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If you are planning a trip to Thailand or move there you might be wondering what the cost of living in Thailand is. Well according to those who have been there, most of them say that life in this country can be pretty affordable. But just like most places around the world, it all depends on where you choose to stay on the Island or where you choose to live. There is a dramatic difference in prices between west coast multi-ethnic resort areas, the capital city and the east coast rural towns. Since the end of the 90s, Phuket has had speedy developments, hence making the cost of living in Phuket a bit higher. That said though, compared to the cost of living in the western countries in the US, Australia and European countries, living in Phuket is relatively affordable. That is what makes Phuket one of the most preferred travel destinations by foreign visitors from all over the world. Well, here is a rough idea of what it might cost you, from dining, accommodating, clubbing as well as hoping around Phuket. Phuket cost of living 2023 Update! Prices are rising globally but Thailand continues to be ultra-affordable compared to other desirable destinations in the region.  Food Speaking of the cost of living in Thailand if there is one thing we can say about Thailand is how their delicious local cuisine still remains pretty affordable. When it comes to eating you can live on a budget. When I tell you it’s affordable, to enjoy some delicious cuisine at a simple local restaurant in Phuket town, it will cost you about 50–70 baht. Some of the dishes in this range are rice served with fried chicken with basil leaves. In Patong beach, at tourist spots, the same meal will go for between 80 and 180 baht In high end restaurants, the same dish will be charged as high as even 700 baht. As for international cuisines in cosmopolitan towns like say Phuket, the food is slightly pricier compared to Thai food. That said, tourists can still get their preferred international food at affordable rates. But since we are talking about the cost of living in Phuket, depending on the type and class of restaurant, the difference in prices might vary rapidly. For example, the cheapest it will cost you for a dish like a club sandwich with French fries is between 80–100 baht. At a 4- or 5-star restaurant, this will dent you a whooping 400–600 baht. Hotels Being an Island that receives about 35 million visitors annually, having lots of rooms and enough accommodation to host such a massive crowd is necessary. The island has about 85,000 rooms ready for its visitors. There is a wide selection and variety of hotels. So, don’t let the Phuket cost of living worry you too much because when it comes to accommodation whether you are a mogul with loads of cash to your name a just a simple backpacker on a tight budget, you will always find accommodation that suits your holiday needs. Budget hotels in Phuket town range from around 300 baht to 1,300-baht, midrange hotels charge between 1,500 to 3,000 baht whereas the high-end ones charge between 5,000 to up to 500,000 baht per night. Plus, if you want to blow it all, you can also get 7-villa complex at much higher prices, for instance Trisara, Banyan Tree Phuket, or Sri Panwa Phuket. So, when we tell you there is accommodation for every budget, trust me, there is. Night clubs, Partying and Beer When speaking of Cost of living in Phuket you definitely need to know the cost of a cold beer because you will during and after sunbathing at the beach or exploring Phuket. The place can get pretty hot! They have their local beer as well as international ones such as Heineken, Carlsberg, Asahi, Tiger, plus you will also get a great variety of genuine Belgian beers. For cheaper beer, buy them at the local grocery stores, 40 baht for local beers and 50 baht for the likes of Heineken. In high end joints they can go up to 280 baht. As for the Phuket cost of living nightspots, most have no entrance fee. You might also get a free drink in places where they charge entry fee. You can get special offers like happy hour or open bars for some hours for an entry of 700 baht. Drinks are cheaper at bars as opposed to nightclubs. Cocktails on the other hand can range from 100 baht to 450 baht depending on the spot. Trips to Islands You could visit islands closest to Phuket using long-tail boats at 1,200–1,500 baht. A speed boat to say Phi Phi Islands will cost 1,400 and 3,000 baht inclusive of lunch and snorkelling equipment. If you are in no hurry, take a ferry which will cost you 500 baht. Or better yet, splash out and get your money’s worth with a private charter boat trip with the team from Simba Sea Trips. I bet you now have a rough idea of the cost of living in Thailand so start planning that trip bearing all that in mind.

