Sunset Dinner Cruise

MV Sai Mai Sunset Dinner Cruise

Sunset Dinner Cruise Phuket with MV Sai Mai will be one of the highlights of your time in Phuket. Come and enjoy a romantic sunset in Phuket and dine first class on board MV Sai Mai.

Sai Mai is the perfect vessel to enjoy a romantic sunset meal with your loved ones. She has the facilities that you would expect from a quality vessel such as her. Every thing is taken care for you, and all you have to do is take it easy and let our experienced crew take care of you.

Our captain will gently glide you around the many small islands of the southern area of Phuket, all you have to do is sip Ice-Cold Cocktails from out extensive bar and simply take in the breathtaking views.

Our Chef will conjure up the magic in the kitchen. Every dish we served is freshly prepared that day and cooked fresh on the boat that evening. The sunset cruise is one of the most popular trips that we do and you will see why, once you have witnessed the spectacular  Andaman Sea Sunset.

After we have picked you up from your hotel, we will drive the short distance to MV Sai Mai, where you will indulge in all the tropical delights that this trip can bestow. You do not really need to bring much with you, as we supply everything, but, I would recommend a camera. Looking forward to seeing you real soon

• Up 10 guests on board our dinner cruises
• Cruise around the southern Islands of Phuket
• Thai Set menu Dinner – Genuine Thai food
  (with daily changing menu)
• All Inclusive
• Available every day
• Masseuse on board for a relaxing massage during sunset (extra charge)

On-board Menu 

Our Menu for the sunset cruises changes daily please see below for your favourite Thai dishes all prepared by our expert chef freshly for you on-board MV Sai Mai.

Monday:-

• Thai Chicken Green Curry
• Fried Shrimp with a Tamarind Sauce
• Tom Kha Gai (chicken and coconut milk soup)
• Deep Fried Shrimp Cakes
• Steamed Snapper in Lemon
• Freshly Fried Rice with Chicken, Pork or Shrimp
• Thai Desert with Jack Fruit
• Fresh Fruits

Tuesday:-

Sunset Dinner Cruise

• Local Curried Chicken and Beef
• Chicken and Cashew Nuts
• Fresh Snapper with Sweet Chilli Sauce
• Lightly Battered Squid
• Tom Yam Gung (Prawns)
• Steamed Rice
• Sticky Rice with Mango
• Fruits Freshly Prepared

Wednesday:-

• Freshly Prepared Fish cooked gently in Thai Curry Sauce
• Palo ( Thai Soup Dish)
• Deep Fried Snapper with Sweet Sauce
• Stir Fried Shrimp in Vegetables
• Chicken Cooked with Chilli and Pepper
• Baked Rice with Sausage
• Thai Dumplings in Coconut Milk
• Local Fresh Fruits

Thursday:-

• Yellow Curry with Beef/Pork or Chicken
• Fried Chicken in Ginger
• Stir Fried Mixed Vegetables
• Seafood Salad
• Lightly Battered Mushrooms
• Fried Rice with Crab Meat
• Thai Dessert
• Seasonal Fruits

Friday:-

• Special Indian Chicken Curry
• Praka Pow Chicken (fried chicken with fresh basil)
• Pork Spare Ribs with Garlic and Pepper
• Stir Fried Prawns with Crushed Black Pepper
• Freshly Prepared Fish with Mango Salad
• Thai Dessert freshly prepared
• Local Thai Fruits

Saturday:-

• Massaman Chicken Curry
• Freshly Cooked Seafood on a bed of Noodles
• Chicken Wings
• Curried Snapper
• Mince Pork and Vegetable Soup (Local Favourite)
• Baked Rice with Seafood
• Fresh Mango and Coconut Cream with Sticky Rice
• Fresh Fruits

Sunday:-

Sai Mai

• Massaman Chicken Curry
• Fried Fresh Snapper
• Tom Yam Seafood (spicy soup)
• Lightly Battered Large Prawns
• Spicy Chicken Salad
• Baked Rice served inside a Pineapple
• Thai Jelly Desert served with Coconut Milk and Custard
• Fresh Seasonal Fruits

All the meals are freshly prepared on the day of the cruise by our own chef. If there are any special dietary requests please feel free to contact us.

MV Sai Mai (Six Knots)

MV Sai Mai, oh how I dream of days cruising the crystal clear waters of Phuket. When life could be so easy, take me to a place where no one knows me and I can escape the reality of it all, if only for a little while.

With the advent of the Mobile phone and media sites, do we ever seem to get any peace or any quiet, we all need downtime, we all need to simply switch off; people can get in contact with us 24/7. The world we live in moves at such a fast pace these days, that we sometimes just do not know whether we are coming, going or if we have already been.

Now hold on! Let’s just slow it all down for a minute, just take a moment and take a deep breath. Maybe on a cold dark winter’s day on the way to work, your mind wonders off to a faraway place, where time almost stands still.

If you have ever dreamed of exotic islands in the sun, where the skies are always blue, the waters always warm and clear and where beaches of gorgeous white sands are almost left untouched. Then do we have a treat for you!

The MV Sai Mai‘s sole mission, is to bring peace and tranquillity into people’s lives. It travels the waters of the Andaman in search of the places that you have only ever held in your dreams, moving at a pace that can only ever bring tranquillity into your life.

Sai Mai or Six Knots as she is known affectionately, we call her Six Knots because that is the speed she travels, gently ploughing the locals seas in and around Phuket is the perfect vessel for such days or relaxing.

She is perfectly fitted out to accommodate a small group of family and friends, accommodating up to 8 guests all in her luxurious air-con, en-suite cabins or if a day trip is required, then she can easily manage up to 12 guests.

Sai Mai is available throughout the year, visiting all the islands around Phuket, such as Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta, Taurutao, Phang Nga bay, Krabi, Racha Yai and Racha Noi, Similans, Surin Islands even trips up to Burma are possible, in fact she will go almost anywhere, such is the versatility and flexibility of her schedule.

She has three spacious cabins on board, which are all en-suite with running hot and cold water and showers, all cabins have individual controlled Air Conditioning units to. The cabins have TV and DVD players, the large suite cabins on the port and starboard sides both have a double bed and single bed inside, while the double cabin at the front of the boat has bunks beds accommodating two.

The food on Sai Mai is second to none; the cook is an expert chef and is always ready to offer cooking lessons to those interested in Thai cuisine.  We know that there are many people with different dietary needs. If there is anything you need or like or for that matter do not like, let us know and we will make sure you dine like royalty.

Sai Mai was built in the mid-nineties to a very high spec and has be maintained in similar fashion using only the finest Asian hardwoods. When she first started cruising these waters she was exclusively a dive boat, taking divers all the way to Burma and the Mergui Archipelago. Back then she won several awards for being the finest dive vessel in the Andaman Sea, the awards came from the International Diving Association.

The way Sai Mai works is like this, you tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go, whether you want to go only to the best beaches in the area, chilling out on the sands and having barbecues for the week, or you want to dabble into the underwater world of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling or even a mixture of the three e can arrange it for you.

All of our staff are highly qualified and very experienced scuba diving instructors, all of whom have worked in the area for years and know every island and dive site. We offer a full range of differing schedules or you can even build your own, we go where you want to go, not the other way around.

If you are interested in Scuba diving, we can supply all the necessary equipment and if you would like to complete a dive course on board, this is also possible. This season alone we have seen Several Whale Sharks and about twenty Manta Rays.

The marine life in this area will simply take your breath away, what with the large predators like Barracudas, Trevallies, and Tunas and Mackerel’s hunting, all the way down the food chain to the exotic Seahorses and Pipefishes, to the happy go lucky Hawksbill Sea Turtles, it is all there come and explore and see for yourself.

The Captain and crew of Sai Mai await you, your family and friends to join them on one of the most beautiful and relaxed boats around Phuket. Six knots will take you wherever you want go, come and join us and see for yourself just what life is really like on the seas around here.

There is so much to explore and see and do. 

No need to get stressed, leave the phone at home and come cruise around the beautiful islands of Thailand and all at only at six knots. See you soon.

