Thailand FAQs

Thailand has a tropical climate which is hot and often humid throughout the year, with seasonal variations influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons.

From late May to early October, the southwest monsoon hits the Andaman Sea and Thailand’s west coast bringing heavy rain and strong winds; during this period the Similan Islands, Surin Islands and Koh Lanta National Parks are closed.

The northeast monsoon sweeps through the Gulf of Thailand between November to April which makes it ‘peak season’ for areas around the west coast with predictable conditions and almost no wind.

There are 3 distinct seasons which relate to the transition from northeast to southwest monsoon periods:

• Cool from November through February.
• Summer from March through May
• Rainy from June to October (still with plenty of sunshine)

January and February are generally the driest months and September the wettest.

The average annual daytime temperature is around 30°C (86°F), ranging anywhere from 36°C in April to 26°C in December with slightly cooler temperatures in the evenings.

Since August 2021, sunscreens which contain reef damaging chemical compounds have been banned in all Thai Marine National Parks.

The prohibited ingredients are Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3), Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4MBC) and Butylparaben.

Anyone violating this ban can be fined up to 100,000 Baht (approx. $2,875 USD).

All guests are advised to only use reef-safe sunscreen products containing mineral-based ingredients such as non-nano zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are considered to be safe for the marine environment. Additionally, to minimise the need for sunscreen, we recommend wearing a long-sleeve rashguard in the water, lightweight long-sleeve tops, trousers and sunhats on the boat or land visits, and remaining in the shade where possible.

Diving around the Similan & Surin Islands, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and the Southern Andaman Sea is generally suitable for all divers. However, some sites extend beyond entry-level depth limits or are susceptible to strong currents and surge making them challenging or unsuitable for novice or inexperienced divers.

Dive sites vary from rocky pinnacles and walls to sheltered bays and gently sloping coral reefs. Visibility ranges from 10 to 40+ metres (30-130+ feet) depending on the location, tides and weather.

Marine life is just as varied, encompassing everything from tiny crabs and nudibranchs to whalesharks and majestic manta rays.

The minimum experience requirement for all Thailand Master itineraries is PADI Open Water certification or equivalent with a minimum of 10 logged dives. However, to fully appreciate the underwater scenery and marine life, we recommend having Advanced Open Water certification, which can usually be completed on board.

Water temperatures throughout the Andaman Sea average around 28°-29°C (82°-84°F), although you may experience thermoclines and slightly lower temperatures in some areas.

Thai is the language of Thailand, which is largely incomprehensible to the casual visitor. However, nearly all Thais who work in the tourism industry speak some level of English, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

More than 90% of all Thais are Buddhists, although they have always subscribed to the ideal of religious freedom.  Therefore there sizeable minorities of Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs who freely pursue their respective faiths.

In general, Thailand has great internet and mobile phone coverage.

‘Roaming’ will work throughout most of the country, or a local SIM and data package can be purchased at Bangkok and Phuket Airports, and most convenience stores or shopping malls.

Please be aware however that connectivity may be limited in some rural areas and some of the remoter islands covered by our liveaboard itineraries.

Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Meantime (UTC).

Health services in Thailand are generally very good. Hospitals in major tourist destinations have modern technology and well-trained English-speaking doctors, including several in Phuket but, they are not free.

You will find numerous pharmacies in Phuket and Khao Lak should you need to purchase any medications.

Please use insect repellent and cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases such as dengue fever. We recommend travellers take sensible precautions with local food to prevent stomach upsets and be sure to drink bottled water only.

There are 2 recompression chambers in Phuket which can be reached within a few hours by speed boat from anywhere in the Similan Islands.

E-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars, vapes and vape juice are prohibited in Thailand and it is illegal to bring them into the country.

Although you may find them for sale in many locations, their possession and use is against the law and can result in a fine of up to 40,000 THB (approx 1,150 USD) and/or time in jail.

The use of drones in Thailand is permitted, but regulated. Visitors wishing to use a drone in the Kingdom must have drone insurance and register with the NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) and CAAT (Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand).