Hello everyone,
We are Ting Hai & Devils Divers.
Today, we would like to introduce a detailed guide for everyone planning a liveaboard diving trip in Thailand.
“Thailand Phuket Liveaboard Recommendations 2026–2028 | The Ultimate Diving Guide to Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai & Richelieu Rock”
In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous diving destinations in the North Andaman Sea of Thailand:
🌊 Similan Islands
🌊 Koh Bon
🌊 Koh Tachai
🌊 Richelieu Rock
We will also cover the South Andaman region, along with everything you need to know when planning your liveaboard trip from 2026 to 2028, including recommended liveaboards, itineraries, cabins, prices, dive sites, inclusions, and important booking information.
For those planning their first liveaboard trip, there are often many questions:
Which liveaboard should I choose?
How many nights and days are ideal?
What is the best way to combine Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock?
And which liveaboard offers the best value for my budget?
In this post, we will organize the information in a practical and easy-to-understand way, helping divers compare different liveaboards and choose the trip that best suits their needs.
We hope this guide will be helpful to everyone planning a Thailand liveaboard diving trip.
Thank you for taking the time to read our post, and we hope you enjoy it all the way to the end. 🙏
Now, let's get started with the
2026–2028 Thailand Phuket Liveaboard Diving Ultimate Guide!
Thailand Liveaboard Recommendations 2026–2028
The Ultimate Diving Guide to Similan Islands · Koh Bon · Koh Tachai · Richelieu Rock
If you are planning a truly memorable diving trip in Thailand, we highly recommend choosing a Liveaboard rather than a regular day trip.
Thailand's Andaman Sea is home to some of the world's most famous dive destinations, including the spectacular Similan Islands, as well as Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock.
One of the biggest advantages of a North Andaman Liveaboard is that you can visit multiple world-class dive sites during a single trip.
Instead of changing boats every day or spending long hours traveling by land, you can stay aboard a dedicated diving vessel and enjoy multiple dives every day, while traveling comfortably between the different dive destinations.
For divers who want to experience the best of Thailand's Andaman Sea in one trip, a liveaboard is one of the most convenient and rewarding ways to explore the region.
🌊 What Is a Thailand Liveaboard?
A Liveaboard is a diving trip where you stay aboard a dedicated dive vessel and enjoy multiple days of diving while traveling between different dive sites.
Typical Thailand Liveaboard itineraries are usually 4 Nights / 5 Days or 5 Nights / 6 Days, with approximately 11–15 or more dives, depending on the itinerary.
In particular, North Andaman Liveaboard trips that include the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock are among the most iconic liveaboard routes in Thailand.
On a typical North Andaman itinerary, you may visit the following dive sites:
SIMILAN ISLANDS
KOH BON
KOH TACHAI
RICHELIEU ROCK
Please note that the detailed itinerary and dive sites may vary depending on the liveaboard vessel and departure date.
⭐ The Biggest Advantages of a Thailand Liveaboard
1. More Dives
The first major advantage is the number of dives.
A typical day trip usually offers around 2–3 dives per day, while a Liveaboard can offer 3–4 or more dives per day, depending on the itinerary.
This allows divers to spend much more time underwater and make the most of their diving holiday.
2. Less Travel Time
Another major advantage is that you can reduce travel time.
Instead of traveling from your hotel to the pier every day and returning to your hotel after diving, you stay aboard the vessel while the boat travels to the next dive site.
This makes the entire diving experience much more convenient and relaxing.
3. Experience a Variety of Dive Sites
A Liveaboard allows you to experience several different types of diving during a single trip.
From the spectacular underwater landscapes of the Similan Islands, to manta rays at Koh Bon, larger marine life around Koh Tachai, and the incredible variety of marine species at Richelieu Rock, you can experience a wide range of underwater environments in one journey.
4. Sunrise & Night Dives
Another great advantage is the opportunity to enjoy sunrise dives and night dives, which are difficult or impossible to experience on a standard day trip.
For divers who want to maximize their time underwater and experience the Andaman Sea at different times of the day, a Liveaboard offers a completely different level of diving adventure.
🏝️ Thailand's Top Diving Destinations
1. SIMILAN ISLANDS
The Similan Islands are one of Thailand's most iconic diving destinations.
With crystal-clear waters, enormous granite boulders, colorful coral reefs, and a wide variety of tropical fish, the Similan Islands are especially popular among divers who enjoy underwater photography.