The Spectacular Promthep Cape Updated 2023 – Is the Cape still accessible? Yes! and due to the unfortunate Covid period, the Cape is currently experienced regrowth to a degree it has not experienced for decades. Promthep Cape is one of the most irresistible spots if you are looking for a unique vacation spot and the best sunsets in Thailand. It is also known as ‘God’s Cape’ or ‘Laem Promthep’. Located near Nai Harn Beach on your way to Rawai, this cape is at the most Southern part of Phuket. This rocky piece of land empties into the Andaman Sea. Because of that iconic status, this makes it one of the most popular spots in Phuket. Hundreds of tourists flock to this place, facing west with their cameras, ready to enjoy the sunsets. On a normal day, all you will see is colorful buses ferrying tourists, who are yearning for those perfect sunset views. The place is usually abuzz with flashing lights from the cameras. It’s weird how people have never gotten over this place. Why Promthep Cape has the best sunsets in Thailand First off, as I mentioned earlier, because of its elevated location and just a few islands near it is the best spot to admire the sunset. . The location and southern facing views, offers tourists a picturesque view of the Andaman Sea. That said, what really makes it more entertaining thought is watching the massive crowds eagerly waiting to get ready for the photo moments at six o’clock. The sunsets are magazine and Instagram ready. If you gather enough courage, you can walk all the way down to the lower end of the cape. Much as it’s easy to go all the way down, it’s the coming back up that gets a bit challenging because of dirt path inclines and gradients. What to do at Promthep The main thing that brings people here all year round is to capture some of the finest pictures of sunsets. You will find both artists and nature lovers. They all come here to get engrossed and enjoy being at the most southern part of Phuket – the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. It is infamous for being best spot in the whole of Thailand for spectacular sunsets. The sunset viewing platform From Promthep cape viewpoint you will be able to see islands such as Koh Racha Yai, Noi Islands and Phi Phi Islands from a distance. While spotting the Phi Phi Islands from one of the best viewpoints in Phuket is spectacular, it is even moreso when travelling as part of a boat tour. Simba Sea Trips offer early departures to the region as part of their Phi Phi Sunrise tour and it’s highly recommended you give it a try! The main attractions here are the lighthouse and the Buddhist shrine. If you want better views, then it’s better to climb up the lighthouse. Usually, the Andaman Sea is calm so tour boats and fishing boats are a common scene. This is also because of the number of Islands around Phuket. Promthep Lighthouse The lighthouse that is about 200ft above sea level. Here you will have excellent all round views. There are usually less people at the bottom since more people usually rush to the top as expected as they sit there awaiting the sunset. The lighthouse is a historical part of the Cape. As the story goes, it used to guide mariners sailing to Phuket from Malay. Here you will find a small nautical museum with full air conditioning and some historical artefacts for display. At the top, there is a balcony that offers better views of surrounding islands. Promthep Shrine The shrine is more interesting here. It sits upon the top of the Cape. It is a Buddhists Altar surrounded by hundreds of brass elephant statues and carvings and this makes it more colorful. It also has a traditional feel to it. You can stop here and say a little prayer. They say the bigger Elephants symbolize more wealth, and the smaller ones symbolize prosperity and wishes. The shrine is another focal point where tourists gather to take selfies and group pictures. Once in a while, you will find monks here. Shopping At the opposite of the car park, Promthep Cape Phuket has some nice tourist shops set out in a row. There is also a mini mart, souvenir shops, and beach kind of shops. These shops sell a wide range of stuff you can use at the beach as well as clothing. Souvenir shops sell T-shirts, Promthep branded hats, wallets and much more… There are also local street vendors lined up on the stretch that leads up to the carpark. They sell a wide range of street foods such as finger food, and drinks like fruit shakes, coconuts and Ice cream. There are shops that offer day expeditions to the nearby locations like Rawai beach, Banana Beach, Banana Island, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi, and the Koh Phi Phi Islands. It’s better to schedule these trips online before you get to the cape. The thing is, you will enjoy shopping and exploring stuff sold at these shops as you test your negotiating skills. Where to eat Promthep Cape Restaurant This is a fantastic restaurant located right next to the Cape. It offers fabulous views of the sea and the Nai Harn and Ya Nui beach. This is the perfect way to end the day under the evening stars after enjoying the sunsets. The scenic view is spectacular and romantic. You can enjoy the tantalizing Thai food and super fresh sea food. You can wash this down with their wide range of beverages like beer, tropical cocktails, fruit shakes and tropical fruit juices. There is enough seating for 200 people. During high seasons, it can be hard to get a place to seat during high season. How to get to Promthep Cape Phuket Promthep is easily accessible. To get there you can either access it from

