ThailandTravel hints

(Last updated April 2010)

The best time to visit and dive in Thailand is from November to March. Thailand's climate is tropical with high humidity. Average air temperature is around 28°C (82°F). Thailand has three distinct seasons: from March to May it is very hot, cooler months are November to February and from June to October is the wet season.

As with all travels you should make sure that your usual immunisations such as polio, tetanus, etc. are current.

Malaria prophylaxis is not necessary for the cities or main tourist destinations, including Bangkok and Phuket. Prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural areas, especially the forested areas bordering Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma).

Thypoid vaccine is recommended for all travellers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels.

Medical kit suggestions
- Analgesic
- Insect repellent
- Anti-seasick medicine
- Sun tan lotion
- Sunburn Cream
- Band aids (some large ones)
- Ear Drops- alcohol / vinegar base. Daily use will prevent outer ear infections.
- Antibiotic ointment for coral cuts. See your physician.

The Thai currency is the Baht.
International credit cards are accepted in major hotels, on liveaboards and dive resorts.

All departure taxes from Thailand are included in your international flight ticket.

Voltage in Thailand is 220V, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Thailand with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.

Please remember to bring your certification card with you. All certified divers must present their certification cards in order to dive.

Liveaboard dive operations in Thailand offer the possibility to hire dive equipment at extra cost. Tanks, weights and air fills are included in all cruise packages.

Please note that Thailand has INT tank fittings. If you have DIN fittings on your regulator, make sure you bring an adaptor.

All dive operators promoted by Diversion Dive Travel adhere to very high standards for safety and equipment. A current Diver Evacuation & Accident cover is recommended for all diving arrangements in the South East Asia region. For a nominal yearly membership fee, the DIVERS ALERT NETWORK (DAN) provides year-round diver evacuation and accident cover. For more details on membership and insurance options, please contact your regional DAN office according to your area of residence:

North America: www.diversalertnetwork.org/
Europe: www.daneurope.org/
South-East Asia/Australia/Pacific: www.danasiapacific.org/

There are up to date dive medical facilities in Thailand, including a recompression chamber in Phuket. So, quality treatment, in the unlikely event of a diving accident, is available to all divers.

In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled travel arrangements, Diversion Dive Travel strongly recommends that suitable travel insurance is purchased at the time of booking. A comprehensive Travel Insurance policy covers any losses suffered as a result of cancellation due to medical circumstances, related medical expenses incurred whilst abroad and cover against loss or damage to baggage and personal items.

Casual & comfortable clothing including a light jacket is recommended, as evenings can get cool and liveaboards usually keep their air-conditioning high in all indoor areas. Please keep sun protection in mind and be advised to respect local customs by not wearing swimsuits, short shorts, or other inappropriate clothing in towns, villages or public places.

This is a very personal decision, tips are your ways of expressing satisfaction. On boats it is customary to give the tip to the Skipper and ask it be distributed amongst the crew. In resorts you leave the tip with the manager as they usually run Christmas Clubs and other community collections.

Thailand is a fascinating country. Like any other place in the world it has its downsides as well. The travel advisories of some countries do warn to take extra caution if you travel to Thailand due to the political unrest that has occurred at recent times. As a rule of thumb, you are very safe in your resorts, on your dive boats, in hotels and with your tour guide. Use normal caution around airports and in bigger cities, avoid being out at night alone, especially in bigger towns. No problems in resorts or villages.