Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town

What are the best areas to stay in Phuket?

How about the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town.

Nestled in the heart of Phuket’s vibrant old town, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town provides the perfect place to stay and soak up the rich cultural heritage of Southern Thailand. A wealth of shopping, dining and entertainment venues are within easy reach and Phuket’s beautiful beaches are easily accessible.

The hotel’s design reflects traditional Thai arts and crafts, cleverly contrasting with the contemporary style for which Courtyard is so popular around the world. Guests can stay in stylish and spacious rooms and suites, practice their Thai boxing skills in the fitness center or cool off in the outdoor pool with panoramic views of Phuket, while children will be entertained at the kids’ club.

Diners can savor Southern Thai cuisine and international dishes at Krua Talad Yai, or enjoy light refreshments at Kolae pool bar and Talung Lounge. For event planners, several well-equipped function spaces and a grand ballroom are ideal for every occasion, from important business meetings to talk-of-the-town weddings and parties.

Phuket Town
Phuket is a well-known island paradise, famous for its stunning beaches, lush hills, temples, and fun nightlife. But one of its best-kept secrets remains the vibrant neighborhood of Phuket Old Town, AKA Phuket Town or Phuket City. Phuket City, on Phuket, is the capital of Thailand’s Phuket Province. In the Phuket Old Town, the famous Thalang Road is lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and Sino-Portuguese buildings and during the weekend it hosts one of the biggest walking markets in the whole of Phuket.

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
With 248 rooms, Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town is an idea place to stay for those wishing to have a central location in Phuket, business travelers, and those looking to be in the middle of the stunning Phuket Town.

The rooms all have:

  • Complimentary high-speed

wireless internet

  • 55-inch wall-mounted LCD TV
  • Individually controlled air conditioning
  • Working desk
  • Telephone
  • Electronic in-room safe
  • Coffee & tea making facilities
  • Minibar
  • Daily complimentary drinking water
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Bathroom amenities
  • Hair dryer
  • Bathrobes
  • Slippers
  • Universal electronic socket

Feeling hungry?

KRUA TALAD YAI
Savor authentic Southern Thai cuisine and popular international dishes at our all-day dining restaurant, which showcases a vibrant culinary marketplace concept with open kitchens and a choice of indoor and outdoor seating.

TALUNG LOUNGE
Connect with your friends, family or colleagues at Talung Lounge, which transforms from a stylish grab & go café by day to a chic bar after dark. Our traditional Thai afternoon tea is served daily – perfect for sharing with a loved one.

KOLAE POOL BAR
Cool down and swim up to our inviting pool bar, which serves refreshing beverages including handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers throughout the day, along with a casual lunch menu and majestic views of Phuket Town.

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town Facilities

Fitness Center
The Fitness Center is fully equipped for an invigorating workout. From free weights and cardio machines to a Thai boxing area, you’ll find everything you need to stay in shape.

Swimming pool
Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor sparkling swimming pool, an inviting open-air space featuring comfortable sun beds, alfresco dining and panoramic views of Phuket.

Kids Club
Keep your little ones happy at the Kids’ Club, with a full range of entertaining and educational activities, including fun games, arts and crafts.

Events and Happenings
One of the key unique selling points for the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town is that it features nine function spaces with more than 900 square meters of floorspace, including a 600-guest capacity ballroom – ideal for every type of event, from intimate business meetings to grand social gatherings, including one-of-a-kind weddings.

So, there you are. An awesome hotel in the heart of Phuket Town, and only 15 minutes away from our 5 Star marine pier at Boat Lagoon Marina. If you are interested in booking here are the contact details:

Phone: +66 (0) 76 643 555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.courtyardphukettown.com

National Park Fees Changing

Thailand National Park Fees changing

As of the 17th of January, the way Thailand National Park entrance fees are being paid is changing. How will this affect you and your tours with 5 Star Marine into Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Similan Islands, and all the other Thailand National Parks?

