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Explore Phuket Islands on a Private Charter Tour Updated 2022 With travel once again open, are you planning a trip to the Phuket islands anytime soon? Still feeling a bit unsure about the hefty crowds and looking to retain some semblance of space and serenity? Then a private charter boat tour of the Phuket waters is precisely what you have been looking for. If you are new to Phuket, I will have you know that there are various beautiful islands to visit and explore while there. These Islands are host to some of the most stunning white sandy beaches that also have dramatic rock formations for you to fix your eyes on.  This is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Thailand and Asia in general. And this is why most visitors can’t help but hop from island to island, for sightseeing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Andaman sea, lazing on their beautiful beaches as well as taking part in island sports and events. Phuket has 32 islands that surrounds its shores. All of them possess their own beautiful elements. So our advice here at Simba Sea Trips is not to limit yourself to a few of them but visit as many as possible as part of a private charter tour. Now, if you don’t plan ahead in good time, it can be practically impossible to navigate the majority of them within a day’s trip. What makes it all the more easy is to have a great itinerary planned for you. To get you started, we have come up with a simple guide that highlights how you can enjoy your island-hopping adventures. Now, if you have no idea how to get by, one of the best ways to island-hop while in Phuket is to book a private charter boat tour with Simba Sea Trips. Benefits of Booking a Private Boat Charter Convenience For smaller islands, booking a private boat charter is your best bet. Much as there might be many available for rental, for islands with fewer transport options, I would advise one to book a private charter boat in advance in order to avoid inconveniences and disappointments of not getting a boat on time or missing one altogether. You will visit more beautiful islands. One of the things that the Thai boatmen do best, is taking the tourists to only to the most popular (and overpopulated) islands. Now being popular doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the only islands to see. With the added flexibility of a charter boat tour, you will be in a position to explore more islands at one go with much better and more stunning features and scenery than the most popular spots. Informative The beauty of booking a charter boat tour to someone who is new to the experience is that there is always a tour guide to give you handy information as well as the history of the islands visited. Stress-free Booking boat tours also present a stress-free itinerary to the traveler. So instead of stressing about the availability of rental boats, you leave the stressing to us at a very reasonable price. Privacy and Space Private charter boat tours offer the individual the opportunity to explore Thailand’s beauty by yourself or with your loved ones in the absence of strangers and undesirable companions. Flexible and Customizable The other benefit of the private charter boat is that it gives you the flexibility to decide on the time of day you would like the tour to begin as well as the list of activities you would like to enjoy while on your tour. Simba Sea Trips Private Charter Boat Tour Now that you know the benefits of booking an island-hopping boat charter, it is now time to choose a tour based on the places that you would like to visit as well as the experience that you want to enjoy from the trip. Are you looking for adventure, sightseeing, sporting activities, romantic getaway or you just want to relax on the beach? Do you want a mix of this and that? Well, Simba Sea Trips has got you covered. We have several options that you can mix them up to suit your island hoping experience in Phuket. So you have the freedom to tailor your own tour and experience the beauty of Phuket’s islands by booking a private charter boat tour with Simba Sea Trips! Here at Simba Sea Trips, we cater to the customers wishes and can provide an experience that you’ll remember forever!

The Phi Phi Island’s Pileh Lagoon Updated 2022:  The amazing Pileh Lagoon in Phuket is again open for visitors to enjoy with Thai tourism once again open for business! This stunning inlet is found near the equally stunning Maya Bay beach. It is among the most beautiful places to visit in Thailand. It also known as Phi Phi Lagoon or Phi Phi Leh. The bay has a length of about 600 meters from the entrance to the end. Here, the beautiful waters look more green than blue, dazzling if you are a fan of emerald. The warm waters have hundreds of beautiful multi-colored fish. This natural lagoon is also surrounded by 100 metre limestone cliffs which have impressive vegetation. There is a small beach at the entrance of the lagoon where you can bathe while you soak in the sunshine. Whether you are in or out of the waters, the lagoon offers a fantastic panoramic view so remember to carry your devices and take pictures, or record the scenery. From above,  Pileh Bay looks like the shape of a heart offering a spectacular aerial view for drone enthusiasts. Pileh Lagoon boat tour This is one of the ultimate tours you must participate in, especially if it’s your first time visiting Phuket. You can take one of the traditional long-tail boats from Phi Phi or Krabi if you want to keep real. That said, if you want to experience the locale in extreme comfort, you can do a speedboat tour. Simba Sea Trips journeys to the Pileh Lagoon as part of the Phi Phi Island Sunrise tour. Beat the crowds and submerge your head underwater during an experience you’ll never forget! Things to do at Pileh Bay Most visitors mainly journey here for swimming and snorkeling. So the small beach hidden deep inside the lagoon is either ignored or simply goes unnoticed. If you are looking for solitude, there is a strip of fine white sand in front of the steep and dark cliffs. That said though, there isn’t much privacy as excursion boats pass by a bit too close. Snorkeling The south east part of the lagoon is the perfect spot for snorkeling enthusiasts. Here, you will find beautiful corals and colorful tropical fishes, making it an absolute delight for snorkelers. Pileh Lagoon is hands-down one of the best Phuket snorkeling spots worthy of your time.  