Swimming Thailand Destinations are abundant! Updated 2023: With the tourists returning in droves after the covid era, the waters are in spectacular conditions and ideal for a swimming holiday. We list our favourite spots to take a dip in the Phuket region. There are thousands of dreamy Thailand Destinations to go for a swim. Thailand has some of the most amazing waters to swim in, and most of the waters have the most amazing bright blue color. The turquoise waters of Thailand are super inviting to everyone that lays eyes them. They are enticing and welcoming, inviting you to float atop of clear waters and lay on a white sand beach for whole days! A simple day trip can turn into the best experience of your life. And these swimming Thailand destinations are usually located at awesome little places that make Thailand that more interesting. Thailand Destinations for unforgettable swimming experiences Top Destinations in Thailand – Phuket Phuket is undoubtedly one of the best Thailand Destinations one can visit when on a trip. Phuket is perfectly situated, allowing you to visit plenty of places around the country. Not only that but Phuket hosts some of the most amazing white sand beach resort destinations and breathtaking beaches. It is super close to Krabi and it can offer everything! From amazing hotels to high-end dining, to simpler experiences such as scuba diving, a night bazaar, and activities. Karon Beach – Phuket, Thailand This long stretch of a beach is one of the most famous ones. This section of crystal clear waters and glorious sand is not as busy as Patong Beach for example. Patong Beach is a beautiful beach, don’t get us wrong, and it’s close to amazing places you can visit, but Karon Beach is a far more quiet beach with fewer people visiting. At Karon, you can spend your day relaxing. When swimming with kids, Thailand can offer you good options, and Karon is one of them. Since there are fewer people and you are not at one of the swimming pools Thailand Karon has available then this beach is a good choice. There are not as many people and you will be able to monitor your kids on the beach more easily. Karon Town is an awesome place to visit as well! If you are looking for a place that still has some good nightlife, but not as seedy as Patong, then Karon might be the choice for you. Kata Beach – Phuket, Thailand If you are not looking for a vibrant nightlife destination, then Kata may as well be the best option for you to stay. One of the perks of staying at Kata, which is a few minutes further than Karon Beach is that you will be close to the mesmerizing Kata Beach. Kata beach is a palm-tree lined beach that hosts some of the most serene waves and gentle waters in the area of Phuket. Families tend to love the kata beach since it is a quiet place to go, especially when you have swimming kids Thailand can have special places like this where parents can go, with their kids, and have a great time without the stress of too many people being around. This is one of the Thailand Destinations you can go where you will also find plenty of restaurants around the beach. At Kata, you will also find a range of restaurants, from affordable amazing street food to spectacular fine dining experiences, plenty of shopping destinations and amazing resorts. The only thing that is different is the nightlife, which is more subtle than other places like Bangla and Patong. Railay Beach – Krabi, Thailand If you are looking for a beach that is away from all the hassle of the towns and cities, then Railay beach is perfect for you. Most of the people that visit the amazing Railay Beach say that it becomes the best place that they visit on their trip to Thailand. It’s a beautiful stretch of beach submerged in chill vibes and relaxation for everyone who visits it. It’s probably the most beautiful beach in the Krabi province and it is visited by thousands of people every year. Nevertheless, it is not a crowded beach and you can have a relaxing time on the white sand and a dive in the amazing waters. There is no road because of the limestone cliffs and you will have to get there by a boat tour, and that’s why the beach feels so secluded and even more beautiful. This memorable swimming destination is easily reached thanks to Simba Sea Trips. Book a Krabi Island tour to one of the most wonderful swimming destinations on the Island today! The beach itself is surrounded by amazing vistas of limestone cliffs and vegetation, engulfing the beach in a spectacular pocket of earth. All these may sound outstanding, and you might be mistaken for thinking that going to this Thailand destination may end up costing a fortune, but that is not the case. Visit this must-see beach when in Phuket or Krabi Town. Railay is not only for swimming though! If you are into rock climbing, Railay Beach is an awesome destination for rock climbers in Ton Sai. Swimming in the waters of Railay Beach with all that amazing nature surrounding you will make you feel amazing! Cheow Lan Lake – Khao Sok, Phuket, Thailand Close to the national park of Khao Sok, you will be able to find the Cheow Lan Lake. This amazing remote place of Phuket is picking up popularity with both locals and tourists, and it is slowly becoming one of the hottest Thailand Destinations for tourists. Cheow Lan Lake has become super popular among visitors of the country and it is located a bit further from Khao Sok National Park. The National Park is constantly visited by tourists that want to explore some of the wilderness of Phuket. The Cheow Lan Lake is a bit further from there but there is still

