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Update: Moving out of Covid it is important to book the best tour possible to experience life again as was intended before the events of 2020 struck. Keep reading as we explain why higher price tours does not necessarily spell bad news. This is one of the most common questions we are asked! For the holidaying tourist, boat trips can be one of the most financially driven decisions made when visiting some of the best Islands in Thailand. In an increasingly competitive marketplace there have been an growing number of tours marketed as a ‘Sunset Boat Tour’ at different price points and understandable this can cause confusion amongst holiday makers. Here we try give you an unbiased view of the tour boat adventure market in Phuket, and explain what to look out for in helping you make up your mind which company is right for you. Of course we understand Simba’s pricing won’t be suitable for every budget but we do think it is important to shed a little light on what drives the cost of providing a tour and in turn how these factors can and will impact upon the price of a tour. There is a reason why people ask the question “why are yachts so expensive to hire” when they go to book a tour in some cases. Think of the following as a bit of a checklist to help guide your choice and please remember that the old adage ‘you get what you paid for’ has no more suitable application that the Phuket Motor Yachts market! Broadly speaking there are 3 quality tiers in Phuket Budget (under 2,000 baht per adult): 40 – 45 passengers per boat; limited program; very limited on-board catering; potential for hidden costs; heavy reliance on supplement income sources. Mid-Market (2,500 to 3,500 baht per adult): 30 to 35 passengers; deeper tour program; improved on-board catering; limited hidden costs; reliance on supplement income sources. Premium / Private Boat (4,000 per adult plus); 15 – 19 passengers per boat; detailed and carefully managed tour program; strong on-board catering; no hidden costs; significant emphasis on boat quality and safety standards It will probably come as little surprise to most readers that the single biggest determinant of the price of boat trips is the passenger load per boat. Put simply, costs per passenger can fall dramatically when a boat regularly carries 40+ passengers versus a solid commitment to carry under 18. Compounding this issue is the fact many core running costs (fuel, boat replacement cost, parts replacement, crew) are very similar between a 16 person 2-engine boat, such as a Sealine sc35, and a 45 person 3-engine boat. As a result, the decision to adhere to maintaining a high quality of experience through guaranteed limits on passenger loads must come at a cost and accordingly the tour price is somewhat higher to ensure operations do not run at a loss. Notwithstanding the higher cost small group bring some significant advantages for those looking to maximise experience with a private charter boat tour: Much improved ability for the crew to monitor passengers whilst in the water Ample space in the boat to relax whilst transiting Most importantly, however, is the vastly reduced boarding time required when managing boat trips with a small group versus a large group. This factor is often over-looked but in critical in 2 circumstances – (1) maximising snorkelling time (i.e. waiting for 40 people of have snorkel masks and fins fitted can be a LONG time) and (2) the speed in which you can get people off the boat should an emergency arise. Seems obvious right? Pursuing the safety theme further it would be remiss to not touch on the commitment to maintain a quality boat safety and maintenance program. In recent times safety has emerged as the number one driver behind reputation (should it ever not be??) and the operators at the upper end of the market understand this well. However implementing boat safety and maintenance programs are not cheap and there needs to be sufficient profit margin to ensure money can be allocated. Without a doubt a high quality maintenance program can run into millions of baht per year and our experience at Simba has necessitated an expense reserve per passenger of over 300 baht! We are still trying to figure out how a 2000 baht per adult Phi Phi operator can ever hope to fund a similar commitment to boat quality and safety. Another less obvious impact on the ‘before’ and ‘after is of course the standard of transfers employed. Lower cost boat trips usually necessitate the use of a crowded van with 5 or 6 stops and this may require a journey of 75 minutes + each way versus 35 minutes with only 2 or 3 stops. For some people this will be important. The use of supplemental income sources is very common across the entire market and indeed we are only aware of 2 operators that don’t rely on such techniques. These income sources will often take the form of picture / DVD packages, additional beverage spend, sun chair hire and water sports (usually jet skis). In aggregate these additional revenues can be very attractive to a tour operator and indeed may help subsidise the cost of the tour. Yes – a good thing and of course it is very easy for the individual to simply choose to not ‘upsize’ the tour cost. But….it can be become a problem if the tour program is compromised or reduced in depth to allow the operator to dump customers in a ‘shopping’ location in order to earn undisclosed commissions. Koh Khai (halfway to Phi Phi) and Naka Noi (Phang Nga Bay) are great examples of ‘honey pots’ for the unsuspecting tourist! Finally – a few words on hidden costs. When comparing tour programs and costs make sure it is clear what costs are included in the published rate. Some pointers: National Park fees: will range between 300 and 400