So let this be the number one activity to engage in when you visit the lagoon. The clear emerald green waters sit perfectly between the cliffs. Once you get here, feel free to jump straight in and snorkel with the large number of beautiful tropical fish. Some of the fish you will find here include thousands of colorful Sargent Major Damsel fish, the Rabbit fish, Rainbow and Moon Wrasses. The Moon Wrasses are as inquisitive as the snorkeler so expect them to come and check you out as well. Bathing and swimming The depth of the lagoon starts at about a one metre depth.  So even if you are not a good swimmer, you can stand in the shallow waters. Besides being shallow, its warm temperatures are perfect for bathing. It feels like taking a bath in a bathtub. There is no coral here. Just the fine white sand at the bottom which feels amazing between a swimmer’s toes. Exploring the Viking cave Just before you get to the entrance of Pileh Lagoon Phuket, there is a cave commonly known as the Viking Cave. It is a large opening slightly above the water level of the lagoon. This cave has very old paintings on the walls which resemble European sailing ships. What people haven’t proven is whether or not these paintings are of actual Viking ships. Anthropologists have been unable to fully explain how these images came about, what they represent, who painted them or why and when they were painted in the first place. The Simba Sea Trips tour of Phi Phi stops off at the Viking Cave for the benefit of those on board. Best time to visit Pileh Bay Phi Phi? Pileh Lagoon Phuket­­ and its beaches are most ideally accessed during morning hours when there are less crowds and distractions. During this period, the waters are amazingly clear and calm. Plus, you get to avoid the massive crowds. The months from January to April are perfect for snorkeling. The best season to visit is the in months between November and May. This is the time when the weather and the sea conditions are at their best in this region of Thailand. Though not as crowded as the Maya bay, try visiting during the low seasons. Peak season means the bay will be super busy. This means there will also be too many boats which ­­­­­might interfere with you enjoying your amazing moment. However, an early rise boat tour like that offered by Simba Sea Trips avoids this problem. Where to stay on Phi Phi island Phi Phi Island Village Beach This is popularly known as the best place on Phi Phi. If you are planning to stay here, then you need to book early enough because it gets filled up very fast. The place has bungalows on the Phi Phi beach which offer the best views on the island. They are a great honeymoon vacation spot or for lovers looking for a romantic holiday break. U-RIP U-RIP has spacious, clean and modern accommodation rooms. The rooms come with a complementary mini bar and a large balcony. So you can unwind as you enjoy your glass of something  tasty while watching the sun goes down. This modern hotel has a type of infinity pool that looks out into the ocean. So you can swim as you enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean. The hotel staff are very friendly and always happy to assist in whatever way. It is perfect for backpackers, honeymooners, as well as family holiday makers. Final Thoughts The Pileh Lagoon is one spot that tourists can’t

The Beach Leonardo DiCaprio’s cinematic getaway UPDATED 2022! With the Maya Bay beach open once again to tourists, there is no better time to book your boat tour to the Phi Phi Islands with Simba Sea Trips! The Beach Leonardo DiCaprio made famous in his film “The Beach” is none other than the beautiful Maya Bay. The movie portrays the adventure of a young man trying to discover himself after several things in his life, and he ends up visiting the paradise that is Maya Bay. The locales are portrayed beautifully in the movie and now you know where that beauty is from. During the film, Leo gets a map of an island that is supposed to be a utopia to visit. And when they visit the beach, Leonardo DiCaprio‘s character discovers that the place is indeed a magical destination that gives him hope to change his life around. Throughout the film Leo’s character visits plenty of locations of the Maya region and everyone that watched the film fell in love with everything they saw. Maya Bay is a magical destination nonetheless, but the film managed to show off the locales perfectly, and the director managed to showcase some of the best places in Maya Bay to visit. This beloved movie managed to gather flocks of people over to the area. Back in 2000 when the filming took place, there were too many people, in fact, visiting the area. Where was The Beach filmed? The film was filmed at Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island. At Phi Phi Island, the beach that the film took place at is called Hat Maya and since the showing of the film, there were thousands of people that passed through this picturesque and beautiful beach weekly. Both in the film and in real life, this beach is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see in your life. During the film, you can see the sparkling waters and the amazing vegetation around the beach itself with the soft sand connecting the blue and the green. In real life, you will not only be able to see this immense beauty of the beach and the Phi Phi island in general, but you will also feel the water, touch the sand and get shade underneath the leaves of the trees around the beach. If you watched the film,  you can visit and experience Maya Bay yourself, at one of the most majestic destinations worldwide. The beach itself is surrounded by clear azure waters that can cool off even the hugest amounts of stress and can make you relax while enjoying the warm touch of the sun on your skin and the relaxing view of everything around you at that moment. In the movie Leo experienced the region in a way that can’t be portrayed