Thailand is known as “the land of a thousand smiles” for its extremely happy and welcoming people. It is an exciting and colourful paradise filled with jungles, rivers and sparkling beaches. The country has beyond beautiful temples and ruins, food to die for and colourful markets that can entertain you for hours on end. Whether exploring the hustling streets of Bangkok or gliding along on one on the long-tailed thai boats on the outer islands, this country can cater for every visitor.
The most famous diving area in Thailand is the Similan Islands, a marine park in the Andaman Sea open from November to April. Here you can find coral reefs as well as huge granite boulders, with leopard sharks, white tip and black tip reef sharks, batfish, moray eels, barracuda and more. Although you can go on a day trip, the Similans are 90km from Phuket and the only way to see it properly is by liveaboard.
Another famous dive site is Richelieu Rock, which is a larch pinnacle famous for its manta rays and whale sharks. Soft corals, lots of fish and macro life complete this excellent dive site.
Diving Destinations in Thailand
Diving Liveaboards in Thailand
General Information
- Entry Requirements
- Money
- Language
- Electricity
- Time Zone
- Clothing
- Climate
- Water Temperature
- Departure Tax
- Tipping
Australian passport holders require at least six months validity beyond your intended stay, and do not require a visa for stays up to 15 days. For stays beyond 15 days a visa must be obtained before departure. For more information and for holders of other passports, please refer to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for the latest travel advice.
The Thai Baht (THB) is the unit of currency. One Australian dollar buys approximately 25 THB.
Thai is the national language. Some Chinese languages are also spoken and English is common in tourist areas.
220 volts and uses either the European or Japanese plug type, depending where you are. If you are travelling with 3-pin appliances, it is recommended to take a European adaptor and buy a European-Japan adaptor in Thailand if necessary.
GMT+7 (3 hours behind Sydney).
Cool, light and loose cotton clothing is recommended for this very hot and humid climate. Warmer clothes are required for cool nights in northern regions from November to February.
The climate in Thailand is hot and humid. The hottest months are March to May, the coolest November to February. The monsoon lasts from June to October, but it does not rain continuously throughout the day. Best time to visit for diving is November to April.
Average 28°C.
None at 1 July 2012.
n a restaurant you would round up to the nearest 20 Baht, so if the meal cost 48 Baht you would give 60.
