10 Days of Luxury Liveaboard Diving in Thailand’s Andaman Sea

There’s no better way to experience stunning underwater wonders than aboard a luxury liveaboard in Thailand—especially when it includes the best dive sites in the Andaman Sea. Over 10 unforgettable days, we explored vibrant coral reefs, thrilling drift dives, and even swam alongside majestic mantas. Here’s a glimpse into this bucket-list diving adventure!

Why Choose a Luxury Liveaboard in Thailand?

For divers, a liveaboard is the ultimate way to access remote, pristine dive sites that day boats can’t reach. With Deep Andaman Queen, we enjoyed:

• Expert dive crews prioritizing safety and comfort

• Luxury accommodations and seamless logistics

• Exclusive access to top-rated sites like Richelieu Rock and Ko Lipe

  
  

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or planning your first liveaboard, this journey is a game-changer.

Day-by-Day Dive Highlights

Day 1–2: Ko Lipe & 8 Mile Rock

Our adventure began at Ko Lipe, a picturesque island near Malaysia’s border. Highlights:

• 8 Mile Rock: A deep pinnacle teeming with coral and marine life.

• Stonehenge: Shallow, soft-coral-covered boulders swarming with feather stars (some even “swimming”!).

  
  

Between dives, we explored Ko Lipe’s charming streets lined with beach bars and souvenir shops.

Day 3: Koh Haa’s Cathedral Caves

Next stop: Koh Haa, famous for its Cathedral Caves—a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers lit by shimmering sunlight. The site also hosts massive schools of fish, making it a photographer’s dream.

Day 4: Koh Phi Phi’s Sharks & Wrecks

At Koh Phi Phi, we dove:

• Kled Gaeow Wreck: A fish-covered wreck buzzing with activity.

• Bida Nai & Bida Nok: Blacktip reef sharks patrolled the shallows, while marbled sea cucumbers put on a spawning spectacle.

• Shark Point: A multi-pinnacle site where cuttlefish danced around the reefs.

  
  

Day 5: Racha Islands’ Beaches & Wrecks

The Racha Islands offered postcard-perfect beaches between dives. Their crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs made for unforgettable underwater sessions.

Days 6–8: Similan & Surin Marine Parks

The northern leg of our trip brought us to Thailand’s most iconic dive sites:

• Shark Fin Reef: A thrilling drift dive with turtles and barracudas at the safety stop.

• Boulder City: A deep, lesser-explored site with dramatic rock formations.

• Three Trees: A colorful reef bursting with life.

• Koh Bon & Koh Tachai: Though mantas eluded us, we spotted three octopuses at Koh Bon’s West Ridge. Koh Tachai dazzled with massive sea fans and pelagic hunters like tuna.

Days 9–10: Richelieu Rock (The Grand Finale!)

No Thailand dive bucket list is complete without Richelieu Rock—ranked among Jacques Cousteau’s top 10 dive sites worldwide. This horseshoe-shaped reef was a sensory overload: purple corals, swirling schools of fish and perfect blue conditions!

On our return, we capped the trip with the Sea Chart Wreck, a deep site adorned with stunning soft corals.

Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Stands Out

• Diversity: From caves to wrecks, every dive offered something unique.

• Marine Life: Mantas, sharks, octopuses and even spawning sea cucumbers!

• Luxury Meets Adventure: Deep Andaman Queen’s crew ensured comfort without sacrificing excitement.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

• Featured Gear: Check out my dive kit recommendations.

• Book Your Liveaboard: Learn more here.

  
  

Which dive site would YOU most want to explore? Let me know in the comments!