The Junk Liveaboards
The Junk Liveaboards
5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Junk Liveaboards offers diving holidays in Thailand and Myanmar on board two characteristic boats: The Junk and The Phinisi. Explore all the best dive sites and let us show you what a dive liveaboard holiday is all about. Experience nothing but comfort, fun, amazing dives, mouthwatering food, and smiles on your liveaboard with us!
Chalong, Thailand
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022

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Travelers talk about
(21 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
235 reviews
Excellent
225
Very good
6
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2

Jpmealing
30 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Just got off the Phinisi after a 6 day dive trip to Koh Phi phi and Koh Lipe. Wow! What an amazing experience! I have done several dive safaris before but this has been by far the best. The boat itself is beautiful. Stylish and comfortable, with air con and ensuite in the cabins, plenty of places to sit and chill between dives, and always nice and clean.
Neil the dive director and his team were fantastic, nothing was too much trouble for them to sort, Mark was great, genuinely loves diving and marine life, Camille always so happy to help, Jai, amazing diver and great knowledge, And Neil, took a group of 14 strangers and turned them into the best dive group I have had the pleasure to dive with, what a legend!
The crew on the boat were amazing too, they literally could not do enough for you, from helping you on the dive deck making your dives easy and stress free to cooking the most amazing food I have ever eaten off shore, simply sublime! You won't go hungry I promise!
I cannot recommend these guys enough, the only thing they can't do is control the weather but they even made the best of that, making sure we went to the right dive sites at the right time, and some of the guys on the boat even managed to get their advanced and nitrox courses done as well, so they could really enjoy all the benefits of the beautiful dive sites we went to.
So basically, I want to say thank you to Neil, Mark and the team for a fantastic dive trip, I will definitely be back again next season!
Written June 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi John Paul, many thanks from all of us here at the Junk, I am so pleased we were able to create an unforgettable trip for you. hope to see you back soon.
Written June 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Sim
New Delhi, India121 contributions
Jan 2023
This is the second time I have dived on the The Junk with Brian and his crew and I could keep coming back forever! The food, the most critical part of a 4 night trip, is excellent (I won't be surprised if they get a Michelin star in the next few years). All the dive guides are excellent, friendly and considerate. The facilities on the boat are perfect.

From the moment after you book with them, everything works like clockwork. They arrange the transport to drop you to and from the Thap Lamu pier. The minute you step on the boat you are asked to take off your shoes and you walk about barefoot on the beautiful wooden boat. They offer you a welcome (alcoholic or non) drink before the introductory briefings begin. And then the dive briefings daily are aptly detailed.

You go off in a dinghy and come back on it. The minute you board the boat and still dripping with the sea water you are offered a hot drink. And then the heavenly food awaits you. You can help yourself for free to all the non-alcoholic drinks and pay a $2.50 charge for the beers on board. And if it is your birthday, don't be surprised if they bake a cake for you!

I was in a Quad cabin (4 sharing) and the bunks were comfortable. They give you a water bottle with your number on it that you can refill from their infinite supply of freshwater, 2 towels and soap and shampoo in the bathrooms. They have around a 100 books that you can read to while away your time.

All in all this boat feels like a home away from home and by the time it is time to go, you feel like you are going away from family.

I was there in 2020 and now again in 2023. The world has changed in the interim but on The Junk time has stopped and for good reason. I can't wait to dive again with this crew!
Written January 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HI Sim, thank you for such an in depth review, and awesome to hear you had such a good time with us again. The food is definitely another of the highlights of each of our cruises, and a full belly after a great day's diving really is one of life's little luxuries. The Junk, although kitted out for diving has kept all of her charm, and it is like taking a trip back to the 'good ole days' when staying on board, yet with all the mod cons. We look forward to you joining us again sometime soon and many thanks again :)
Written January 30, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Neil C
5 contributions
Mar 2023
I have just finished a 6 day live aboard on the Phinisi led by Neil and his excellent dive team and boat crew. We motored up the Similans to the Surin islands concluding out trip at the mind blowing and beautiful Richlieu Rock. The diving, briefings, support and experience was magical. The food was excellent. Nothing was too much trouble. Our cabin for my son and myself was cosy and comfortable with a decent en suite shower. The salon/briefing area was full of cushions and places to relax in the shade or there was a spacious sun deck and also a wet thought out dining area in a horse shoe arrangement. 6 Days and 19 dives with something memorable from all of them. Just the little touches made the whole experience so complete. One of the crew could see in a couple of days that I was a touch fatigued gearing up on the later day dives and was on hand to assist. The staff always had a smile. I took my Advanced and Nitrox certification and my dive guide genuinely cared about that process and went at our pace and our confidence as the Group who were learning soared through the week, Towards the end were tacking some quite advanced dives including difficult currents and night dives. Surfacing at a reef as the sun had set and the stars were rising in a beautful sky and bobbing about comparing notes on the dive just summed it up. 15 very happy people left that boat after 6 days - a diverse and great gang of guests. I would not hesitate to sail on this boat again for this circuit or the Southern one they also offer. A very special experience. The daily rhythm on the boat was so well organised - clearly huge amounts of effort behind the scenes to deliver food, comfort and a dive experience at this level. I felt like was part of a special family on an adventure for 6 days. I left utterly satiated with the whole experience
Written March 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Neil, what a lovely review, thank you very much. The goal is always to make our guests feel safe and comfortable and it's very clear we succeeded, thank you for the compliments. Great that you had such a good time, hopefully we see you again!
Written March 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

curiousfornature
9 contributions
Oct 2022
We did a 6 day live-aboard to Surin and Similan on the Phinisi in Oct 2022 and would definitely recommend the boat and its crew. The setup of the dive deck is very good and the boat provides more than enough space for dive and camera equipment. The cabins and common areas are very good as well, same as details such as charging possibilities for electronics and batteries.

