Thailand
Thailand is an exciting and colorful land with high, tree-carpeted mountains, jungles rich with wildlife and exotic plants; shining rivers tumbling to the plains on their way to a warm water gulf rimmed by miles of golden sands. With two coastlines, a mild climate and countless islands to explore, Thailand is a natural haven for scuba divers. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand contain some of the world's most exotic and diverse range of marine life. Many first class diving sites have been discovered in recent years.
CLIMATE: 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 November to April.
CURRENCY: The unit of currency is the baht. One Australian Dollar is worth approximately 28 baht and one US Dollar is worth approximately 32 baht.
DRESS: Cool, light and loose cotton clothing is recommended for this very hot and humid climate. Warmer clothes are required for colder nights in Northern regions from November to February. Bangkok is highly westernized in its business and social dress with many provincial centres following suit.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Australian and US passengers travelling to Thailand require a passport which must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Australian and US passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 15 days. For stays beyond this time a visa must be obtained before departure.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Consult your doctor for recommended medication and inoculations.
LANGUAGE: Thai is the main language spoken. Some Chinese languages are also spoken and English is spoken in areas catering for tourists.
ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 220 volts.
DEPARTURE TAX: Taxes are prepaid on your airline ticket.
Phuket
Phuket is the largest centre for diving activities in Thailand. There are a number of day trips available from Phuket which offer a wide variety of sites to dive. Shark Point and Anemone Reef, located 13 miles from the South of Phuket, is a designated marine sanctuary. Visibility is good to excellent and the area supports a wide range of marine life. Most notable are the inquisitive moray eels and zebra fish. Colourful soft and hard corals, sponges and sea fans can be seen as well as a profusion of fish.
Another popular site is Phi Phi Island, a silent world full of wonder, excitement and adventure. The crystal clear waters are teeming with a dazzling and enchanting marine life. There are many popular day trips available and the best time to dive is from November through to May. June through October the area is subject to strong winds and not conducive for diving.
Diving the Similan Islands is Phuket's best known dive location and accessible only by liveaboard dive boat. The Similan Island reefs team with fish life and divers are never disappointed.
Patong Merlin Hotel (3 star property)
Located in Patong the resort has been built around three spectacular swimming pools set amongst a garden setting. The resort boasts three hundred and eighty six rooms, each with a mini bar, refrigerator, air conditioning, balcony, radio and television.
The Sarojin (5 star luxury property)
Relaxation, freedom, inspiration. The Sarojin imparts unique, revitalizing experiences that last...so much so, that a sojourn with us is reminiscent of "staying as a guest at a friend's private estate".
The Sarojin’s own team of personal guides and the elegant and inspired “imagineer” – the ultimate personal concierge, delight in creating personalized tailor-made adventures ‘just for 2’. Perhaps a private charter on the luxury boat Lady Sarojin? A personal jungle adventure ‘just for 2’ complete with champagne? A Thai cooking class and lunch by the waterfall? The limits are only your imagination…
Designed in a contemporary Asian style, lines blur and merge simultaneously with the natural local elements and landscape. The spiritual heart of the resort is an age old giant Ficus tree. A magnificent soul-soothing reflective lotus pond brings a sense of grandeur and peace to your environment.
56 Guest Residences nestle within the 10-acre grounds. Private access leads directly to an expansive white beach and the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea that provide year-round swimming and water sports. Abundant space and privacy blend harmoniously with nature, offering a rare oasis for relaxation.
The grounds, walkways, sumptuous onyx infinity pool, lotus ponds, pure white beaches and restaurants serving scrumptious delicacies, they're all yours. When you choose. If you choose. Live Sarojin-style, in harmony and natural elegance as a guest who is the jewel in her crown.
SEA BEES DIVING - PALM GARDEN RESORT
Sea Bees own dive resort is situated in a peaceful tropical garden just 300 m from the Diving Centre and a short walk from the new pier, the bay and many shops. Each bungalow has its own terrace from which it is only a few short steps to the pool, which features massage jets and a large waterfall to relax by. The bungalows consist of two separate rooms, which are equipped with everything you need for a relaxing holiday. All bungalows have either a double or two single beds, fan, air-conditioning, minibar, TV with international channels, wireless internet, safe, and separate drying room for towels and diving equipment. You can unwind in tropical surroundings on a sun bed, in a hammock on the private terrace or even in the jacuzzi. The resort's cosy restaurant offers delicious Thai and international meals and snacks, or you can simply enjoy a refreshing tropical cocktail as you sunbathe by the pool. You can de stress with a Thai oil or foot massage or partake in yoga classes in the sala. Experience a very special vacation in a wonderful location with charming ambience.
Thailand Liveaboards
MV ANDAMAN SEAFARER
MV ANDAMAN SEAFARER is a comfortable wood and steel liveaboard diving vessel. From Phuket, regular diving liveaboard dive cruises of 4, 5 or 6 diving days are scheduled on Sundays from November to April. The vessel accommodates up to 14 passengers and divers: 6 in three VIP A/C private cabins (two single berths) and 8 in two FIRST CLASS A/C cabins (four single berths). Each cabin has 2 or 4 single berths with standard mattresses. The diving decks are wide and spacious to provide guests with a maximum diving convenience and tropical living during our Koh Similan Islands diving liveaboard.
SCUBA CAT
MV Scuba Adventure does a 4 day/night and 5 day/night trips departing from Patong Beach in Phuket. Departure is in the evening with a short overnight cruise. When you awake the following morning you will be greeted by the beauty of the Similan Islands. After a light breakfast you will be ready to make your first dive into this beautiful underwater world! When you return to the boat, a full breakfast will be waiting for you. Over the following days you will steadily make your way to the small islands of Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the famous Richelieu Rock, enjoying dive after spectacular dive along the way. Dive with MV Scuba Cat in the unspoiled Similan Islands from Nov. through April.
WHITE MANTA
MV White Manta launched in April 2011. She is an IMO certified steel hull vessel and a very impressive 36 metres in length. She has 8 immaculately designed en-suite cabins, individually air-conditioned with large windows that can be opened. These cabins comprise of 4 VIP cabins and 4 Deluxe cabins to suit all guests from couples, singles or families and can be found on the Upper or Main deck. There is ample storage space, a camera table, and particularly spacious ensuite with hot water shower. The MV White Manta sails to several destinations dependant on the time of year including the Similan & Surin Islands taking in delights such as the world famous Richelieu Rock, the island of Layang Layang in search of the must see hammerhead sharks and to the South China Sea to take in mystical wrecks such as HMS Repulse & Igara wreck.