We also have another boat we called twenty five knots, now this is a totally different experience come and see what we mean

Written By Jason Butler

Phuket weather from 10 to 15 September 2013

Time is running fast and we already are at mid September, the week started quiet good on Monday and Tuesday. As usual rain and sun shine, but them from Wednesday we had worst weather since weeks, strong wind, strong wind dusts and high waves.

Sky turned dark and clouds were tick, rain was very heavy for almost two days. Thursday afternoon weather improved and blue sky was again seen.

Andaman Sea 11 September 2013

Friday then everything turned back to normal with little rain or at least lasting not longer than an hour.

On board MV Sai Mai - Phi Phi Island 13 September 2013

Dawn at Phi Phi Island - 13 September 2013

And since Saturday morning again a great a great surprise with sunshine and basically two days without rain, wind down and the sea is flat as during winter.

Kamala Beach - 14 September 2013

Lets see what next week will bring in, however forecast are for good weather.

Kamala Beach 14 September 2013

MV Sai Mai - Private Diving Liveaboard Cruise to Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock - Day 2

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

We took it easy and got up around 8:30 as we decided together the night before, one of the great benefits of a private boat charter is the fact of not having to follow a strict schedule, it can be tailor made to suit the personal needs and preferences.

There's nothing better then having the chance to wake up in a tropical paradise, which in this case was Similan Island #4 where we were moored during the night, and have right away a nice refreshing dip in the turquoise sea.

After a generous and delicious breakfast prepared by our cook and a few minutes of relaxation we set up our diving equipment. Once ready we gathered for a quick but detailed dive briefing from Jason and around 10:00 the captain finally dropped us at the entry point of of the first dive of this fantastic cruise, on Island #7. As usual Similan Islands offer the best conditions with good visibility and lots of fish, Stefano and Giovanni are very experienced divers so we easily managed to do a very nice 60 minutes dive without having to worry about air consumption.

After we got back on board, dried out and exchanged the typical comments about the exciting dive, we climbed to the upper deck and quickly after that we saw the caring cool Ms. Rat coming up the ladder with a tray full of ham & cheese sandwiches as previously requested by Stefano and Giovanni who prefer to eat light things for lunch, as anyway on Sai Mai there are always plenty of fruit and snacks available so it's impossible to get hungry.

In early afternoon we decided to move and more in the northern bay of the Island #8 also known as “Donald Duck Bay” due to a granitic boulder which shape really reminds the head profile of a duck .

Duck head shaped boulder

This part of the island is nothing short of spectacular, the beach is white, the water is turquoise and everything is surrounded by majestic boulders of granite rock formations scattered and arranged in a very particular way and mixed with the lush vegetation of the island. It's like if a giant hand put them there for some reason, and all this makes an amazing play of colors.

After we rested for a while in the shades to let the hottest time of the day to pass we decided to set foot on the island to have a look around, wo with camera and sunglasses at hand we jumped on the dinghy boat always available as support on Sai Mai and the seaman accompanied me and Giovanni to the beach, while Stefano preferred to stay on board to chill out and enjoy the views.

Island #8 is equipped with some Bungalows, tents and other facilities provided by the National Park to receive the numerous visitors of the day trips departing from Khao Lak. They also built a trail that allows to reach the top of the highest pile of granitic boulders, from which you get a breath taking view over the bay. 

View point over Donald Duck Bay

The trail itself is very interesting because sneaks through the narrow passages and tunnels between the boulders.

Narrow pathway through the rocks

After an hour spent taking awesome pictures and getting our skin cooked under the heat we decided to return on board because here in Thailand sun sets quite early around 18:30 and we planned to do one more dive before it got dark.

As soon as we rejoined with Jason, Stefano and the crew we untied the mooring and moved towards the nearby Similan Island #9 which also delimits the northern end of the archipelago. Short briefing, all ready and jump for the second dive of the day, this time on the site called “Breakfast Bend” on the north-east corner of the island.

Also this one has been a pleasant dive, the site is characterized by a slope that starts from the surface and meets the flat and sandy bottom at a depth of about 20-25 meters, on the slopy part there are many coral pinnacles creating the perfect environment for the typical varieties of tropical reef fish.