There are more than 140 national parks in Thailand, all offering an authentic menu of adventures so that you can experience the landscapes, wildlife, and nature of Thailand in all its glory, depending on which one you are visiting. The Thailand National Parks cover almost 20% of the Kingdom’s territory, from the north and its mountains to the south and the marine parks, Thailand is a diverse nation.

So, what are the changes?

In the past when you book a Boat Tour with 5 Star Marine Phuket, we would inform you to bring cash (Thai Baht) with you so that you can pay the entrance fees to the National Parks when you arrive at the park. This could be when you visit Maya Bay in Phi Phi, or James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. (There are others, see below)

Most Thailand National Park entrance fees are pretty standard, from around 200 THB to 500 THB per adult, and then generally 50% discount for kids and free for infants.

As of the 17th of January 2023, ALL Thailand National Park fees will need to be paid online and you will be issued with a digital ticket.

So how does this work? Well simple!

When you arrive at the 5 Star Marine pier at Boat lagoon Marina you will be met by your guide who will help you plan your tour. Once you know where you are going, and more to the point, which National Parks you will be going into, the guide will work out the fees, and all you do is pay our office team cash. They will then arrange the online payment to the National Parks Authority of Thailand and hey presto, you get a digital ticket.

So, I guess you are asking why don’t you just pay it yourself online. Well sadly you need to have a correct tour license and number, to get an online National Park account, as well as a host of other paperwork, and trust me, the Thailand authorities love paper work.

Bottom line is that nothing has really changed, apart from you paying your National Park fees at the office, rather than when you arrive at the National Park.

Check out the video as everything is explained in more detail there.

Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga National Parks

The private boat tours that we offer here at 5 Star Marine Phuket visit some of the most beautiful islands in the world and many of these are within Thailand’s National Parks. Phuket National Parks, include:

Phang Nga National Park

One of the most popular and most photographed islands in Phuket has to be the iconic James Bond Island, it is located in Ao Phang Nga National Park. But, James Bond Island is just one of forty-two karst islands within this marine park. The islands are home to some awesome cliffs, stunning beaches, romantic lagoons, and epic caves, making it a real treat for visitors.

Phi Phi National Park or its real name: Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Phi Phi Islands National Park

Phi Phi National Park is a world-famous marine park located in Krabi Province south Thailand and covers an area of about 388 km². Phi Phi National Park is known for its beautiful white-sandy beaches, coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and limestone karsts, popular among divers and snorkelers. It is also home to one of the world’s best beaches Maya Bay. That’s right Maya Bay, where the 2000 movie “The Beach” with Leonardo DiCaprio.

Similan National Park

Similan National Park is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to explore underneath the sea. Found off the west coast of southern Thailand, the Similan National Park is a top location for diving and snorkeling, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, thriving sea life, and vibrant reef.

Than Bok Khorani National Park

The landscape of Than Bok Khorani National Park is dominated by a series of limestone mountains, evergreen forests, mangrove forests, and numerous islands. The main flora is evergreen forest, peat swamp forest, strand forest, and mangrove forest, as well as, various types of marine flora. The awesome Ko Hong or Hong Island is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. Ko Hong is an islet with a secluded, lake-like lagoon, steep limestone formations & white sand beaches.

For more details on any of our destinations click here

Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]

Ultimate Day Tour Guide to Phi Phi

Hello Phi Phi!

The Phi Phi Islands are a collection of six small islands off the coast of Thailand, located in the Andaman Sea. Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two main islands in this particular group. The larger of the two, Phi Phi Don, is a vast archipelago off the coast of Phuket which attracts visitors to its pristine beaches and the variety of activities and dining options available.

Located in the south, Koh Phi Phi Leh is the island which was made famous by “The Beach.” Maya Bay is a small, sheltered bay with clear blue waters, white sandy beaches and towering limestone cliffs making it a popular day trip destination in Phi Phi.

Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island, Yung Island, and Palong Island are the other four islands that make up the remainder of the Phi Phi Islands group.

Maya Bay Complete Guide:

  1. The Bay – This famous bay, situated on Phi Phi Ley, is perhaps the best-known destination in the whole archipelago. The 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach” used it extensively, which was a major contributing factor to the area’s fame during the years which followed.
  2. Top Tip – So, when is really best to visit Maya Bay? At 5 Star Marine, we have experienced captains and crew who know how to miss the crowds. When planning a private tour to the Phi Phi islands area, we suggest that in order to have a quieter experience, you should visit Maya Bay either early in the morning (between 7am – 9:30am) or later in the afternoon (around 3pm – 4:30pm).
  3. Rehabilitation Efforts – Maya Bay remains one of the most iconic areas you should visit on your Phi Phi Island private day tour; and right now, the beach is open to visit and walk on. For purposes of natural rehabilitation, Maya Bay will close for certain months during the year. However, fear not – this does not mean you cannot enjoy Maya Bay as you can still take in the beauty of the Bay from a short distance away on board your private boat, yet you simply cannot walk on the actual beach during the rehabilitation times.
  4. Respectful Tourism 5 Star Marine are committed to ensuring that guest can enjoy the beauty of Maya Bay, whilst practicing responsible tourism, to help keep the area protected and allow it to continue regenerating. The Marine Park have worked tirelessly to get Maya Bay back up to its previous paradise condition; so, all private Phi Phi day trips adhere to the new rules and help demonstrate respectful tourism.
  5. Getting There – A floating pontoon is situated on the opposite side of the island, so our Phi Phi private day tours take guests to Phi Phi Leh to the pier at Loh Samah Bay. Here you will be greeted by a National Park ticket booth before you make your way to a wooden boardwalk and nature path which connects Loh Samah to Maya Bay.
  • *Please note that the May Bay National Park will in future (updated January 2023) require all visitors to pay fees online prior to entering; 5 Star Marine can assist with this process or any questions guests might have once it is implemented.

Phi Phi’s Ultimate Snorkelling Spots:

A trip to these islands would not be complete without a spot of snorkeling; after all this area is renowned for being home of excellent underwater opportunities. The clear, warm waters house a  wide variety of marine life, including impressive coral reefs, colorful tropical fish plus other marine animals.

You are spoilt for choice with so many snorkelling spots around the islands to select from; including shallow coral gardens and deeper areas with more diverse marine life. Some of the most popular snorkeling areas around the Phi Phi Islands include:

  • Yong Kasem Bay, which is also referred to as “Monkey Bay” and is not only home to these long-tailed macaques, but the soft sands and coral reefs here can only be reached by boat, making it a perfect stop on your custom Phi Phi day trip.
  • Nui Beach can be found on the west coast of Koh Phi Phi Don and is a truly beautiful little cove enclosed by steep karsts to the south of Loh Lana Bay. There is excellent snorkelling to explore on both sides of Nui Bay.
  • Bamboo Island is a charming island with bright, shallow waters suitable for both snorkelling and swimming. This small island is located a short boat ride from the larger Phi Phi Islands and is known for its stunning soft sand beaches and clear waters. Take the opportunity to try to see the abundance of tropical fish here or perhaps even the sea turtles.
  • Leam Tong Bay is a picturesque bay located on the island of Phi Phi Don and is acclaimed for its clear, turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beach, as well as its excellent snorkelling opportunities. The bay has several spots to select from and discover the beauty of the marine and coral life just underneath the surface of the clear waters.
  • Viking Cave is a prominent attraction found on Phi Phi Although the bay and cave are well-known for their scenery, much more can be found underwater with some excellent and noteworthy snorkelling. This cave was named for the ancient, Viking-like murals inside which are thought to have been drawn by sea gipsies or pirates who sheltered here from storms.
  • Loh Samah Bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, making it another great spot for snorkelling. Some of the species you could be lucky enough to discover include parrotfish, angelfish and clownfish as well as a variety of corals and other marine life.

