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Thailand Liveaboards
Best Dive Tour Options and Travel Information
Thailand is now firmly established as one of the world's top tourist destinations. Why? Diverse ethnic tribes, idyllic beaches, beautiful diving and warm welcoming people all combine to make Thailand truly The Land of Smiles. As well as the colourful tropical marine life and spectacular island scenery, whale sharks and manta ray encounters are the chief drawcard here, but often at locations uncomfortably far from the mainland departure locations of Khao Lak and Phuket, making liveaboard cruises the best choice in Thailand.
Thailand is not known for ripping currents that only the very experienced and physically strong can deal with. Instead, the type of scuba diving you can expect on a Thailand liveaboard is suitable to people of all ages and experience levels, from open water students to experienced, well-travelled, expert divers. 4 dives per day is the norm here, but you don't have to make them all if you prefer to do less! The diving tours here can be as short or as long as you wish. You can choose liveaboard safaris ranging from 2 to 12 days. The low charges for rental gear also mean visitors can travel without the need to bring heavy dive bags with them.
The flexibility and affordability of these charters mean they are popular with those who want to do some diving as part of a travel plan that includes other activities. Non-divers are welcome to join their diving friends on short liveaboards from Phuket to the Similan Islands and they will still have plenty of time for all the amazing overland activities that Thailand offers.
And this too is what makes Thailand a great choice - there are simply so many fun things to do here - explore scenic islands and fabulous beaches, explore the national parks, mountains, jungle and waterfalls, visit fascinating temples and palaces, or sample its wonderful cuisine and lively nightlife. Thailand is the 'Gateway to Asia' for many airlines so, although these beautiful islands and beaches seem like a remote tropical paradise, they are still easy to get to.
Liveaboard Diving Cruise Options in Thailand
We recommend liveaboards that operate in the Andaman Sea on Thailand's west coast where the country's best diving is located. Most trips depart from or near Phuket - Thailand's most popular tourist destination and an ideal base for fun-loving scuba divers. Check out your Thai liveaboard options:
• Similan Islands, Richelieu Rock & Surin
The Similans are a collection of islands that promise great diving with varied topography and plentiful fish life. The area is a protected national park and is generally considered to be Thailand's premier dive destination. Similan liveaboards usually also visit Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai, where encounters with larger creatures such as sharks, manta rays and whale sharks are more frequent. Some boats may also visit the more remote Surin Islands, which are a welcome escape from the busier mainstream sites, or even venture further north into Burmese waters. [More details on these dive sites: Richelieu Rock/Koh Tachai/Koh Bon, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Myanmar].
The Similans route is covered by a variety of liveaboards catering to all budget levels, from deluxe to backpacker standard. The more expensive boats provide high levels of comfort and service and these are recommended for divers with international liveaboard experience. The low priced options attract younger and less-experienced divers. At this end of the market you can also find boats that are permanently stationed at the Similans and guests are transferred on and off the boat by speedboat shuttle on a daily basis.
Divers are expected to have a moderate experience level as some of the sites are deep and strong current may be present.
• Hin Daeng-Hin Muang & Koh Ha
These liveaboard trips to the south of Phuket feature beautiful topside scenery and dive sites considered the best in Thailand outside of the Similans. Breath-taking caves, submerged pinnacles, healthy reefs, macro life, sharks and manta rays are all elements of diving in this region. [More details on these dive sites: Hin Daeng-Hin Muang, Koh Ha].
If you are short of time, the tour route provides a great short alternative to the Similan Islands. But if you want to see all the best scuba diving that Thailand has to offer, you should add on a liveaboard safari to Hin Daeng-Hin Muang to your Similan charter. Divers should have a moderate level of experience to visit this destination due to depth and occasional strong currents.
• Phuket & Phi Phi Islands
Pinnacles and walls carpeted in colourful anemones and soft corals, a passenger ferry wreck, docile leopard sharks, stingrays, octopus, triggerfish, blacktip reef sharks, angelfish and clownfish are just some of the liveaboard diving attractions at the picturesque islands of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. [More details on these dive sites: Phuket, Phi Phi Islands].
These cruises are for those visiting Thailand in the green/low season. They run for either 1 or 4 nights and are suitable for scuba divers of any experience level.
