Learn to Dive on a Similan Islands Liveaboard!

There are many different ways to learn to scuba dive. AN instructor teaches someone in a pool. Others jump off a speedboat and some are lucky enough to do their course on a liveaboard. In Thailand the best bang for you Baht is on a liveaboard - more dives and more experience while cruising through paradise.

The Similan Islands are home to Thailand's most famous dive sites and are often listed as among the 10 best dive sites in the world. Conveniently located to Khao Lak and the nearby Phuket airport - the diving is very accessible. With the option of Speedboats or liveaboards - many beginning divers chose to do their Similan Liveaboard Open Water course on a 3 day journey through the uninhabited islands. These trips offer the guests their own cabins, meals and many different dive sites.

The calm clear waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the skilled instructors will all contribute to the success of the experience. This is important as SCUBA diving is a lifetime passion - not just a whim.

The courses are easy to take and only require a bit of your time. Much of the academic work can now be completed online (and for free) before you even arrive in Thailand. You can spend your vacation time in the water or on the beaches - no the classroom.

The first day is spent in the pool or on the beach simply getting used to the new equipment and incredible sensation of floating weightless! It's fun and thrilling to realize that gravity no longer exists - it also takes a bit of practice. Diving also requires a few new skills that you are unlikely to have learned before. Your Instructor will go through all the basic skills that will be demonstrated and practiced in the pool. Then you have the opportunity to practice them too!

In the pool or off the beach - the instructor will settle down in front of the student so that they can see all that she is demonstrating. After some breathing exercises and regulator recovery at the surface the instructor will get all the divers to kneel on the bottom of the pool breathing and getting used to being underwater. The instructor, followed by the student will complete each of the skills. The students need to complete mask clearing, regulator recovery and some basic buoyancy control skills. These basic skills are required to ensure the safety of the divers, as well as giving them confidence to truly enjoy the open water. The instructor and student will then swim around at the bottom of the pool getting comfortable with the equipment and used to the feeling of weightlessness and breathing underwater.

Once these basic skills are done and everyone feels comfortable - it's time to head off on an amazing journey through the Similan Islands. The student has the opportunity to do 9 dives with their instructor - gaining more confidence and feeling more and more at ease under the sea.

After the first couple of dives the underwater world will really open up. Passing turtles make the reefs an incredible opportunity to slow down and enjoy the marine life. That shadow over the students head? A Manta Ray - something that brings chills to even the most experienced diver. The chance to glide over the rainbow colored corals and the hundreds of species of reef fish make this a memory of a lifetime.

After the student has completed their first open water scuba dive - they surface with big smiles on their faces. The instructor will debrief them and explain how they may improve their diving knowledge and skills by doing a full certification open water scuba diver course. Only 8 more dives to go!

This is by far the best way to learn to scuba dive.

If you would like to make this story come true...simply join our Similan Liveaboard Open Water course

Diving the Similan Islands - When is the best time?

When is The best Time to Dive the Similan Islands in Thailand?

The Similan Islands are renowned as home to the best diving in Thailand. Great dive sites with sloping reefs, deep boulder sites and virtually untouched pinnacles abound. However the weather plays a much bigger factor in the diving there than almost anywhere else in Thailand.

The factors that make the Similan Islands such a pleasure to dive also make them off-limits for 5 months of the year. The deep ocean currents in the Indian Ocean can bring in nutrient rich waters – as well as the monsoons! While the Similan Islands have great diving almost year-round, the monsoons make them unsafe to visit from May to October of each eyar.

The Government of Thailand takes this into account by making all visits to the islands off-limits – and illegal – from May 15th to November 1st. There are some nefarious operators who will offer trips during this time frame – but they are not only breaking the law – but also risking YOUR life. It is unwise to take them up on these offers.

From November to May the Similan Islands are open to diving. As the whole Similan Islands National Park lies just shy of the continental Shelf, the coral is well-fed from the nutrient waters. In addition the Islands are far enough off-shore to avoid the pollution and damage from the mass tourism of Phuket.

The very best time to dive the Similan Islands is in February and March. There are virtually no winds, the seas can be like a mirror and many of the large pelagics (Manta Rays, Whale Sharks and others) are playing in the local waters.