Phi Phi’s Quietest Beaches:

It is worth noting that many of the beaches on Phi Phi can get busy during peak season, so if you are looking for a truly quiet and secluded spot, you may want to consider visiting one of the smaller, less well-known beaches on the island. Our crew are there to assist you with local knowledge on where is best to go and when in order to miss the crowds. Here is a small selection of secluded, picturesque beaches you could expect to experience on your Phi Phi private luxury day trip:

Ao Nui or Nui Beach is a visually stunning and secluded small cove beach is known for its crystal-clear sparkling waters and soft, white sand. It is an ideal spot for relaxing and sunbathing and is surrounded by lush vegetation, adding to its natural beauty. Located south of Lana Bay, on the west coast of Phi Phi Don, you will find only limited facilities. Therefore, this is a good spot for an arranged beach picnic whilst on your private Phi Phi boat tour.

Moo Dee Bay is located on the south eastern end of the island, providing a secluded and peaceful beach that is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. It is surrounded to the south by coconut groves and to the north by a lush jungle making it feel even more remote.

Laem Tong Beach is only accessible by boat, and located on the north-eastern side of Koh Phi Phi. This access makes it an ideal site for a tranquil beach visit, where if timed right you could enjoy virtually complete privacy here.

Phak Nam Bay, which is often referred to simply as Relax Bay, is located on the east coast of Phi Phi Don Island, just south of Loh Bagao. This beach provides visitors with an off-the-beaten-path felling, and is nestled between the sparkling ocean and the complementary shades of the jungle folliage.

With so many stunning, soft white sandy beaches to pick from, our crew will be happy to help you decide based on your criteria for the day. No two day trips are the same, so we work with you to establish the perfect itinerary to make the most of your day out.

Beachfront Foodies:
We count ourselves lucky to have so many beachfront restaurants, providing a unique and tropical opportunity to dine view of the ocean, sand in your toes and breeze in your hair. Enjoying a holiday vibe lunch with a view of the beach and the ocean can be a genuinely spectacular experience.

Dine on local seafood and other Thai and western foods, often inspired by what is in season and providing you the opportunity to experience something new and different. We round up just a few beachfront restaurants to inspire you with idyllic and unique dining experiences that combine local food, a tropical environment and a laid-back beach ambiance:

  1. Malee Seafood Restaurant, Koh Phi Phi Don

This local, low-key beach restaurant serves fresh and tasty Thai dishes with notably friendly service. Prices are reasonable, and the menu is varied; offering choices from Thai salads to authentic curries, all enjoyed directly on the beach.

  1. Takada Restaurant, Zeavola Resort & Spa, Koh Phi Phi Don

Located at the northern tip of the island, Takada beachside restaurant and bar offers 5 Star Mediterranean food which you can enjoy with a calming sea wind and your toes in the soft sand. Light lunches are available, including lamb, steak, salmon, seabass, and local seafood specialties, in an upscale setting.

  1. Chilli and Pepper, Phi Phi Don

Ok, so this one isn’t quite beachfront but more treehouse on stilts nestled into the cliff at the end of the beach! This is a small, hidden gem with a picture-perfect sea view. Food is freshly made to order, authentic and good value with decent portion sizes at this family-run, off-beaten-track unusual restaurant.

  1. Hippies Bar, Koh Phi Phi Don

Fun bar with quality local food right on Tongsai beach. Portion sizes are generous and a selection of Thai and Asian favorites are served. Here you will be surrounded by a friendly, laid-back atmosphere, good service, and decent drinks to top it all off.

  1. Tonsai Seafood, Koh Phi Phi Don

A renowned name in the restaurant lists of Phi Phi; Tong said Seafood has a fantastic beachfront location. A popular spot with seafood lovers due to the generous portions of local seafood and Thai dishes which come with uninterrupted sea views.