Customer rating: Excellent!
- Cruises Similans, Richelieu Rock...
- Many cabins have ensuite bathroo...
- Trips of 3 and 6 nights - all ar...
- Large partially-shaded sundeck
- Stable, steel-hulled boat
Customer rating: Excellent!
- Visits Similan, Richelieu Rock, ...
- Trips of 2 to 6 nights
- Maximum of 10 divers only
- All cabins have ensuite bathroom...
- Steel hulled boat
Customer rating: Excellent!
- Visits Similans, Surin, Richelie...
- Scaramanga's boat in the James B...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- All cabins have en-suite bathroo...
- Winner of our 'Liveaboard of the...
Customer rating: Excellent!
- Cruises Burma, Similans, Surin &...
- All cabins middle, upper deck wi...
- Sundeck with sun beds and hammoc...
- Dedicated camera room
- Steel-hulled boat
Customer rating: Very good!
- Visits Similans, Surin, Khao Lak...
- All cabins have ensuite bathroom...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Master cabins with a TV/DVD play...
- Underwater cameras available
Customer rating: Very good!
- Visits Similans, Richelieu Rock,...
- All cabins have ensuite bathroom...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- BBQ pit on the sun deck, private...
- Large, steel-hulled boat
Customer rating: Very good!
- Visits Similan Islands, Richelie...
- Very affordable 3/5 night trips
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Open Water Diver training onboar...
- Thai massage available
- Communal bathrooms
Customer rating: Very good!
- All trips are confirmed departur...
- All cabins with private bathroom...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Dedicated restaurant with bar, l...
- Large stable boat with steel hul...
Customer rating: Good
- All trips are confirmed
- Most cabins have private bathroo...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Master Suites have TV and video ...
- Large boat with steel hull
Customer rating: Good
- Cruises North and South Andaman ...
- Cabins with private bathroom, TV...
- Free local beer and wine, separa...
- Sun deck with whirlpool tub
- Large boat with steel hull
Customer rating: Be first to rate!
- Cruises the Similan Islands, Ric...
- Sidemount and CCR friendly
- Cabins with ensuite and shared b...
- Very experienced dive operator i...
- Motor boat with steel hull
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- Wider range of Andaman Sea dive ...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Ensuite cabins with large ocean ...
- 15 litre tanks available
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- Visits Similan Islands and Koh B...
- Daily departures, popular choice...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Good option for snorkellers and ...
- Shared bathrooms
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- Visits Similans and Richelieu Ro...
- Regular departures, popular with...
- Dive The World Gold Range produc...
- Cabins with shared bathrooms
- Good option for snorkellers and ...
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- Visits Burma and Thailand
- Stylish traditional sailing crui...
- All cabins have en-suite bathroo...
- Dining indoor as well as outdoor...
- Excellent quality cuisine
Key Thai Travel Facts
The Climate and Best Time to Visit
Thailand is hot and tropical (27-29°C) throughout the year, with the hottest months being March to May and the monsoon winds dictating the rain patterns. In the Andaman Sea, the dry season runs from November to the end of April. This is the time when the seas are calmest and corresponds with the season for Thailand liveaboards. February to April is a particularly popular period since this is the prime time to see whale sharks and mantas in the area.
The Green season runs from May to October and this time sees the most rain, with the wettest month often being October. During this period (June to September) there are a number of liveaboard boats that run tours to the best of the Phuket and Phi Phi Island dive sites.
Water temperature is usually 27-30°C through the year. You can find more details on our Thailand diving destinations page.
Liveaboard Ports of Departure and How to Get There
Most visitors arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and connect onwards on a domestic flight to Phuket but there are also a few international airlines that fly direct to the island. Flights to Phuket from Bangkok are frequent, take just over 1 hour, and are inexpensive. You can book with Air Asia
, Thai Airways, Nok Air or Bangkok Airways among others. Other frequent and reliable flight options to consider include connections from Malaysia, Singapore and Bali.
Bangkok is one of the major travel hubs of South East Asia. There are flights there from most countries in Asia, as well as Europe, the Middle East and Australia. You can also get to Phuket (or Khao Lak) by bus or train from Bangkok. Fares are very cheap but the journey can be a long one (up to 12 hours).