Later in the dive, while we were at a depth of 20 meters on the sandy bottom, our attention was seized by a strange and heavy rectangular shaped object partially buried in the sand, on which grew a thin layer of coral. Shape, size and texture made us one think of a small metal hermetically sealed box. Unfortunately the air in our tanks began to run low and we were now close to the no-decompression limit so we had to abandon our short "archaeological" experience and ascend to make the safety before surfacing.

The fanciful hypotheses on the possible identity and contents of the "mystery box" have been funny subject of discussion almost for the entire cruise.

After admiring the typical breathtaking sunset that the sea always gives at the end of a sunny day, we sat at the table to taste a delicious Thai dinner. Quality of food on Sai Mai can match the best Thai restaurants in Phuket. Don't necessarily need to do a long cruise to experience this. it's easy to try the daily Sunset Cruise and Dinner on MV Sai Mai.

Phuket Weather from 19 to 23 August 2013

The week was great weather wise, sun shining everyday, just few drops during afternoon or evening that refreshed the air. Wind is now bit stronger since yesterday making fun playing with waves. Today sky was more covered the previous days but no rain.

Sunset at Karon Beach

With stronger wind some kite appeared at Karon beach that is popular for surfing, kites surfing in Phuket is possible only for a short period of the year, wind is always too weak or too stronger. Also beaches are not the best and need to be there at correct tide. However there are few kitesurfing school in Phuket and if like to try ask them when will be best time.

Kite surfing Karon Beach

Forecast say that will blow stronger until tomorrow , so expect waves in open sea, then back to almost flat and no wind during week end and for rest of next week. However how can see from our boat MV Sai Mai in Phi Phi waves are not high and is possible to enjoy diving and sailing around, only concern is use of speedboat specially if like to avoid a bumpy way back.

Approaching Phuket Island 23 August 2013

MV Sai Mai - Private Diving Liveaboard Cruise to Similan Islands, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock - Day 1

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

I joined this cruise because even though I did several tours and dives in the Southern Andaman Sea I never managed to properly visit Similan Islands and the few others north of them.

As confirmed the driver came to pick me up at my house on time in early afternoon and then we moved towards Phuket Airport to pick up Stefano and Giovanni who were scheduled to land soon, ready to go directly on board upon arrival.

With us was also Jason, a nice guy, diving instructor like me but with several years of experience diving in Similan area. He was an addition to me in order to make the most of this beautiful archipelago and to give the best experience to our guests.

After few minutes of wait finally Stefano and Giovanni, the guys (father and son) who chartered the boat showed up with their luggage. After a handshake and some conversation I quickly realized that we would get along nicely, something not always granted when you spend several days in confined spaces of a boat.

Since we had to wait a few hours before the boat was ready as it just came back from a previous cruise, we decided to take some time stopping on the way to Khao Lak at a place called Cafe 360° View Point which offers a very nice view on the northern side of Phuket Island and later we had dinner and a couple of beers on Khao Lak beach. Between beers and chatting it quickly came the time to finally get on board and set sail.

MV Sai Mai Liveaboard

I always loved cruising at night time, with the lights of the fishing boats weakly breaking the darkness beyond the horizon, between the absolute silence of the flat sea and the gentle breeze my mind clears and starts flying. I could abandon myself to this peace for hours but in this case was better to be considerate and go down to the cabin to get some sleep in order to be well rested for the dives coming next morning.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5-6

Phuket weather 19-20 and 21 July 2013

Another week end without rain or storms as it was from forecasts, likely, wind is still stronger than usual but not dangerous or too strong.

During Friday and Saturday was sunshine for all day and the wind kept air fresh, so very good condition. As usual a lot of people down the beaches to enjoy the sun and playing with waves.

Karon Beach - Phuket

During change in tide waves are bigger this weekend because of full moon, so be careful and stay in shallow water.

Full Moon at Coral Island

This morning a renewed MV Sai Mai was ready to sail for three days to Phi Phi, however waves offshore can be higher then 1.5 meters so customers decided to get to Racha Yai instead.
Today sky was cover in clouds but it didn't rain.

MV Sai Mai ready to go

Phuket Weather 2 July 2013

Much worst than expected, the tropical storm "Rumbia' hit South Thailand with its tale, changing variable day into a heavy rain afternoon. This morning large part of the sky where clear.