  1. Jasmin Restaurant, Koh Phi Phi Don

This beachfront restaurant in Laem Tong Bay specializes in seafood, Asian and Thai dishes. The owner and staff are all very welcoming and food served is authentic and highly rated. The menu is varied and can cater to vegetarians plus other dietary requirements. It also serves cocktails and drinks, all with enticing oceanfront views.

  1. Mama Ping, Phi Phi Don

Authentic Thai cuisine situated directly on the beach. Mama Ping is renowned for its friendly, family atmosphere, beach style laid back vibe, and good honest food. With Thai, seafood and vegetarian options you will be sure to find something to suit everyone here.

Get Active:

Phi Phi Don is an excellent hiking location, especially if you appreciate picturesque routes with stunning vistas. The treks on the island are typically moderate in effort, but you may select from a variety of paths based on your interests and fitness level.

The Viewpoint Hike and the Loh Dalum Bay Hike both provide panoramic views of the island and its surroundings, while the Phi Phi Don Village Hike, for example, allows you to tour the local village:

The Viewpoint Hike: This is the most popular hike in Phi Phi and offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding area. It is a moderate hike that takes about 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the level you decide to go up to.

West Koh Phi Phi Coastal Trail: This 2.7-km point-to-point trail is generally considered an easy route; it takes an average of 45 min to complete. It starts from Loh Dalum Beachfront and goes all the way North of the island, all on the coastal trail.

The Phi Phi Don Village Trail: This hike takes you through the village on Phi Phi Don, giving you a chance to see how the local people live and work. It is an easy to moderaate hike that takes about 1 hour to complete, depending on your pace.

The Loh Dalum Bay Hike: This hike takes you to Loh Dalum Bay, a popular beach located on the north side of the island. It is a slightly longer hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

For more hiking / trekking inspiration and detailed routes, you can refer to All Trails. Please remember to wear appropriate footwear, bring plenty of water and be mindful and always respectful of your surroundings when hiking in Phi Phi Don.

The 5 Star Marine crew can assist with the best island drop off points depending on the trail you might want to try out.

Get Me To Phi Phi:

Getting to the Phi Phi Islands from the 5 Star Marine base in Boat Lagoon is an easy affair. The private speedboat journey will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, where the crew will ensure your comfort throughout.

A Luxury 5 Star Experience:

Through the assistance of our knowledgeable crew and captains, your tour to the Phi Phi Islands can certainly be tailored to fit your specific requirements. So, whatever you are looking for, you get the chance to craft your own unique itinerary and take pleasure in the results of the collaborative planning for the perfect day out exploring Phi Phi.

To book, or find out any further information on discovering Phi Phi or any of our other island destinations, please contact us:

Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]

Top Island Hopping View Points Near Phuket, Thailand

Viewpoints are particularly popular in and around Phuket, Thailand because the area is fortunate enough to be blessed with a diverse tropical landscape and numerous breath-taking natural landmarks and seascapes.

A popular question when guests book a custom private speedboat trip with 5 Star Marine is “where can we island hop to go to a viewpoint?” We find that our luxury daytrips that are complemented by a viewpoint are popular as they offer a unique perspective and a chance to see a location near to Phuket from a different point of view. From a viewpoint, you can see a wider area and take in the natural beauty of a landscape in a way that you cannot from ground level. Some island viewpoints near Phuket offer spectacular panoramic views, which provide a sense of awe, creating a memorable day out on the water.

Getting up to some of the more challenging viewpoints offers a sense of accomplishment; as reaching the top can requires some considerable effort, such as hiking a mountain or climbing a staircase. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with a panoramic view of nature’s beauty. This is the perfect time for a spot of photography, with picturesque views to share on social media and to capture your memories.

1. Phi Phi Viewpoint
The Phi Phi Viewpoint is a popular private tour day trip destination, located in the Krabi province. It offers a panoramic view of the Phi Phi Islands and Andaman Sea, and is located on a hill at the southern end of Phi Phi Don Island which can be reached by a steep climb of about 300 steps.