Which Phuket Speedboat tour for me? It’s the old age debate. You’ve come to Phuket and decided to do a speed boat tour. Which one to do? Phi Phi Island tour or Phang Nga Bay tour? Well if you ask us we’d say both, but let us give you the difference between the two so that you  can make a decision. In our opinion Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island are both very different experiences so it depends on what sort of an experience you are after. Phi Phi Island Speedboat Tour Phi Phi Island  is best know for it’s starring role in the film The Beach. Tourists have been flocking to Maya Bay every since the movie put it on the map.  Phi Phi is made up of 6 islands but commonly people only know of Phi Phi Lay and Phi Phi Don. It is surrounded by stunning waters and blessed with white sandy beaches. If your idea of a good day out is snorkelling and swimming in these clear blue waters followed by soaking up some rays on a beautiful beach, then a Phi Phi tour may just be the one for you. At Simba we offer several opportunities for snorkelling and also hanging out on the beach. Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour Phang Nga Bay is best known for the iconic rock that featured in the James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun.  The island has since been named, and is affectionately known as, James Bond Island.  This is not the only thing to see or do in the bay though. There are stunning karsts jutting from the sea, hidden lagoons, caves and much more to explore. A Phang Nga Bay tour suits adventurous types. Whilst we do manage to fit a bit of lazing around on a beautiful beach, the tour is predominantly activities based. The scenery in Phang Nga Bay is stunning and is often compared to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. There is a good reason as to why the topography looks similar and this is because the two areas both form part of an area the was effected by a big shift in the Earth’s plates. If you’d like a day on the water taking in some stunning scenery, kayaking through lagoons and caves then a Phang Nga Tour is the one for you. Beat the crowds and book an experience of a lifetime as we head out of the Covid area and back towards a sense of normality!

Monsoon Season expectations So, we find ourselves in the monsoon season once again. Our familiar friend that brings life-giving rain, yet larger sea-swells, cloudy skies yet cheap hotel beds! At Simba, this annual event can be the hardest to explain, especially predicting trips to distant islands. With this in mind, the following is a brief introduction to the monsoon more generally, and then how this affects us. What is the Monsoon? The word monsoon literally means ‘season’ in Arabic. Traders traveling the waters off the Arabian and Indian coast noted for centuries that dry, cool, northeast winds blew for 6 months and then suddenly changed to warm, moist air from the southeast. So in a nutshell, the monsoon weather is a change in the type and direction of winds (and therefore swell) that brings moist air. When and how does it work? Between April to September, the wind blows from the southeast as the land mass of India, the Himalayas and beyond heats up relative to the ocean. This causes moist warm air from the Indian ocean to rush into the gap as the warmer air rises. This is the moist ‘maritime’ air that brings the monsoonal rains. Between October and March, this phenomenon is reversed, as the temperature of the Indian Ocean is warmer relative to the land. This pulls dry, cool ‘continental’ winds. This is often called the ‘dry’ or ‘high’ season. What Does this mean for Phuket? Phuket is a very small island in a big neighbourhood! To our west sits the Andaman Sea, the bay of Bengal and the India Ocean. To the north and north west of us sits the giant landmass of India, the Himalayas and beyond. These are the major players in this titanic tug of war, and we are simply a spectator sitting a little too close! We very much experience the Monsoon phenomenon and our seasons reflect that of India (as above). What does this mean for Simba Sea Trips? We essentially travel to two different regions. Phang Nga and Phi Phi, both east of Phuket itself. Phang Nga luckily sits in a protected bay north east of Phuket. It is protected not only by Phuket itself, but the mainland of Thailand. Although there are still some relatively open passages of water, we’ve found average sea swells to be 1-2 meters less than Phi Phi. We also travel perpendicular to the mainland, and being on a boat, the closer to the protection of land the better! Phi Phi unfortunately sits 50km south west of Phuket. It normally takes us between about an hour 15 to get there by boat in relatively open waters. Although Phuket Island does offer some protection initially, the second half of the journey is in open water, where swells average 1.5 meters and can get as high 3 meters. Despite the predictability of the monsoon as a phenomenon, the severity of the winds can intensify and relax as low pressures form and dissipate (hence the variation in swell). This is what we monitor on a daily basis and forms the backbone of our decision making (whether to go/cancel/change destination). Its not all doom and glom however! An enjoyable trip to Phi Phi is still very much possible, there is just a relatively increased chance cancelation/change destination). What can I expect on a Monsoonal day on the water? Well… moist air obviously! Often described as overcast, it’s more like a washing machine of clouds competing for space. Low, mid and high band clouds fall, gather pace and dissipate, if you are into weather it can be a magical and awe-inspiring sight. The very unpredictable nature of these clouds does mean they often give way to rays of sharp sunshine, but they also form storm clouds that dump 10-20 minutes of heavy, warm, tropical rain! So expect a little rain, expect a little wind but with this comes of the best visibility, wildlife, vegetation and natural vitality. What the monsoon does bring is life and it’s magical to see it up close! Check our tips on what to do on a rainy day in Phuket. Learn more about Phuket weather.

