An experience blog from our blogger guest Julie Braddock from Manchester, England on our Amadeus Cabin charter from the 10th to 15th of December 2023: 

Day 1

Our adventure began at the Klong Bar around 10:30 AM, where we sipped coffee and chatted excitedly, while the crew transferred our luggage to the boat via dinghy. Soon after, we split into two groups to get on board. The owner of the company, Flo, welcomed us onboard after a welcome drink with a briefing about our itinerary, onboard etiquette, and safety protocols. He introduced us to the friendly crew, and just like that, we set sail.

The journey to Koh Maithon took about an hour, but it felt like few moments before we were diving into the crystal-clear waters for our first snorkeling session. The underwater world was vibrant with plenty marine life. Lunch followed, and I was amazed at the culinary magic that emerged from the galley kitchen – it was the finest Thai cuisine I’d tasted in Thailand.

In the afternoon, Captain Sunee led us on a dolphin-spotting adventure around the island. It didn’t take long before we encountered not just one, but three pods of dolphins! The excitement continued as we sailed towards Koh Phi Phi. En route, we had a thrilling encounter with a sailfish, which was unfortunately too strong and broke the fishing line, but we successfully reeled in 3 tunas.

Upon reaching Koh Phi Phi, some of us explored the bustling village and enjoyed local massages, while we relaxed with some drinks. The evening on the boat was magical – a delicious Thai dinner followed by stargazing from the catamaran’s front netting. Despite the gentle waves and breeze, I drifted into the most peaceful sleep I had in years, perhaps aided by a couple of glasses of wine.

Day 2

The next day we woke up early at 6:30 AM for a hike to Koh Phi Phi’s viewpoint. The 30-minute walk, ending with a climb up some stairs, was worth every step for the breathtaking sunrise view. Breakfast back on the boat was a feast prepared by Chef Milk – she never ceased to impress the entire journey through!

Setting sail with the wind in our favor, Captain Sunee shared insights into sailing and Thai culture. Our journey to Koh Lanta was exhilarating and faster than expected. Once anchored, we indulged in water sports before a hike to a waterfall, guided by Engineer Bus. The trek through the jungle, complete with a cave exploration and a refreshing waterfall, was an unforgettable experience.

The evening brought another stunning sunset, this time enjoyed with wine and beer as we relaxed on the boat. Dinner on the beach was a delightful change, even if the food couldn’t match Chef Milk’s culinary prowess, but therefore the fire show at the beach was very impressive!! 

Day 3

On day 3 we departed early for the Emerald Cave at Koh Mook, a mesmerizing experience that Flo insisted must be seen to be believed. I have never seen something like this, but keep this secret as promised to Flo, so you can explore it yourself. Post-cave exploration, we sailed to Koh Rok Nok for lunch and snorkeling in pristine waters, where I spotted a turtle and plenty of fish. Koh Rok Nok was by far the most beautiful island on this entire journey. 

The day ended with a beach BBQ under the stars – Chef Milk outdid herself again like always. The moonrise and the lively crabs on the beach added to the night’s enjoyment. 

Day 4

A morning hike around Koh Rok Nok offered stunning views and ended in a serene lagoon, perfect for photos. After a hearty breakfast, we set sail for Koh Ha, where snorkeling amidst sharks and barracudas was exhilarating. For the night, we took a mooring at the famous Maya Bay, enjoying the sunset and bioluminescent water – a truly magical experience I have not seen like this before!! 

Day 5

A few of the group explored the beach at Maya Bay early in the morning, which was very crowded already at 7 am when the national park opened. We spent the morning snorkeling nearby. After breakfast, we sailed to Koh Racha Yai, encountering diverse marine life. The island was picturesque, though we preferred our sunset drinks on the boat, savoring Chef Milk’s final dinner masterpiece.

Day 6

Our last day was a mix of exhilaration and nostalgia. The sail back was a thrilling ride with strong winds, showcasing captain Sunee’s exceptional skills. Everything was perfectly timed for our departure from the Klong Bar, leaving us with memories of a lifetime.

Summary

Having traveled to 73 countries, I can confidently say this was the best trip of my life. The itinerary, crew, scenery, and especially the food were beyond extraordinary. A heartfelt thanks to the Faraway Yachting Team – we’ll definitely return, next time with more friends!