Thailand is known for its paradise beaches, beautiful attractions, prefect beaches, and World class diving.
When looking for a Liveaboard in Thailand, it’s usually to dive the areas of The Andaman Sea. Well-known for its world famous liveaboard diving. Home to a huge variety of marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, endless numbers of reef fish and beautiful corals, there really is no other place like Thailand.
You can also read our Full Guide to Diving in Thailand
It’s difficult to choose wich liveaboard that will suit your needs and how to find the best price on that boat.
So we’ve gathered the best boats and made it possible to compare prices across all the different booking platforms. This way, you’ll get the best boat for your needs at the best price.
We’ve reviewed the 33 liveaboards in Thailand and complied our Top 10:
Diving in Thailand is possible all year round. The peak diving season is May-September and October-April. The water temperature in Thailand ranges from 28-30°C
There are 22 PADI approved dive safaris that travel around the south of Thailand. However, the most popular liveaboards, including Manta Queen 8, travel around the Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Koh Bon. These locations are only reachable by liveaboard. The usual duration of liveaboards in Thailand is around 4 to 10 days.
With so many incredible diving locations to choose from, it’s good to know a few of the top places to explore.
These islands are very well known amongst divers; so missing out would be an absolute travesty.
Koh Samui is another one of Thailand’s most popular destinations amongst divers as well as non-divers. It can be used as a base for travelers hoping to do some off-shore diving, as well as a great place to catch a liveaboard and even continue your diving qualifications.
Ranong is known as a ‘gateway’ to the Burma Banks and the Mergui Archipelago. This location offers incredible diving that makes you feel like you’re discovering a whole new underwater world.
This is another extremely well-liked travel destination. It’s the perfect place for all levels of diver, even newbies and children who want to experience scuba for the first time.
Thailand Master
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Manta-filled pinnacles, technicolor soft-coral walls and the chance to see a whale shark at sunrise—that’s a typical morning aboard the Thailand Master. Operating four main itineraries in Thailand’s Andaman Sea and Myanmar’s remote Mergui Archipelago, this classic phinisi sails to sites that day boats can’t reach, offering up to four dives a day and night dives on most itineraries. Diving…
Key facts
Things we like:
- 18 guests to 4 guides
- Flexible itineraries (4-, 6-, 7- & 10-night) across Thailand and Myanmar
- Authentic wooden junk sailboat with relaxed vibe
Things we don’t like:
- No WiFi onboard
- Nitrox not included
Where to book Thailand Master:
The MV Gentle Giant
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The 27meters/88 feet long MV Gentle Giant takes you to the Similan islands, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng and Richelieu Rock in just one trip. This unique liveaboard, renovated in 2017 offers scuba diving cruises on the Andaman sea. The MV Gentle Giant operates 6-7 times annually (between November and April) and guests are bound to have a relaxed and enjoyable…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many people were happy with the opportunity to dive with the gentle giants.
- Some people said the crew was outstanding and did their job well.
- Everyone liked the food prepared by the chef.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people claimed that the dive guide could not control the bad behaved diver under water.
Where to book The MV Gentle Giant:
Sea World 1
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Sea World 1 is the symbol of Asian hospitality, style, and warmth. Its air-conditioned cabins are located on the main deck to offer the best views the sea has to offer! It has been conceived to make you live a dream-like liveaboard experience while exploring the best diving spots in the Andaman Sea and Myanmar thanks to its extensive dive…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many divers said that the reefs were entirely covered with yellow, orange and lavender soft corals.
- Many people commended the instructor on the the opportunity to dive close to whale sharks.
- Several divers reported that on their day off they visited a remote island and went snorkeling in the volcanic crater.
- Some divers said the dive masters main concern was safety and no incidents took place.
Things we don’t like:
- A couple of people noted that the beds they slept on were hard.
- Some people noted that there was limited space in the cabins for luggage and no lockers.
Where to book Sea World 1:
The Junk
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Picture diving amidst the azure blue waters of Thailand, exploring vibrant coral gardens, and encountering majestic whale sharks and manta rays. From Richelieu Rock and Koh Bon to Koh Lipe, The Junk visits some of the best dive sites in Thailand. In the Similan and Surin Islands the topography varies from steep walls to gently sloping reefs, and from submerged…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Non-diver/snorkeler friendly
- Historical, traditional junk
- Year-round diving in Thailand
- Featured in several movies
Things we don’t like:
- Only beer or wine at the bar
- No WiFi on board
- Nitrox available, but not included
- 15L tanks available, but at an extra cost
Genesis I
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The MY Genesis I, an excellent option for divers who choose to travel alone, in pairs with friends and families offers you the best dive sites in Thailand. At 25 meters/82 feet in length, this luxury liveaboard accommodates 12 passengers with enough space. The boat has eight professional crew members who are there to make your trip fun while making…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many divers said it was an intensive diving experience in a short period of time.
- Many people noted that the staff were friendly and professional.