Rather than visiting only one or two dive sites, the best way to experience the Similan Islands is by joining a Liveaboard, allowing you to explore multiple islands and dive sites throughout the trip.
2. KOH BON
Koh Bon is one of Thailand's most popular diving destinations for divers hoping to encounter manta rays.
It is particularly popular with divers who enjoy encounters with large marine life.
However, wild marine animals such as manta rays cannot be guaranteed. Their appearance depends on factors such as season, water temperature, currents, and the marine environment at the time of the dive.
3. KOH TACHAI
Koh Tachai is well known for its stronger currents and opportunities to encounter larger marine life.
Depending on the underwater conditions, the difficulty of the dive can vary. Therefore, it is important to consider your diving experience and the conditions on the day and follow the recommendations of the local dive guide.
🐋 4. RICHELIEU ROCK
When talking about Thailand Liveaboard diving, Richelieu Rock is one of the legendary dive sites that simply cannot be left out.
Richelieu Rock is home to countless tropical fish and a wide variety of macro marine life. If you're lucky, you may even have the chance to encounter large marine animals such as whale sharks.
It is particularly popular among underwater photographers.
Part of the fun is searching for fascinating creatures such as seahorses, ghost pipefish, frogfish, nudibranchs, and many other small marine species.
Richelieu Rock is located within the Mu Ko Surin National Park area rather than Similan National Park. However, it is one of the most popular destinations included in North Andaman Liveaboard itineraries and is often combined with the Similan Islands.
📅 Best Season for Thailand Liveaboards
The main season for North Andaman Liveaboards generally runs from around mid-October through May.
Access to the Similan and Surin Islands may be restricted according to the national park's operating schedule, so it is important to check the exact season dates and departure schedule before booking your trip.
In particular, if you are planning a trip early in the season in October, be sure to confirm the official national park opening date.
From November through April, Thailand's Andaman Sea is one of the most popular periods for Liveaboard diving.
Divers hoping to encounter larger marine life often prefer the period from February to April.
However, sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, and other wild marine animals depend on natural conditions. Therefore, no specific marine life sighting can be guaranteed on a particular date.
🚢 Recommended Liveaboards 2026–2028
Thailand offers a wide variety of Liveaboard diving vessels.
Divers can choose a boat based on factors such as vessel size, cabin type, guest capacity, price, and number of dives.
At Ting Hai & Devils Divers, we recommend a variety of Liveaboards based on each diver's budget, travel style, and diving goals.
⭐ VELA LIVEABOARD
Maximum Capacity: 24 guests
Vessel Size: Approximately 43 meters
Cabins: 12 cabins
Main Dive Routes
SIMILAN ISLANDS
KOH BON
KOH TACHAI
RICHELIEU ROCK
VELA Liveaboard is highly recommended for divers and groups looking for a premium Liveaboard experience in Thailand.
With its spacious vessel and comfortable layout, VELA is particularly suitable for guests who prefer more space and a relaxed onboard environment.
It is an excellent choice for:
- Families
- Groups of friends
- Diving clubs
- Group diving trips
- Private groups
- Full Charter bookings
The most popular itinerary is a 5 Nights / 6 Days trip with approximately 15 dives.
Selected itineraries also offer Free Nitrox for certified Nitrox divers, making VELA an attractive option for experienced divers who want to maximize their time underwater.
For groups looking for a combination of comfort, space, premium service, and world-class diving, VELA is one of the Liveaboards worth considering for the 2026–2028 diving seasons.
⭐ ARUNA VOYAGER
Maximum Capacity: 26 guests
Cabins: 18 cabins
ARUNA VOYAGER is a large Liveaboard offering a variety of itineraries covering the North Andaman, South Andaman, Koh Lipe, and other diving destinations.
With a wide selection of cabin types, it is particularly suitable for families, friends, diving clubs, and larger groups looking for flexible accommodation options.
Its spacious layout and diverse itinerary choices make ARUNA VOYAGER a versatile option for divers planning different types of Thailand Liveaboard trips.
⭐ TAPANA CATAMARAN
Capacity: Approximately 20–22 guests
Vessel Type: Catamaran
Main Routes: North Andaman & South Andaman
TAPANA CATAMARAN is a great option for divers who prefer the stability and spacious layout of a catamaran-style vessel.
It is also well suited for groups of friends, diving clubs, and organized diving groups who want to enjoy their Liveaboard experience together.
