blog
Phuket Private Speedboats
You can explore the best destinations around Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and beyond in ultimate luxury, with your very own, Private VIP Speed Boat. 5 Star Marine Phuket has a fleet of 15 private VIP Speedboats and Luxury Cruisers (and our fleet is still growing). All our fully customised boats are TAT SHA Plus approved, and adhere to the highest levels of comfort for your ultimate tailor-made experience.
The 5 Star Marine Phuket luxury 39ft Speedboats were designed and built in Phuket to our very own specifications.
Some of the key features are:
The back decks
Each of our 39ft Luxury Phuket speedboats has a wooden back deck. The deck also has two ladders that can be dropped down into the water. Why do we have the back deck? The simple answer is safety and comfort. The deck keeps swimmers and snorkeler’s away from the engines and the ladders make it easy to climb up. Guests are able to sit on the deck and relax at the snorkeling spots or jump off when they get a bit hot and want a swim.
Two Engines
All our Phuket speedboats have two engines. This means that the ride when out at sea is smoother and more comfortable and if one engine ever breaks down there is a second engine that is enough to power the boat to get her back to the pier.
Extra padding
We all need a little extra padding sometimes. All our Phuket speedboats have extra padding in ALL the cushions making sure that you have a comfortable ride when heading out to any of the stunning destinations around Phuket.
Sound Systems
Our boats all come with an awesome sound system that you can log into using Bluetooth, so if you want your playlist while heading off to James Bond you can, or if you want your go to holiday song while heading to Phi Phi you can. Or if you just want to dance under the tropical sun, you can.
Cool boxes
We have cool boxes on each of the speedboats. They will be filled with water and soft drinks and you can use them for any extra drinks that you might bring with you.
Toilets
All the speedboats have a toilet so if you need to go, well you can.
The boats all have a cover area, as well as an open sun deck, so if you want to get that tropical sunshine you can, or if you have had a bit too much sun then the inside area is for you. This also helps if ever there are little drops of sunshine falling from the skies.
Boat Maintenance
Every year to keep the boats serviced, clean, and maintained they are taken out of the water and have a FULL refit at our factory in Phuket.
At the factory the boats will be fully repainted and refitted, the sound systems are upgraded, and the engines have full service. We even add new padding to the cushions to make sure your ride is as comfortable as possible.
Check out the video to see all the features of our Phuket speedboats here
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]
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.
The Australian Consulate-General Phuket. Are you Australian? Do you need help?
The Australian Consulate-General Phuket is Australia’s official diplomatic mission in Phuket, with accreditations to the provinces of Phang-nga and Krabi. We went to visit the Australian console in Phuket, to meet the Consulate General of Phuket Matt Barkley to ask him all sorts of questions about what does a console do, what can it help with, what can’t it help with and to get some top tips for Australian’s traveling to Phuket.
Firstly, a bit of background:
The Consulate-General was officially opened in August 2017 by Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. In 2015 the Australian Government announced that its presence in Phuket would be upgraded from an Honorary Consul to a full Consulate-General, reflecting the strength of the Australia-Thailand bilateral relationship and the number of Australians travelling and residing in Phuket.
So, my first question to Matt was an easy one, what does a consult General do?
Matt: So, a consulate general is basically like a small Embassy, so we do the role of an embassy, but outside of the capital, so that’s why we’re based in Phuket. We look after Australians; we promote Australian interests and we’re basically here as a conduit between the Australian community and the Thai community.
Are you only covering Phuket?
Matt: So, we cover Phuket, Panna and Krabi. So, if you’re an Australian that gets in trouble somewhere else in the region, then you can call us for assistance and even if you’re in places like Songkhla or Chumpon, Ranong, Surat Thani, if you need something done in southern Thailand and don’t want to travel to Bangkok, then you can travel to Phuket and we can assist you.
What services or assistance do you offer?
Matt: We do quite a few things here, so we provide passports to Australians that need them, so if you’re an Australian that wants to renew your passport, we can do that here, if you lose or damage your passport and you need to travel urgently, we can issue an emergency passport here as well, that’ll allow you to travel back to Australia. We also do something called notarial services, so if you’re an Australian that’s buying a house, going through divorce proceedings or something like that, we can do the signatures necessary for you to Lodge those documents back in Australia. And then, another major part of what we do is what we call Consular assistance, so that’s when if you’re an Australian that gets into trouble overseas, we can provide assistance and guide you through the process to hopefully get you home in one piece.
Are your services for tourists or expats or both?
Matt: It’s really interesting. So, we have about 2 000 Australians that live in Phuket and we have about a quarter of a million Australians who visit every year. Now, we provide services to both those groups and I think people would be quite interested to know that we provide about 40% of our services to the expats that live here and about 60% of our services to the travelers. So, we’re here for everyone, if you’re an Australian, if you’re an Australian passport holder, then we’re here to look after you.
What are the main things that you are asked help for from tourists?
