Thailand's complete scuba diving information source: dive centres, dive courses, dive equipment, dive sites

Travelling to and around Thailand

•	Getting there	•	Tipping
•	Visas	•	Health
•	Customs	•	Key facts
•	Getting around	•	Dialling codes
•	Money	•	Public holidays 2011

Getting there

More than 50 international airlines serve the country with daily direct flights to Bangkok from most major cities in Europe, USA and Australia. There are also frequent flights from all over South East Asia to Bangkok and Phuket.

You can drive into Thailand from Malaysia and Laos – the latter journey takes you over the famous Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge across the Mekong, at Nong Khai. If you are coming into the country from Singapore or Malaysia – and if you have a great deal of money to spare – think about the 34hr journey on the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, sister to the legendary Orient Express.

Visas

People of most nationalities can obtain free visas, valid 30 days, on arrival at Bangkok International Airport and other entry points; these will be issued only if you have a current passport and ticket to take you out of the country at the end of your stay. Longer-stay visas are available, for a fee, from Thai embassies and consulates around the world: specify whether you want a transit visa (valid 30 days), a tourist visa (valid 60 days) or a non-immigrant visa (valid 90 days and difficult to obtain). If you have a tourist visa you can, once in Thailand, apply for a 30 day extension. If you plan to leave Thailand temporarily during your stay, you must obtain a re-entry visa, available from the Immigration Department in Bangkok. These rules are subject to change so check current regulations prior to departure.

Customs

Customs are usually no trouble, unless you are carrying pornography, political propaganda, firearms, large amounts of cash (over $10,000), or illicit drugs – for possession of which the penalties are draconian. The allowances for the usual luxury goods – perfume, alcohol and the like – vary, so check them before departure. Please note that you are required to bring a minimum amount of currency into the country which varies depending on your visa.

Getting around

For longer distances air travel is the easiest option and not prohibitively expensive. Nok Air and Thai Airways International both have extensive domestic networks; Bangkok Airways has a smaller one. Recent years have seen deregulation of air travel in Thailand and a number of new low-cost domestic carriers. Reliability may be factor.

Thailand has a good rail service: the fares are inexpensive, timetables are usually adhered to, and the trains themselves are comfortable and clean – with four classes covering four main lines; Northern, North-eastern, Southern and Eastern – so that you can choose between economy and air conditioned luxury. One pitfall to avoid is that of not booking early enough: on the trunk routes you should do so at least a month in advance. The main railway station in Bangkok serving all destinations is Hua Lumphong Railway Station.

Long-distance buses are a cheaper alternative, but you take your life in your hands on one of these; the driving is often atrocious. If you decide to risk it, opt for an air-conditioned service; the comparatively small cost difference is worth it. In remote areas you may be able to go to the opposite extreme– from air-conditioning to just plain air – by travelling on a Songthaew. This is essentially an open-backed pick-up truck with a couple of wooden benches in the back.

Taxis, Tuk tuks (3-wheeled scooters) and pedal-tricycles operate in many parts of Thailand. You use these much as you would a taxi at home, except that you should negotiate a price before setting off – try to bargain good-naturedly. Do note that in many areas the drivers may not speak English, so to avoid confusion, get your hotel receptionist to write down your destination in Thai and show it to the driver. Ask at your hotel what a reasonable fare to the destination might be.

Alternatively, self-drive is an option and by law, an International driving license will need to be produced.

Money

The unit of currency is the Thai Baht, which comprises 100 satang. All major credit cards are widely accepted. If you prefer travellers’ cheques, obtain them in either Sterling, Euros or US dollars.

Currency exchange can be done either at banks or, in the major tourist areas, at currency exchange counters. The larger hotels will also change money, but usually give a poor rate of exchange. Daily exchange rates are published in two English language newspapers — the Bangkok Post and the Nation.

Tipping

The majority of major hotels include a service charge and local taxes, however a tip of 10-15 per cent for an appreciated service should be considered in restaurants and after liveaboard excursions.

Health

No particular vaccinations or inoculations are officially required before you enter the country, unless you do so from an area where an infection is rife. Check your route with your local consulate or embassy in case there are necessary inoculations. Ask to be protected against hepatitis A and B, tetanus, malaria and typhoid. Once in Thailand, do not drink tap water.

Venereal diseases – notably AIDS – are extremely prevalent so avoid casual liaisons. Rabies is likewise: If bitten by any animal, seek medical attention immediately.

The standard of medical services in Thailand is generally high – certainly in Bangkok and other big cities and in the major tourist centres. A note of warning: Even if you take anti-malarial tablets before travelling, it’s still possible to contract malaria, so if you feel feverish when you return home contact your doctor immediately and have a check-up, mentioning that you have been in Thailand.

Key facts

Electricity: The supply is 220v AC 50Hz. Two-pin plugs with either round or flat pins are used, so carry an adaptor
Mean temperatures: Air – 30-400c. Sea – 27-310C
Time zone: GMT + 7hr
Clothing: Lightweight clothes are most suitable. Long trousers guard ankles from mosquito bites during the evenings and are strongly recommended, as are waterproofs for long dive-boat journeys
Diving agencies: Recreational – CMAS, PADI, SSI, some BSAC and NAUI. Technical – ANDI, IANTD and TDI.
Diving gear: Included in the price of diving courses and some dive trips; larger dive centres all provide a full rental service.

Dialling codes

The IDD for Thailand is: +66
To dial IDD from within Thailand, use 001 (or+)

Local dialing codes need to be added for all calls, even those made within the same area. When calling from outside Thailand, omit the prefix '0'.

Smaller islands have mobile phone numbers and are not on a network.

Dialling codes within Thailand are:

• Bangkok 02 • Phuket & Khao Lak 076 • Pattaya 038

• Koh Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao 077 • Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi & Krabi 075 • Koh Chang 039

Public holidays 2011-12

Apr 6 Chakri Memorial Day
Apr 13-15 Songkran
May 1 (Sun) Labour Day
May 2 Labour Day (substitution)
May 5 Coronation Day
May 17 Visakha Bucha*
Jul 15 Asarnha Bucha*
Jul 16 Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)*
Aug 12 HM The Queen’s Birthday/Mother’s Day
Oct 23 (Sun) Chulalongkorn Day
Oct 24 Chulalongkorn Day (substitution)
Dec 5 HM The King’s Birthday/Father’s Day
Dec 10 (Sat) Constitution Day
Dec 12 Constitution Day (substitution)
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve
Jan 1 (Sun) New Year’s Day
Jan 2 New Year’s Day (substitution)
Mar 7 Makha Bucha
Day*Holidays marked * are governed by the phases of the moon. Check the dates.