Phuket is world renowned as an island full of incredible food, hospitable people, a wide array of beaches and fitness/cleanse retreats. While in Phuket, one of Thailand’s most visited Islands, we wanted to experience for the first time a cruise on the Andaman Sea. So in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, we were hosted on the Hype Luxury Boat Club to experience how it is like for you folks to consider for your next trip if it fits your liking!
Hype Luxury Boat Club Experience
The day cruise is scheduled for 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM. We were asked to meet up for 11 AM at the Chalong Pier while waiting for the Hype team to gather all the guests. The crew was quick to spot us as they gathered all of us to jump in a local truck to be ushered few hundred meters down the pier. We had to walk around 5 minutes to where the boat was docked.
Upon jumping on the boat, we were greeted with welcome fizzy drinks (1 per person) and cool towels to cool our warm faces. We opted for a spot upstairs, perfect to relax and enjoy the views. If you want plenty of sun, go straight to the outside downstairs section to grab a sunbed before anyone takes it! The Hype boat club is a large catamaran marketed like a beach club on the water with a DJ, drinks, and spots on the boat to chill.
We shortly set sail out of the marina and were immediately greeted with clear blue skies and calm waters. We cruised for a while before enjoying a simple but tasty range of finger foods to fill up our bellies. We indulged on scrumptious Asian food platter, egg salad, rolls full of vegetable, grilled and raw vegetables. There were also rolls, shrimps and the standard ham and egg sandwich and plenty of alcoholic drinks upon request (chargeable). After some time we landed at Coral island to disembark for a swim and a tan session on the beach. The island is great for white sands and sun, also you can buy food and drinks there if you need it.
After spending an hour at Coral island, the boat continued its travels and we set sail again. We were heading towards the famous Racha Yai Island to do some snorkelling. This spot is known to be the best place to snorkel in Phuket. As big snorkel fanatics that have been in the nicest reefs in Australia to the Maldives, this spot was underwhelming but still with a lot of different types of colourful fishes, enough to satisfy a party group alike the audience of this boat.
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We spent an hour at Racha Yai, as everyone got off and into the crystal clear water. Here we could jump off the boat and have some fun. There is a good diversification of sea life but the reef had pretty much died from people needlessly standing on it. One thing that really surprised us about this stop was that there was virtually no rubbish at all.
After our snorkelling session, the boat went into cruise mode as we slowly made our way back to the pier. They made sure we were still on the water as sunset was happening so we could enjoy it. The sunset looks back at the island as you get closer so our advice is to make sure you are port side, the left-hand side of the boat for this spectacular event.
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The boat itself has two floors. Downstairs is where all the action is with the bar, food, bathroom and sun beds all down there. Not to mention the music which picks up as the day goes on. It does become a dance floor at the end of the trip. Upstairs is a little more chilled out and has beds to relax on. Just a note though, all the seats are really full on these trips so specify where you want to be seated to avoid disappointments when you get here.
How much is the experience?
The standard package is quoted at 3,900 THB per person, which is approximately 450 AED or 125$US. This includes one alcoholic welcome cocktail, a soft drink package with food for lunch and some treats along the journey like deserts and fresh fruits served at specific timings. Towels are included and day beds to tan are for first come first served.
Who is this for?
If you want to go and enjoy a day on the water with a group of friends for a party, then this trip is a great way to have some fun.
For us, as a chilled couple, we thought the crowd was too rowdy for us. Our definition of luxury is more about exclusivity and we felt that it was targeted to the mass with around 40 people on board.
We sure like a good party but was expected a different experience in terms of atmosphere. We mingled with a nice family which really enjoyed the cruise equally as us but wish there were less rowdy people around. The boat itself sure is luxury with beautiful design, great cleanliness and knowledgeable staff, although expect an experience that is like a party boat. Hype is actually a perfect boat to rent privately for a group or for a wedding if you want to maximize its actual luxury.
Insider Tip: If you decide to book your journey with Hype Luxury Boat Club, make sure to grab the front corner left bed as it is the best for photos, privacy (no one in front of your view) and perfect sunset spot on the way back. Also, note that couples are most likely to be placed upstairs as they are double beds and downstairs are tables ideally for bigger groups.
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