Matt: Yes, it’s a good one and this changes on a day-to-day basis, obviously passport is a big one and particularly tourists going swimming and forgetting their passports in their pocket or putting their washing in and forgetting that their passport is there, that’s a big one for us because you need a valid travel Document to be able to get back to Australia or to go somewhere else in your travel. So, helping people with their passports or even with their passports expire, that’s another big one that we help people with. The other major area is on what we call again Consular assistance, so that’s when you are sick overseas and you maybe need to go to hospital and you don’t understand the processes there, you maybe need to be in touch with your family. These are things that we can assist you with. Unfortunately, we have a number of Australians that die overseas every year as well, we’re here to be able to help the families to navigate that process to be able to get their loved ones back to Australia as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Then, there’s also Australians that maybe go down to Patong and get into some trouble down there as well and we’re also here to assist them, so if you’re arrested or if you get into an accident, you have trouble with the law, then we can help you navigate that process, it’s important to know that we can’t get you out of those situations, but what we can do is we can give you the tools to be able to work your way through it. So, for example, if you get arrested, we can provide you with a list of local lawyers who potentially speak English and Thai and can help you go through the process there. So, it’s quite a range of services that we provide and we really are there just to ensure that Australians can help themselves when they get into a situation here in Thailand.
What things can you not do or help within your role as Consulate General?
Matt: So, the key thing to understand is that Australians are subject to Thai law when they’re in Thailand, we can’t get you out of legal problems, we can’t get you out of jail, we also can’t issue visas, we can’t issue visas to Australia. We also can’t extend your Visa if you’ve got a problem with your Visa here in Thailand. We’re also unable to provide legal advice, I think people come to us and because we understand the system here, they want us to be able to give them an estimate on how long things will take to work through the system. Unfortunately, we’re unable to do that, but what we can do is we can provide you with contacts, so that you can speak to a lawyer, you can speak to an expert in these matters who can actually inform you of those things. So, while there are a range of things that we can’t do, we will always try to assist an Australian in need, we’ll always try to point them in the right direction, and if that doesn’t work, you can always come back to us and we can work on a strategy to get you the help that you need.
What are some of the top attractions and things to do in Phuket for Australians?
Matt: I came to Phuket first as a tourist, so I know what people love about Phuket and I’m so glad to be posted here now. So, my top tip is to go to Phuket old town. If you think you know Thai food, then you have no idea until you actually get to try it here in Phuket old town. Southern Thai food is something unlike what we get back in Australia we think of Thai food, but beyond that, it’s got beautiful architecture, it’s got beautiful street art and to be able to spend an afternoon wandering around there to go to The Walking Street, the markets, it’s absolutely incredible, and it’s the top thing that I do when people come and visit me. And otherwise I think Phuket got some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and I find I love getting up early in the morning going for a great walk on Kamala Beach or down in Rawai as well, I mean it’s got some of the best walking trails anywhere in Southeast Asia and it’s just such an amazing thing to do to get out there, see people going about their morning routines and to just see the sunrise over the island here, it’s absolutely amazing.
What are some of the top tips and advice that you can give to Australian tourists coming to Phuket?
Matt: Well, I don’t think we have enough time to answer all of them, but I think there’s some really good tips that we can get from that. First of all, travel advice page called smartraveler.gov.au, my top tip is if you can’t ride a motorbike back in Australia, you can’t ride a motorbike here in Thailand, it’s not an ability you just suddenly pick up when you get on the plane in Sydney. Another thing is if you’re going to ride a motorbike as a passenger or as the rider themselves, wear a helmet, we see far too many motorbike accidents here and often they’re preventable and some of the worst injuries are preventable if you wear a helmet. So, go ahead wear that helmet when you’re on a bike. The other thing that I really recommend is to get travel insurance, we don’t know what’s going to happen on our travels, we don’t know what incidents or issues are going to happen and even the best prepared people can come across issues, so get that travel insurance before you get on the plane, and even while you’re here, if you’ve forgotten to get it, there are companies out there that can get you travel insurance Midway through a trip, so definitely think about it. Thanks very much, I’m looking forward to meeting you when you’re in Phuket, hopefully for the right reasons, but I hope everyone has a great time when they visit you.
So, that was awesome Matt Barkley the Australian Consul-General. So, if you’re Australian and you do need help; hopefully you don’t, then this is a place to come and they will look after you, because they are awesome. A big Thank you to Matt and a big thank you The Australian Consulate-General Phuket team.
https://phuket.consulate.gov.au/pket/home.html
The Best Phuket Islands Private Boat Tour to Khai Islands
Are they worth visiting?
There are many beautiful islands to visit around Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, and Krabi. Yet a 15 minutes Private Boat ride from Phuket’s East Coast Boat Lagoon Marina there are three islands that offer superb white sandy beaches and clear water where colourful and friendly fish come to swim around you.
The three Khai Islands are perfect for those visiting Phuket with young families, if you don’t wish to travel far on a Private Phuket Boat Tour, or if you are new to snorkeling and looking for snorkeling straight off the beach.
