OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF TOURIST OFFICE IN THAILAND

Information for the staying on MS MARMIN

What should I take with me?

• Diving pass or licence
• Logbook
• Doctors certificate that you are fit for diving (40 years and under: not older than 2 years. 40 years+: not older than 1 year)
• If personal diving equipment available, do not forget! – with adapter (DIN to INT). If needed, brand new modern diving equipment can be rented on board.
• Requirements: minimum 30 logged dives or book the equivalent diving course on board

Crews instructions must be followed at all times when diving. If not followed, all diving activities can be prohibited. In this case, there will be no refund.

And please do not forget:

Swimming costume, t-shirts, shorts, sunglasses and hats, sun tan cream and your personal cosmetics and wash bag. Towels for the diving and the sundeck. Windbreaker and sweatshirt might be needed.

Please bring only a sports bag on board. Please leave your big suitcases in the hotels store room.

IMPORTANT:

On the day of your departure, your passport must be valid at least 6 months !

Do I need a Visa?

European passport holders do not need a Visa, but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day of your departure and you must have a return flight ticket. For a stay of up to 30 days, a Visa is not needed.Who wishes to stay longer than 30 days, must apply for a Visa at the Thai embassy in their home country. For more information about Visas, please contact the Thai embassy.

When is the best time to travel to Thailand?

There are 3 seasons in Thailand. The best time for a visit is between November and April. This is our „cold“ season (during the day 30°- 33°C, during the night about 24°C), with a light east wind and wonderful May until the end of July, about 28°C), sometimes a warm thunder can bring a lot of rain and can be therefore very refreshing.

The monsoon is strongest in September with heavy rainfall and strong west winds.

Health

Travel Insurance:

• We strongly recommend that you apply for travel insurance. We also recommend an additional diving insurance – eg. DAN ( www.daneurope.org). Thoroughly check your travel insurance whether it covers surgery in the decompression chamber in case of emergency.

Do I need vaccinations?

• Shortly before your departure, it is advised to see your doctor, to have a thorough check up. A Hepatitis A+B vaccination is highly recommended. Inform yourself: vaccinations cannot be done all at once and have to be started early. If you are travelling to South Thailand, you do not need Malaria vaccination. Your Tetanus vaccination should be up to date.

Hospitals:

• Thailand has a very excellent health system. Privately run hospitals which mostly take care of tourists, have at least European standard and all are ISO certifierd. The closest hospital to the Similan Islands is the Takuapa Hospital in the area of Phang Nga, close to Khao Lak.
  
  
• The most modern hospital in the region is 1 hours journey from the port and is in Phuket Town. The Bangkok Phuket Hospital (www.phukethospitals.com) runs one of the most modern decompression chambers in South East Asia. There are 3 more decompression chambers in Phuket, one of them being in Patong Beach, which belongs to the SSS organisation.

Small medical problems:

There are many small drug stores and doctors in the area and they cover the medical need of the local people and also for the visitors.

Food:

Thailand is worldly known for ist endless variaty in tasteful dishes. You can eat everywhere and the offer of tropical fruit is never ending. If you have a dodgy stomach: be careful – the Thai food is usually very spicy!

What currencies and credit cards are accepted?

The national currency is Thai Baht (THB). In tourist areas also the Euro, the US Dollar and the British Pound will be accepted. Cash and travellers checks can be easily changed everywhere.

Cash dispensers are spread all over the country and accept all major credit cards, eg. VISA and Mastercard or even the normal Maestro-EC-card. Please check how much money you can withdraw per day, week or month. It is advised to take an extra credit card with you.

On board the MS MARMIN no credit cards are accepted !

Do I need cash on board?

• YES, for Marine Park fees, drinks (softdrinks, beer, wine), diving courses and rental equipment, tip for the crew.
  
  
• Please bring sufficient cash with you (Thai Baht, Euro, Dollar).

What kind of wet suit do I need?

• We recommend a 3 – 5 mm wet suit, short or long.
  Water temperature is about 29° C.

Can I recharge my torch and camera?

• Yes, the voltage is 220.

Can I store my digital pictures?

• Yes, we have a notebook free of charge on board.

Last but not least… What about the TIPS??

Like all over the world every employee enjoys to get a tip as an acknowledgement for their good service. If you feel you have been served well, experienced amazing dives and have enjoyed your holiday on board – just feed the tip box on the last day of your trip. The amount is totally up to you; but usually after a weeks tour 30 Euros is given.

SIMILAN PRO DIVE LTD.,PART.

99/35 Praphuket(KEAW) Rd., T.Kathu Phuket 83120 Thailand

Tel.: +66 (0)76 304122-4,

Mobile: +66 (0)81 9781289

Fax: +66 (0)76 304121

Similan Pro Dive is registered with OTD
by No. 31/0442