3 Boat Trips worth taking when on holiday in Phuket

A trip to Thailand is something to get excited about. This exotic destination is known for all kinds of things including its culture, cuisine, stunning natural scenery, wildlife, and beaches to name a few. One of the most popular holiday spots in Thailand is Phuket the largest island in the country and located in southern Thailand. Phuket is surrounded by a number of smaller islands and a "must do"is to take a boat trip and explore these stunning islands and enjoy a full day or half day boat trip.

Here’s a look at three boat trips that may be worth booking while you’re on your Thai holiday.

The Islands of Phang Nga Bay - Take in the James Bond Island

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most beautiful bays of Thailand to the north east of Phuket and hosts over 100 islands within the bay including 40 giant karst rising out of the water creating the amazing scenery in the bay..

One of the most popular islands is Ko Khao Phing Kan as it was featured in the James Bond film"Man with a Golden Gun' and now is popularly know as "James Bond Island". The island is surrounded by emerald green crystal clear water which is within a protected marine area and although you will have an incredible view the boats cannot get too close.

The boat trip usually includes a visit to the remarkable Panyee village which is a Muslim village built on stilts and is known as the "floating village" which has a history going back 200 years with all the population being direct or indirect descendents from that time. Here you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy a spot of lunch in one of the sea facing rustic style restaurants. Open ceiling caves within the islands allow for explorimg by sea kayaking.

A full day boat trip to the islands of Phang Nga is an amazing experience not to be missed.

Phi Phi Islands - It's a Postcard Come to Life

How about a short 50-minute boat ride from the beaches of Phuket to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you will ever see? The Phi Phi Islands are located mid way between Phuket and Krabi and can be described as a postcard coming to life, as you’ll be stunned at how pristine and beautiful the area is.

There are six islands in an archipelago as part of a National Marine Park. Two of these are seen as the main islands namely Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don. Tourists and crowds typically flock to Phi Phi Don thanks to its beaches, restaurants and accommodation and being the only inhabited island of the six whereas Phi Phi Leh is famous for it's quiet atmosphere and the stunning Maya beach featured in the film "The Beach"  starring Leonardo Dicaprio. Long tail boats leave from Koh Phi Phi Don to take visitors to the smaller islands to enjoy snokeling and other activities above and below the water. Some of the activities you can take part in while visiting the Phi Phi Islands include snorkeling, diving, swimming, cliff jumping, hiking and rock climbing.

It’s ideal for adventure-minded tourists.

Similan Islands - Some of the Best Snorkeling Out There

Then there are the Similan Islands which have made a name for themselves as a stunning set of islands and a premier snorkeling destination and a playground for boaters. The islands aren't as dramatically scenic as the limestone karsts in Phang Nga Bay and instead you will be greeted with low lying formations covered with thick forests. The most striking feature however are the pcturesque and deserted white coral sand beaches and the huge boulders that border the shores.

The most interesting sights, however, are to be found beneath the waves. Some of the most spectacular coral growths in the world can be found here – the same boulders scattering the shores have turned the waters around the Similans into an adventure playground for divers.

These beautiful islands are located to the north west of Phuket and will require a longer journey to the north of Phuket or further to Khao Lak before taking the boat to the islands. You will want to look for a full-day trip so that you can make the most of your time and to take a package that includes lunch. Some trips include points of interest along the way such as Princess Bay and Donald Duck Bay. 

By booking a boat trip, you’ll be enhancing your visit to Phuket in Thailand and taking in even more beauty and scenery.

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