What really sets the Phinisi apart however is its crew. Not only are they very professional at what you would expect on a dive boat, they all go well beyond that. Every member of the crew is super helpful and they also work very well together as a team. The dive guides are able to accomodate beginners as well as seasoned divers by giving just the right amount of support, by pointing out interesting things to see and by otherwise trusting everybody to use common sense. The entire team lets you feel that they enjoy their work and are very friendly. Safety on board and while diving are an absolute priority. Last but not least, the food is excellent. We couldn't come up with anything that should be improved.

Absolutely recommended live-aboard for beginners as well as experienced divers!!!
Written November 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you, curiousfornature, for taking the time to give us such a great review, and we are so glad you had an awesome time! We have put a lot of effort in to overall planning, even down to such details as the charging points for electronics, but you are so right, it is our crew members who really make the experience. The work, effort, and professionalism they put in for all of our guests is something that we are truly proud of, and hugely grateful for. Thank you so much for joining us and we hope to see you onboard again sometime soon :)
Written November 7, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rob
Phuket, Thailand27 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
You will not regret booking a trip aboard Phinisi! This crew has clearly taken years to assemble, as they all play their part well, work together in harmony, and each add a little something extra to your experience. You will spend your time aboard contemplating how much to leave in the tip box at the end, not whether or not to. This was a TRUE vacation! I overate, dived too much, socialized to my heart’s content, and felt right at home on this beautiful wooden boat. We encountered 3 meter waves after a dusk dive that caused the dinghy to be punctured. The way the crew handled foul weather, dangerous conditions, and a near emergency blew my mind! It’s a miracle they even salvaged the dinghy, much less got everyone aboard without a scratch; and all in the dark! This is not just a trip that you will enjoy in fair weather and perfect conditions. The crew are so invested in your safety and happiness that they will do everything in their power to ensure you have a wonderful and memorable experience no matter the conditions. Your only worry should be if the other passengers will be as fun and interesting to spend time with as my mates were! Sit back, enjoy the wonderful cooking of Bee, enjoy the delicious beverage Pim will bring you after every dive, let Tiger worry about cleaning up after you, and enjoy Ronny, Dui, or Noel’s excellent underwater guiding! You won’t regret booking this trip! Enjoy!
Written December 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Bob, thank you so much for the kind words and we're so glad you had such a great time. It's what we're here for! It's great to hear that you overate, dived to much and socialised to your hearts content as it sounds like you took full advantage of what was on offer, and is not unheard of guests returning a few pounds heavier after one of our cruises. Yes, we have very experienced teams on board and the safety of all is paramount, as you never know when Mother Nature might surprise you with more challenging conditions. We're very proud of the boat teams and their capability to react in those occasional moments, and glad all returned to the boat safely for more food and good cheer. Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, and we hope to see you on board again some time soon! :)
Written December 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Insearchofgyms
Sydney, Australia12 contributions
Feb 2022 • Solo
I recommend this liveaboard to anyone who wants to have one of the most pleasurable diving experiences in arguably one of the best locations in Asia. My experience was really awesome. The dive locations were great. The conditions were great. But remember, the dive crews have control over their approach, how they serve you, their process and their actions. This is where I see a marked difference in the Junk crew and dive masters. This was really amazing. I am so glad to have been on this trip. The boat itself is an awesome way to travel. It has character and offers plenty of space to relax, exercise (haha yoga every morning), sleep, oh and eat. The food, the drink, the coffee - all excellent, yes a real espresso machine!! The crew was elite. The dingy drivers, the engineers, the kitchen staff, all were there when you don’t even expect it. Helping you with whatever, helping you in and out of your gear, helping you with your breakfast, helping you in and out of the dingy. They were focused on safety without sacrifice - for me this is important on a dive boat. It was a great experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Written February 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Valued customer , we are absolutely thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time with us. It sounds as if we are "getting it right" and we look forward to welcoming you back again to enjoy another awesome experience with us .. thank you for choosing The Junk Liveaboards.
Written February 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Dennismc2015
Seattle, WA340 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I can not say enough great things about this experience.
The crew went above and beyond my expectations.
The food was fabulous, and the attention to presentation made every meal worth looking forward to!
The dive staff was very safety conscious and made sure each guest was able to experience some of the best diving in Thailand. The filling of tanks and the care in which my dive gear was handled was much appreciated compared to other dive operations I have experienced.
The cabin accomodations were very comfortable, and the availability of a hot shower in my room made for a very enjoyable trip.
I would highly recommend this boat if you are considering a dive vacation in Thailand.
A special shout out to Neil ( the host and dive coordinator) and a special thanks to Kik (our group dive guide)
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Dennis, thank you for your kind words and the compliments to the food and crew. They are very helpful indeed and love their job. We would be very happy to welcome you again!
Written March 21, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alex P
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
The Junk Liveaboard is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to experience the best of scuba diving in Thailand. The underwater world is stunning and diverse, and the knowledgeable crew will guide you to the best spots for a memorable experience.