through the screen. In real life, everything is 10 times more beautiful at Maya Bay. It’s not only a picture. It’s a whole essence that revolves around what you can see. Sinking your feet in the sand and feeling the smooth waters of the beach and Maya Bay, in general, you will be able to understand how Leonardo DiCaprio would have felt like. During the film Leo visits a waterfall as well. The breathtaking waterfalls are located in Khao Yai National Park and they are called Haeo Suwat Falls. Besides Phi Phi Island, The Beach also had some scenes that were filmed in Phuket and Krabi. These two destinations are also some unforgettable locales from Phuket, Thailand. Once in the area of Phuket, all of these destinations are must visit for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons is the sheer beauty you can witness and the culture that you can experience in these areas. You can see such things as a vibrant town packed with delicious food and spectacular places to visit, alongside amazing beaches and nature destinations with unmatched beauty, like the ones in the movie. Where is Maya Bay? In The Beach the stars visit Maya Bay in a slightly unconventional way, and you can’t really tell where it is since it is supposed to be this “hidden from the world” location that was hard to find. Maya Bay is located at Ko Phi Phi Le and it is the bay at the western part of the island and it is a part of the Krabi District. It’s not very hard to miss Maya Bay Phi Phi island –  since there is usually tourists visiting the beach and it is one of the highlights, not only of the Krabi District but the whole Phuket as well. The beauty attracts people from all over the world that want to experience the beach, Leonardo DiCaprio – style. One of the bad aspects of the film is that it made Maya Bay a bit too famous, and as a result, at Phi Phi island the beach suffered decay because of the people constantly visiting the place. If you manage to go to the beach yourself, remind everyone to be respectful to the beach and the secluded location itself. This is because respect for the environment with help you appreciate everything you see even more. How to get to Maya Bay, Thailand If you are wondering about how to get to Maya Bay – don’t worry! In The Beach Leonardo DiCaprio visits the island in a hardcore way, but that is not the way you should take as well. Fortunately, YOU will have the experience to get to the Maya Bay and the beach with ease and in luxury, unlike the character of Leonardo. Travel to Maya Bay in more style and comfort than Leo managed, on a luxury boat tour that will remain unforgettable, with one of our Maya Bay Tours today!

Everything you need to know about Phi Phi Islands Updated 2022! Looking for a perfect destination on your post-covid Thailand getaway? Then the Phi Phi Islands are the place for you! Are you still looking for things to do in Phi Phi Islands? Visiting the Islands will give you memories to last a lifetime. So, you have decided to visit the idyllic Phi Phi Island? There are a few important things you will need to know before you go such as, ‘How far is Phi Phi Island from Phuket?’, ‘How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?’ and once you are there you’ll want to know ‘What to do on your visit?’ and also you’ll want to find out about all the Phi Phi Island Activities you need to know. Read on to discover the most important information about the Phi Phi Islands before booking your tour with Simba Sea Trips! How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket? The Phi Phi Islands are situated 50 km from Phuket. How to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket you ask? Well, there are a few different options. We think that a speedboat is the most efficient way how to get to there from Phuket. A speedboat ride will take you only one hour and prices start around 1,000 THB per person. A speedboat is a great option since you can stop at different locations rather than just visit one area of the island. You can get there quick and in ultimate style with a Phi Phi Island speedboat tour of the region. Now that you’ve made it, you’ll be looking at what to do in Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi is a relatively small island but there are plenty of Phi Phi Island activities to check out and keep you entertained. When in Phi Phi island things to do come along as you experience the area more and more. Phi Phi islands are packed with experiences you can have! Not only are there plenty of hotels in Phi Phi where you can stay, but there is also a whole lot of perks that come with the area. You will find yourself walking along beaches with white sand and next to these white sand beach locales you will find nature that is of unmatched beauty.  Here are some of our favorite things to do. Snorkeling in Phi Phi Islands  Once you once you figured out how to get to Phi Phi island and arrive there, you will find yourself in an area of land that is surrounded by water. Naturally, that means that there is plenty of space for you to go snorkeling at. Phi Phi Island – Favourite Snorkeling Locations Hin Klong Shark Point Loh Sama Bamboo Island and Pileh Lagoon. Hin Klong is often referred to as Coral Mountain and is located in the north of Phi Phi. The reef area is 90m long and 60m wide so there is plenty to see and explore. In our opinion, this is the best snorkeling spot in Phi Phi Islands. Shark Point is another great snorkeling spot at Phi Phi islands as you don’t need a boat to get there. You can snorkel straight off the beach. At approximately 200m off the beach, you can see a rock protruding from the sea. It is here where the name Shark Point comes from as several small blacktip reef sharks can be found swimming in the morning or late afternoon. Loh Sama is well known for both snorkeling and diving. It’s a very picturesque spot that is located on the eastern side of Phi Phi Islands. Bamboo Island not only has some great snorkeling but also boasts the best beach in our opinion. It is located 5km from Phi Phi so you’ll need to hire a boat to get there. Also, get there early to avoid the crowds. Pileh Lagoon is Nature’s very own swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by 