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 27 and 28 July 2013

Last weekend in July was very enjoyable with sunshine all Saturday and very good weather despite some clouds on Sunday. As usual for July no rain but today bit more humidity the past few days, overall hot.

Dawn at Kathu

Sea is flat and wind is down, today we run our second sunset cruise and dinner on MV Sai Mai. As from expectation was a very pleasant late afternoon out at sea, wind was a bit stronger then morning but we found a great location behind Coral Island where enjoy snorkeling and then dinner.

Sunset from Coral Island

Coral island

Phuket weather 24 July 2013

Heavy rain all night and during morning, so couldn't dream better for second part of teh day when sky became blue and sun was shining.

Rain in the morning in Kathu

Never feel too bad in the morning if you have booked something, weather at tropics can change during the day bringing in beautiful surprises. Don't forget that could also start good and end up in rain, however is always enjoy at best.

A good option is to book a late departure tour, such as our new launched sunset cruise in Phuket, a bit more than half day tour as included a fantastic dinner on our renewed boat MV Sai Mai. This way can see the weather evolution during the day, fully enjoy your hotel facilities and give an easy answer to the question "what we do this evening and where we go for dinner?". And as said sky opened and clouds left space for sunshine.

Clear Sky sailing out for sunset cruise

Get the three in one option, half day tour on boat in the afternoon, enjoy the sunset from a privileged point of view and great on board set menu dinner. not less important still back on time to enjoy night life.

Sun set at Koh Keao Yai - Phuket

Sailing to Coral Island at sunset

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

Weather in Phuket 6 and 7 July 2013

Over the weekend we saw hot day on Saturday with no rain and no wind, and most sunshine, on line with forecast and Stats for July.

The Sea Dragon is Phuket Icon - Karon Beach

Then during the night some rain fallen but not  much as last week.

Coral island from Chalong Pier

In the morning clouds and grey sky left them space for sun and a god and dry day without any wind.











Sea is flat and no wave perfect to enjoy diving, snorkeling and boat tours. The MV Sai Mai was ready at Chalong pier this morning for a five days cruise after two weeks of maintenance and renovation.

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

Phuket Charter Boats

Are you interested in going for a pleasure cruise or a snorkelling or diving trip but want to avoid crowded boats and reefs, well there is an answer, charter your own boat and set your own itinerary.
Here at Easy Day Thailand we have a whole range of boats to suit different size groups with different comfort levels.

>> Check out our Promotions <<

You want a fun day out hopping from island to island, the luxury day cruiser Cherry Pie is ideal for a small family or group of friends to tour Phang Nga bay or Island hop along the coast of Phuket, for a larger group of up to 8 people we have the Tarn Tawan a 47 ft Sport Cruiser which can accommodate a small group for overnight trips as well as day tours.

Tarn Tawan

For an adrenaline fuelled day you could spend the day hopping between the islands on Phang Nga Bay in The Dolphin – a high speed RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat), in effect this is a giant jet ski for up to 10 people with an expert captain at the helm – all the thrills of high speed turns and wave hopping with the comfort blanket of experience and expertise.

The Dolphin

You want to Cruise the Andaman, maybe go snorkelling or diving in The Similan Islands?
We have a number of fast and comfortable pleasure cruisers such as the Chom Tawan, Shard 1 and Princess 42 that allow you to travel in style and luxury, also great for small parties with excellent barbecue and cooking facilities.

MV Sai Mai

Not into speed but want comfort? Then our Liveaboard / Day Cruise boat The MV Sai Mai is perfect. She can accommodate 6 guests comfortably on overnight trips and up to 12 guests on day charters. Slow but spacious and comfortable the Sai Mai is perfect for sightseeing, snorkelling or diving trips for single days or an overnight trip. For longer trips she sleeps 6 people in comfortable en-suite cabins, with plenty of high quality Thai and western food coming from our compact kitchen thanks to the skills of our super cook. A fantastic and different way to see sights such as Phi Phi's Maya bay – about the only way you'll get to see the bay without row upon row of speedboats parked on the beach.

Having a Party? How about a mobile party venue, the catamaran Shangani happily accommodates up to 25 people or for a bigger celebration the Schooner Jabu will entertain 50 people in luxury cruising the islands as you celebrate your special occasion.

