Sawadee Fasai vs Pawara Liveaboard 4N/5D Similan Full Comparison | Best Thailand Diving Boat (Updated 2026)

When choosing a Similan liveaboard in Thailand, two of the most frequently compared boats are👉 MV Sawadee Fasai vs MV Pawara

Both vessels operate the same world-class diving route in the Andaman Sea, covering Similan Islands, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai, and the legendary Richelieu Rock. However, despite sharing the same route, they differ in size, atmosphere, cabin layout, and onboard experience.

This complete 4N/5D comparison will help you decide which liveaboard fits your diving style best.

🚤 1. Route Overview (Same for Both Boats)

Both Sawadee Fasai and Pawara operate the classic Similan liveaboard route:

• 🏝️ Similan Islands

• 🐠 Koh Bon

• 🦈 Koh Tachai

• 🌊 Richelieu Rock

👉 This route is considered one of the best diving areas in the world, famous for manta rays, whale sharks, and rich coral ecosystems.

📅 2. Trip Duration & Schedule

Both boats follow the standard liveaboard itinerary:

• Duration: 4 nights / 5 days (4N/5D)

• Dives: Approximately 14–15 dives total

• Daily schedule: 3–4 dives per day

• Night dive: 1 dive (weather and itinerary dependent)

👉 The diving schedule is nearly identical on both boats.

👥 3. Maximum Capacity Comparison

Boat	Maximum Guests
🟦 Sawadee Fasai	26–30 divers
🟦 Pawara	24–26 divers

👉 Key difference:

• Pawara → slightly more private and compact

• Sawadee Fasai → larger capacity, more group-friendly

🛏 4. Cabin Layout Comparison

🟦 MV Pawara

• Master / Deluxe / Standard / Budget cabins

• Around 12–13 cabins total

• Most cabins feature private ensuite bathrooms

• Budget cabins share external bathrooms

👉 Known for: balanced comfort and stable diving-focused layout

🟦 MV Sawadee Fasai

• Master / Deluxe / Standard / Budget cabins

• Around 13–15 cabins total

• Most cabins include private ensuite bathrooms

• Budget category shares bathrooms

👉 Known for: larger vessel with higher guest capacity

⚙️ 5. Diving Facilities

Both liveaboards are well-equipped for serious divers:

Shared Features:

• Spacious dive deck

• Dedicated gear setup stations

• Rinse tanks for equipment & cameras

• Drying areas for wetsuits and gear

• Camera table for underwater photographers

• High-capacity air compressor systems

Key Differences:

• 🟦 Pawara

  
  

  → more stable layout, ideal for underwater photographers and relaxed diving

• 🟦 Sawadee Fasai

  
  

  → larger dive deck, better suited for higher group capacity and efficiency

🧪 6. Nitrox Availability

Boat	Nitrox
Pawara	✅ Free Nitrox
Sawadee Fasai	✅ Free Nitrox

👉 Both boats offer FREE Nitrox, a major advantage for extended bottom time and safer repetitive dives.

🛋 7. Onboard Facilities

Common Features:

• Air-conditioned indoor lounge

• Sun deck with sunbeds

• Buffet meals (Thai & international cuisine)

• 24-hour coffee, tea, fruits & snacks

Atmosphere Difference:

• 🟦 Pawara

  
  

  → quieter, more relaxed and private atmosphere

• 🟦 Sawadee Fasai

  
  

  → larger communal areas, more social and active vibe

📦 8. Inclusions & Exclusions

✅ Included:

• Accommodation (cabin stay)

• All meals onboard

• Dive guide services

• Tanks & weights

• Free Nitrox

• Drinking water, coffee, snacks

❌ Not Included:

• 🏝 National Park fees (approx. 1,800–3,000 THB)

• Dive equipment rental

• Personal dive insurance

• Alcoholic drinks

• Some transfer services (depending on package)

🔥 9. Which Liveaboard Should You Choose?

🟦 Choose Pawara if you prefer:

• A quieter and more relaxed atmosphere

• Stable and comfortable diving experience

• Underwater photography or videography

• Smaller group setting

🟦 Choose Sawadee Fasai if you prefer:

• Larger vessel with more space

• Social and active onboard environment

• Traveling in groups or with friends

• Slightly higher capacity operation

💬 Final Conclusion

Both Sawadee Fasai and Pawara are excellent Similan liveaboards offering high-quality diving experiences in Thailand.

However, the key difference is simple:

👉 Pawara = more private, stable, and relaxed diving experience👉 Sawadee Fasai = larger, more social, and group-oriented liveaboard

📩 Booking & Early Bird Deals

🔥 Early Bird discounts available during peak season – limited availability

📲 WhatsApp: +66 81 891 3072

🌊 Special Similan Liveaboard deals available