100m high cliffs that reflect the sunlight in all different shades. It is simply stunning and there’s some great snorkeling around the entrance to the lagoon. Hiking on Phi Phi Islands’ viewpoints Put on your sports shoes (if you brought them) and get ready to hike to the viewpoints. This is totally worth it and best done in the early morning while it is still cool or otherwise late in the afternoon to watch the sunset. After a good night’s sleep, you can start going to the Ko Phi Phi viewpoints. There are 3 main viewpoints you can visit. They are not hard to locate, but can be challenging to get to. Getting to the viewpoints of Phi Phi Islands can be a little tricky and you need to be prepared for a steep hike. If you feel like whipping out on a bit of the hike you can flag down a dirt bike taxi who will charge you around 20 THB to get most of the way up the hill. You will still need to hike the last bit of it though. Once you have done that you can then explore the three different viewpoints. Don’t forget that there is an entrance fee also. This does change on occasion though and we have heard of people being charged on average 30 THB per person. There are a few little stalls selling water too if you forget to take your own. We really recommend making it all the way to viewpoint 3 as this is definitely the best view and most iconic of Phi Phi Islands. Remember if you decide to go for sunset, you’ll need to bring some form of light to guide to home. Kayaking in the clear warm waters of Phi Phi Islands There are several places where you can hire a kayak and go exploring around Ko Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh islands. If you feel like getting off the beaten path and getting ‘lost’ exploring then you should definitely consider this high on your list

Top 10 Phuket Daily Tours Updated 2022! With a return to tourism following the pandemic, and many desirable landmarks to visit while holidaying in Thailand, it can be hard to idntify which sites are most worth seeing. Some outdated sites have experienced a rejuvenation in the absence of tourism, and it some of these sites that have now gained a place on our list of top 10 places to see! Why Visit Phuket? Phuket is located amid the world’s most stunning scenery. There are lavish limestone peaks that pop from the bright green Andaman Sea. They also appear in the dense jungles and on land which make Phuket one of the perfect places in Asia that has very great options for day tours. The famous day tours ones are multi-island boat tours. During these tours you can enjoy the rides in the clear waters in a speedboat or traditional longtail as you feast your eyes on the archipelagos. Some of the best rated Phuket day trip tours are in Phang Nga Bay which at times also incorporate Phi Phi and Similan Islands which are nearby. At Phang Nga Bay lies a distinguished pinnacle which gained its fame through a James Bond film. The Similan Islands are perfect for diving. All these islands attract lots of tourists. Besides visiting the beaches and island hoping, Phuket daily tours sometimes include visits to Big Buddha, Chalong Temples and the old streets of Phuket Town. If you are one that loves exploring nature, there are some tours that offer eco adventures to places like Khao Sok National Park where one can see elephants, canoe in the SoK River, take nature walks through the jungle and see monkeys, gibbons, tigers and bears. Popular Daily Tours of Phuket  Let’s check out some of the best day trip tours that you need to consider when you visit the Island.  Phang Nga Bay When in Phuket, a tour to Phang Nga Bay is a must do. The place is fantastic. The tour can ger pretty busy here and the place is big. There are lots of limestone formations jutting above the waters. The more common island here is the one commonly known as James Bond Island which got its name after a huge pinnacle was featured in the 1974 film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’. Most boat tours make a stopover for lunch at the Muslim fishing village of Koh Panyee. There is swimming at Naka Island and kayaking. Leave early if you plan to enjoy any of these Phuket Daily Tours peacefully. Phi Phi Islands There are six beautiful islands here with dramatic limestone karst formations that jut above the emerald waters. Some of the popular spots here on a phi phi island boat tour are Maya Bay which was made popular when the Leonardo DiCaprio film ‘The Beach’ was filmed there and has experienced a rejuvenation and much regrowth with the crowds absent at the height of the covid pandemic. Koh Phi Phi Don is the other main island here, packed with resorts. Snorkeling is popular Laem Thong and you can see macaques of Monkey Beach. Similan Islands These small islands have beautiful archipelago in the Andaman Sea making the very stunning and this is one of the daily tours of Phuket where you don’t need a professional photographer to take stunning photos. Much as most people prefer day trip tours, a 2-day trip is more ideal as it’s a bit far from Phuket town. That way you can have the morning to enjoy the beaches. At the Similan Islands you can also climb the giant boulders and do some snorkeling.  Khao Sok National Park Located 150 km from Phuket, the park is parked with lush greens vegetation, waterfalls, dark blue lakes and waterfalls popping in the planet’s old rainforest. Nature lovers will definitely have a blast here as they enjoy the Sok River, lakes, elephants, kayaking, canoeing and exploring the caves full of bats and many other and many other animals and bird species.  Coral Island The locals call it Koh Hae, and its located 6km southeast of Phuket. The place is perfect for snorkelers and beach enthusiasts. You will the Long Beach and Banana Beach with a long stretch of soft, white sand. The people who come for Phuket daily tours to the Coral Island generally feed fish and kayak too.  