You usually leave the shore for diving, snorkelling or sunset cruise sessions but they are so 2022. You may not be aware of unique venues that promise fun and unique experiences while floating on water. Guru by Bangkok Post has a small compilation of floating beach clubs, cafes and eateries that are worth leaving solid ground for.
Heaven Samui
From a distance, Heaven Samui looks like a misplaced rustic bungalow, standing out on the open water with its dried coconut leaf roof and wooden structure. The floating beach club is split into two decks, one with a focus on merrymaking and the other on unwinding. Got that urge to unleash your inner party animal? The lower deck features a dance floor in front of a bamboo DJ booth. Laze on a daybed by the sides of the vessel with a cold drink in hand while delighting in boundless panoramas.
A place to catch a breather would be the upper deck, which provides beach chairs and beanbags in a laid-back. Once you’ve had your fill of sunshine, make your way down via a giant inflatable slide. Adrenaline junkies can take a banana boat ride or hop on a jet ski, which comes at extra costs. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Heaven Samui offers a shared day trip at B2,500 for adults and B1,500 for kids to Mad Sum Island, a little slice of paradise off the coast of Koh Samui, known as "Pig Island”. We won’t tell you why, go find out! Visit heavensamui.com.
Atoll Phuket
Atoll Phuket is the place to go if you want to have a good time on board without worrying about getting seasick. The floating club embraces the beauty of Laguna Phuket's idyllic beachfront oasis with its stunning location docking in the heart of a serene lagoon. The place is luxury modern, filled with an all-white interior contrasting with its wooden finish. A bar with an open kitchen is tucked away under an extensive marquee tarp, which also covers some seats in an al fresco dining area. If you're a group, book a private dining table on an adjacent floating raft. As day turns to dusk, Atoll Phuket oozes different vibes from its daytime version when dining table lamps are illuminated in colourful shades, bringing liveliness to the hangout island. Getting there is easy: take a short shuttle boat ride from Angsana Laguna Phuket's lobby. Atoll Phuket is open daily from 4-10pm. Visit fb.com/Atollphuket.
The Floating Donut
Besides the floating beach club Atoll Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket has one more on water experience to offer. Given the venue's moniker, the Floating Donut serves an unparalleled and intimate dining experience on a circular-shaped boat that features a barbeque stove, cooler and dining table for up to 10 seats, shaded by a large canopy. A Bluetooth speaker system is on the boat, allowing you to be in charge of entertainment. Dining options include a BBQ lunch and dinner sets, lobster and oyster feasts and a Romantic Voyage package for lovebirds. A boat driving licence is required if you want to drive the floating doughnut or you can hire a captain and a cook for an extra charge. Visit angsana.com/thailand/laguna-phuket.
Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya
What’s a trip to Pattaya without squid fishing? Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya takes your squid fishing trip to the next photogenic level. The eatery on the water is well-appointed, lending a tropical vibe through its interior design, whether it be surfboards adorned on the wall, rattan furniture or nautical decor. It takes creative bravado to successfully turn a barge into a cafe like Tappia Floating Cafe Pattaya. Different seating areas are provided to bask in the warmth of the sun. Think of a rooftop, dining terrace, artificial lawn and overwater hammocks. Try its all-day menu of Thai seafood dishes if you're famished while waiting for the squid to bite. Grab a refreshing cocktail and find a seat by the stage to tune in to the live music. B400 gets you aboard the floating cafe and includes a round-trip speedboat service, a signature drink and a fishing pole with free-flowing bait. Visit fb.com/Tappiapattaya.
Tako Trip
You might have to wait until dark to catch the buzz of Pattaya's walking streets — and the same goes for squid fishing. Unlike other floating decks docked in Pattaya's bay that flex interior design games, Tako Trip provides a quieter and less flashy spot for squid fishing. The semi-outdoor fishing deck boasts an extensive artificial lawn with an array of beach chairs. However, a few photo opportunities await on the rooftop. It might get a little eerie at night when the docked vessel is lit up with green neon lights to lure squid. What makes Tako Trip stand out from the others is its great value for a squid fishing trip package, which is just B299 per person and includes sashimi and grilled services, a round-trip speedboat service and fishing equipment. Visit fb.com/takotrip.
Yona Beach Club
Island life will get more interesting with Yona Beach Club, Phuket's upcoming floating beach club, setting to welcome travellers on board on Jan 23. Its photos are nothing but photogenic clickbait, scratching that itch for the vitamin sea you need. While specific details haven't been revealed as yet, the look oozes tropical vibes and seamlessly combines pure luxury with nature, creating an oasis of comfort and style on the open water. Basking in the sunshine on a private island under the shade of swaying palms are daybeds and private cabana seats, each of which has an overwater hammock. Get a cool dip in the oceanfront infinity pool while soaking in the views. Paddleboarding, kayaking and live performances are among the activities aboard. Yona Beach Club will open from 11am-2am. Visit yonabeach.com.