Ko Tapu (James Bond Island) UPDATED 2023! In a post-pandemic world, we are all striving for the greatest of experiences given the lost years and a lack of visual stimulation since the March 2020 explosion of covid-19. If you’re lucky enough to be traveling through this beautiful part of the world and find yourself researching what to do while you’re here, then you’ll come across a countless number of tour options to visit Ko Tapu (James Bond Island). This Island is also sometimes referred to as James Bond Beach and the vista has appeared in the James Bond Movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. If you’re a James Bond fan and find yourself asking the question, where was The Man with the Golden Gun filmed? …then here’s your answer. More on this later.  Also, Star Wars III- Revenge of the Sith used this local scenery as a landscape for the planet Kashyyyk. Similar to the Leonardo Dicaprio film, The Beach, pop-culture references of Phi Phi islands’ Maya Bay, there’s a lot more to Phang Nga Bay’s James Bond Island than a step back in cinematic time. Its main drawcard is obviously its stunning natural beauty. The merge of green of the nature and the crystal waters of the beach mix to create a spectacular memory with one of the world’s most beautiful destinations on the planet! The region Phang Nga, named by King Rama III post the Siamese-Burmese war in 1824 is also known for its’ archaeological significance with paintings dating back over 1000 years, and a very interesting anthropological history with a diverse range of inhabitants from Muslim Malay fisherman to traditional local Thai settlers in more recent years. The name itself Phang Nga is an adaptation of the Malay language indicating the area was likely inhabited by Orang Asli or other aboriginal people in centuries gone by.  These people were known to heathen, primitive and pagan like people. Why is it called James Bond Beach? The short answer is….   It’s not!  Ko Tapu, or more commonly known as James Bond Island, is actually a limestone tower that juts up out of the water and is viewed from the island of Khao Phing Kan. This island has a beach on it which may be referred to as James Bond Beach, as this is the island where thousands of tourists will view the famous Ko Tapu (James Bond Island) each and every day. Nevertheless, the world knows this specific beach as James Bond Beach, Thailand, and that is how it is mainly remembered. Where is James Bond Island? James Bond island is at the northern end of Phang Nga Bay. A large area of the northern end of Phang Nga Bay is designated as part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park. If you’re looking at a map of the region around Phuket, the body of water to the right of Phuket Island is Phang Nga Bay. It’s a bay that’s protected from the elements all year round as it is bordered by land on 3 sides.  Phuket to the west, Phang Nga province to the north, (the nearest town Phang Nga shares its name), and the Krabi province to the east.  This is one reason, boat tours to the James Bond island are so popular, as the water conditions are benign year round, especialy at the popular James Bond Beach Once you visit this amazing location you will be able to capture the most impressive photos of your life at one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Swimming in the smooth clear waters of the bay you will enjoy the gentle sun and become one with the nature surrounding the bay and the James Bond Beach What is there to do on James Bond island? This is a commonly asked question, and the most straightforward answer is…sightseeing. Here we are, at the epicentre of one of the most picturesque waterways in the world.  It is actually part of the same limestone reef that features in the famous regions of Halong Bay in Vietnam, and the area in China near Guilin, Yangshuo.  Unlike Vietnam and China where both areas are designated as UNESCO world heritage sites, this region carries the title of a Ramsar protected site.  This is also overseen by UNESCO and is designed to protect wetland sites designated to be of international importance.  More info on this can be found here. So apart from world class scenery in the area, there is a very interesting natural diagonal wall for some great photo opportunities, an opportunity to shop at some stalls and buy souvenirs and trinkets from local vendors, and last but not least… the bragging rights to say “I’ve been there!!”, next time you’re watching The Man with the Golden Gun. Once you visit this amazing location you will be able to capture the most impressive photos of your life at one of the most beautiful destinations on the planet. Swimming in the smooth clear waters of the James Bond Beach you will enjoy the gentle sun and become one with the nature surrounding the bay. Have fun with your family, friends or significant other in a destination beloved by all the tourists that have visited it. Enjoy the merge of the blue and the green, while admiring the amazing limestone tower that has been naturally formed over thousands of years and experience the jaw dropping sunsets and sunrises over the islands. How to get to James Bond island The only way to get here is by boat.  