Racha Islands These two islands, Racha Yai and Racha Noi lure big crowds. Racha Yai is the most popular and has a horseshoe-shaped bay and luxury villa-style resort called The Racha. There is a bay, Ao Siam that’s quieter with people snorkelling, swimming and basking. Much as Racha Noi has no tourist infrastructure, it’s perfect for diving. Khao Lak With silky golden-sand beaches Khao Lak was affected by the 2004 tsunami. It has been refurbished now and has many upscale resorts and is perfect for families. One of top things to do on such daily tours of Phuket is basking on the beaches lined with lined with coconut palms and rustic cafés. There is a beautiful backdrop of green mountains. It also has 3 national parks to explore as well as bamboo rafting trips. Mu Ko Similan National Park This Park hosts eleven uninhabited islands. Its perfect for experienced divers and those who want to get away from the crowded islands. The scenery is stunning so when taking a Similan Islands tour, you can pop in there. It has beautiful turquoise water, smooth granite boulders on the shows and has hiking trails. In the sea are sharks and other fish. Go when the waters are calmer as the winds can get choppy.  Koh Yao Yai This is one of the Phuket daily tours that you take a longtail boat. Its oozes a traditional Thai ambience and has quiet, secluded white-sand beaches, Loh Paret and Laem Had which are great for swimming. What gives it the local feel are the rubber plantations, rice fields and coconut trees with the most popular modes of transport being motorbikes

Chicken Island and Tup Island Updated 2022 With the crowds returning to the Krabi Islands in large numbers, there is a renewed interest in some of the quieter places in the region. This, in large part as a result of the growing fondness that people have post-covid to remain away from the crush that comes with being in popular tourist locations. Having spent a large part of 2 years away from people, many are looking to travel again, but in a slightly more relaxed manner. In addition to being a slightly less densely populated region within Krabi, there is another reason that both Chicken Island (Koh Kai) and Tup Island (also known as Tub Island or Tap Island) are of interest when traveling to Krabi in Phuket. Those who have been there say that they are a paradise to feast your eyes as well as enjoying activities such as snorkeling and swimming. While there are plenty of things to do in Krabi, keep scrolling to read why these 2 islands are considered so special. Why you need to visit Koh Kai If you are coming from Krabi’s mainland, the trip to this island alone is a wonderful experience. You can get there by traditional longtail-boat which will take you approximately half an hour. One thing that makes Chicken Island a place to adore is the mesmerizing rock formation which looks like a chicken head – hence the name. This island is like paradise and the scenery just looks like it’s something cut out of a magazine.  It has a fine white sandy beach as well as turquoise blue sea which makes most visitors hail it for being one of the most stunning beaches in Krabi. As I mentioned earlier, this island is the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. If you are not snorkeling or swimming, you could just take a walk along the beach. There are trees which can provide you with some shade if you are there to just relax. There is a restaurant where you can buy some snacks and cold drinks (and some beer of course) and just chill the day away. The view point There is a small shack and next to it is a sign that leads to a fantastic small viewpoint. Luckily, it’s not so high. Well there are some ‘not well made stairs’ which will lead you to the viewpoint. Anyone going up needs to be careful to avoid slipping. At the top is there is a fantastic view of the Tup Island and the beautiful long sandbank. You will see Koh Poda and the Krabi mainland in the background. You can also feast your eyes on Krabi’s limestone cliffs and rocks. Chicken Island – Tub Island sand bank The white sandbank connects the two islands. This sandbank only emerges when the tide is low. It is infamously known as Talay Waek, meaning, divided sea. As you walk across the sandbank, we advise you to at least have some shoes on to prevent your feet from being pricked by sharp corals and shells that might be protruding from the water as you cross over to the other Island. Why you need to visit Tup Island This island is perfect especially if you are island hoping with small kids since the waters are shallow enough. On both sides of the sandbar it is deep enough for swimming. Much as it is a much smaller island in Krabi, it is a great spot for snorkeling with seeing as it has an abundance of colorful tropical fish. The island has 2 small islets and as you guessed it, there is a stretch of sand between them. When the tide is high, the beach gets crowded. As opposed to Koh Kai, this island doesn’t have many places to take a shade so it’s advisable to do a quick visit. Also remember to carry sunscreen since the Thai sun get pretty harsh. Tup Island sometimes gets pretty busy, especially during peak seasons because it’s one of Krabi’s main tourist attractions and there are more day trips and boat tours. How to get to these two Krabi Islands There are return long tail boats from Ao Nang which charge 300 baht per head. Unfortunately, you have to wait for other passengers to board. A boat carries approximately 8 people. If you are feeling loaded and want some privacy, you could charter a private longtail boat as you island hop. The other way to approach these islands is from other beaches like Klong Muang, Nopparat Thara, Railay and also at Chao Fah pier in Krabi Town. The prices here are slightly different than those from Ao Nang. The other more convenient way to enjoy island hopping in Krabi is to pre-book a private charter boat tour with Simba Sea Trips or come along on a Krabi Island boat tour with our experienced crew. The other thing is that these islands are part of the Had Noppharatthara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park so you will be required to pay national park entrance fee which varies depending on the season. Remember to keep the ticket safe as you island hop as it is valid also for the neighboring islands. The Chicken Island and Tup Island are worth the visit if you are ever in Phuket. So if you plan on island hopping then make sure you visit and witness the photographic features of these islands.

