The Phinisi
Custom-built phinisi liveaboard exploring southwest Thailand and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago
per person
per day

































Overview
- Dive the best of southwest Thailand and the Mergui Archipelago
- Quality gear, nitrox and a dive deck designed for divers
- Outstanding crew offering five-star service and hospitality
- Interesting island excursions on offer between dives
Irresistibly stylish and custom-built for diving, this charming phinisi offers a superb liveaboard experience exploring the best dive sites in southwest Thailand and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. With air-conditioned cabins, a cosy saloon, luxurious sun deck and beautiful dining areas, guests enjoy unrivalled comfort between dives. This liveaboard’s close-knit and highly-experienced team will welcome you like family and offer a five-star experience - what more can you ask for from your dream liveaboard trip?
Upcoming trips
Cabins
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Amenities
Boat
Dive facilities
- If you are a solo traveller, we aim to allocate shared cabins on a same-sex basis.
- Non-shareable cabins can not be shared with another single traveler outside your party. A single occupancy surcharge will be applied.
Vessel
Vessel information
The Phinisi - officially known as ‘Cheng I Sao’ - joined sister boat The Junk in 2018 to offer fantastic liveaboard itineraries in Thailand and Myanmar. A remarkable history and character complements a stylish interior that blends modern comforts with old-world charm. On board, guests experience sumptuous comfort in air-conditioned cabins, a cosy saloon, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a lavish sun deck. Custom-built for diving, the spacious boat offers a superb dive deck and an experienced team who delight in showing you the region’s best dive sites. The passionate team goes above and beyond to make your holiday memorable, welcoming every guest for a unique, personalised liveaboard experience.
The Phinisi offers exciting itineraries from November to May. Thailand’s clear blue waters include iconic sites like the Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock and more. Trips also include some of the best dive spots in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, including Black Rock, High Rock, Tower Rock and Torres Island. With such enticing regions to explore, it’s no wonder this lavish, custom-built boat has become a top choice for divers seeking excellence and adventure.
Onboard The Phinisi
The Phinisi accommodates up to 18 guests in seven elegant teak cabins each with air-conditioning and an ensuite bathroom. A stylish, wooden air-conditioned saloon with comfy sofas has a large flatscreen TV, a movie selection, library and games for indoor entertainment. Plus, the sundeck with inviting sun loungers is the premier spot for soaking up the rays between dives. Guests dine on delicious buffets in indoor and outdoor dining spaces with incredible views and the lovely chefs are happy to cater to any special dietary needs with advance notice.
Diving from The Phinisi
Custom built for diving, The Phinisi has a superb shaded dive deck with a personal set-up and storage area, nitrox and top quality Aqualung rental equipment. Experienced dive instructors can teach PADI Advanced coursse and specialties, including nitrox, deep, night and underwater photography. Dive guides with a wealth of experience make your dive holiday an unforgettable one, offering a five-star service while ensuring you don't have to lift a finger. The highly professional team is very close-knit, and welcomes each and every guest into their family for a personalised, fun and friendly experience.
Top tips
- Want to dive the best sites in the Andaman Sea and the Mergui Archipelago? This vessel visits world-famous spots like the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock!
- With island excursions on offer between dives, The Phinisi is a great choice for divers looking for some extra exploration.
- Divers must be open water-certified, but can take an advanced certification along with specialties during their trip.