A Review of MV Sawasdee Fasai Liveaboard
Keith A. Raymond
Who is American
1 Review
Great boat, Great crew, Great dive sites. Boon Song Wreck is a bit of a let down after Richelieu Rock. See separate email.
"Sorry it took a bit to get back to you, had to get my land legs on. The wide beam of the boat, widest of any I saw, made the ride stable and pleasant. I found myself floating between the Russians, Koreans, Chinese and Spanish teams, and hopefully acted as a unifying spirit. Each group had their quirks, and I was able to practice several languages although my Cantonese and Mandarin is nonexistent.
Two best sites was Koh Tachai (what only one dive?) and of course, Richelieu Rock where everything was represented. I could spend a week there alone! We didn't see Mantas nor Whale shark to the disappointment of the group, but been there done that, so the rest was the best. Even composed an article for a dive magazine: Making Each Dive Better than the Last. If I finish it today, I'll send it on.
The Chinese were kind enough to give me 2.3 GB of GoPro videos, and the Spanish promised to send me their photos once they've been photo shopped.
Gun and Beto were princes! They are the kind that not just make but inspire liveaboard diving. Qualities you can't teach, like compassion, concern, curiosity, and a willingness to tell the same story a gazillion times and still make it sound fresh. Kwan is a little long winded in the briefings, but due to insurance issues it is understandable.
What was really unique was the hot rose scented wash cloth given at the end of the last dive. True luxury, and refreshing even after 30C water.
I probably wouldn't do the budget option again, as climbing up on the top bunk was a bit tough, and the mattress was a bit too hard for my old bones, as I'd wake up with sore hips that needed a dive or two of hyperbaric therapy to alleviate.
The crew and the food was good, and truly joyful although I felt bad for their sleeping accommodations stuffed into every nook and cranny of the boat. Food highlights included Lamm Gai and the daily cooked banana/chocolate/ginger breads. I would have preferred dinner served at the snack time, and the snack served at the dinner time as it was quite late for me. Most folks had a beer and a lighter meal at dinner anyway. I guess it's personal preference.
I suppose enough for now. Thanks for all your work, and getting that T shirt to me."
"Sorry it took a bit to get back to you, had to get my land legs on. The wide beam of the boat, widest of any I saw, made the ride stable and pleasant. I found myself floating between the Russians, Koreans, Chinese and Spanish teams, and hopefully acted as a unifying spirit. Each group had their quirks, and I was able to practice several languages although my Cantonese and Mandarin is nonexistent.
Two best sites was Koh Tachai (what only one dive?) and of course, Richelieu Rock where everything was represented. I could spend a week there alone! We didn't see Mantas nor Whale shark to the disappointment of the group, but been there done that, so the rest was the best. Even composed an article for a dive magazine: Making Each Dive Better than the Last. If I finish it today, I'll send it on.
The Chinese were kind enough to give me 2.3 GB of GoPro videos, and the Spanish promised to send me their photos once they've been photo shopped.
Gun and Beto were princes! They are the kind that not just make but inspire liveaboard diving. Qualities you can't teach, like compassion, concern, curiosity, and a willingness to tell the same story a gazillion times and still make it sound fresh. Kwan is a little long winded in the briefings, but due to insurance issues it is understandable.
What was really unique was the hot rose scented wash cloth given at the end of the last dive. True luxury, and refreshing even after 30C water.
I probably wouldn't do the budget option again, as climbing up on the top bunk was a bit tough, and the mattress was a bit too hard for my old bones, as I'd wake up with sore hips that needed a dive or two of hyperbaric therapy to alleviate.
The crew and the food was good, and truly joyful although I felt bad for their sleeping accommodations stuffed into every nook and cranny of the boat. Food highlights included Lamm Gai and the daily cooked banana/chocolate/ginger breads. I would have preferred dinner served at the snack time, and the snack served at the dinner time as it was quite late for me. Most folks had a beer and a lighter meal at dinner anyway. I guess it's personal preference.
I suppose enough for now. Thanks for all your work, and getting that T shirt to me."
Visited dive sites: Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, Richelieu Rock on a 4 Days / 4 Nights Liveaboard Trip in Thailand.
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