Phuket is home to some of the most famous beaches in the world and it is no surprise that these are highly sought destinations for travelers looking for a break from life’s hustle and bustle. These destinations, most notably Phi Phi Island and Phang Nga Bay are the often overrun with tourists, which can detract from the experience for many. But did you know there are many hidden gems that offer an equally spectacular experience in the absence of major crowds? The Sensational Paradise Beach in Phuket One of the most attractive hidden gems in Phuket is Paradise Beach. Compact and barely 150 metres in length, many overlook its value as a beach destination. But it provides a serene experience and beautiful views across Patong Bay. At Paradise Beach you will find two sandy bays that possess clear blue water and coconut trees. These coconut trees give visitors plenty of shade to escape the heat during a day at the beach. Historically, as paradise beach is quite small, it’s been very difficult for enthusiastic visitors to locate. That is prior to the construction of an asphalt road that leads visitors directly to its location. Despite its status as a hidden gem it had been gaining in popularity in the days prior to the Covid pandemic mainly due to the famous Phuket Full Moon festival parties that take place on paradise beach. The beach has lots to offer and has become trendy because when the main beach starts to fill up with visitors, all one has to do is walk a short distance and a few flights of stairs that will lead you to an unexpectedly quaint sandy cove. How to get to Paradise beach Located in close proximity to Patong beach, if you are approaching Paradise Beach from there, drive south to the bridge that leads to Amari Phuket. Take a right after the bridge then keep driving straight for a few kilometres, past the Marriott Merlin Beach Resort and follow the road to Emerald Bay. You will happen upon a steep gradient with a narrow-twisted road that will take you down to the Paradise Beach carpark. At the car park there is a free shuttle that ferries visitors to the beach. What to enjoy at Paradise Beach The main beach If you had ever visited the beach a while back, you will be taken aback by how much the main beach had greatly transformed in recent years. These days, it has become a mixture of village and a shopping complex with more restaurants opening around the beach, colourful shops, bars, dance floors… you name it. Paradise Beach Club The beach club is the life of the whole beach and it offers lots of activities including stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. There are 3 rocky capes as well as a reef that is stationed 100 metres off the beach that is the perfect destination for snorkelers. There are lots of other activities to enjoy at paradise beach, such as swinging from a rope tied to a tree branch and into the water, beach volleyball or you could just lay on the beach. For food, you can have some Thai and international cuisines at the onsite restaurant served under your sun lounger or indoors. Full Moon Parties If you are looking for the hottest beach party in Phuket, then you will find it at Paradise Beach in Phuket. Fashioned after the infamous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, this version of the full moon party is an all-night seaside gig that is more upscale and well-orchestrated. It happens every month on the night of the full moon. DJ’s, tourists, locals and ex-pats all head on down to party and dance till dawn. Tickets go for about 1,000 baht and can be purchased from travel agencies or online. They also have half moon parties at the paradise beach. But the Full moon ones are definitely the most attended. Where to head after Paradise Beach? If you are done with your Paradise beach activities – then it is well worth venturing to some of the other hugely popular Phuket beach locations. Whether this be James Bond Island, Kata Beach, Karon or the incredibly popular Maya Bay. For those looking to journey to Maya Bay, our phi phi islands boat tour can take you there. Whatever your preference, we are sure that you’ll have the experience of a lifetime while in Phuket. We hope you enjoy your stay!

Patong Beach will expose you to another side of Phuket Updated 2022: Patong Beach area is one of the most diverse places you can visit on your Phuket holiday. Historically, visiting Patong has been the main attraction for thousands of tourists to the region every year and the anticipation is that now with tourism returning to pre-covid levels it will return to its former level of popularity.  If discovering the beauty of Thailand is not enough, you will come to realize that there is so much more to Phuket other than natural beauty and beautiful historic temples. The area of Patong Beach is powerful evidence of an elevated tourist experience, that merges the well-known Thailand magic with contemporary high rises, familiar cultural spots such as a shopping mall, awesome nightspots that have created the well-known Patong nightlife, iconic night locations such as the Simon Cabaret, plenty of holiday inn, not to mention the breathtaking hotels in Patong beach. There is something for everyone that wants to find entertainment and fun, alongside the serenity that comes with the idea of Thailand. Patong Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area of Phuket, and it is super close to the rest of the stuff the area of Patong is famous for. The Andaman sea drenches the coast and the white sand of the area of Patong. The beach road is a great location for a revitalizing walk and the perfect spot to take countless pictures for your social media, and brag about the fact that you are at one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Andaman Beach meets Patong, Phuket Patong Beach Thailand is the perfect spot to catch a breath from all your travels and adventures. The coast of the beach is an amazing place to just lay there and take in the beautiful sunshine. Listen to the waves of the beach and take a dive or two. As expected there are places where you can get a drink to cool off during the warm days of summer. The tropical ambiance of the beach transports you to a different mental stage, where everything seems less serious and helps you clear your mind. This is an opportunity to discover how the beauty of Thailand and the excitement of Phuket can combine and create an experience that you will hardly forget. The Patong Beach is a must visit for everyone that is in the area. If you have enough time during your visit make sure you stay there for the whole day because there is more to Patong than just the Beach. What to do at Patong Beach Thailand Find the best location on the beach Usually, the middle part of the beach is where it is most crowded, but that does not mean that it is the best part of the beach. Just grab your towel and walk along the stretch of the beach at a more secluded location with fewer people. This will help you