For groups considering a Full Charter, we recommend contacting us separately to discuss the preferred dates, group size, itinerary, and charter arrangements.
⭐ AQUARIAN LIVEABOARD
Maximum Capacity: 28 guests
Cabins: 14 cabins
Typical Itinerary: 5 Nights / 6 Days · Approximately 15 Dives
AQUARIAN LIVEABOARD is a great choice for divers looking for a good balance between premium comfort and reasonable pricing.
With a variety of cabin types available, AQUARIAN is also a practical option for families, friends, diving clubs, and group travelers, as it offers greater flexibility when assigning cabins to different guests.
For divers who want a comfortable Liveaboard experience while keeping their budget under control, AQUARIAN LIVEABOARD is definitely worth considering.
⭐ ISSARA
Maximum Capacity: 22 guests
Cabins: 11 cabins
ISSARA is a great option for individual divers and groups who prefer a mid-sized Liveaboard.
It is particularly suitable for guests who want a more intimate and cozy onboard atmosphere compared with larger Liveaboard vessels.
With a smaller number of guests, ISSARA can be a good choice for divers looking for a more relaxed and comfortable diving experience.
⭐ PAWARA LIVEABOARD
Maximum Capacity: 26 guests
Typical Itinerary: 4 Nights / 5 Days · Approximately 14 Dives
Free Nitrox: Available on selected itineraries
PAWARA LIVEABOARD is one of the recommended value-for-money Liveaboards for divers who place a high priority on both price and the number of dives.
With a practical itinerary offering approximately 14 dives over 4 nights and 5 days, PAWARA is a great choice for divers who want to maximize their underwater time while keeping the overall trip cost reasonable.
For divers looking for a good combination of affordable pricing, plenty of diving, and Free Nitrox on selected trips, PAWARA is definitely worth considering.
⭐ SAWADEE FASAI
Maximum Capacity: 30 guests
Typical Itinerary: 4 Nights / 5 Days · Approximately 14 Dives
Free Nitrox: Available on selected itineraries
SAWADEE FASAI is particularly suitable for large groups and diving clubs traveling together.
It is also a good choice for divers who want to experience a Thailand Liveaboard at a relatively reasonable price.
With a capacity of up to 30 guests and a practical 4 Nights / 5 Days itinerary, SAWADEE FASAI is a popular option for groups looking for a combination of value, diving opportunities, and flexible accommodation.
💰 Thailand Liveaboard Prices
Thailand Liveaboard prices vary depending on the vessel, cabin type, departure date, itinerary, and number of dives.
Even on the same vessel, prices can differ depending on the cabin category, such as:
MASTER CABIN
DELUXE CABIN
TWIN CABIN
STANDARD CABIN
Prices may also be different for divers and non-divers.
Therefore, rather than simply choosing the cheapest option, we recommend comparing the following factors together:
“Which dive sites are included?”
“How many dives are included?”
“Which cabin type will I use?”
“Is Nitrox included?”
“Are national park fees and dive insurance included?”
These details can make a significant difference when comparing the actual value of different Liveaboard packages.
🤿 4 Nights / 5 Days VS 5 Nights / 6 Days
4 Nights / 5 Days
A good choice for divers traveling during a short holiday or limited vacation period.
These itineraries generally offer around 14 dives.
Recommended for divers who have limited time but still want to experience a Thailand Liveaboard diving trip.
5 Nights / 6 Days
Recommended for divers who want to explore more dive sites at a more relaxed pace.
A typical itinerary offers approximately 15 dives.
If you are planning a longer North Andaman route including destinations such as Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, a 5 Nights / 6 Days itinerary is particularly recommended.
The additional time allows divers to enjoy a more comprehensive North Andaman experience without making the schedule feel overly rushed.
🏆 Which Liveaboard Should You Choose?
If you want a luxury Liveaboard
→ VELA
If you are traveling as a group or planning a Full Charter
→ VELA / TAPANA / AQUARIAN / SAWADEE FASAI
If value for money is your priority
→ PAWARA / SAWADEE FASAI
If you are traveling as a smaller group
→ BLUE DOLPHIN / DEEP ANDAMAN QUEEN
If Free Nitrox is important to you
→ VELA / PAWARA / SAWADEE FASAI / MANDARIN QUEEN 9
If cabin selection is important
→ ARUNA VOYAGER / AQUARIAN
These are general recommendations, and the best Liveaboard ultimately depends on your budget, preferred diving destinations, travel dates, cabin preference, group size, and diving experience.