Whether it be by speed boat on a tour such as the Phang Nga Bay tour, a long-tail boat from the nearest land-based jetty (which there are numerous in the Phang Nga province), a private charter from nearby Phuket, or by a larger boat tour also departing from Phuket. A word of warning on the large boat tours often touted as ‘safer than speedboats’.   These are modified fishing boats that have extra passenger decks built on top

Updated 2022 While the Covid pandemic has caused much devastation and pain worldwide over the past few years, one of the few advantages of the restrictions placed upon travelers was the chance for nature to experience regrowth and regeneration. The Phi Phi Islands is no different and an area that has long been overflowing with tourists was given the chance to rehabilitate. This gives visitors to the region the opportunity to pull themselves away from the beach and journey through the lush greenery up the viewpoint. The pay off is a return to nature and a view to saviour. In this article, we will look at some of the things you can enjoy and what this viewpoint has to offer. All you need to know about the Phiphi viewpoint How to get to the Phi Phi viewpoints One thing I will have you know is that it doesn’t take much work to get to these amazing viewpoints. All you need is to take that steep hike that starts with a few concrete stairs, which is not too challenging, and you will be on your way to the highest point on the Phi Phi island. The trail is about 20 kilometres and will take you about 20 to 25 minutes each way. (P.S. Sometimes it gets pretty hot. Plus, there are mosquitoes waiting to take a crack at you so bring a repellent.) If you want to skip the hike, the other option is to take dirt bike (motor bike) taxis which ferry visitors up and down the steep hills where beautiful viewpoints that offer great photo-ops await. Some of these taxis charge a round trip price so they will wait for you when you reach at the top to finish enjoying your view to bring you down the hill. While at the Phi Phi Viewpoint visitors take 2-bays-view pictures of Koh Phi Phi – One of the Tonsai Bay and the other of the Dalum beach. The limestone cliffs offer a majestic backdrop. Viewpoint charges In recent years there is a charge for visiting the viewpoints. So, if you are planning on taking the hike to the viewpoints, you need to have some cash on you. When you reach the first viewpoint, you will be asked for a small entrance fee. It is about 30 baht. There is no escaping this one as there is no alternative route to the top. The fee at the Phiphi viewpoint is not fixed. It keeps varying. And if you are lucky, this fee will come with a bottle of water to help you quench your thirst in the hot weather as you continue with the hike up. So, with such fluctuations in the charges, you better have enough cash on you because it could be more or less… Usually after getting their tickets, visitors rest as some selfies. But to be honest, on this level, this isn’t the Phi Phi Viewpoint you were taking the hike for. So, you keep moving… What to expect when you reach the top! After about a 10 to 15 minutes climb, you will have gotten to the top at the second viewpoint. If you arrive late, the place can get pretty crowded so its better to take the hike much earlier. There are huge boulders on which people climb to take photos and selfies. So, if you find the place crowded, you might have to wait a while for that selfie. Remember I told you about how it gets hot and how you need to have cash on you, well, lucky for you, there is a small store that sells drinks and ice creams that will cool you off as you enjoy your view. Then there is that beautiful panoramic view of Phi Phi you broke a sweat for while taking that hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint. Trust me, that sweat is worth the while. You can just hang out here and soak in this magnificent view. Plus, if you come in the evenings, you can catch… The Koh Phi Phi sunset at the viewpoint Both Koh Phi Phi Viewpoints face west into the island. Can you imagine how beautiful the sunsets the sunsets can be if you manage to catch them? Best time to visit the PhiPhi viewpoints One secret I will share with you for free is that the best time to visit is at sunrise. This is mainly because the temperatures during this time of morning are much lower. Plus, the place is less crowded. Want to know why? I am guessing it’s because most people are still asleep after the hard partying, they did the previous night. So, if you really want to enjoy the views, take the hike up the Phiphi viewpoint early. Sunset is also a great time if you are one that loves the sunset view. Remember to carry a head touch or flashlight when hiking at these times as its normally considerably dark. Don’t forget there are many other viewpoints across Phuket that are well worth checking out while in the region! Have a lovely hike!