We recommend you take out insurance to cover diving and travel activities, including trip cancellation. See our insurance programme for a competitive price:
Tourist Visas
Most Asians and visitors from western countries including Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are granted a 30-day permit to stay on arrival at airports, or a 15 day permit-to-stay when arriving by land or sea. These can be extended by 7 days at any immigration office in most major cities and tourist destinations. Visitors from some other nations must obtain a visa before arrival from a local Thai embassy or consulate. Visit the Thailand Immigration Bureau's website for further details.
Places to Stay
If you plan on staying in Thailand before or after your liveaboard diving safari, you'll find a huge range of accommodation options on hotelscombined.com's website, our affiliated hotel reservation specialist. Browse their website to find options that you're interested in, use their on-line chat to seek answers to your questions, and then simply use your credit card to make your booking:
Every booking carries their 'Low Price Guarantee' to ensure you always get the best value for money.
If you prefer, it's possible to dive at most of the sites in the Andaman Sea by staying at a resort and making daily trips, from: Phuket, Phi Phi Islands or Khao Lak.
Visitor Health
Most common health issues are caused by contaminated food, water and ice that can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration and hepatitis A or E. Make sure you only drink bottled drinking water, not tap water. Fungal infections are also very common. The best way to avoid these is to wear loose clothes, and wash and dry yourself frequently and thoroughly.
Dengue fever, a mosquito borne disease, is prevalent but not common in Thailand. Symptoms are a thumping headache and fever that will keep you in bed for a week. Unfortunately there are no inoculations so the best form of defence is a good mosquito repellent.
Some remote areas of the country also have malaria but most urban and tourist areas are free from this scourge. Rabies is also present so do not take a risk if you get bitten by an animal; you will need to get jabs immediately. Rabies is treatable if you act quickly, but it cannot be cured once symptoms appear.
Phuket has some international-standard private hospitals and good state run medical centres.
Tourist Security and Safety
We consider Thailand to be a safe place for liveaboard divers to visit. However, like anywhere, there is crime. If you are aware and show the proper caution, you should enjoy a safe stay. Crimes of violence against tourists are rare but there are occasional bag snatchings, so try to carry your bag securely and keep your valuables in a safe place. Pickpockets may operate in crowded areas such as markets and public transport.
Thailand is one of the friendliest and safest travel destinations in the world. Dive The World's staff has travelled extensively to all its dive destinations and has never experienced any security concerns. Each year, millions of tourists enjoy trouble-free vacations in Thailand, including single female travellers and young backpackers. There is a competent tourist police network around the country that speaks English and help foreigner visitors who run into problems during their stay.
Crimes against tourists are rare and tend to involve deception - Thais are more likely to scam you than threaten you, selling you beautiful jewellery or brand name watches - knock-offs at knock-down prices. Heed the usual travel advice and you should be fine - be street-smart and aware; do not trust strangers who approach you with fantastical deals; try to avoid immediately falling in love with the first boy/girl you meet.
Though it is fairly rare, petty pilfering is also an experience best avoided. Keep your valuables in a safe place as hotel staff have been known to steal property from guest bedrooms.
There is unrest in the 3 southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, and there have been bombs and shootings in that region. However, the troubles have never spread to the tourist areas and we advise you to stay away from the deep south if possible.
Useful Tips for Tourists
Sightseeing, Activities and Adventure
There is a vast array of options of things to do for visitors to Thailand. Many people like to drink in the cultural sites, including the Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew in Bangkok, or visit the ancient capital Ayutthaya. Others include a trek in the mountains of Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai to visit remote hill-tribes. Chiang Mai, like much of Thailand, offers great opportunities for you to learn the intricacies of Thai cuisine. Imagine impressing your friends back home with a killer Thai red curry.
For those visiting the beaches and islands, many opt for a day out of sea kayaking around the beautiful Phang Nga Bay. Waterskiing, sailing, rock-climbing and trekking are other activities that you can enjoy in the popular tourist areas when not under the waves. Thailand's nightlife is also worthy of note, with places like Bangkok, Patong (in Phuket) and Pattaya being among the most lively examples of its own particular brand of nightlife.