appreciate the beach and your visit there a bit more. Grab a drink and a snack Useful Tip: Before you visit the beach itself, grab your drinks and snacks beforehand at one of the kiosks around the beach front. Especially if you are planning to spend hours on the beach, get lots of water, some amazing local snacks and sunscreen. Once you lie on the beach, then it’s game over. You will probably want to spend the rest of the daytime there. Enjoy! The cool waters and the white sand of the beach are amazing. There is no question to that. Lie on the sand, take in the beauty and take a dive in the cool waters of the Andaman Sea to cool off during the hot day. The Bangla road to fun! Another amazing locale of the Patong area, which is also close to the mesmerizing Patong beach is the Bangla road. Now, this is where things get fun. This is a place that transforms from day to night but remains fun both times of the day. Here is where you will find the best bars and clubs in the area. It’s the place to be during the night if you are in the area, and make sure you visit the Soi Bangla in Bangla street, for an unforgettable night with drinks and friends. What to do in Soi Bangla, Patong Phuket Visit the Bangla Street once the sun sets The best time to visit this amazing street is after the sun sets since that is the time that everything lights up and the party is getting started Why choose between food and drinks? Once you find yourself in Bangla Street you will realize that there is a good mix of bars restaurants and clubs. That means that the choice between food and drink won’t be a hard one since everything is available at the same street. Get your party on Once you grab a snack or two, then get on with the party! This is the spot you will look for fun at. There is a plethora of bars and clubs available for you to spend an awesome night at. Some of the highlights are the huge clubs such as the Soi Gonzo, Seduction Night Club, White Room Night Club, and the amazing Illuzion Club. Experience Phuket, Thailand in a whole new way! When people think of Thailand and Phuket, they usually don’t think of nightlife. They think of idyllic landscapes, crystal waters, and amazing rock formations and jungles. But there are more secrets to be discovered. Phuket and more specifically Patong Beach area offer experiences that you may not have expected from a visit to Thailand. Here you will have the chance to experience nightlife that you might have expected from places such as Ibiza, but in a setting that is far more interesting and exotic. In Patong Phuket, you will have the chance to try unique drinks, including drinks with local ingredients, dance to fun music,

Updated! Coming out of Covid, there is a buzz in the air with many tourists returning to Phuket after a 2 year absence. While covid has put a dampener on all of our lives, one of the few benefits has been the opportunity to allow the natural habitat to recover. This means previously hot tourist destinations have not looked this good in years! The Gorgeous Raya Island Raya Island, also known as Racha island, is one of these rejuvenated islands in the Andaman sea. This small island is located about 12 kilometers south of Phuket. Whether you are a tourist or a local, everyone needs a break sometimes. Well, what better place to get away from it all than on this small piece of paradise? Intrigued? Here is all you need to know about the island. Racha Island has two smaller islands – Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. These two also go by the names Koh Raya Yai and Koh Raya Noi respectively. So to distinguish which is which, ‘Yai’ in Thai means ‘Big’ whereas Noi means ‘little’. Both small islands have crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. These islands are infamous for being excellent diving and snorkeling spots in Thailand because they are host to challenging diving sites which are very popular with advanced divers. Beginners are also welcome here since one will also find plenty of diving spots suitable for them. Racha Yai island This small little island is the closest to Phuket. Most people who stay here are Muslim farmers and fishermen. Now if you are planning on staying overnight at Raya Island Thailand, this is where you will find all the resorts. Located in a u-shaped bay is the Ao Tawan Tok (Ao Bungalow) which is the main beach on the island. It’s a beautiful beach with snow white sand that is as uniform and fine as talcum powder. Its clear waters and shallow water coral reefs make it an excellent snorkeling spot. Being so small, it only hosts 3 resorts namely, The Racha Phuket Resort, Baan Raya Resort and Bungalow Raya Resort. Of the three, in terms of luxury, The Racha Phuket Resort prides itself as a real 5-star luxury hideaway. And if you are going for modesty, then Bungalow Raya Resort is your choice. So in case you plan on staying overnight, you are covered. Just like the other islands in the area, the Racha Yai is also popular with day trips. More often than not the bay gets quite busy in the afternoon hours with visitors coming in boats. But at night, it’s pretty serene as it only hosts a few bars and restaurants. Well, there are no bright lights on this island making it a great island for stargazing especially on the beach. There is also the larger bay, Ao Siam, which is perfect for quiet strolls. There is a lot of nature to see, making it excellent for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. Racha Noi island Located to the south of Racha Yai is the smaller of the two islands which is inhabited. Here, you will find more rocks than beaches. This tiny island has small bay on its west coast that is popular with fishermen. Besides diving, that’s pretty much all you can do here. Activities to partake in in Racha Activities that happen on Racha Island and mainly scuba diving and snorkeling. If you are looking for a fine dining spot, then you better head on to the bay on the east coast of Koh Racha Yai. As for the smaller Racha Noi, diving does happen here. It is more suited for advanced divers because this small island has deeper diving spots. You can also spot larger water creatures like the mantra ray in some spots. How to get to the Raya Island Thailand Getting to these two islands from Phuket is easy. Usually, tour operators and travel agents organize all-inclusive day trips. People charter long-tail and speedboats from Rawai or Chalong Pier. It takes about 2 hours via a long tail boat whereas speedboats take an hour. Make sure you check the availability and the conditions of the island before booking. And if you are planning on snorkeling Phuket remember to carry things like sunglasses, sunscreen, towel and sun cap. You need not worry much about the mask and snorkel as they are provided at no fee. You can also lease fins at 100 thb. Interested in a Private Charter Boat Phuket tour to some of the finest Islands like Raya? Book with Simba Sea Trips and experience Phuket the proper way!

