Destination Overview:
The Kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by the countries of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, with Malaysia to its south. It is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. Bangkok is the capital city and the center for industrial, commercial, political, and cultural activities. It is also the seat of Thailand’s Royal Family. King Bhumibol Adulyadej has ruled for more than 63 years. He is the longest reigning Thai monarch and the longest reigning current monarch in the world.

Diving Details:
Phuket Island, in the Andaman Sea, is the largest island in Thailand. It is connected to the mainland via the Sarasin Bridge. Chalong, in the southeast, is the starting point for most Phuket-based diving. The gorgeous Phi Phi Islands, along with a number of other dive sites, are easily accessible from Phuket. Expect beginner to intermediate level diving with walls, caves, wrecks, corals, lots of tropical fish, leopard sharks, and more. Further away are the Similan & Surin Islands. These world-class dive areas offer thriving reefs, lush corals, impressive sea fans, and an incredible variety of marine life, including large pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks. Some divers choose to stay in Khao Lak, on the west coast of mainland Thailand, in order to enjoy day trips to the Similan Islands. Live-aboard trips are available from both locations.

Insider Information:
All international flights enter through the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. From there you will take a 1 hour and 25 minute domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Thailand is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles and 12 hours ahead of New York

Dive Operators

Dive Sites

Hotels

image Palm Garden Resort - Khao Lak
image Palm Garden Resort - Phuket
image Royal Phawadee Village

Restaurants

Non-Diving Activities

  • Go snorkeling…many dive sites also set the stage for world-class snorkeling
  • Explore the mysterious “hongs” of Phang Nga Bay. The hongs are networks of brilliant crystalline limestone caves that are only accessible via sea canoe
  • Go elephant trekking in the Chalong Highlands…you get to ride the elephant! (Phuket)
  • Take a tour of the gorgeous Phi Phi islands via speedboat
  • Join a sportfishing charter
  • Golf Blue Canyon Country Club (Phuket)
  • Go white-water rafting (This can be combined with elephant trekking on an overnight Khao Sok Jungle Safari)
  • Go hiking in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park (Northern Phuket). This park contains the only remaining virgin rainforest on Phuket.
  • Visit a Thai temple…be sure to follow proper dress & etiquette guidelines
  • Enjoy the sunset from Laem Phrom Thep viewpoint (Phuket)
  • Indulge in a traditional Thai massage or foot reflexology
  • Add a stopover in exciting Bangkok!

Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand is located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by the countries of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. To the south of Thailand is Malaysia.

From Los Angeles, the flight to Bangkok, Thailand will be approximately 18 hours. From there you will take a 1 hour and 25 minute domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket.

The currency of Thailand is the baht. Paper baht comes in denominations of 10 (brown), 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige). Coin baht comes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, and 10. There are 100 satang in 1 baht and two satang denominated coins that are used: the 25-satang coin and the 50-satang coin. ATM machines are located almost everywhere, and most establishments accept major credit cards.

The main language is Thai. Other languages spoken are Chinese and Malay. English is widely spoken in Bangkok and other major cities and tourist destinations.

Yes, you will need a passport to enter Thailand. Americans staying for fewer than 30 days do not require a visa but must possess a passport that has at least six months validity remaining and may be asked to show an onward/return ticket. Please visit www.travel.state.gov and choose “International Travel” and “Thailand” to get the latest information. The U.S. Embassy contact information is below:

US Embassy
95 Wireless Rd
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: 66-2-205-4049, 02-205-4049 (within Thailand)
Emergency after-hours telephone: 66-2-205-4000, 02-205-4000 (within Thailand)
Fax: 66-2-205-4103, 02-205-4103 (within Thailand)

For legal reasons, we cannot make official recommendations regarding shots or immunizations. Please consult with your physician or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

The electricity in Thailand is 220 volts, 50 cycles per second. Most receptacles only have 2 holes. However, newer establishments offer the third prong. For assurance, it is advisable to bring a converter or adapter.

Please check with the airline(s) you are flying with for international and domestic luggage requirements and restrictions.

Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines

International flights are on 747’s and A380’s. Depending on what airline you are flying with, your connecting flight to Phuket will be on an A340 or an A320.

The 747’s and A380’s have a 3-4-3 configuration. The seats are ABC-DEFG-HJK. A320’s and A340’s have a 2-4-2 configuration. The seats are AC-DEFG-HK.

Yes, unless otherwise specified, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Phuket – small and big animals, great reef life
Phi Phi Islands – wall dives
Hin Muang/Hin Daeng – large animals, great reef life, underwater photography, good vis, wall dives, advanced dives
Similan Islands – great macro diving, underwater photography, good vis, manta rays, whale sharks

While the water can get warm enough to go without, we recommend divers wear a 3mm wetsuit for protection.

Boat rides to the dive sites take between 1 hour and 30 minutes & 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Sea Bees boats depart between 8am and 9am. You’ll enjoy 2 to 4 dives depending on the day’s itinerary. The onboard chef will prepare a European breakfast for you to enjoy on the way. Lunch is served after your first dive, and fresh fruit after your second.

Airport departure tax, marine park fees, dive equipment rental

E-tickets and vouchers are sent approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.