I've been on the Mermaid 2 and the Colona VI out of Patong Beach. The level
of serivce was outstanding on both. Food was better on the Colona, as were
the divemasters. Mermaid 2 was quieter. Diving was wonderful.

John

I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience/recommendations for
live aboard diving in Thailand.  My wife and I were thinking of a week of
live aboard diving, then a few days sitting on the beach.  I am assuming
Phuket as the destination, dive departure location.

Thanks in advance.....

Hi Rick ... you might consider Khoa Lak as your departure destination ...
much more laid back then Phuket , it's more family and couple oriented. As
far as live-aboards , so very many choices , depends how much you want to
spend and for how long. You can also do an extended trip that goes to Burma
as well as the Similans.

www.save-money-diving-thailand.com

I agree with johnvon. Colona VI provided me with an excellent service
both in food and the divemasters. I went through the agent called Live
and Let Dive based on Karon Beach. www.liveandletdive.com I highly
recommend it.

Thanks to all who responded.   Your information has helped me to narrow things down!

Trip report to come!

<> Rick <>
 I would appreciate hearing from anyone with experience/recommendations for live aboard diving in Thailand.  My wife and I were thinking of a week of live aboard diving, then a few days sitting on the beach.  I am assuming Phuket as the destination, dive departure location.

 Thanks in advance

I think the suggestions above are good. Most boats in the area do 4 day trips.
The Mermaid II and Colona VI run 6 day trips including the Similan Islands,
Richelieu Rock and Hin Daeng (my favourite site). Your choice will depend on
budget of course, both of these are just over the 1000 U$ mark for 6 days
diving.

More liveaboards here:

http://www.divetheworldthailand.com/liveaboards.htm

Boats depart either from Phuket or from Thap Lamu port, about 90 minutes
drive North, close to Khao Lak. Almost all depart in the evening, so you can
fly in to Phuket on the day of departure.

Have fun! If you need anything, please do ask..

Jamie in Phuket