Best time to visit Phuket 2022 Update Put simply…. now! With the covid restrictions finally loosened, there has never been a better time to cure the frustration of 2 years in the absence of travel opportunities. With that said, deciding on the best time to visit Phuket is a vital component of your travel plans. While travellers flock to Phuket all year round, there are to noticeable seasons that provide a vastly different experience. These two seasons are detailed as follows: The ‘High Season’ The High Season is also commonly referred to as the ‘Dry’ season. In the high season the weather is spectacular and as a result you are bound to find a large number of tourists taking advantage of the fantastic conditions. This season generally lasts from early November all the way through to May. The Low Season starts towards the end of May and lasts right through to October. It is characterised by tropical conditions and is the period of the year where the majority of rain tumbles down upon the region. The Low Season coincides with the Monsoon season and the two names are commonly interchanged to describe this period of the year. Best Months to Visit Phuket To help make the decision on the best time to visit Phuket, we’ll give an overview on each month while pointing out a few pros and cons to do with each monthly period. JANUARY By far the most popular month of the year for Tourists (with the Southern Hemisphere summer school holidays are major reason behind this). There is very little rainfall and most days deliver brilliant blue skies and low humidity. Boat tours are extremely popular during January though they can get quite crowded, especially to famous Phang Nga Bays. This uncomfortable and crowded experience can be greatly avoided though by traveling via a Simba Sea Trips boat on the Phang Nga Bay tour and getting a much more intimate experience. PROS * Approximately 9 hours of sunshine per day and little in the way of rain * Nightlife areas are buzzing with activity CONS * Incredibly busy with both car and foot traffic in most regions * High cost for both travel and accommodation FEBRUARY The weather remains fantastic in February with very little rainfall and glorious sunny days. PROS * The Chinese New Year festivities normally start in early February which are well worth seeing *Greater number of travel discounts and hotel deals during February as opposed to January CONS * Traffic congestion remains high *A lack of planning means that you may run into trouble with accommodation bookings as the best places are often snapped up quickly MARCH The temperature starts to rise even higher in March, with plenty of glorious sunshine to bathe in. The crowds start to reduce slightly making it one of the best times of the year to visit Phuket PROS *Plenty of sunshine and low monthly rainfall makes it a great time visit *Seawater remains warm while conditions are ideal for swimming and snorkeling CONS *Traffic in the towns remains quite congested *Despite crowd reductions compared to February, their are still considerable numbers of tourists APRIL The official end to the high season, April is considered the hottest time of the year. April is the month which hosts the Songkran Water Festival, which is a huge Thai event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the region. Therefore, those looking for a calm and relaxing holiday might want to consider another month of the year. However, those looking for a fun, once in a lifetime experience may consider April the best time to visit Phuket and it’s the ideal time to join Simba Sea Trips for a Phi Phi Island tour in particular! PROS *Not including the Water Festival period, hotel prices are drastically lower than in the first 3 months of the year *The final month for a while with ultra-stable sea conditions. Also the chance of a lot of sunshine and limited rainy days CONS *Humidity is very high during April and the temperature reaches its highest making it very taxing *Traffic during Songkran is incredibly perilous – take extra care when traveling on the roads. MAY Thanks to a much lower amount of international arrivals at Phuket airport during May, this can officially be described as the start of the low season. This also means that discount offers are available from most hotels in the region. A low season doesn’t spell the end to the good weather however with plenty of sunshine, although it can often be interrupted by intermittent showers. PROS *Cheaper accommodation costs throughout the region *Nightlife is still prominent despite lower numbers of patrons within most bars CONS *Rougher sea conditions particularly towards the end of the month *Wetter conditions and high levels of humidity might be uncomfortable for some JUNE In the month of June, there is much more rain but plenty of sunny days thrown in between. Due to the lower frequency of rain compared to the months ahead, many choose June as the most affordable, yet still enjoyable, time to visit. It is considered the start of the moonson season. PROS *Cheaper hotel options but also cheaper flights as well *With lower crowds in the region, areas like Patong are much less uncomfortable to experience CONS *You’ll need to pack an umbrella because it is far more likely to rain at least at some stage during the day *Sea conditions can make scuba diving or launch trips much more perilous JULY July is very comparable to the June period in terms of weather although there is more average rain falling during this period. Although it is still a period that provides sunny breaks and the opportunity to bathe in the glow of sunshine PROS *Much like June there are plenty of options for cheap accommodation and flights *The beaches are far less crowded during this period compared to the previous months CONS *Expect to see rain fairly frequently