If you do plan on visiting – please book early. The Similan Liveaboards, for which the region is famous are often sold out (or at least the popular and safe ones – be very wary of “Last Minute Specials”). Daytrips to the Similan Islands, Koh Bon and also Richelieu Rock depart from Khao Lak each day. Leaving by speedboat, the Similan National Park is only 1 hour away. However, Phuket is still 120 km south, so one day trips are not feasible or sensible.

-Similan Diving

Stay in Thailand - for free - longterm visas free until 2010

Get a fee-free Thailand visa until 2010

In an effort to help encourage Thailand’s travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai Government has agreed to extend the exemption of the Thailand visa fee for tourist visa applications until 4 March 2010.

The exemption will apply to all applicants for a Thailand visa on arrival at all international airports in Thailand as well as those applying at Thai embassies and consulates abroad for stays longer than the period for which they are normally eligible.

Thailand currently gives a Visa on Arrival for citizens of 20 countries for a stay not exceeding 15 days. Citizens of another 42 countries are allowed a visa-free stay in Thailand not over 30 days.

Visitors who wish to stay longer than those periods have to apply for Thailand visas at the Thai embassies or diplomatic missions abroad before their arrival in the country.

The extension is one of several measures taken by the Thailand tourism industry to invigorate itself after a number of global and local events that have led to a temporary drop in visitor arrivals.

TAT Chairman, Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat says, “As a result of the global economic downturn, the worldwide travel and tourism sector has declined as people have become more cautious about spending on leisure and business travel. Hence, the government has implemented many measures to enhance Thailand’s competitive advantage and strengthen our country’s unique qualities.”

This offers a great opportunity to sign up for a 60 or 90 day visa. Stay in Thailand longer, do a Similan Liveaboard or even consider doing your Instructor Training!

Similan Scuba Diving - Thailand's premier diving site

Thailand has one of the world’s most diverse marine habitats, with more than 300 major reef groups covering an area of over 4,500 square miles. From pinnacles and submerged rocks, through to stunning coral gardens and sheer walls, the scuba diving in Thailand has something to offer scuba divers of all levels of experience. It is this diversity in marine habitats and diving environments which attracts so many divers to the waters around Thailand every year, and today the region is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations.

There are a number of major diving destinations in Thailand, all offering a wide selection of diverse dive sites. Throughout all of these major destinations is a network of well equipped, knowledgeable and experienced dive centers, offering a range of diving from leisure dives through to a selection of scuba diving courses.

It would be impossible to discuss Thailand, without looking at the scuba diving in Khao Lak and the nearby Khao Lak with the surrounding areas. Without doubt, the diving from Khao Lak is of the highest standard, and the surrounding dive sites host a plethora of great diving. Similan Islands Scuba Diving is frequently listed as one of the ten best diving opportunities on earth. The are also underwater treasures that lie slightly further afield. Dive sites such as the Burma Banks, The Surin Islands and the Mergui Archipelago are often found high on the wish list of many discerning scuba diver and offer some of South East Asia’s finest dive sites.

The scuba diving on the Western Gulf of Thailand sees a different emphasis, and the small islands found here have become one of the world’s most popular areas to learn to scuba dive. In fact, the island of Koh Tao has developed a complete tourist industry from introducing people to scuba diving, and today large numbers of would be scuba divers travel to o Koh Tao every day to begin their diving education. Other islands within the Western Gulf of Thailand are also home to developed scuba diving industries, and destinations such as Koh Samui and Ko Pha-Ngan are both home to a large number of dive centers and divers. However the dive sites are very overwhelmed and the diving here is often referred to as "champagne diving" - all bubbles.

Throughout Thailand there are a number of exceptional dive sites, and sites such as the Richelieu Rock and Shark fin Reef are widely acknowledged as being world class dive sites. However it is the sheer volume of excellent dive sites that makes Thailand such a popular destination. Destinations such as Koh Lipe Krabi, Phi Phi and the Surin Islands are all home to a number of exceptional dive sites and dive centers. For a good reference try the Best Dive Sites in Thailand.