UPDATED 2022 Now that the Pandemic is behind us, the tourists are returning steadily but slowly to the Thailand region. With the influx of new visitors, the interest in Phi Phi Island is growing larger by the day. So if you are in the area and wondering how to get to the most incredible of sightseeing locations then here is how…  From the clear turquoise water, to white sandy topical beaches to the amazing rock formations, there is a lot that Koh Phi Phi has to offer. And tourists from all over the world want a piece of what this island has to offer. This place is breath taking and what you see in lots of movies about it is exactly what you will get in real life. So, where is Phi Phi island and how does one get there? Getting to Phi Phi Island Much as this place is beautiful and breath taking, one would assume that getting there would be straightforward. Well, the island is only accessible by boat. If you are a first-time visitor, it can be quite confusing. Well, this is why we have come up with this guide on How to get to Phi Phi Island so that you can plan your trip well and book your travel tickets in good time. Let’s start with the basics…. Where is Phi Phi Island? Phi Phi island can be found 740 km south of Bangkok. The island is between the bigger Phuket island and the Straits of Malacca. It is part of Krabi Province. The island can easily be accessed from both Krabi and Phuket. You might have to combine multiple travel options. To make things easier, it is usually better to book these tickets early enough. The best and most convenient way is to get the single ticket (or joint ticket as they call it), which takes care of the entire trip. In this article, we will detail your options for transportation so that you know how to get in and around the Phi Phi islands. Getting to Phi Phi Island When talking about how to get to Phi Phi Island, one thing you have to know is that you cannot stay away from being on the water.  It is the only way you will get there. So, you can either use a ferry or a speedboat. The ferry is more popular with tourists than the boats. Ferry option Ferries are the most popular option because they are bigger and more comfortable. For those looking for a good tan, the top deck is perfect for this. Getting to Phi Phi from Phuket takes about 2 hours. From Krabi, it takes 90 minutes. The ferries can get too crowded during high season, so if you want great seats, you need to get there early. There are great air-conditioned rooms on the lower floor and you will get snacks, food and drinks. You can also get a VIP ticket and enjoy a more comfortable ride with better air conditioning on the middle deck. Speedboat option The speedboat option is more expensive. You can either do a private one or a scheduled one. They are faster and take like 45 minutes. If you are in a group it can become a bit affordable as you can split the cost. Now if you go the private way, you get dropped at your hotel, saving you much more time. Simba Sea Trips offers both Phi Phi island sunrise tours and private charter boat tours to the region daily, and can be booked directly through the Phuket boat tour page section of the website.  Getting around Phi Phi Island While there, the best way to get around the island is by using a boat. This way, you get to explore different parts of the island. Walking is also another way to get by. The cheapest is hiring a kayak. Much as bicycles are not very common, you will still find a few people using them. The thing is whether you are getting to Phi Phi from Phuket or Krabi, the distance is quite similar. Now that you know how to get to Phi Phi Island, remember to share widely with your friends once you get back home.

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!

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