Chantara Junk Boat
Chantara Junk Boat operates day and evening cruises aboard a beautifully restored Burmese wooden junk, departing from the Bo Put area of Koh Samui. The vessel offers a distinctly atmospheric alternative to modern speedboats, with ample deck space for lounging, plenty of shade, and an unhurried pace that suits travellers looking for a relaxed day on the water rather than a high-speed island hop. Guests can expect to swim in clear Gulf of Thailand waters, take in coastal scenery, and visit nearby islands along the way.
What sets this experience apart is the attentive crew and the all-inclusive nature of the trip. Visitors consistently highlight the quality and quantity of food served on board, along with complimentary water and soft drinks throughout the day. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, removing the need to arrange separate transport. The crew accommodates families with children and travellers with limited mobility, making it a flexible option for a range of groups.
Boats run daily from 08:00, with Sunday departures beginning at 09:00 and all cruises running through to 22:00. Given the popularity of this operator, booking in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during the peak season between November and February. Check the official website at junk-chantara.com for current itineraries, pricing, and availability, as seasonal schedules may vary. Reef-safe sunscreen is advisable given the marine stops along the route.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chantara Junk Boat, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
THIS!! Is a MUST DO when visiting Koh Samui. We started off by being very spontaneous and joining the boat with only 20 minutes until departure. The crew let us get on first with our 3 children to make sure we could find a space comfortable and with enough shade. The first stop a big beautiful beach, white sand, clear visibility and great snorkeling! Returned to the boat to a huge buffet lunch. Curries, rice, fresh fruit, seafood and unlimited soft drinks and cold water! Next stop was another part of the island where we had nearly 2 hours on. Beautiful sand, clean water, plenty of restaurants and an epic nature based playground for kids. Couldn’t get bored and so relaxing! Even hung out with the locals as they showed my kids the fish they had caught. Returned to the boat to cold refreshments and ice cream! Snacks all day and dumplings for dinner before our return! A full stomach! So much food! Third stop, fishing & jumping off the boat! To top it off, when we arrived to the pier - fireworks! The crew were all so friendly, helpful, informative, professional, kind and patient! I was worried about taking 3 kids under 5 on board all day but honestly they had the BEST time! And the crew made sure of it. This tour was worth every penny and I highly recommend not leaving until you’ve done it! Thank you to all the staff! Honestly huge shoutout! Thanks guys :)
We had an very enjoyable day out with Eric and his crew. The old boat is beautiful restored with plenty of space to lounge around. The tour is very well organised and the lunch was delicious. My mother (in her 70s) tried fishing for the first time and the largest fish of the day unfortunately got away breaking the line !! Pirate Eric really made the day extra special for all of us. We can HIGHLY recommend this to people of all ages and abilities.
Excellent trip! Super well organized. Staff are super kind and generous. All the food was great as well. We got picked up at our hotel and also dropped off at our hotel after the trip ended, we did not have to pay anything extra for this. But most importantly, the spots at the island were amazing. Beautiful sunset on our way back.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 132 reviews on Google.
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Chantara Junk Boat: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chantara Junk Boat worth visiting?
Chantara Junk Boat holds a 4.9★ rating from 132 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Chantara Junk Boat?
Chantara Junk Boat is typically open 08:00-22:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Chantara Junk Boat?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Chantara Junk Boat located?
Chantara Junk Boat is at 12, 11, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
12, 11, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand+66 87 064 3126junk-chantara.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Chantara Junk Boat
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
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Premium yacht charter service offering private sailing experiences around Koh Samui's stunning island waters.
Samui Boat Charter
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Samui Ninja inflatable water park
A floating inflatable obstacle course anchored off Bangrak Beach in Koh Samui, popular with families and groups looking for active beach fun.
Samui Luxury Boats
Luxury boat tours and water experiences departing from Koh Samui's quieter northeastern coast.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Chantara Junk Boat
Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas