Liveaboards are multi-day dive trips where you sleep on the boat, diving 3–4x per day.
Similan Islands (Andaman, north of Phuket) — most popular: - 3-day / 11-dive trip: ฿18,000–฿25,000 - 4-day / 14-dive trip: ฿24,000–฿32,000 - Includes: bunk berth, all meals, tanks, weights, marine park fees - Season: November 1 – April 30 (closed in monsoon) - Departures: Khao Lak (most common), Phuket
Hin Daeng / Hin Muang (south Andaman, near Phi Phi): - 4-day from Phuket: ฿28,000–฿40,000 - Manta rays, whale sharks (March–May peak) - Smaller boats, more advanced divers
Premium boats (Diva Andaman, Pawara, etc.): - 4-day: ฿35,000–฿55,000 - Private cabins, gourmet food, smaller groups - Best for: experienced divers, couples, honeymoons
Budget liveaboards (Koh Tao based): - Day-trip alternatives: ฿2,500–฿4,500 per day, sleep on land - 2-day camp-style trips: ฿8,000–฿14,000 - Best for: Open Water + Advanced certification combos
What's NOT included (usually): - Alcohol on board - Rental equipment (~฿1,500/day if needed) - Marine park fee for non-Thais (~฿1,800 for Similan) - Travel insurance
Booking tips: - Book 3–6 months ahead for high season (Dec–Feb) - Last-minute deals appear in October before season starts - Liveaboard requires Advanced Open Water cert minimum (PADI/SSI)