- Many people were happy with the budget friendly cost of the cruise.
- The divers said it was one of there best experiences and they would return.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people noted that the cabins weren't big and spacious.
- Divers said that there was limited space for passengers.
Where to book Genesis I:
Manta Queen 7
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The Manta Queen 7 liveaboard offers ten cabins and plenty of relaxation space to enjoy over five days and four nights of diving at the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock & the fantastic wreck dive Boonsung Wreck.
Key facts
Things we like:
- Some people said that the captain and director were flexible in allowing the passengers to choose their diving sites.
- Many people were happy with the friendly nature of the crew while conducting them in a professional manner.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people noted that the mattresses did not fit their bed and it caused an uneven level when sleeping.
- People were taken back because the boat was only filled with half of the amount it was set to have.
Where to book Manta Queen 7:
Sawasdee Fasai
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Want to cruise the Andaman Sea in comfort and style? The 37m Sawasdee Fasai liveaboard is your dream come true. This boat is large, but only carries twenty-four divers so you will be able to stretch out and relax between dives. Sawasdee Fasai offers five day, four night dive safaris that will take you diving of Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock,…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many divers stated that everything was well organised there was only 3-5 persons per dive master.
- Several divers noted that they saw giant mantes, hammerhead sharks, manta shrimps, barracudas, turtles and whale sharks.
- Many people commended the crew on being professional and always going the extra mile for when they were needed and not needed.
- The food was excellent and the master chef was world class.
Things we don’t like:
- A couple of people noted that the gas fumes from the engine room entered their cabin.
- Some people said they would have liked more time to explore on their own with a partner.
Where to book Sawasdee Fasai:
Deep Andaman Queen
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The Deep Andaman Queen liveaboard is a 30m beauty providing a comfortable and relaxing dive vacation. The Deep Andaman Queen offers four to seven days liveaboard safaris traveling the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, and Burma Banks. She was custom designed for diving and even offers separate entry and exit platforms.
Key facts
Things we like:
- Several divers stated that the itinerary was well planned and executed by the crew and staff.
- Many people were happy with the fact that they could meet like minded people that loved the under water life.
- The food was well prepared and everyone gave the chef compliments on the excellent work he did.
- A lot of divers said they would return to this magical liveaboard.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people said they were disappointed that they did not get to spot manta and whale sharks.
- A couple of people noted that the engine room was close to the lower decks and this caused a disturbance.
Where to book Deep Andaman Queen:
DiveRACE Class E
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The MV DiveRACE is a 35m luxury dive liveaboard on the Andaman Sea. Not only will divers experience some of the world’s best diving, but private massages and a BBQ pit as well. Diving with the DiveRace Class E makes reaching Thailand and Burma’s remote dive spots anything but rough. With fifteen staff on-board, guests will never be left wanting…
Key facts
Things we like:
- Many people were happy with all that activities there wasn't one moment where you would get bored because there is always something to do.
- Some divers mentioned that the instructors were knowledgeable and they catered the dives according to your skill level.
- The crew was friendly and upbeat and always greeted you with a smile.
- The food prepared by the chef was amazing and he always had a special treat lined up.
Things we don’t like:
- Some people noted that it was disheartening not being able to have seen a whale shark.
- Divers said the only drawback was the fact that there are to many dive boats at one location.
Where to book DiveRACE Class E:
Information to know about liveaboard diving in Thailand
- Thailand is a tropical island paradise and with that comes hot weather and humidity throughout the year.
- From May through to September is monsoon season where the country becomes not only warm but wet as well.
- From the months of November through to mid-March, the weather dries out and the weather gets hotter.
- Average temperature ranges from 30C/85F-35C/95F all year round.
- Average water temperature ranges from 27C/80F-32C/90F all year round.
- Visibility ranges from 10m-40m depending on what time of year it is.
- Currents depend on location and can range from extremely strong to practically non-existent.
- Diving can be done throughout Thailand any time, however, if you’re planning a trip to the Gulf of Thailand, then the best time to dive is from May to September.
- If you’re planning a liveaboard to the Andaman Sea, then the best time to dive is from October to April.
- High tourist season is from November to March, with a huge peak over the Christmas and New Year period. Prices in Thailand are extremely low, however, they do increase over this time.
- Liveaboards run throughout the year however if you are planning on joining a dive safari traveling to the fascinating archipelagos of Similans and Surin, it is only available between October and May. The national park is open at this time and allows for some spectacular diving. You do not want to travel all the way to Thailand and miss out.
- The main international airport is located in Bangkok and is known as Suvarnabhumi International Airport. However, there is a second airport in Bangkok that used to be the main airport known as Don Muang International Airport. This airport is now used for more of the national and regional international connections and incoming flights.
- The language spoken in Thailand is Thai as well as English, so do not worry, almost all tourist areas speak English.
- The national currency of Thailand is Thai Baht, there are approximately 32.66THB to 1 USD.
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