{"id":7529,"date":"2026-03-19T05:32:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T04:32:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mybestplacestovisit.com\/?page_id=7529"},"modified":"2026-03-19T08:11:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T07:11:10","slug":"north-andaman-liveaboard-diving-my-march-2026-cruise-on-mandarin-queen-9-thailand","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mybestplacestovisit.com\/zh\/asia\/thailand\/diving-in-thailand\/north-andaman-liveaboard-diving-my-march-2026-cruise-on-mandarin-queen-9-thailand","title":{"rendered":"North Andaman Liveaboard Diving \u2014 Similan Islands to Richelieu Rock"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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North Andaman Liveaboard Diving \u2014 Similan Islands to Richelieu Rock<\/strong><\/h1><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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A firsthand account of a North Andaman liveaboard diving cruise exploring the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and Richelieu Rock \u2014 widely considered the best scuba diving in Thailand. In March 2026, I joined a North Andaman liveaboard diving expedition in Thailand<\/strong> aboard the Mandarin Queen 9<\/em>, departing from Phuket to explore the country\u2019s most legendary sites in the Andaman Sea. This region \u2014 encompassing the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, the Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock<\/strong> \u2014 is widely regarded as the best diving area in Thailand and one of the premier liveaboard destinations in Southeast Asia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Above the surface, the scenery is already spectacular: powder-white beaches, massive granite boulders sculpted by time, and water in surreal shades of turquoise and deep blue. But it is underwater that North Andaman diving truly shines, with enormous fish schools, pristine coral reefs, frequent pelagic encounters, and exceptional macro life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our route followed the classic Similan Islands liveaboard itinerary<\/strong>, gradually moving north through increasingly remote sites before culminating at Richelieu Rock \u2014 often ranked among the best dive sites not only in Thailand but in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd North Andaman Liveaboard Itinerary Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A North Andaman liveaboard is the ultimate way to explore Thailand\u2019s most remote and spectacular dive sites, far beyond the reach of day boats. These cruises combine world-class underwater scenery with the convenience of living aboard a fully equipped dive vessel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical duration<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most itineraries last 4 to 7 days<\/strong>, offering between 12 and 20 dives, including early-morning, sunset, and sometimes night dives. Longer trips allow more time at flagship sites such as Richelieu Rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Departure point<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Liveaboards usually depart from Thap Lamu Pier<\/strong>, north of Phuket<\/a>. Transfers from Phuket hotels or the airport are typically arranged by the operator on embarkation day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dive sites covered<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A classic North Andaman route includes the region\u2019s highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Similan Islands<\/strong> \u2014 dramatic granite boulders, swim-throughs, and vibrant reefs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Elephant Head Rock & Christmas Point<\/strong> \u2014 iconic topography and schooling fish<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Koh Bon<\/strong> \u2014 manta ray cleaning station and pelagic territory<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Koh Tachai Pinnacle<\/strong> \u2014 powerful currents and dense fish aggregations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock<\/strong> \u2014 Thailand\u2019s most biodiverse site and a whale shark hotspot<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Experience level<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Most dives are suitable for intermediate to advanced divers<\/strong>. An Advanced Open Water certification and comfort with currents are recommended, particularly for exposed pinnacles and deeper profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best season<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The North Andaman dive season runs from November to April<\/strong>, when seas are calm and visibility is typically excellent. Peak conditions usually occur between January and March<\/strong>, offering the highest chances of manta ray and whale shark encounters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This combination of remote locations, diverse marine life, and dramatic underwater landscapes makes North Andaman liveaboard diving one of the finest scuba experiences in Thailand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Richelieu
    Richelieu rock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Day 1 \u2014 Departure from Phuket<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The adventure began in the late afternoon with a transfer from Phuket to Thap Lamu Pier. Boarding the Mandarin Queen 9 felt like stepping into a floating dive resort \u2014 spacious dive deck, comfortable cabins, sun deck, and a professional crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After cabin allocation, a comprehensive briefing covered safety procedures, dive protocols, and the itinerary ahead. Dinner was served as the boat quietly departed into the Andaman night, setting course for the Similan Islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Falling asleep to the gentle motion of the sea, knowing that world-class diving awaits at dawn, is one of the unique pleasures of liveaboard travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"andaman
    Donald Duck Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Day 2 \u2014 Similan Islands: Granite Landscapes <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The first full day delivered four dives in the Similan Islands, each showcasing different underwater terrain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Three Trees<\/strong> offered gentle conditions, coral bommies, and abundant reef life \u2014 a perfect warm-up dive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Nam Chai<\/strong> is a mix of sand patches and scattered reefs, ideal for spotting rare macro life. We were lucky to encounter two ornate ghost pipefish, an unforgettable highlight so early in the trip.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Christmas Point<\/strong> featured dramatic swim-throughs and rocky outcrops teeming with fish. At one point, around 20 meters deep, the route passes beneath a trapped air pocket inside the granite formations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • North Point<\/strong> revealed sloping reefs and scattered granite formations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

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