One of the reasons to go to Thailand is to spend time on boats - a long boat or a motor boat, it doesn't matter. I was told there were about 900 islands in Thailand, and 67 in Phang Nga Bay. So what better reason to hit the water?
The stunning scenery was not marred by the bad weather (the hazard of the rainy season), that moved in quickly and left again.
The benefit of a private tour, is when you arrive at a beach infested with tourists, you can jump back on the boat and find somewhere more isolated. Literally five or six hundred tourists may descend on the same spot at the same time. You are better spending a little more to get the most enjoyment out of the day rather than being stuck in the crowd.
Our trip was planned around the lagoon, that has such changing tides, we needed to leave before the water drained. In the half hour we stayed there, the water level dropped at least 2 feet.
The last beach we stopped at was populated only but us and a monkey. Perfection in paradise.
Relaxed and happy, we returned to our own island home.
Practicalities:
No matter where you stay, you can organise boat tours from either the resort or a tour operator in town (by the beach). My tip is to organise a private one, then you can move away from the crowds, rather than being part of the crowds. The famous beaches (Like Maya Bay) get ridiculously crowded , literally 800-1000 people turning up at the same time and there's not enjoyment being on a beach that busy.
In a four hour period, you should get in snorkeling and sunbaking as well as visiting 4-5 islands.
Confirm they will have life vests for children (and snorkel gear for kids).
Ideally, pick a boat with some shade or leave early/late.
Further Reading:
Messing about in boats on Phi PhiSnorkelling, island hopping and sunset beach picnic (Krabi)
Six Senses Yao Noi
Wow Thailand looks incredible! The colour of the sea is amazing! It is somewhere I would definitely love to go! Thanks so much for linking up to #ThePlacesWeWillGoLinky :)
ReplyDeleteThis looks heavenly. I love anywhere where I can snorkel. Your phrase 'infested with tourists' made me laugh - it makes us all sound like some sort of unwelcoming insect plague - lol!
ReplyDeleteI just love Thailand and Phang Nga Bay is one place there I need to go. Such a pretty place I could truly lose myself there.
ReplyDeleteNice travel around the islands in the sun. The color of the seas is so beautiful. I didn’t know Thailand consisted of such many islands.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Judging from your pictures, Phang Nga Bay looks absolutely spectacular. I love snorkeling and my husband is a scuba diver, so I guess we would both have a great time here. If only Thailand wasn't so far away from California.... #TheWeeklyPostcard
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I haven't been to that part of Thailand, but as an avid snorkeler and diver, I am always interested in new places to explore.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful island and photos
ReplyDeleteGreat shots
ReplyDeleteThailand seems like a paradise ..great shots.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular sceneries.
ReplyDeleteWorth a Thousand Words
I think paying for private tours is always worth the money in cases like this. Those beaches are gorgeous though! #mondayescapes
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos and what a sea! Stunning! #MondayEscapes
ReplyDeletethis is one place I wanted to see but still have not :) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge proponent of seeing a place from the water and would LOVE to do this. What magical and beautiful beaches you were able to experience. Wonderful pictures, great tips. Thanks for sharing with #FarawayFiles, Erin
ReplyDeleteI have never been to Thailand but have heard many stories of how beautiful it is
ReplyDeleteMollyx
Beautiful photos! Yes checking what gear they have is vital when negotiating the price for your private boat!
ReplyDeleteStunning!! I would definitely arrange a private tour if I visited :)
ReplyDeleteWould love being there!
ReplyDeleteThat lagoon is unreal--I bet it's peaceful there even with a lot of other people, but if I ever go, I would also like to take a boat tour. #MondayEscapes
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the islands or coasts of Thailand. I did a tour of Bangkok and the Northern part of the country and that was it. I know I need to go back since the Southern part is super beautiful. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! We're heading to Thailand in a couple of weeks and so your post has got me very excited! Definitely hoping to get out on the water. Thanks for linking up to #fearlessfamtrav
ReplyDeleteLoved your Practicalities Tips. I would definitely go for a private trip and the shade sounds an excellent idea also.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that there are as many as 900 islands off mainland Thailand! I've only visited a few of the major ports in Thailand during a cruise, I clearly need to go back and experience exploring by boat! Thanks for linking up to #MondayEscapes
ReplyDeleteI love this area of Thailand and getting out on the water is a must. I agree that a private tour is the way to go. Maya Beach is so pretty, but so crowded. Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
ReplyDeleteSorry about coming up as unknown in the above comment. I'm not sure how these Goggle profiles work. (Nancie from Budget Travelers Sandbox)
DeleteThis looks absolutely fabulous. Thailand is high on my to explore list
ReplyDeleteI remembered my trip to Phuket many, many years ago - 2006 I think - I went on a day trip island-hopping. Didn't enjoy it a bit because there were too many of us on that boat and the moment we arrived at Phi Phi Island, oh my gosh, there were hordes of tourists there. I like the idea of private boat tour :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! Heard so much about this place, never been. So near yet so far! Greetings from Malaysia!
ReplyDelete