A Sunset Cruise with a difference Join us on the Sunset Cruise of Phang Nga Bay….  A fun, relaxed, late afternoon, social outing to the idyllic Phang Nga Bay region with a view to saviour! Unlike other tours of Phang Nga Bay, guests will be given a completely unique experience that provides a quieter (yet Robust) experience across the calm waters of Phuket. This is a great value tour, that departs from Boat Lagoon Marina at 1.30 pm and returns following sunset at approximately 7 pm.   This is a great way to get out on the water for a relaxing afternoon cruise. Although, we’ll still stop for a paddle to allow you to cool off with a backdrop that defies belief! Guests are then encouraged to venture into the SoHo Pool Club to reminisce over their experience and to carry on their social experience long into the night. Take in some of the classic limestone Karst scenery that Phang Nga bay is famous for without all the expense of travelling all the way to the Phi Phi islands.  The route of this sunset cruise stays closer to the Royal Phuket Marina to allow more time for fun activities and relaxing on our luxurious new boat. Light snacks, fruit platters and an assortment of beverages, alcoholic and non-alcoholic are included. Transport to and from your hotel on Phuket island is also complimentary, and of course your Captain and Seaman are included also. Please note, unlike the rest of Simba’s tours which are more activities focused,  this one is more about relaxing and enjoying your afternoon’s activities out on the water! Book your Social Club cruise with Simba Sea Trips today!

The Similan Islands: A Guide to Getting There The Similan Islands, a glorious set of islands nestled in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, beckon travelers with their crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Accessible from coastal towns like Phuket and Khao Lak, these islands offer an unparalleled experience for divers and nature enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of how to get to Similan Islands, ensuring you’re well-prepared for a memorable adventure. Selecting Your Gateway: Phuket or Khao Lak To figure out how to get to Similan Islands you need to be choosing your entry point. The two major airports serving this region are in Phuket and Phang Nga, the latter catering to the town of Khao Lak. Phuket is a bustling island with a vibrant nightlife, while Khao Lak offers a more tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal departure point for those seeking a quick getaway. Arriving in Phuket or Khao Lak Upon landing at your chosen airport, you’ll need to arrange transportation to your selected departure point. From Phuket, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Khao Lak or better yet you can take advantage of Simba’s on demand Similan Island tour. Alternatively, if you’ve flown directly to Khao Lak, you can proceed to the next step. Making Your Way to Tab Lamu Pier Tab Lamu Pier, situated in Khao Lak, serves as a primary departure point for boats heading to the Similan Islands. If you’re on a liveaboard trip, your vessel may depart directly from this pier. For day tours, transportation from Khao Lak to Tab Lamu Pier is typically arranged by the tour operator. Selecting a Reputable Tour Operator With numerous tour operators offering trips to the Similan Islands, it’s crucial to choose a reputable one to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Simba has decades of experience navigating the waters and provide a tour that is both luxurious and memorable. Checking Seasonal Availability The Similan Islands National Park operates on a seasonal schedule, typically closing during the monsoon season from May to October. Before planning your visit, ensure you choose a time when the park is open to the public. Checking weather forecasts for the best conditions is also recommended to make the most of your island adventure. Securing Permits for Island Entry Access to the Similan Islands National Park requires a permit, and these are often included in tour packages. Ensure you have the necessary permits arranged through your chosen tour operator to avoid any complications during your visit. When traveling with Simba this is something that we make sure to take care of for you, so that you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the day trouble-free. This step is essential for preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of the islands. Conclusion Now that we’ve explained how to get to Similan Islands, all that’s left is to hop aboard! Embarking on a journey to the Similan Islands promises an extraordinary encounter with nature’s wonders. As you set sail from Boat Lagoon, the turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs of the Similan Islands await, promising a memorable adventure for those seeking the beauty that lies beneath the Andaman Sea.

