Phuket Day Trip Cruise Review: Traditional Junk Boat with Lunch
Dreaming of turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and pretty interesting rock formations? Phuket, a really well-known island in Thailand, has those things in spades. A really nice way to check out its amazing beauty is by going on a day trip cruise. You can find several choices, but the “Phuket Day Trip Cruise with Lunch By Traditional Junk Boat” is a selection that seems to promise a truly unique experience. Did it deliver? You know, let’s have a look at all the things you need to know.
Setting Sail: What to Expect From the Start
The adventure kicked off quite smoothly, you know, with a rather convenient hotel pickup. It’s almost like, not having to worry ’bout transportation is just a perfect way to ease into a vacation. Once at the pier, the crew greeted everyone pretty warmly, which just set a super pleasant tone for the whole day. Boarding the junk boat, it felt, you know, like stepping back in time a little. Forget those shiny, modern speedboats; we’re talking, like, a totally unique wooden vessel oozing character, and it felt like it, too, with sails and everything. First impressions? Well, you know, really really good!
Before we actually headed off, there was, in a way, a brief safety introduction along with the outline of the plan for the day. That really ensured everyone felt well-prepared and secure. I mean, clearly, safety should be at the top of everyone’s list, right? The crowd on our tour was quite mixed – there were some couples, families, and even some solo folks – that clearly indicates how popular it can be for everyone. Now, I’ll give you some ideas as we go around for how to best take on this trip with whoever you bring in your troop!
Exploring the Islands: Scenery and Activities
Okay, so the itinerary typically features some must-see places near Phuket. Most cruises, I feel, make stops at places like Phi Phi Islands, that tend to have Maya Bay, too (famous, like your favorite movie, you know, “The Beach”), and possibly some great spots around Phang Nga Bay. It is almost like each destination has its own charm.
Like, at Phi Phi, you’re probably talking pristine beaches and impressive limestone cliffs straight out of some picture. Maya Bay is undeniably really beautiful, and really it is the turquoise water that is calling my name. However, it can, sometimes, get really crowded, especially during high season; so in some respects, you should get yourself mentally prepared if the crowd is there. The junk boat often anchors a bit further away, and then people hop onto a longtail boat to get to the beach, so maybe you want to bring quick-drying towels. Snorkeling around Phi Phi was awesome, I have to say. There was colorful coral and the fishes. A really great glimpse into what goes on under the sea!
Then, in a way, Phang Nga Bay is totally another story. Imagine, sort of, towering karst formations coming up vertically from the emerald-green water. Seriously, just imagine that view for one minute! Some tours take you to James Bond Island (you know, from “The Man with the Golden Gun”) which may be touristy, though still worth seeing, but that, I think, is more depending on if you like that sort of thing. Arguably, it all depends. Kayaking through some caves and lagoons in Phang Nga Bay, so that seems, too, can be a pretty fantastic experience, giving you some cool and up-close perspectives on the geological wonders.
The Junk Boat Experience: More Than Just a Ride
Listen, what sets this day trip apart, so it’s, arguably, the junk boat itself. Moving away from the speedboats is something I would do for almost any trip. These ships clearly bring in this kind of classic touch, you know, lending a relaxing pace to the whole day. There’s very much that laid-back vibe that modern boats sometimes do miss. Sunbathing up on the deck, as I was saying, feeling the breeze, I would say, so it is quite lovely. Also, this is very nice for taking Instagram pictures because you get that natural sun without that much hotness! It’s definitely what I will do again for sure.
You find spots both in the sun and in some shaded areas so most folks find, kind of, their comfortable space without problems. I did also meet quite a few people up there that also became friends that day so I really encourage talking to strangers when you are doing one of these things. I found my experience a blast, mostly thanks to the very chill crew. Those folks are really happy to fill you in with all kinds of info ’bout the area, like your personal guide; that is really helpful because now you will get extra facts to share back with your friends!
If you start getting hungry, do not even worry a bit. Typically the lunch buffet is, you know, served onboard, and is including a selection of Thai dishes. To be honest, it’s almost, like, it’s not some gourmet feast, and definitely no tasting menus here, but hey, you know, it is nice, tasty, satisfying, like some standard food. Having food while you cruise the Andaman Sea, so that seems something pretty special anyway. The availability of soft drinks and fruit on hand during the whole day clearly adds, too, to the enjoyment, for the value and peace of mind; just pay attention with drinks when it is hot! Don’t forget the sunblock.
Making the Most of Your Day Trip: Tips and Recommendations
Keen to squeeze every last drop of sunshine and adventure from your cruise? Okay, I’ve got some things for you to chew over. Number one? Yeah, sunscreen. Don’t be sparing, it’s easy to get sunburnt like your skin did not get hit by sun ever. Obviously, it would be smart, too, to pack a hat and sunglasses, particularly with that direct sun while you are out on the water for the whole day.
Listen, wear comfy swimwear, something easy to move in because I was always moving from top deck to the beach like a kid. Bring a cover-up or light clothing as, obviously, it is good when visiting temples or any respectful locations. Obviously, do remember to have some beach footwear. Those white sands, right? They feel pretty awesome. When hopping onto longtail boats or paddling a kayak, that, sometimes, also calls for something to keep your feet from feeling awful, for your feet protection too!
The thing about bringing a waterproof bag, well, this is an ace tip, and do not take it lightly. Keeping the camera safe from the odd splash when you go cruising is really important so your memories would last in physical form. I do this always; but make sure the waterproof bag is decent enough because you never want it to be your only time out there. For the sake of not ending up with a soaked phone, well, consider that.
Motion sickness could be a party killer so I, usually, recommend considering taking medication before setting off if you usually feel off when you are on the move on boats. It can be pretty choppy seas. When the crowd appears around you, make the best out of this and make it enjoyable with them instead of getting bummed by people – that is the recipe for an unforgettable trip!
Finally, what if you are keen to get good snaps without photobombers? Then consider starting off as early as possible because that, arguably, helps you beat all of those crowds. Another very helpful consideration I found, it’s checking up on weather predictions. If there will be bad weather, you may be safer doing things inland or on land instead!
Is the Traditional Junk Boat Cruise Worth It? The Final Call
So, that Phuket Day Trip Cruise with Lunch By Traditional Junk Boat, it is actually a memorable way of having a peek at those great bits of the area. Sure, I can admit there could be crowded spots, but still, this unique experience balances it out, almost. Okay, right, you might prefer fancier cruises, but for sure it did gave me, arguably, something special. When they took us to those famous sights, with an awesome chilled vibe, for sure that made my memories more special, so keep those things in mind! Also, don’t forget, while out in Thailand, be kind to all and make friends!
You are looking for those stand out Phuket tours and want, you know, something more than all the others; now here are a few highlights, basically, to weigh up the trip. They may guide your final plans if this all is something you want!
- Relaxed experience.
- See famous places and islands.
- Authentic, sort of traditional cruise.
- Great if you can be chill with lots of folks nearby.
So, remember, I want to encourage those planning any visit to beautiful Phuket, you will find some tours; still do yourself a favor and check this one out! Enjoy every bit of Thailand.
Happy travels and thanks for sticking with me!