The Junk

The Junk is a very strange name for a very special boat. She is officially called June Hong Chian Lee and is a completely refurbished 60-year-old cargo vessel which was first built in Malaysia using wood from Lang Kawi Island. Nowadays, she takes a select few extremely-lucky passengers on liveaboard diving cruises around the best diving sites of Thailand. Although her age and appearance suggest traditional sailing and far from luxurious living conditions, the opposite is true of this remarkable yacht. She has facilities befitting the best diving and pleasure craft in the Andaman Sea and can comfortably take up to 18 passengers in air-conditioned comfort.

There are three cabin types, but four or more cabin options. The double cabins can be made into twins, and the triple cabins can be made into a double, with a single bunk. In total, there are two cabins for two guests (we call them doubles), two cabins that take three guests (triple), and two four-bunk cabins. All of them are cosy, have air-conditioning and private en-suite bathroom facilities with proper Western toilets and hot & cot freshwater showers. The large air-conditioned lounge saloon has AV entertainment and a comprehensive library of books, but guests usually choose to be out on deck looking at the view, topping up a tan or enjoying the sea breeze.

At 33m in length and 8.5m wide, The Junk is the perfect size for all passengers to enjoy stability and space on board. The traditional design and materials give an intangible feeling of being part of something very special, while modern comforts and conveniences make sure that the happiness lasts throughout the journey. Two Bauer compressors, two motorized tenders (dinghies) and up-to-date safety & communication features are standard, as well as a 40-scuba-tank capacity for the divers.

Those lucky enough to take a cruise on The Junk will enjoy the delicious food, comfortable cabins and communal areas, and can spend hours enjoying the views, reading a novel, watching movies, sharing dive experiences, or learning about the history of this very special boat. She has been used for several movies and is available for charter for very reasonable rates. Diving trips on The Junk are no more expensive than more modern luxury yachts, but have that special 'something' that will last in the memory forever. 

From late October to May The Junk has trips to Thailand's Similan Islands & Richelieu Rock. All trips depart in the evening, either from Khao Lak or Phuket. The 4D/4N trips return mid-afternoon, and the 5D/6N trips give you an extra day diving and two extra nights on board. You disembark in the morning after breakfast.
During the low season (May-September) The Junk has short trips from Phuket to the best dive sites around Koh Phi Phi & Phuket. These trips are excellent value and very popular.