I always enjoy my days on board La Maret Phuket. This memorable boat tour is such a lovely way to discover and appreciate the region, and a must for those here on holiday.
You can’t miss La Maret (rebranded from La Moet). She’s an incredible hulk of a boat that stands out in the harbour. She reminds me of Noah’s Ark, where all the animals go in two by two and feel safe! She’s beautiful, comfortable, and has super-friendly staff.
La Maret Phuket’s Sun and Sunset Tour was the boat trip I chose for my family to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand.
Won’t you come for a wander with me as I show you around?
I have taken this tour twice. In April, it was sunny, and I travelled solo. On board, the crew made sure everyone felt at home, and it wasn’t long before the guests were mixing and chatting away. In November, I returned with my family. We had another great group of guests on board, it rained but we were having such a lovely time, no one cared. You get wet when you swim, don’t you?
Each time, I left with lasting memories of a fun trip with random people who came together to share a special afternoon and sunset on the Andaman Sea. Those final moments on the top deck as the sun sets are just magic.
These photos show both trips. Some of the photos are thanks to Yami and Joko, whom I met on board, and who kindly shared their fabulous photos.
As I have found living here for the past few years, there are plenty of boat tour options in Phuket. In fact, TripAdvisor lists over 250 Phuket boat tour operators, with La Maret ranking in the top 25. From long-tail boats to speedboats or sleek catamarans, it can be hard to choose.
La Maret is one of a kind. There are no other boats like her. She’s even more charming when you step on board. The wooden interiors are unique and beautifully finished, the sort of wood that you want to touch and admire the joinery, even if you are not a chippy!
A day on the water can be exhausting. With La Maret Phuket, you get a spacious boat with many areas to relax.
La Maret boat tours are different.
Your adventure is our passion.
Lotta, a long-term Phuket resident from Sweden, owns the boat. La Maret’s history is a terrific story. You can tell La Maret is Lotta’s life and passion. With tour guide Camilla and the team, she does a great job delivering on their simple desire to create happiness at sea.
Best day trips from Phuket by boat
La Moet is available for private charter or join-in tours. Phuket’s beauty lies in its easy access to world-renowned destinations like Phi Phi Island, Phang Nga Bay, and Khao Lak. I need to try all these tours!
I always look for good value when researching Phuket’s best boat tours. I want a fun afternoon out on the water with plenty to see and do. La Moet nails this every time. It’s a top choice if your style is comfy cushions and slower cruising to lovely snorkelling locations.
Beautiful views in every direction
Phuket Cruise Sun and Sunset
This tour offers snorkelling in a secluded cove at one of the many islands off Phuket and, if you’re lucky, on the cruise back a glorious sunset.
Chalong Bay Tourist Pier
Most will arrive at Chalong Bay Pier via the La Maret transportation and be directed to the boat. If, like us, you are driving, parking is available for 60 THB for the afternoon. Enter the pier on the left-hand side, following the IN signs, and look for a kiosk window to buy your shuttle bus ticket (10 THB) to reach the boarding pontoon at the end of the pier.
La Maret is gently bobbing on the water. Kick off your shoes, and the adventure begins.
Chalong Bay Tourist Pier
Numbers on board
We gather on the lower level to find two large seating areas with tables, welcome drinks and snacks, and an additional seating area. La Maret is licensed for thirty-five passengers, but they book a maximum of twenty-eight. The days I joined, there were fewer than this, as tourism is still returning to these fair waters. It’s a great time to book a tour.
The other guests
I really enjoyed meeting the other guests from across the globe. I met holidaymakers from South America, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Europe and Scandinavia. La Maret appeals to families; some children are as young as 6. We met couples, honeymooners, sisters celebrating a special birthday, and the rest of us looking for fun and adventure on the water.
Safety onboard
As the boat leaves, everyone is handed a life vest, and Lotta gives an informative and humorous briefing. I want to tell you some of her jokes, but I won’t spoil your fun! There are very few rules on board, but from the briefing, we see that La Maret takes safety on board seriously and that everything is well organised.
I feel reassured in this regard; the Captain has 30 years of experience sailing in these waters and has been with La Maret since the start.
Relaxing on board
As the boat leaves the harbour, we spread out to find a comfy area to enjoy the view. You will have the best time chilling amongst the cushions or sitting in my favourite space, the window, gazing out to sea, before reaching the swimming and snorkelling destinations.
Let’s go snorkelling!
There are two stops for snorkelling during the cruise.
