International Flights

There are two airports in Bangkok, with all international flights arriving to the new international airport of Suvarnabhumi. Most major airlines fly direct to at least Bangkok, and often to Phuket. Thai Airways International (THAI) is the national airline and is regarded as one of the best airlines in the world, with another great carrier being Singapore Airlines who have multiple flights to Bangkok and Phuket daily.

Domestic Flights

If you have a connecting flight to Phuket then it can leave form Suvarnabhumi or from the old international airport of Don Mueang. Please check your tickets, transfer times, and lay-over times between flights as passage between the two airports can be time consuming.

Thailand has a number of discount and budget domestic airlines which can be good as long as you don’t want to change your travel plans. You can save 50% or more using these carriers if you book early but keep in mind that they usually limit your luggage weight to 15kg or 33lbs. For many divers this is simply not enough and by the time you pay the overweight fees, you may not end up saving any money.

To check flights with the main carriers into and out of Phuket check the following links:

Thai Airways : http://www.thaiair.com/
Bangkok Air : http://www.bangkokair.com/
Air Asia : http://www.airasia.com/
Nok Air : http://www.nokair.com/

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

Visa Requirements

All travellers to Thailand must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Kingdom. Although nationals of most countries in Southeast Asia, Europe, America and Oceania are granted visa on arrival for up to 30 days, some are only granted 15 days, and others must have visa before arrival. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an up to date list of what is required. If in doubt please contact the Thai embassy in your country for more information, see here for a list of Thai Embassies around the world.

Do I need to arrange a hotel in Phuket?

Accommodation upon Arrival in Phuket

It is highly recommended that you arrive at least one day prior to your cruise. Peterpan Andaman Diving can arrange accommodation for you based on your needs, for our recommended hotels check out M/V Peterpan recommended hotels. If you require a longer stay either before or after your trip we can, of course, arrange this also.

What will the weather be like during my visit?

Thailand’s tropical climate is influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. There are three basic seasons: Dry (November through Feb), Hot (March through May) and Rainy (June through October). Day trip diving is possible all year round, though the liveaboard season is restricted to the dry and hot seasons; often referred to as high season. Below is an example of a typical high season’s weather in the Phuket area.

Please note, the above table is not a forecast! For up to date weather in Phuket see Thai forecast (Thai Meteorological Department) : http://www.tmd.go.th/

What are the air and water temperatures in Thailand and will I need a wetsuit?

Air and Water Temperatures

Air temperature: 23 C - 35 C (73 F - 95 F), always warm and can be very hot and humid, nights sometimes a little cooler.

Water temperature in the Andaman Sea averages around 27 C to 30 C (80 F - 86 F), very pleasant although sometimes thermo clines occur. A 3mm short wetsuit is normally enough, though with 4 dives per day you may want to think about a full length suit particularly if you are succeptable to the cold. Please contact the office a week or so prior to the trip for current water temperatures if you are concerned.

What about health precautions?

Health

Health services are excellent in Thailand with modern, well equipped hospitals in all major towns. Although Thailand is officially a malarial area, most of the country (including Phuket) is Malaria free, though Dengue Fever is not unknown. We recommend you check the status of your vaccinations and seek your doctor’s advice on inoculations and medication. Normal sensible precautions with food should keep you out of trouble, and be sure to drink lots of bottled drinking water to prevent dehydration (especially if your best laid plans have still left you with a bout of diarrhea).