Exploring the Phi Phi Islands with Simba Sea Trips Embarking on a journey from Phuket to Phi Phi by speedboat reveals a world of unrivaled beauty and relaxation.  With its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, Phi Phi has become a must-visit destination for travelers jet setting to Thailand. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various options for traveling from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands. We will focus on the exhilarating speedboat experience, particularly highlighting Simba Sea Trips’ intimate boat tours. Discover the unparalleled beauty of Phi Phi Islands, embark on a journey of exploration, and create unforgettable memories with Simba Sea Trips’ unique offering. Speedboat Excursions: The Ultimate Phi Phi Adventure Embarking on a speedboat adventure from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands offers an experience like no other. It is unquestionably the most exhilarating way to explore this stunning region. Travelers can take advantage of the convenience of shorter travel times, allowing for more time to indulge in the island’s wonders. Simba Sea Trips sets itself apart from the competition by offering intimate boat tours that depart before the crowds, ensuring a more exclusive and personalized experience. With smaller group sizes, guests can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of Phi Phi Islands, away from the standard tourist crush expected from an exploration of this idyllic region. The Simba Sea Trips Difference  Simba Sea Trips provides a truly exceptional experience when exploring the Phi Phi Islands. Our expert guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience and ensuring guests have an unforgettable day. By traveling to the Phi Phi islands with Simba Sea Trips, visitors can enjoy a more intimate and immersive adventure. The smaller boat loads offered by Simba Sea Trips allow for a more relaxed and comfortable experience. Travelers have ample room to enjoy the stunning scenery, soak up the sun, and capture picture-perfect moments. Moreover, the smaller group size enables more personalized attention from the guides, who are eager to share their insights and answer any questions that our guests may have. Discovering Phi Phi Islands: Highlights and Experiences Simba Sea Trips’ Phi Phi Islands tour takes you on a captivating exploration of the region’s most iconic sites. As you speed across the turquoise waters, be prepared to witness a panorama of breathtaking beauty. Maya Bay Begin your adventure by visiting the famous Maya Bay, known for its stunning natural scenery and as the filming location for the movie “The Beach.” Step ashore to walk on the powdery white sands and marvel at the rehabilitated bay while savouring the iconic surrounds . Viking Cave Get up close and personal with the Viking Cave – a fascinating limestone cave adorned with ancient rock paintings. Learn about the cave’s historical significance and the traditional harvesting of bird’s nests that takes place at this location. Monkey Beach Witness the playful inhabitants of Monkey Beach. Watch as these cheeky macaques cause havoc along the shoreline and interact with visitors, creating unforgettable memories. Snorkeling in Phi Phi’s Pristine Waters  Swim with the fishes as you immerse yourself in the underwater world of the Phi Phi Islands. Fitted out with snorkeling gear, guests can see first-hand the colorful coral reefs and the tropical fish that call it their home. Simba Sea Trips takes you to prime snorkeling spots, ensuring a memorable underwater experience. Simba Sea Trips’ Commitment to Excellence  Simba Sea Trips’ dedication to customer satisfaction ensures that each guest receives a memorable and rewarding experience.  The knowledgeable guides, small group sizes, and attention to detail set our tours apart. By choosing Simba Sea Trips for your Phi Phi Islands adventure, you can rest assured that you’ll be embarking on an extraordinary journey filled with beauty, excitement, and unforgettable moments. Embarking on a speedboat adventure from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands with Simba Sea Trips opens the door to a world of natural wonders and unparalleled beauty.  Discover the highlights of Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and the vibrant underwater world through exhilarating snorkeling experiences. Simba Sea Trips’ commitment to a more intimate and personalized journey, provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the Phi Phi Island experience.   

Is Maya Bay open? Yes! Maya Bay, which is the most recognizable landmark within the Phi Phi Islands, is one of the most popular and gorgeous beaches in the world. It acquired its fame after the movie by Danny Boyle, “The Beach”, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed there in the year 2000. After the movie was launched, the beach could bring over 5000 tourists every day.  May 2023 Update Great news to all tourists looking to visit Maya Bay in the Phi Phi Islands. As of May 1st, 2023, Maya Bay is once again reopened to tourists. While it is likely that each year Maya Bay will close for a few months to ensure it is maintained, it is currently catering to the large number of tourists keen to explore the incredible scenery that is on offer. With that said, if  you’re thinking about visiting Maya Bay in the rainy season then it is best to contact the Simba team to ensure that the Bay is open to visitors as we are fully aware of the closure announcements and able to inform you of the current status. Why did Maya Bay close? The movie “The Beach” elevated the status and popularity of Maya Bay as well as the Thai tourism industry as a whole, increasing Maya Bay tours. That said though, such popularity also came with its disadvantages. With lots of tourists visiting the bay for like 19 years, the beach eventually became damaged as it could not sustain the massive tourism. It was unfortunate when Maya Bay closed temporarily because that severe damage to the bay’s environment. A lot of the coral as well as plants died because of that drastic rise in visitors. So, the Thai authorities were forced to close it to allow for the recovery of the ecology.  Delays in reopening  The initial plan was that the bay be closed from 2018 to October 2018. Those few months wouldn’t have been enough for complete rejuvenation of the bay and the park. The marine required more time to recover from the pollution and littering that had been done for years by tourists and boats. The coral on the other hand grows about a centimetre in a year so for the bay to become fully restored, it will take a number of years. Luckily that temporary closure has brought about some positive results. People have started sighting blacktip reef sharks swimming at the bay.  Cause for Optimism  Is Maya Bay open or opening anytime soon? The thing is, since its closure Maya Bay has recovered tremendously. Conservationists’ efforts have really paid off. The coral nurseries that they planted really thrived in the undisturbed waters during the closure. The fish population has also increased by like 200% in comparison to 2018 and seabirds like egrets and herons have come back to the bay. Much as the beach still remains closed to visitors and boats forbidden from entering the protected turquoise waters of the bay, it’s the hope of both the locals and the Thai authorities that they will open soon and Maya Bay tours resume. 