For more ideas visit: Tourist Authority of Thailand.
Thai Time Zone
Thailand has a single time zone, being +7 hrs GMT, or +12 hrs EST.
Electricity
The mains electricity in Thailand is 220 volts AC. The standard plugs and sockets are the flat or round 2-pin variety, both in hotels and on the Phuket liveaboard boats. Most international plug adaptors should work or you can buy one locally. There are occasional power cuts, especially in rainy season.
Communications
There are many internet cafes in most parts of Thailand, and these days most hotels have wifi - either in-room or in the public areas. Due to the remote nature of the liveaboard cruises in Thailand, most of the boats do not have wi-fi access.
The telephone country code for Thailand is +66. If you want to call overseas from here, the international direct dialling code is 001 + country code + area code + phone number. It is easy and inexpensive to buy prepaid SIM cards here, and mobile roaming services are available.
The Thai postal service is not very reliable so any valuable or important items should be sent by registered delivery. Post offices are open from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Private courier services such as UPS and DHL are also present throughout the country.
Codes of Behaviour
The cultural norms of Thailand can seem surprising to some on first encounter but thankfully Thais are quite tolerant towards (or at least keep silent about) foreigners who are ignorant of their ways. However, being aware of and respecting some of their values will make a good impression. Above all, it is important to show respect for the monarchy who is held in high esteem, not least because it is a criminal offence to defame or insult the king or queen.
Buddhism is the most popular religion in Thailand and you should act and dress respectfully when visiting temples and Buddha statues. Shorts, sleeveless shirts and dresses/skirts cut above the knee are frowned upon. Remove your shoes before entering a temple or house. Monks are figures of respect and it is forbidden for a woman to touch one.
Spiritually, the feet are regarded by Thais to be the lowest part of the body. It is considered rude to point your feet towards people or revered objects, and you should avoid stepping over people. Sit cross-legged or with the soles of your feet pointing downwards. Likewise, the head is the most important part of the body and you should not touch a Thai on the head.
Tipping and bargaining in Thailand
Tips are not a Thai tradition but it has become prevalent in tourist areas in recent years. Leaving a small amount for good service can be a nice gesture, particularly for low paid staff, including those that work on the Similan liveaboard boats.
Bargaining is part of the shopping experience and is expected at nearly all independent businesses in Thailand. There is an art to haggling and you should always deal in a light-hearted manner, preferably with a smile. Knowing some of the important words of negotiation in the Thai language will also help. Thais will normally drop their asking price very quickly but will also know their own limit. Be prepared to walk away if you feel that you are not getting a good deal, may be called back with a better offer!
Note: prices are fixed at places like supermarkets, department stores, pharmacies, large hotels, restaurants, bars, public services, etc.
Best Clothing to Wear
Thailand is a hot and humid country so light, loose clothing is worn by most. Tight dresses, miniskirts and shorts are all acceptable when you go out at night. However, naked sunbathing is illegal, and you should always wear a shirt in public places other than a beach or swimming pool.
Officialdom
If you are involved in an incident then a respectful attitude towards the police is a must. They will not respond well to insults, loud or aggressive behaviour so stay calm and polite. Any expression of anger will likely lose their cooperation and count against you.
Unfortunately corruption is widespread in the Thai police force and bribes are considered a perk of the job by many. You may find buying off an offence to be convenient if you are in trouble but remember that the other party may be willing to pay more! Don't expect justice to occur seamlessly. Stand your ground if you feel you're getting a raw deal, make a show of recording the officer's ID and insist on speaking to a higher ranking officer.
Minor traffic offences such as not having your driving license on you or not wearing a helmet will get you a small on the spot fine. Parking on the wrong side of the road will get your bike or car chained up and another fine. The trick is to know which side of the road to park on. Just look to see where everyone else has parked and park on that side of the road.
Useful References
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS OF DIVE THE WORLD
... Excellent follow up in responding to preliminary enquiry. Very responsive in proposing viable alternatives to my needs, especially given that it was short notice (less than a week). Excellent choice of venue/dive operator, good quality equipment and value for money ... -- Derina, Canada. [More customer reviews]
