Thailand Attractions and Info

Time

Time difference is GMT +7 Hours

Money

The unit of currency in Thailand is the Baht.  Thai Baht is available at the airport and in most medium sized towns. We recommend that sufficient money is changed before arriving at the Sunsail base (airport is easiest), as the nearest money changing facilities are in Phuket town, 20 minutes away by taxi. You can change money at the hotel in Boat Lagoon but the exchange rate is poor.  Money also can be changed at other hotels, as well as Money Changers. There are money changers in Krabi town and on Phi-Phi, although the exchange rates may not be so good.   There are no credit card facilities anywhere, except in Phuket town, Phi Phi and Krabi and there is generally a charge of 3% to 7% interest.

Passports & Visas

Clients must ensure that their passport is valid for up to six months beyond their stay.  Visas are generally not required if staying for less than 30 days, otherwise Visas can be obtained from the Thai Consulate. 

Eating Out

This is very cheap, eg. AUD$10 - $20 per person for a meal including beer/wine.  Alcohol in general is more expensive than food.  The Thais cook meals to order, so it is rare to get food poisoning from the restaurants around the sailing area.  

Water

Generally water is not easily accessible throughout the cruising area and can only be obtained by carrying canisters on to the boat.  Only bottled water should be used for drinking.  When provisioning, clients should allow 2-3 litres per person per day.

Health

For up-to-date authoritative advice on health protection and vaccinations, we recommend that clients consult their family doctor.

Taxes

You will be asked to pay an International Departure Tax. Tax Price per client:

International Departure Tax:  500 Bahts 

If you are not stopping at Bangkok on the outward journey and going straight to Phuket on a connecting flight, you will not be charged the departure tax at that stage.

There is also a Domestic Departure Tax at Koh Samui Airport of 400 Baht.

Pirates

The main problem area with pirates is the South China sea.  Piracy around Thailand is very rare and they are only interested in Cargo ships and not charter yachts.  It is quite safe to leave the yachts and the dinghies.

Diving

The diving in Thailand is fantastic.  The dive centres are very strict and safety conscious, clients must carry a PADI or equivalent qualification to be able to dive.  Unqualified divers can do courses or resort dives.  Prices range from centre to centre but it usually costs between 1500 - 2500 Baht per person for two dives and lunch.  If you wish to dive whilst chartering with Sunsail, we recommend Ko Phi Phi Don or Koh Ratcha Yai where there are good Dive centres.   Two dive centres recommended by our base are Jungle Bungalows (Ratcha) and Mosquito Diving (Phi Phi).

Sharks

There are sharks around but most of them have no teeth!  Leopard and whale sharks are not a threat to sailors or swimmers.