There are islands a plenty in the Gulf of Thailand. Which are the best and which are those that can be de-prioritized if limited by time and money? Read on as we discuss those that are of most benefit for your next Thailand tour.  The Sensational Gulf of Thailand Islands One thing we know for sure is that Thailand doesn’t lack gorgeous islands. Since there are many islands in Thailand, how do you choose the best islands in Gulf of Thailand for your next vacation… an island that will suit your needs? Well, here are some of the stunning islands that you can comfortably and confidently add to your bucket list for your next Thailand holiday… Koh Samui If there is an island that has stepped up and matured, its Koh Samui. Before, it used to famous with ravers and backpackers because it was a party hub, hosting full-moon parties and had a lot of cheap huts for accommodation. These days, Koh Samui boasts itself of having some of the best luxury beach resorts and with first-class spas the world over. Just like most of the islands of Thailand, this island also boasts of its crystal-clear water, fresh green forests, ever increasing marine life and its beautiful coral reefs. Besides all that luxury and beauty, this island makes it to this list of Gulf of Thailand Islands to visit because it is second largest island well versed with lots of activities to partake in. Koh Tao First off, the beaches on Koh Tao Island are breath-taking and are perfect for swimming and lounging under the sun. That said though, one thing that gives this island its true beauty and worth the visit is what surrounds the waters. If you are not here for swimming or sandbathing, there is plenty to indulge in.  Also known as the “Turtle Island”, this is the perfect place for explorers who want to explore what is under its crystalline waters. There are plenty of colourful marine life making this island perfect and popular with divers and snorkelers alike. The marine life you will find here include sea turtles, whale sharks, scorpionfish, clownfish, eels, coral, barracuda and grouper. With its warm-shallow waters even first-timers can enjoy the colourful marine life This is also a place where you can just come and just pose. It’s a place you can spend a whole weekend at. So, if are the one that is looking for a party getaway, then this is the best islands in Gulf of Thailand for you. The nightlife is perfect and hosts full-moon parties. This place is very charming and when you get here, it’s the kind of island that you might not want to leave sooner.  Koh Phangan Now this one is fully perfect for party animals. So, if your perfect vacation involves beach parties that run from Friday through to Sunday, Koh Phangan is the Gulf Island that you need to be heading to for your next Thai vacation. It is famous for its vibrant full moon parties. It is the island that is popular with dreadlocked visitors to Thailand and hardcore party animals. Every night of the week has got some beach party action and enough cocktail bars to cater for the island drinkers. Of all the Gulf of Thailand Islands, this one is for sure Thai’s main party island. It can even host up to 20,000 wild visitors during the peak seasons, dancing away under the starry bright full mooned sky. Now much as it’s an infamous for its full moon parties does men ‘mean that it doesn’t have natural sites to see. It does have beautiful natural spots which most people who go there solely to party miss out on. If you want a break from the beach party hotspots and cocktail bars you will find unadulterated beaches, waterfalls, green forests and some picturesque coastal rocks to fix your eyes on. So even if you are here to party, don’t miss out on the abundance beauty that Koh Phangan is. With waterfalls and secluded jungle trails, even those seeking some solitude will enjoy their peace. Now you know.  Koh Samet IF you are looking for a place to escape away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok town Koh Samet is one of the best islands in Gulf of Thailand to consider and its normally busy on weekends and long holidays. It has a stretch of turquoise blue sea that looks endless and is packed with curved in bays with smooth white sand and coral reefs that are in perfect condition which attracts a wide variety of aquatic life. The waters here are perfectly clear for snorkelling and diving with lovely beaches for people who just want to swim, soak up the sun or windsurf. The nightlife is also promising with plenty of bars and restaurant. To liven up the nights are the evening fire shows. What we are saying about this island is that there is something for everyone.  Koh Chang  Koh Chang is the third largest island in Thailand which located near the Cambodian border. Compared to the other islands that I have mentioned above, it is a more polite and modest island. This is one of the Gulf of Thailand Islands that has both beautiful beaches and rugged mountains at the centre of the island. Much as it’s also covered with thick jungles of rain forests, it has charming moonlit waterfalls that are great for postcard-worthy selfies. Let me not forget the long white sandy beaches. In case you plan to spend the night, they have a wide variety of accommodation and entertainment options to choose from. With all this in one place, it makes this a very versatile island. So, whether you are going for the beach life, a bohemian beach bar experience, more local vibe or some romantic experience, you will find it all lumped up here. Now that you are all caught up, choose the gulf island that will give you the experience