Once you get to Phi Phi Don, you can reach the viewpoint after around a 30-minute walk, or if you are feeling energetic a brisk 20-minute climb. From here you get the opportunity to see the beautiful turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the Phi Phi Islands, as well as the surrounding islands. The view is particularly stunning at sunset, when the sky is painted with vibrant hues.

Overall, the Phi Phi Viewpoint is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Phuket and looking for a special day trip; offering breath-taking views and a chance to take in the beauty of the Andaman Sea.

2. Koh Nok Viewpoint
There are few more rustic and tropical locations for a genuine return to nature. This unique island, which is quiet and untouched, is the perfect escape from the trappings of contemporary life. A day trip to this tiny island just south of Koh Yao Noi will give an opportunity to reconnect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. This experience is popularly combined with a custom tour or Krabi tour for example.

The hike to the top can be a touch challenging, especially if there has been recent rain. However, a rope and rocks help you climb up, and you are truly rewarded with a stunning panoramic view once you reach the peak. Do remember to bring water and mosquito repellent with you, as you will most certainly need these.

This is more of a climb for adults, but children can play under supervision on the quiet beach below so it is still a popular family option. The climb, although challenging, takes only around 15 minutes, but we would recommend a decent pair of shoes to help with the steep ascent.

3. Railay Bat Cave
The Bat Cave Viewpoint is a popular tourist destination located near Railay Beach in Krabi. If you hire a kayak from Railay beach, you can paddle around to Phra Nang Cave Beach and make your way through the jungle before finding the base of the climb.

It is reached by a short hike from the main beach area, and the actual climb is a steep one through various parts of Bat cave (which is named due to the fact that it is home to a large colony of bats).

Once all the way to the top, you are rewarded with panoramic view of the surrounding area, including Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, and the limestone cliffs that define the landscape of the area. From here, take a moment to catch your breath and can take in the beautiful surrounding turquoise waters. Don’t forget your head torch if you want to go all the way to the top, as some areas of the cave are pretty dark!

4. Hong Krabi
Hong Island in Krabi has a spectacular panoramic 360 degree viewpoint which is often enjoyed after taking time to enjoy the beauty of Ko Hong Lagoon on the other side of the island. After this, you can make your way to the impressive metal staircase structure which was built in 2020, and was designed to give panoramic 360o views of Krabi and the surrounding islands. It certainly delivers, 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 from anywhere.

The climb is not for the fainthearted, as you will need to ascend the metal stairs (rumoured to be around 420 steps), and progress along wooden walkways for around 10 – 15 minutes in the tropical heat before reaching the top viewing platform. Here, your efforts will be greatly rewarded with arguably on of the most spectacular views.

At around 109 metres above sea level, it is definitely a steep climb, but totally doable and worth the exertion to get up to the top to see views of tropical islands and karst limestone mountains jutting out of the emerald waters. This experience is perfect for a group of friends, but is also safe for families with children too; just remember to take shoes, hats and water with you.

5. Koh Yao Yai Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located in the north of Koh Yao Yai which is a fairly large island located in the Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Krabi. It is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, laid-back atmosphere and viewpoint.

A visit to the Koh Yao Yai Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding area. It is a popular spot for sunset viewing and photography, and an easy stop off for your day trip to Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island or Krabi.

You can find this viewpoint slightly inland, near to Chong Lard Pier, which offers some of the island’s best views. It is reached via a steep pathway that runs through a coconut and rubber tree plantation. Once at the top, take a breath and enjoy the view with some idyllic photo opportunities.

Overall, we see that viewpoints offer a chance to add something different into your day trip; an opportunity to view a place from a different angle as well as giving you a sense of accomplishment and providing beautiful chances for memorable photography.

Bookings and Enquiries:
Shaun Stenning
+66 (0) 93720 6221
www.5starmarinephuket.com
[email protected]