The Khai Islands are made up of 3 separate islands:
- Khai Nai
- Khai Nau
- Khai Nok
Each of these three Islands off Phuket’s East Coats offers something different for you to enjoy while out on a 5 Star Marine Phuket private boat tour. The larger two islands, Khai Nai and Khai Nok are similar, each hosting some small beach bars, and restaurants, sun loungers with umbrellas, souvenir shops, and jet ski rentals. The major difference between these two tropical islands is the snorkeling.
Both offer great snorkeling off the beach, yet if you have small children or you are new to snorkeling then Khai Nok is the best option for you. Walking 1 or 2 steps into the warm tropical waters off Khai Nok and hundreds of colourful tropical fish come straight up to you and swim around you.
Now don’t get me wrong, Khai Nai also has amazing snorkeling, and you can again walk straight from the beach into the sea, and if you swim out only a few meters you will find a beautiful tropical coral reef with clown fish swimming around.
Khai Nau is the smallest of the three Khai Islands and it doesn’t have any beach bars, restaurants or even a beach, BUT it is an excellent spot for fantastic snorkeling, right off the boat and has a huge variety of coral and marine life to explore, such as moray eels, clown fish, parrot fish, sea stars and so much more.
So, to answer the question: Are they worth visiting?
The simple answer to this is YES.
The three Khai Islands are perfect for those visiting Phuket with young families, if you don’t wish to travel far on a Private Phuket Boat Tour, or if you are new to snorkeling and looking for amazing snorkeling straight off the beach.
Private Phuket Sunset Cruise
Making Memories
Get together with your loved ones for a day on the water that will never be forgotten. Our private Phuket Sunset Cruise gives you the freedom to explore the islands surrounding Phuket at your own pace on one of our luxurious 5 Star Marine speedboats.
An ideal combination of snorkelling, dolphin watching, and a private beach BBQ at sunset sets this luxury trip apart from the others. Each reservation is unique and we work with you to ensure you have the best experience possible. Our Phuket Sunset Cruise typically involves setting sail from our Boat Lagoon dock and spending the day cruising around the beautiful islands in the waters that surround Phuket. Enjoy snorkelling in pristine seas teeming with tropical marine life. To make the day seamless, there is no need to worry about bringing snorkelling gear along, as it is all provided onboard for you.
Private Phuket Sunset Cruise
Unlike on group tours, when you may feel pressured to rush through attractions in order to keep to a strict timetable, you may take your time and see everything at your own pace while travelling with 5 Star Marine on your Phuket Sunset Cruise.
In the afternoon, you will get to participate in our respectful dolphin spotting. We at 5 Star Marine know how lucky we are to have the chance to watch dolphins in their natural environment. Due to the fact that dolphins are curious by nature, they frequently approach our luxury speedboats during the Phuket Sunset Cruise to have a closer look, and so this special itinerary allows you the opportunity to enjoy an up-close encounter with these amazing animals.
Sunset Beach BBQ
Just before sunset, indulge in the late afternoon sun by relaxing on a private, tropical beach as our dedicated staff grill beef and chicken satay in the traditional Thai way, right on the stunning soft sands. In between invigorating swims in the turquoise water, enjoy our “Mocktail of the Day” on the beach, while the sun sets in a tropical kaleidoscope. Photo opportunities are abundant as you snap away to remember your truly special Phuket Sunset Cruise.
Phuket Sunset Cruise Inclusions:
Our experienced captains and crew know just how to miss the crowds and make your Phuket Sunset Cruise a truly memorable experience.
Book Our Luxury Phuket Sunset Cruise:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
James Bond Island Speedboat Tour & James Bond Island by Speedboat
One of our most popular day trip destinations is the world-renowned James Bond Island Speedboat Tour, which takes you to Phang Nga Bay. On this luxury day trip, James Bond Island by Speedboat, you will get to enjoy famous sights along with more active pursuits such as exploring caves in the area or taking a canoe out to experience the eye-catching rock formations up close.
Whilst on our James Bond Island Speedboat Tour you will discover 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) when you select our private James Bond Island by Speedboat, to enjoy the scenery of the most notorious spot in Phang Nga Bay. Boats are not allowed too close, as this is a protected marine area, but you can take photos of 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 after 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 famous film has been the catalyst for many happy guests to select 5 Star Marine’s James Bond Island Speedboat Tour.
In fact, this destination has continued to prove so popular that it has 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. This is part of the experience on the James Bond Island Speedboat Tour.
Visiting James Bond Island by Speedboat is certainly something that should be on your bucket list, especially now as it is quieter than ever before. This James Bond Island Speedboat Tour has something for everyone; whether you want to experience stunning seascapes, partake in canoeing, caving or explore famous locations.
James Bond Island Speedboat Tour Highlights
Selecting to go to James Bond Island by Speedboat, 5 Star Marine will work with you to 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 James Bond Island Speedboat Tour 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 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.
James Bond Island Speedboat Tour Inclusions:
We look forward to welcoming you on board a luxury 5 Star Marine speedboat to experience a truly memorable James Bond Island Speedboat Tour.
Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221