Blue Sky over Phuket Town

Then slowly in the afternoon more clouds gathered and changed the day into rain. This should now stay for two days and then back with normal variable weather.

MV Sai Mai

Wind was quiet just strong wind gusts before heavy rain, however worst day should be Thursday then calm down to get back to good on week end.
Pictures were taken at Asia Marine Shipyard where our boutique liveaborad M/V Sai Mai is doing end of season maintenance and having a great lifting to make her nicer from next week.

MV Sai Mai in dry dock

Phuketweather 23 June 2013

Today the update is directly from the sea, all morning blue sky and just a breeze, however on the way to Racha Yai big swell from south west. Sea was flat around the islands south of Phuket.

On the way to Racha Yai this morning

At Racha Yai Island great weather and if you like to enjoy beach and sea then the best is book few nights on this beautiful islands, just 15 miles south of Phuket. The island east side is sheltered from wind and waves making the place ideal for a relaxing holiday, no traffic and confusion.

Massage on the beach - Racha Yai Island

Lunch Pic Nic style at Racha Yai Island

Can enjoy great snorkeling and diving straight from the shore, there few restaurants to enjoy dinner directly on the beach and couple of bars if like to sit and have a beer. Surely no night life.....Just Relax.

Ao Leuk - Racha Island on 23 June 2013

Best way to enjoy the island is with at least an overnight stay, as between 10:00 and 14:30 a lot of day trippers are coming here to enjoy the beautiful sea, but then the island go back to quiet life as usual. Stay at Ban Raja Resort and Spa is surely best choice.

Ban Raja - Racha Yai Island - park and restaurant

Or do an overnight trip on boat to really discover the place specially if like to dive.

Boat Charter in Phuket

And back to Chalong pier a wonderful full Moon was there to show the way

Full moon - Chalong Bay - 23 June 2013

Reviews - Family dive trip on MV Sai Mai

Sandra and her family had a great time on board our MV Sai Mai. Below Review comment was posted on Trip Advisor in May 2013. 

"Our family took a 3-day, 2-night trip on the Sai Mai in April, and it was wonderful. We booked the boat because it is small, as my husband and I wanted to hit the great dive sites, but also allow our three kids (ages 5, 7 and 8) to snorkel and enjoy the ride. The boat was great, plenty roomy and comfortable accommodations. Food was wonderful and help was always available anytime you needed anything.

MV Sai Mai

When we booked the trip, we hoped that we would be the only ones aboard, and indeed the owner told us the night before that we would be. However, to be safe, we had asked that he warn any other divers who booked that there would be kids aboard. After all, we understand that someone looking for a dive/party trip may not want to be bothered by children. In the end, we travelled with two lovely women from Germany, and learned that they had not been warned about the kids. Luckily, they were wonderful, and said they did not mind the kids being around an all. I hope they were telling the truth! But they were wonderful people and great dive partners.

Speaking of the diving, it was very good. Squid, octopus, ghost pipe fish, sharks, beautiful coral, it was all here. Andreas, the dive master, was very knowledgeable and adept at finding the little creatures that you wouldn't want to miss. He also handled the gear so well, getting everything ready appeared effortless. Great prep talks for the dive, even resorting to his own home made maps, when pre-made ones were not available. He was also fun to talk to topside.

A second guide, Jason, joined along to take the kids snorkelling while we were diving. He was endlessly patient, and the children had a wonderful time. My husband and I also did, as we knew they were well taken care of while we were diving. I'm sure this is not Jason's usual job, as he works dive boats and I'm sure is usually leading dives. But he was great.

Simply put, we would love to dive from the MV Sai Mai again when we visit Thailand. We would definitely request the same crew and staff. Highly recommend this outfit to anyone" 

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Reviews - Mark & Richard on board MV Sai Mai

"Dear Paul
Just to say that Richard and I had a great trip on the MV Sai Mai. We thought that Khun Nok was excellent, and great company. Diving was great. The food was really good and the crew were great as well.
Also Andre (?spelling) at the Meridien Karon beach was really helpful when I did the refresher.
Many thanks
Mark"

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