Interested in a Fishing charter? We have a specialist game fishing and trolling boat available with a highly experienced crew, only a few members of your family are interested in fishing, no problem the boat also doubles as a snorkelling boat, come into the islands from the fishing grounds, moor up on one of the buoys close to the reef and have a relaxing lunch interspersed with snorkelling or swimming adventures.

Interested in a charter but not sure what type of boat to choose, we're happy to help, let us know what you want to do and we'll marry your needs to the boats and present you with options

More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Phuket weather 27 May 2013

Very nice and sunny morning. The air is so clear that from Chalong pier can see Racha Yia and Racha noi islands. they are are south of Phuket.

Boats were ready to take people to enjoy diving, snorkelling and relax.

Diving in Phuket is good all year round, with best visibility from April till October.

For snorkeling Racha Yai offer very good condition specially during summer, our bat M/V Sai Mai was ready at noon for an half day trip to Racha Yai

Chalong Pier is locate in Chalong Bay, South East side of the island. All diving boats, most of speed boats and yacht are moored here as the bay offer shelter all year round. To get there from Phuket town take the Chaofa West road and drive down until pass Chalong Police station and at the circle take the road on the left.

From Patong or any other location north, go south to Karon then follow from there.

From Karon and Kata take the Patak road direction east, follow the sign to Chalong Bay, the road goes up the hill and soon you will see the bay. At the circle need to take the road in front of you.

Form Rawai and Nai Harn, take the Chaofa West road direction North at the circle take the road on your right.

The jetty is about 2km long and easily minivans can drop off and pick up customers.

The weather as been good then for all day with wind blowing stronger drying the air and clouds formation.

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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Reviews - Emily

"HI

I was on MV Sai Mai from 17 Feb to 20 Feb 2012 with my family.  I have misplaced he contact details for the other three people on the boat and was wondering if you had them and could give them to me ...

I also wanted to mention that I had a great time on the boat, and the staff were terrific."

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Comments & Reviews - St.John

Comments from a customer joined a trip on our MV Sai Mai  

"Dear Paul, Great trip. The diving was good. Enjoyed Andreas! My comments would be on the small stuff. Soft drinks in cans not bottles. 

Food quality was good, but I think more could have been made of the meal-times. Serve courses. Get adventurous. Eg. Green Papaya salad – some lite stuff during the day. Don’t skimp on the small stuff or detail. Kind regards St.John"

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Comments & reviews - Sophie

Phi Phi Overnight trip with MV Sai Mai


"Hi Paul,

I still owe you some pics of the whale shark. I will be sending them over later on today. Thanks, we all had an awesome trip!! The boat was great, the food was absolutely amazing and Andreas was a great dive master, all the staff were really friendly. The dives were challenging but amazing. It was a short trip, but def exceeded our expectations :) we cannot wait to come back and do another trip.
Seeing a whale shark so close and getting to interact with it was a once in a life time experience. I have to admit i was a bit scared but looking back it was amazing!

Thank you so much for all your help organising. We will def recommend you to any of our friends and hope to come back soon :)

I went to Luang Prabang last year - loved it. Very relaxing and great food. Hope you enjoyed it.

You will hear from me later with the pics (Andreas really wanted them :)), thanks again for checking! :)

Regards,
Sophie"

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Whale Shark next to MV Sai Mai

Snorkeling with "our" whale shark

ULTIM'ORA – SQUALO BALENA IL 16 LUGLIO 2011

Oggi durante il primo giorno della minicrociera a Phi Phi abbiamo avuto un altro incredibile incontro con lo squalo balena. I sub sono risaliti dopo l'immersione dalla barca MV Sai Mai con le lacrime di gioia, raccontando di aver trascorso praticamente tutto il tempo alla profondità di 5 metri in compagnia del bestione di circa 4m di lunghezza. Tutto questo è avvenuto sul sito di immersioni Phuket Shark Point, tra le isole di Phuket e Phi Phi. La cosa bizzarra è che il simpatico pescione ha in seguito deciso di seguire letteralmente la barca per alcuni minuti nel tragitto verso Phi Phi.

MV Sai Mai - Phuket Charter Boat

The MV Sai Mai is now after 2 month in the Shipyard back in the water and had yesterday her first cruise from Phuket Town via Koh Mai Ton to Chalong Bay.



The 3 passengers had a great time onboard enjoying the boat, the sea and the great weather.

For more Information about the boat just click here: MV Sai Mai