Today, Thailand is one of the world’s most popular scuba diving destinations, and large numbers of scuba divers travel long distances to dive in the waters surrounding this stunning country. The sheer diversity of the diving on offer here ensures that there is something to cater for all tastes and levels of experience. From vertical wrecks, through to submerged pinnacles, from the largest sharks, through to the smallest nudibranches, the diving in Thailand has something for everyone.

Economics of Thailand - some Facts and Figures

Statistics

• GDP: US$176.3 billion (2005).
• Main exports: Rice, food and live animals, office equipment, textiles and clothing.
• Main imports: Cars, machinery and electrical machinery, and plastics.
• Main trade partners: USA, Japan, China (PR), Singapore and Malaysia.

Economy

The Thai economy expanded very rapidly during the 1980s and early to mid 1990s; average annual GDP growth between 1990 and 1996 was 8.5%. The economy was already slowing down when the Asian currency crisis struck in the late summer of 1997. In 1998, the economy contracted by 11%. After a strong initial recovery, the Thai economy stuttered in 2001/2 following 9/11, and in 2003 suffered because of the reaction to SARS, the war in Iraq and fears of terrorism.

Steady growth in 2004, because of domestic demand and strong exports, gave the economy resilience to the outbreak of Avian influenza and soaring oil prices and growth had recovered to 6.1%. However, following the tsunami in December 2004, growth slowed to 4.3% in 2005. The inflation rate is 4.4% with unemployment down to 1.8%.

Following the financial collapse in 1997 the government launched the Amazing Thailand campaign which increased tourist arrivals dramatically, all keen to take advantage of the favorable exchange rate. Arrival numbers peaked in 2002 but were down by 10% in 2003 with the occurrence of SARS. However, visitor numbers have improved steadily and were more than 13 million in 2005, over 2 million more than 2002.

Business Etiquette

Most people in senior management speak English but in very small companies, or those situated outside the industrial belt of Bangkok, English is not as widely spoken. Most businesses of substantial size prefer visitors to make appointments. Business cards are essential. Punctuality is advisable.

Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700.

Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1300-1630.

Commercial Information

Department of Export Promotion
22/77 Rachadapisek Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Tel: (2) 511 5066.
Website: www.thaitrade.com

Thai Chamber of Commerce
150 Rajbopit Road, 2146, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: (2) 622 1860.
Website: www.thaiechamber.com

Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA) (Information on Conferences/Conventions)
99/7 The Legacy Vipawadee Building, Soi Lardprao 8, Lardyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Tel: (2) 938 6590.
Website: www.tica.or.th

Conferences & Conventions

The Thailand Incentive and Convention Association was established to aid the growth of Thailand as a destination for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. Members include tour operators, hotels, airlines, advertising agencies, lawyers, convention centers, convention organizers and local attractions. Bangkok has the two largest venues for conferences and exhibitions - the Bangkok Convention Center and the Impact Muong Thong Thani Exhibition and Convention Center. There are also many other venues (including hotels) in Bangkok and elsewhere.


Dive Perhentian Islands

How to Travel to Thailand

How to travel to Thailand

Getting There by Air

The national airline is Thai Airways (website: www.thaiairways.com).


Main Airports

Bangkok International (BKK) (Suvarnabhumi) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) 30km (19 miles) east of the city (journey time - 1 hour). To/from the airport: There are airport express bus routes to the city. There are also regular public bus routes to the city and to the provinces, including Pattaya. An overhead city rail link is being built and is expected to open by December 2007. Taxis are also available at all hours. Facilities: Left luggage, first aid, chemist, duty-free shop, banks/bureaux de change, restaurants, bars and snack bars, post office, international and local car hire, accommodation reservations, and Internet cafe.

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 4km (2.5 miles) southwest of the city (journey time - 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxi services are available to the city centre. Facilities: International and local car hire companies, banks/bureaux de change, restaurant, shops and bar.

Phuket International Airport (HKT) (website: www.airportthai.co.th) is 32km (20 miles) northwest of Phuket (journey time - 45 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis and limousines are available to the city centre. Facilities: Left luggage, duty-free shops, first aid, bureau de change, post office, restaurant and snack bars, international and local car hire companies and tourist information.