The food on the liveaboard is nothing short of amazing. Guests are treated to a wide range of Thai and international cuisines that cater to different dietary requirements. The onboard chef is highly skilled and prepares fresh and delicious meals that are sure to satisfy any appetite. The dining area is well-maintained, and the staff is attentive to guests' needs.

The Junk Liveaboard's staff is one of the most notable highlights of the experience. The crew is professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure guests are comfortable and safe. They are friendly, accommodating, and genuinely care about the guests' wellbeing. The dive guides are incredibly experienced and passionate about marine life, providing insightful briefings before each dive and pointing out fascinating marine creatures during the dive.

In summary, The Junk Liveaboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fantastic scuba diving experience in Thailand. From the diving to the food and staff, everything is top-notch and sure to leave guests with unforgettable memories.
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Alex, thank you very much for taking your time writing this really nice, long review. We hope to welcome you again, on one of our cruises in the future.
Written February 20, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DLJr
3 contributions
Nov 2022
One word: Incredible. Our 10-day adventure on the Phinisi was the best liveaboard experience I've ever had. The one of a kind "pirate ship" is absolutely beautiful and the staff made me immediately feel welcomed to be aboard and completely comfortable for the entire stay.

Our cruise director, Noel, is a great lad who was very helpful (thanks for the battery) and we were quite lucky to have him running the show. He has a proper expert's knowledge of the awesome dive sites we visited and the personality of an old friend from back home. Tiger and the pro dive deck crew were all top-notch while getting us and our equipment ready for each and every dive, you never have to ask, it just always seems to be done for you when it's time to splash. Then when we returned from each breathtaking dive, Miss Pim was there to greet us with a smile, a warm drink and a sweet meow or two. Our chefs Bee and Hek filled our bellies all day long with a wide variety of delicious meals that I already miss and am craving right now!

Last, but certainly not least, we were lucky enough to have Amanda as our dive guide throughout our trip. She's an incredibly accomplished diving professional, obviously in the pinnacle of her career, who guided us flawlessly along the beautiful reefs and walls while pointing out all of the awesome sea life ... big and small, including the tiny things that took her many attempts to finally get me to see! She also has an impressive knowledge of the Phuket area and more than willing to share her recommendations for places to eat and visit while you're in town. But most importantly, Amanda is an amazing person who loves the sea and obviously loves showing divers like me all of the many beauties of it. You would be very lucky to have her as your guide on a future liveaboard in paradise.
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi DLJr, great to hear that you such a good time onboard, and thank you for the kind words :) Yes, the team on board really are something else, and do their utmost to make all enjoy every minute of their cruise. It is often the work in the background that can go unnoticed, such as tanks refilled and ready to go for each dive, for example. We are lucky to have them. Great to hear that you got to see so many sights diving with Amanda too. I don't think you are the only one that struggles to see the life, so small and well hidden, at times. I know personally that there has been a number of times where, still to this day, I have no idea what I was being shown... It's all part of the fun though, I believe :) Thank you again for your compliments, they have already been passed on, and we hope to see you again sometime in the future :)
Written December 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

DanBeaumont
London, UK13 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Just back from a 4 night trip on The Phinisi liveaboard. The route was a southern swing from Phuket down to Koh Lipe with many stops in between.

The Boat
The Phinisi is a wooden boat with very comfortable air conditioned cabins. All cabins are en-suite and there is a choice of twin, double or 4 bunks.
The eating area is at the rear of the boat with the dive gear area at the front and a platform to one side. All dives are on and off dinghies.

The Diving
The boat had 4 dive leaders taking groups of 4 or 5 divers maximum and they were all highly skilled, knowledgable and friendly. I’m a relatively inexperienced diver but always felt safe in their hands. There were a total of 14 dives possible including some night and sunset dives. Dive locations were great although due to a new moon we encountered some strongish currents at time and occasionally low viz due to plankton.

The Food
This was a particular highlight with Bee working her magic in the galley. There were snacks after each dive where it wasn’t time for a main meal. They cater to all dietary requirements and there is a good mix of Thai and western dishes.

The Crew
All of the crew were super friendly and helpful. They really welcomed us, made us feel at home and no request was too much trouble.

All in all I thought this was an excellent trip and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend a trip on The Phinisi.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi DanBeaumont, thank you very much for your nice review. The currents can be hard work sometimes but the good thing about it is that the marine life is a little more active then. The fish love it! We hope to welcome you aboard again some day.
Written February 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The Junk Liveaboards (Chalong) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go