Top 5 Islands near Phuket Let’s face it – even the most relaxing holiday can require restrictions in relation to how best to utilize your time. This is no more evident than in relation to island hopping in Phuket. It can be quite unrealistic to expect to spend all your time visiting all the uber-attractive islands in the Phuket region. So… If you’re limited during your Thai holiday, chances are you need to make the most of your time and selecting Islands near Phuket worth seeing might be the best use of this time you have available. So to help you make the most of your trip, we’ll outline the 5 best islands to visit so that you make it all worthwhile. Koh Phi Phi Island Located between the Krabi and Phuket provinces, Phi Phi is a popular choice for many visitors to the region. This is because it is the home to one of the most famous  beaches within the whole of Asia – Maya Bay. Maya Bay came to the public’s notice after the worldwide release of the popular movie, The Beach in 2000. Headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio, the premise of the movie revolves around three young tourists discovering, what they think at the time, is a secluded, uninhabited island. The beauty of the Maya Bay setting used in the movie immediately drove tens of thousands of locals to the region. In fact, Such was the volume of visitors many visited, that the Maya Bay beach was closed recently for reparation work. While sad news, there is still very much for tourists to see at Koh Phi Phi on one of the many boat tours that ferry tourists to the location. Locations include: Pileh Bay Monkey Beach Viking Caves Ao Lo Dalam Mosquito Island These glorious locations are no less spectacular and well worth visiting. A Simba Phi Phi Island Tour travels to the above locations and in much more comfort than rival companies. Phang Nga Bay Within 90 minutes of Phuket lies Phang Nga Bay. A glorious location with plenty to see and do and its easily one of our favourite locations near Phuket. The star attraction of Phang Nga Bay is undoubtedly James Bond Island. Much like Phi Phi’s Maya Bay, James Bond Island’s popularity has also been aided by the release of a major motion picture. This time, the 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. The location is a great destination for Instagrammers with the very distinguishable limestone karst rising out of the middle of the sea, one of the favourite photo opportunities. The other major talking point within the Phang Nga region is Ko Hong Lagoon. The crystal clear water in the lagoon draws many people in look for quality snorkeling conditions while the limited access (it can only be accessed by boat) means that the crowds are limited somewhat. Ao Phang Nga National Park is another popular destination within the Phang Nga Bay region and provides the perfect backdrop for a kayaking adventure. All three outlined Phang Nga Bay destinations (Ao Phang Nga, Ho Kong Lagoon and James Bond Island) are included in a Simba Sea Tours Phang Nga Bay boat tour. The tours operate all year around but sell out fast during the high season so get in quick! Similan Islands Located approximately 80 kilometres to the northwest Phuket Town sits one of the most spectacular islands near Phuket – The Similan Islands. It is a set of 9 island groups and is a major tourist attraction thanks to the bevy of crystal clear waters that surround it. It is widely considered to be one of the most interesting diving sites in the world for avid explorers while also being a top destination for yachts and tour boats. The island groups are as follows: Hu Yong Payang Payan Miang Payu Similan Ba Ngu The region is not open at all times of the year, with the area usually open from the 7 months between the 15th of October and the 15th of May. However, the seasonal open dates can differ from year to year. As you may be hard-pressed for time, you’ll likely want to take your pick of the most popular activities available on the island. Below are just a few of the exciting things you can do when visiting this sensational Thai region. Diving a wide variety of locations – The region is considered one of the finest diving regions worldwide with ample locations to explore. Head underwater and you are likely to come across some spectacular fish species and be afforded the opportunity to follow them through many underwater caves and tunnels that are ripe for exploring. Snorkeling the islands – If diving is not your thing then we’d highly recommend heading into the water with some snorkeling gear. Considered slightly more relaxing and requiring nowhere near the same level of expertise, snorkeling is relaxing, and suitable for the whole family. Laze around on the beach – Obviously with 9 islands to choose from, the choice of beaches is plentiful and the Similan islands have some wonderful options available. Some of the more popular picks include Khao Lak and PhraNang Cave Beach in Ao. National Park Trekking – Another must see when you visit the region is getting off the beach and undertaking some hiking and bird-watching in the lush greenery that sits upon several of the islands. It is a wonderful way to burn some calories and to get away from the beach for a few hours in order to mix things up. The Similan Islands is definitely an area worthy of your time if you have visited Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay and are looking for even more adventure off the coast of Phuket. Coral Island Perhaps the closest of the islands situated off the coast of Phuket is Coral Island. It is an ideal option for those looking to avoid a longer boat trip and for those looking for something a