🚐 Phuket Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
When planning a Liveaboard diving trip, transportation between Phuket Airport, your hotel, and the pier is just as important as booking the Liveaboard itself.
At Ting Hai & Devils Divers, we can also assist with transportation arrangements in Phuket according to your Liveaboard schedule.
Services can include:
- Airport Pick-up
- Hotel Pick-up
- Transfer to the Pier
- Transfer from the Pier to your Hotel after the Liveaboard
- Airport Transfer
Planning your transportation together with your Liveaboard itinerary can make your entire trip much more convenient and stress-free.
👥 Traveling as a Group? Consider a Full Charter
If you are traveling with friends, a diving club, or an international diving group, it may be worth considering a Full Charter instead of booking individual cabins separately.
The advantages of a Full Charter include:
- Choosing your preferred departure date
- Securing all cabins
- Flexible cabin assignments for your group
- Consultation on the diving itinerary
- Dive Leader arrangements
- Photo & video services
- Group transportation arrangements
Everything can be planned together as one complete group trip.
Especially for diving groups of 15–30 or more divers, we recommend comparing the charter conditions of several Liveaboard vessels before making a decision.
📋 Things to Check Before Booking
Before confirming your Liveaboard reservation, we strongly recommend checking the following:
- Departure date
- Disembarkation date
- Total number of nights
- Total number of dives
- Planned dive sites
- Cabin type
- Number of Divers / Non-Divers
- Whether Nitrox is included
- Equipment rental fees
- National Park Fee
- Dive Insurance
- Transfer costs
- Staff Tips
- Included meals and beverages
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Final payment schedule
- Diver certification and logbook requirements
- Recent diving experience requirements
If you specifically want to visit both the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock, make sure to check the actual itinerary for your specific departure date before booking.
Not every Liveaboard visits the same dive sites, and routes can vary depending on the vessel and departure schedule.
🌊 Ting Hai & Devils Divers
Thailand Liveaboard Reservation Center
Ting Hai & Devils Divers is based in Phuket, Thailand, and provides consultation and reservation services for Thailand Liveaboards and diving trips.
We assist with various types of bookings, including:
- Korean Diving Clubs
- Friends & Family Groups
- International Diving Groups
- Corporate Groups
- Dive Shop Groups
- Full Charter
If you are planning your 2026–2028 Thailand Liveaboard trip, please let us know your preferred dates, number of guests, and cabin requirements in advance.
We can compare different Liveaboard vessels and recommend the most suitable option based on your group and diving requirements.
📩 How to Request a Liveaboard Quote
To receive a faster and more accurate quotation, please provide the following information when making an inquiry:
① Preferred departure date
② Preferred Liveaboard
③ Total number of guests
④ Number of Divers
⑤ Number of Non-Divers
⑥ Preferred cabin type
⑦ Preferred number of dives
⑧ Phuket hotel or airport pick-up required
⑨ Equipment rental required
⑩ Nitrox required
⑪ Individual booking or Full Charter
Example:
“Departure: November 3, 2027 / Disembarkation: November 8 / 20 guests / All divers / 5 Nights & 6 Days / Similan + Richelieu Rock / Full Charter quotation requested.”
Providing the information in this format allows us to check the appropriate Liveaboard options and provide a more accurate quotation.
🌊 Conclusion
A Thailand Liveaboard is much more than just a diving tour.
It is a special diving adventure where you can travel between different dive sites every day and experience the spectacular underwater world of the Similan Islands, as well as the diverse marine life of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock, all in one trip.
If you are planning your first Thailand Liveaboard, instead of simply asking:
“Which boat is the cheapest?”
we recommend asking:
“Which Liveaboard is best suited to my preferred dive sites, itinerary, budget, and travel style?”
If you are planning your 2026–2028 Thailand diving trip, we recommend checking your preferred dates and group size well in advance.
At Ting Hai & Devils Divers, we can recommend suitable Liveaboards based on your budget, group size, preferred cabin type, and diving itinerary.
THAILAND LIVEABOARD
🌊 SIMILAN ISLANDS
🌊 KOH BON
🌊 KOH TACHAI
🌊 RICHELIEU ROCK
🤿 SCUBA DIVING
🚢 LIVEABOARD
👥 GROUP CHARTER
🔥 FULL CHARTER
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