MV Philkade Liveaboard Information
The MV Philkade is one of the most luxurious and comfortable liveaboard diving boats in Thailand, and has raised the standard of liveaboard diving here to a new level. Built originally as a private yacht, she was changed into a commercial yacht in 2004 and now is on a regular diving schedule. Her normal itinerary is a five-day and six-night trip to the best places northwest of Phuket, including the Similan Islands National Park, Koh Bon, Ko Tachai, Surin Islands, and Richelieu Rock. Once per month, she'll be offering nine-day and 10-night trips to all the best spots in Thailand plus the Mergui Archipelago in Burma (Myanmar). If you're looking for a luxurious shorter trip, or a luxurious longer international trip, MV Philkade is an excellent choice for the astute diver.
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Magnificent master stateroom |
One of three deluxe cabins |
70 sqm interior saloon |
Outdoor social area on upper deck
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Download PDF brochure (~500kb)
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The Lap of Luxury
Philkade is 97ft (29m) long and takes a maximum of 12 to 13 divers on board. She was built in Bangkok then brought to Phuket. She has a cruising range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles without refueling. She has equipment and communication equipment for safe and comfortable voyages in both the local waters of Thailand, and into the Mergui Archipelago in Burma. With only 12-13 divers on board, she gives you plenty of room to seek privacy between dives, and also has the advantage of having fewer people in the water when you dive.
Big cabins, Lots of Room
She has six cabins on board. The master cabin features a panoramic ocean view, a king-size bed (6.5ft X 6ft), a wardrobe and drawers, individually controlled air conditioning, a home theatre system and TV (with DVD), a telephone system, a leather sofa, a safe, and of course, its own private bathroom and shower. This cabin has two entrances, one out to the saloon, and a one to the main deck. A lot of thought has been put into this cabin, originally designed to be the owner’s home away from home.
The other cabins are on the lower deck reached by a staircase via the main saloon. Three of the other cabins we call superior and they are indeed that. They feature double queen-sized beds, and many of the comforts of home, including individually controlled air conditioning, private bathrooms and showers, wardrobes, and a telephone to be used to reach the crew when needed.
The other two cabins are standard cabins on the port side. One has a double bed, the other twin beds, and these two cabins share a bathroom and shower. These cabins are perfect for a family with two or three children or for couples of individuals looking to save a little money, but still enjoy the common-area luxuries of Philkade.
Private or Social: The choice is yours…
Philkade has a huge interior saloon on the main deck and is an amazing 70 square meters (700 square feet). From the aft entrance, you find a wave-shaped leather sofa with black granite tables. To the right is an L-shaped leather sofa with a low table. Forward to the right we have built an integrated home theatre including a TV and DVD system, cabinets and drawers, and a granite-topped bar. To the left, we have a dining area able to seat everyone comfortably and meals are supplied through an electric dumb-waiter connected the galley upstairs. Finally, there is a common bathroom here so you don’t have to go to your cabin when you’re in a hurry.
To the stern, you’ll find the diving deck with individual storage areas and all tanks are filled at their station. Nitrox fills are available for $6.00 US per tank.
Up one more deck, we have the galley and crew area which is mostly off limits to the guests due to the crew trying to work of course. However, directly behind the galley is an outdoor social area and yet another dining table for al fresco dining. As you’re beginning to see, this is truly a boat where you can spread out when you want to. This is the wheelhouse deck and can be accessed via stairs at the stern area or from the saloon on the main deck. Forward of the wheelhouse is a sunning area with cushions. On the very top of the vessel there is the fly bridge featuring a second helm, two large upholstered sofas, several cabinets and a BBQ station and sink.
Great for Groups or Individuals
Whether you’re a large family with lots of friends (full boat charters are certainly available) or a couple looking to join in with a group of fellow divers who not only love the ocean and diving, but are looking for a level of comfort not found on your average liveaboard, Philkade is a sure bet. With large, comfortable cabins at different price ranges, and lots of common area to be social or spread out, and with excellent food prepared by our local chef, Philkade is a vessel to spoil yourself with. While there may be other boats of this class in the area, none of them can be booked by individual divers and are not on a regular schedule. This is a chance to enjoy luxurious accommodation at it’s finest, but still have the opportunity to join in rather than having to go through the hassle and expense of a private charter. If you’re looking to charter, you can be assured that this boat is well set up for diving and cruising.
Mergui Archipelago Pictures on Flickr
Download Ethan Daniels' Mergui article from Fins Magazine, Jan 2008 (2.4MB)
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