Where is Phang Nga Bay 2023 Update! Along with the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay remains the most popular destination for Phuket visitors in the post-covid era for those looking for a boat tour of Phuket. What is it about Phang Nga that makes it so appealing for tourists, and why do so many add it to their travel itinerary. The Phang Nga Bay Region Phang Nga Bay is located next to the Andaman Sea which in turn forms part of the Indian Ocean.  It’s on the west coast of Thailand and lies to the east of Phuket Island. Phuket is its nearest city. It is easily accessed by all forms of transport with an international airport and cruise ship port.  Three major towns surround Phang Nga Bay. Phuket town to the west, Krabi town to the east and Phang Nga town to the North, of which the bay is named after. The bay covers an area of 400 square kilometers and comprises of 42 islands. In 1981, the Ao Phang Nga National park was formed. The area was later classified as a Ramsar protected (World heritage) site # 1185 of significant ecological importance in 2002.  It is quite a shallow bay and protects one of the largest native mangrove forests left in South East Asia. Hence, increasing its importance and the need to take care of its environment. Coral reefs are less frequent in the northern parts than they are the south of Phang Nga Bay as the floor of the bay to the north is mainly mud. The water levels have risen in relatively recent times.  Only 10,000 years ago, we would have been able to walk from Phuket to Krabi. A local fishing industry has existed in these waters for hundreds of years and they today co-exist alongside National Parks and the tourism they bring.  Phang Nga Bay was thrown into the international spotlight in the late seventies which led to massive growth in Tourism in the 1980s. The area struggled to handle the volume of visitors.  It went through a period of being littered quite badly but has since been managed to international standards after the formation of the National Park and formal management has taken place. How to get to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket? One of the most asked questions is ‘How to get to Phang Nga Bay from Phuket’ since many Phuket visitors are eager to visit one of the most famous bays in Phuket. There are numerous marinas to catch a boat from Phuket out onto the bay.  These are all located on the east coast of Phuket, the opposite side to the majority of the touristic areas and its beaches. Phuket is quite a large island, approximately 40 Km from North to South, and traffic can be quite heavy during the day. So this is important to consider when planning your visit out onto Phang Nga Bay. Some of the departure points could be over a one hour drive from your accommodation. Two of these marinas, Ao Po and Yacht haven are at least 1-hour drive from the main tourist area of Patong. How to get there earlier The best advice I can give to mitigate this problem is to focus on one of two marina’s that are centrally located on the east coast, Boat Lagoon Marina and the Royal Phuket Marina. These are next door to each other and are no longer than a 35-minute drive from anywhere within Phuket. Royal Phuket Marina is a picturesque 5-star marina with beautiful boats and property on display, whilst Boat Lagoon also has plenty of beautiful boats, but it is also an active ship repair yard and this is the first impression you get of the place on arrival. At the Boat Lagoon Marina, you will find many tour boat companies offering many tours to famous bays in Phuket including Simba’s Phang Nga Bay Boat Tour. Simba provides the earliest departure which is highly attractive to travelers. This is because some of the key hotspots can become quite crowded with tour boats which will detract from the experience. We suggest a 7 am departure. Why is Phang Nga Bay so famous? Undoubtedly, it is the spectacular limestone karst rock formations that jut up out of the sea that makes this area so famous and picturesque. Approximately 200,000,000 years ago, scientists have proven the earth’s land mass was all connected as one piece. As this land mass separated into plates and drifted apart, the clashing of converging plates together is what formed most of the  world’s mountain ranges, other than the classic round volcanic type of mountain such as Mount Fuji we’re all familiar with (which of course is formed by hot, molten lava having been dispersed). The rock formations we see at Phang Nga Bay were pushed upwards as these plates have clashed together. This area was previously under the sea and contained many coral reefs.  The resulting type of topography that is so fascinating actually covers quite a large area to the north of Phang Nga Bay, over 100 km’s into the Phang Nga province mainland, and also 100 km’s to the south around the Phi Phi Islands. Famous Bays Interestingly, the same type of geological formation is also seen at the World Heritage listed site of Halong Bay in Vietnam, and also Yangshuo, near Guilin in Southern China.  This indicates they are perhaps the same plate with the resultant topography formed by the same collision. Mother Nature can be truly fascinating! The limestone we are viewing here in Phang Nga has a high calcium content which contributes to its coloring process.  Over millions of years of erosion, the chemical weathering process of carbonic acid creation has little, by little eroded these rock formations into an amazing collection of cliffs, hidden caves and hongs, sinkholes and underground streams, creating a truly fascinating place to explore. What to do in Phang Nga? A trip out to Phang Nga Bay with any reputable tour