MV Koon: Dive Thailand’s Top Sites in Just Two Days

Comfortable and Private Accommodation

Each 20 private ensuite cabins on MV Koon9 features air conditioning, hot water, a shower, toilet, fresh towels, and generous storage space. Charging ports are also available to keep your devices powered throughout the trip. In addition, eight shared bathrooms with hot showers are located at the back of the boat, providing ample facilities for all guests.
To help protect the marine environment, we supply eco-friendly bathroom products. This ensures that our operations remain reef-safe and environmentally responsible around the islands we visit.

Safety Comes First

The MV Koon9 is equipped with comprehensive safety features for your peace of mind. The boat carries emergency oxygen, a fully stocked first aid kit, life rafts, life jackets, and fire extinguishers. These features meet international liveaboard standards and support our commitment to safety at sea.

Relax and Socialize Between Dives

The upper deck houses a spacious indoor saloon with air conditioning, cozy sofas, and an entertainment system. This area is ideal for relaxing after dives or connecting with fellow guests. Adjacent to the saloon is the dining area, where all meals are served buffet-style.

Our menu includes a variety of Thai and Western dishes. Freshly brewed coffee is a highlight for many divers, and snacks like cookies, seasonal fruits, tea, and drinking water are available all day.

Unwind on the Expansive Sundeck

The top deck of MV Koon9 features a massive sundeck, partially shaded for comfort. Here, you’ll find soft mattresses—perfect for sunbathing or taking a break between dives. Whether you prefer lounging in the sun or enjoying the shade, this space offers a peaceful escape with stunning ocean views.

Expert Dive Team and Crew

The crew consists of 15 seasoned professionals, including a captain with extensive experience navigating the Andaman Sea. Tour leaders are Similan veterans who have worked on the liveaboard for many years. Their expertise guarantees a safe and enjoyable diving experience.

Dive instructors and divemasters include both Thai locals and experienced international professionals. Each one brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for marine life, ensuring you receive quality guidance and instruction throughout the trip.

Purpose-Built Dive Platform

MV Koon9 is proud of its large, two-level dive platform located at the stern. This area is designed for efficiency and comfort, featuring a spacious kitting-up area, two exit ladders, and two freshwater showers for rinsing off after your dive.
Additionally, four large rinse buckets are available for cameras and personal dive gear. Whether you’re a recreational diver or an underwater photographer, the dive deck offers the space and features you need to prepare comfortably.

Visit Thailand’s Best Dive Sites

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are often ranked among the world’s best diving locations. These nine islands offer coral gardens, rocky reefs, and exceptional visibility. Massive boulders covered in soft coral create stunning underwater landscapes. Marine life is rich and diverse. You’ll see reef sharks, turtles, trevallies, and nudibranchs. Although conditions are usually calm, dive guides still offer thorough briefings before each entry. Therefore, even newer divers feel confident.

Koh Bon

Koh Bon is best known for manta ray sightings. This dive site features a dramatic ridge and vertical wall where large pelagics often cruise. Conditions can include strong currents, so divers should be prepared.
Between dives, the boat anchors in a calm bay where you can rest and enjoy the scenery. Most trips to Koh Bon offer at least one dive, although the schedule may vary slightly with the season.

Koh Tachai

Another favorite on the MV Koon route is Koh Tachai. This site includes a pinnacle full of life. Divers often encounter schools of barracuda, snapper, and batfish. In addition, leopard sharks and rays are sometimes spotted resting on the sand.
While conditions here can change quickly, the dive team monitors them closely. Because of this, safety is prioritized, and dive plans are adjusted as needed. Many consider Koh Tachai a highlight of the journey.

Richelieu Rock

Often described as the best dive site in Thailand, Richelieu Rock is a must-see. This horseshoe-shaped pinnacle is covered in purple soft corals and packed with marine life. Macro lovers will enjoy spotting seahorses, pipefish, and shrimp.
During whale shark season, sightings can happen here. Even if they don’t appear, the reef itself is spectacular. With so much life packed into one site, divers often request multiple dives at Richelieu Rock.

Life Aboard MV Koon

Time onboard MV Koon is both active and relaxed. Between dives, guests enjoy meals, lounge on the sundeck, or chat with fellow divers. Because the trip includes up to six dives, rest periods are important and built into the schedule.
Storage space is limited, so soft bags are recommended. Charging stations for electronics and dive computers are available in the shared lounge area. Although internet access isn’t provided, the peaceful atmosphere is appreciated by most guests.

Sleeping areas are simple but air-conditioned and clean. Hot showers and flushing toilets ensure comfort after long dive days. Staff members work hard to keep shared areas tidy and welcoming throughout the trip.

Who Should Join This Trip?

This liveaboard trip is ideal for Open Water and Advanced divers. Because some sites feature currents and depth, recent dive experience is recommended. However, the dive guides adapt to different skill levels and offer support when needed. Small groups are formed according to experience. Dive briefings are clear, and buddy systems are enforced. For divers without their own gear, full rental sets are available onboard. Nitrox may be offered for certified users. To join a dive trip on the MV Koon, your last dive must be within the last 6 months.

Sustainable Diving Practices

Conservation is taken seriously on MV Koon. Guests are educated about marine protection and are asked to avoid touching coral or wildlife. Plastic waste is minimized by using reusable cups, containers, and cutlery.
All trash is brought back to shore and disposed of properly. In addition, marine debris sightings are logged and reported. Because of these efforts, divers can feel good about their environmental impact.

Packing Checklist

To prepare for your trip, bring light clothing, a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and personal toiletries. Reef-safe products are strongly encouraged. Don’t forget your certification card and dive log.
If renting gear, you only need essentials like a mask, fins, or dive computer if you prefer your own. Snacks, medication, and a dry bag for electronics are also good to have. Although the boat supplies basic needs, personal items help improve comfort.

Trip Schedule and Booking

Trips aboard MV Koon operate from October through May. Bookings should be made early, especially during peak months like December and January. Departure typically takes place from Khao Lak in the early morning.

Once onboard, a safety briefing is held before sleeping arrangements are settled. Diving starts early the next morning. Three dives are completed on the first day and another two or three before returning on the second day.

Transfers from your accommodation in the central Khao Lak is included included. All meals, tanks, weights, dive guides, and accommodations are part of the standard package.

A Short Trip, Big Adventure

Despite its short duration, the MV Koon liveaboard offers an incredible diving experience. You visit some of Thailand’s top-rated sites in just two days. This makes it perfect for travelers on tight schedules.
Because of its efficient operation, comfortable facilities, and expert guides, the trip receives high praise from past guests. Many return or recommend it to friends. While longer trips offer more dives, few match the excitement packed into this itinerary.

Book a spot aboard MV Koon and experience the best diving Thailand has to offer. Whether it’s manta rays, whale sharks, or vibrant coral gardens, unforgettable memories await beneath the surface.