We gather together for an excellent marine life briefing. This covers what you can expect to see, together with tips on how to snorkel, which have greatly improved my enjoyment of snorkelling. La Maret’s crew is constantly on the lookout to give you the best experiences. When the boat stops in a secluded bay, the staff jumps in to swim and check that everything is safe above and below the water. They then open the upstairs for those who wish to jump in from the top deck, and plenty do!
La Moet – Let’s Jump!
La Maret’s snorkelling masks are top-notch and sanitised for each person. The staff remain in the water with you and will direct you to the best viewing spots on the reef.
The marine life and reefs are not the best I have ever seen, as the reefs show some damage, and the water can be quite murky. However, snorkelling in the Andaman Sea is a lovely experience. The water is so warm, and the time a huge turtle swam past me was my best snorkelling trip ever!
You can be lucky; sometimes they find pink dolphins in the area, and just look at what other guests spotted:
Photo credit: look what @yamiyjoko spotted!
La Maret food
No one is allowed to be hungry on board!
It’s amazing what Khun Urai can produce in a small galley kitchen. Along the way, there is free-flowing fruit and local Thai snacks. We had sandwiches as we left, and pancakes were made after the first snorkel.
As the sun started to set, a delicious Thai dinner, including Massaman chicken curry and Thai yellow curry, was served together with salads. We were definitely never hungry on board.
Photo Credit: IG @Yamiyjoko
Bar
A pay bar is on board for your beers, sunset wines, gin, and tonics!
Lotta & Camilla, Chef Khun Urai and Captain Khun Lef
The La Maret Staff
Happiness at sea
You will have a fabulous time on board with staff who love what they do.
La Maret team is built on a big vision and dreams. I first met Lotta during the pandemic, yet she never stopped believing that tourism would return. I just loved her optimism and approach to life. Many of the staff have been with La Maret since the start.
Check out Captain Khun Lef, who met Lotta and dreamed of being Champagne’s Captain.
If you are coming to Phuket, I urge you to spend the day on the Andaman Sea. Take a La Maret boat tour and cruise amongst the islands dotted off the coast of Phuket.
There is no better way to enjoy Phuket than sailing back at sunset after an afternoon of swimming and snorkelling.
Thank you, La Moet. You always offer such a delightful, happy, and memorable day at sea. I can’t wait to return and enjoy your other boat tours.
Disclaimer: Little Wandering Wren was an invited guest of La Maret. All opinions and experiences are my own.
Wow, that looks like a fun time. The photos are beautiful. I was checking out trips to Phuket, I am not sure if my hubby could take 26-36 hours to get there. I will keep enjoying my virtual trips with you! Take care, enjoy your day!
It’s a long trip for you for sure Eileen & I’m now back in Australia so I know all about the joys of long-distance travel! Visitors from America were the number one country of arrival when things reopened in 2021, I loved meeting your fellow countrymen and women. Always love seeing you here for some virtual travel!
Wren x
I’m sure you would love Champagne Stacey. As we both know sunsets & sunshine are not guaranteed anywhere in the world (although so far 100% when I’m aboard La Moet!) This boat is the most comfortable boat around in Phuket, come rain or shine!
Wren x
[…] “Their Sun and Sunset tour on Phuket’s Andaman Sea is one of my absolute favourites,” says Jenny, who goes by Little Wren on Instagram and her website Littlewanderingwren. […]
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La Maret’s crew is constantly on the lookout to give you the best experiences. When the boat stops in a secluded bay, the staff jumps in to swim and check that everything is safe above and below the water. They then open the upstairs for those who wish to jump in from the top deck, and plenty do!
7 comments
Wow, that looks like a fun time. The photos are beautiful. I was checking out trips to Phuket, I am not sure if my hubby could take 26-36 hours to get there. I will keep enjoying my virtual trips with you! Take care, enjoy your day!
It’s a long trip for you for sure Eileen & I’m now back in Australia so I know all about the joys of long-distance travel! Visitors from America were the number one country of arrival when things reopened in 2021, I loved meeting your fellow countrymen and women. Always love seeing you here for some virtual travel!
Wren x
Thanks for your tip! The next time I go back to Phuket, I’ll be sure to do this boating adventure!
I’m sure you would love Champagne Stacey. As we both know sunsets & sunshine are not guaranteed anywhere in the world (although so far 100% when I’m aboard La Moet!) This boat is the most comfortable boat around in Phuket, come rain or shine!
Wren x
That looks amazing, your photographs are lovely.
All the best Jan
Thanks Jan – we always have a lovely time when we go out on La Moet!
Have a great week!
Wren x
[…] “Their Sun and Sunset tour on Phuket’s Andaman Sea is one of my absolute favourites,” says Jenny, who goes by Little Wren on Instagram and her website Littlewanderingwren. […]