Entry or visa regulations for Thailand
You need a passport or provisional passport that is valid for at least 6 months. The same applies to children. Furthermore,
a valid return ticket is required.
For stays in Thailand of up to 30 days, a visa is not necessary for German nationals. This only applies to entries by air. When you enter the country by land, you are permitted a stay of 15 days. Entries by air are unlimitedly possible. According to the information supplied to the embassy, only 4 entries by land are allowed.
German nationals, who intend to remain in Thailand for more than 30 days, require a visa issued by a Thai embassy before entering the country.
For stays of up to 60 days, you require a “Tourist Visa”. A “Non-Immigrant Visa” entitles you to a stay of up to 90 days. In general, tourist and non-immigrant visas can be extended by 15 days.
All further regulations can be found on the homepage of the foreign and commonwealth office of the UK (United Kingdom).
During which season should you travel to Khao Lak?
Thailand’s climate is tropical and usually temperatures average between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius with very high humidity. From May to October is Thailand’s rainy season, during which torrential rainfall can occur regionally. It can lead to extensive flooding. For all who travel during this season it is recommended to inquire about the current situation with tour operators or hotels and attentively follow the weather reports. Sea Turtle Divers will provide you with this information before your diving holiday in Thailand.
Population
Thailand’s population comprises approximately 60 million people, 10 million of which live in Bangkok. Thailand is a constitutional monarchy, where the king holds a central position as both head of the state and supreme guardian of religion. Thailand is strongly affected by Buddhism. To avoid offending the Thai religion, you should be mindful of appropriate clothing when entering temples or other sacred sites.
Customs regulations
It is important to be mindful of regulations on the import and export of cash and goods (presents). Please use our link to the homepage of the the foreign and commonwealth office of the UK (United Kingdom).
Which vaccinations are necessary?
An up-to-date vaccination against yellow fever is obligatory for all travelers older than 9 months if they enter from an area affected by yellow fever (see http://www.who.int/topics/yellow_fever/en/). If you travel directly from Germany there are no vaccination regulations.
The foreign office furthermore recommends vaccine protection against: tetanus, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A, for stays longer than 4 weeks and particular exposure also hepatitis B, typhus, rabies, and Japanese encephalitis. Here too, our link to the homepage of the foreign and commonwealth office of the UK (United Kingdom) provides you with information.
Recommendations
It is recommended to take out travel health insurance with repatriation insurance. When you require the help of the German consulate, you are usually billed for the provided services. Sea Turtle Divers always points this out separately during the conclusion of a contract.
How can I pay?
The Thai Baht (THB) is the national currency. Traveller’s cheques and cash in Euro, US Dollars, or other currencies can be exchanged without a problem. Several Banks operate branches in Khao Lak, such as the Bank of Ayutthaya, Siam Commercial Bank, and the new Kasikorn Bank with 7-day service.
There are many bureaus de change, partially with extended opening hours. Depending on the season, they are open until 9 pm. ATMs can be found everywhere: From Tab Lamu harbour to the 7Eleven in Khuk-Khak. All ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard and many even accept the Maestro EC-card.
What kind of transport is available?
The local means of transportation are share taxis (Song Teo) and moped taxis. Share taxis are usually modified pick-up trucks with roofed benches on the cargo area. They cover a fixed route and it is possible to get on or off anywhere along the route. Bigger resort offer a shuttle service to Khao Lak town centre. Cars, jeeps, motor cycles, mopeds, or bicycles can be rented for a reasonable price. In Thailand you drive on the left side of the road. It is not recommended to attempt your first ride on a scooter in Thailand.
Will my mobile phone work and where can I send an email?
Khao Lak has many Internet cafes with an ADSL high-speed connection. Most of our resorts offer this service as well, usually in the lobby. You can use your own mobile phone. You should ask your provider about roaming costs before you begin your travels. It is also possible to buy a Thai SIM card with prepaid credit. You only need to present your passport for this.
Where do you dive in Khao Lak?
Sea dives are always executed from a diving boat. All diving boats depart from Tap Lamu harbour. For day trips and dive safaris we organise a shuttle service to the port for our guests.
How long is the crossing to the dive spots of the Similans?
The crossing from Tab Lamu to the Similan Islands takes, depending on the type of ship, approximately 3 hours. The trip to Koh Bon takes approximately 2.5 hours and to Koh Tachai approximately 3.5 hours.
Do I need to bring my own diving gear?
All diving equipment can be rented from us for the duration of a day trip, dive safari, or training course.