Getting There by Water

Main port: Bangkok (website: www.bkp.port.co.th), but there are very limited passenger services available. There are passenger crossings between Thailand and Laos at several points along the Mekong River.

Cruise lines call at Thailand.

Getting There by Rail

State Railways of Thailand operate through trains (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com) between Butterworth in Malaysia, with daily connections between elsewhere in Malaysia and Singapore and the borders with Cambodia (at Aranyaprathet) and Laos (at Nong Khai).

The opulent Eastern and Oriental Express (tel: 0845 077 2222, within the UK; website: www.orient-express.com) runs directly from Bangkok to Singapore, but is expensive.

Getting There by Road

There are international roads from Cambodia, Malaysia and Laos. Roads into Myanmar are not officially open to tourist traffic. Long distance air-conditioned buses travel to border crossing towns and can be arranged at the bus stations or through travel companies.

Getting Around Thailand

Getting Around Thailand

Getting Around Thailand By Air

Thai Airways International (TG) (website: www.thaiairways.com) runs services to all major towns, using a total of 12 airports including Phuket and Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways (PG) (website: www.bangkokair.com) flies several additional routes including Ko Samui. Discounts are available in off-peak seasons and during special promotional periods. PB Air (website: www.pbair.com) and Nok Air (website: www.nokair.co.th) and Air Asia (www.airasia.com) also fly domestically.

Getting Around Thailand by Water

Thailand has, depending on the season, up to 1,600km (1,000 miles) of navigable inland waterway. Services operate along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok between Rajburana and Nonthaburi by taxi-boat ferries operated by the Chao Phraya Express Boat (tel: (02) 623 6143; website: www.chaophrayaboat.co.th). In addition long-tailed motorboats ply the river.

Ferry services operate between the mainland and several islands including Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Phuket to Phi Phi and Trat to Ko Chang and can be booked in person at the dock. Strong competition on all of the major routes ensures that fares are kept low. Reduced services operate during the monsoon season from May through to October along the east coast and Andaman coast, and from November until January on the Gulf coast. The more remote spots become inaccessible in these periods.

Getting Around Thailand by Rail

The excellent railway network extends over 4,600km (2,860 miles), linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It is run by State Railways of Thailand (tel: (02) 222 0175; website: www.thailandrailway.com). There are four main routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok.

There are several daily services on each route, with air-conditioned, sleeping and restaurant cars on the principal trains. The journeys are leisurely and comfortable, and traveling by train is certainly one of the best ways to get around the country. The Southern Line Express stops at Surat Thani for those who wish to continue by bus and ferry to the islands off the east coast. Most railway timetables are published in English.

Rail Passes

Thailand Rail Pass: available for 20 days travel in second or third class.

Getting Around Thailand by Road

There is a reasonable road network comprising many highways, designated by numbers, and 52,000km (32,300 miles) of national and provincial roads. All major roads are paved. Traffic drives on the left.

Coach: There are inter-urban routes to all provinces. Fares are very cheap and buses very crowded. Privately owned air-conditioned buses (seats bookable) are comfortable and moderately priced. Coaches can be booked in person at the bus stations.

Car hire: Available in all main towns and cities from both international and local companies.

Regulations: The minimum age for driving in Thailand is 21 years and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory. The speed limit is 60kph (35mph) in towns and cities and 90 to 100kph (52 to 60mph) on expressways and country roads.

Documentation: A national licence and International Driving Permit (IDP) are required. IDPs are valid for three months, after which a Thai driving licence is required.

Getting Around the Towns and Cities of Thailand

Conventional bus services in Bangkok are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, but there are also extensive private minibus operations. Premium fares are charged for air-conditioned (cream and blue buses) and express buses. The ordinary buses are cream and red or white and blue and charge a flat rate regardless of distance travelled. Fares are generally low and are collected by conductors.

In Bangkok, taxis displaying the TAXI-METER sign are metered. Samlors or tuk-tuks are three-wheeled taxis without a meter; the fare must be negotiated before the journey commences. These are cheaper than taxis but are only suitable for short distances.

There are express, rapid and ordinary motorboat services on the Chao Phraya River between Nonthaburi pier to the north of Bangkok to Rajburana pier in southern Bangkok. The express boats, marked with a yellow flag, are more expensive than the rapid orange flag flying boats. The ordinary flagless boats are the cheapest.

The Skytrain (BTS), an elevated mass transit system in Bangkok, runs from 0600-2400. The Metro runs from Hualamphong to Bang Sue. Trains leave every five to seven minutes between 0600 and 2400.

Chiang Mai public transport is limited to red minibuses (songtaews), tuk-tuks and rickshaws, although taxis with meters have now been introduced.

Dive Perhentian Islands

Entertainment in Bangkok

Entertainment in Bangkok

Food and Drink

There are many Asian and European restaurants. Thai food is hot and spicy, but most tourist restaurants tone down the food for Western palates. Most Thai food is prepared with fresh ingredients and lemon grass and coriander are often added to enhance flavours. Rice is commonly eaten with most meals and generally the various dishes ordered are shared by all the diners. Excellent food can be found at the stalls of the many street vendors around the country. Popular fruits are papaya, jackfruit, mangosteens, rambutans, pomelos (similar to grapefruits) and, above all, durians, which farangs (foreigners) either love or hate. Owing to the strong smell of durians, the majority of hotels do not allow them onto the premises.

Things to know: Bars have counter or table service. There are no licensing laws.

National specialities:
• Tom yam (a coconut-milk soup prepared with makroot leaves, ginger, lemon grass, prawns or chicken).
• Gang pet (hot ’red’ curry with coconut milk, herbs, garlic, chillies, shrimp paste, coriander and seasoning) served with rice.
• Pad Thai (stir-fried rice-noodles) served with shrimp or chicken garnished with peanuts.
• Desserts include salim (sweet noodles in coconut milk).
• Well worth trying is sticky rice and mangoes (rice cooked in coconut milk served with slices of mango). This is a favorite breakfast dish in the mango harvest season (March to May).

National drinks:
• Local whisky, Mekhong and rum SamSong are very popular.
• Singha and Singha Gold are locally made beers which dominate the domestic market.
• Coconut milk straight from the shell during the harvest season is particularly refreshing in the heat and humidity.

Legal drinking age: The post-coup government has proposed raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 20.

Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants will add 10% service charge and 7% government tax to the bill.

Nightlife in Bangkok

Bangkok offers a wide range of entertainment venues, from nightclubs, pubs, bars, cinemas and restaurants (many of which are open air), to massage parlors, pool halls and cocktail lounges. The nightlife is concentrated in two districts of Bangkok - Patpong (between Silom and Surawong roads) and Soi Cowboy (Sukhumvit Road) and every night both areas are thronged with people. Bangkok’s sex industry is as blatant and booming as ever.

Many venues are open all day and late into the night, although bars and clubs are supposed to close at 0200. Sometimes there is an admission fee but this usually includes one or two drinks. The dress code is very relaxed, although a few of the nightclubs do enforce smarter dress. There are no casinos in Thailand as gambling is illegal.

Performances of traditional religious and court dances can be seen at the Thailand Cultural Center and Patravadi Theater in Bangkok. Elsewhere on the mainland, nightlife takes the form of traditional dances. The islands are renowned for their nightlife, and attendance is almost exclusively by foreigners. The full moon parties are notorious and continue well into the following morning. Performances of the infamous katoeys (lady boys) are worth a visit, with the most famous at the Calypso Cabaret in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok.

Shopping in Bangkok

Thailand is one of the best places in Asia for bargain hunting and visitors will be spoilt for choice with the huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, small shops and bustling street markets. Both Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. Good buys include Thai silks and cottons, leather goods, batiks, silver and gold, pottery with celadon green glaze, precious and semiprecious stones (in particular rubies and sapphires are indigenous to Thailand), pearls, dolls, masks, painted umbrellas, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo and wood artifacts and bronzeware. The weekend market at Chatuchuk in Bangkok is a regular cornucopia with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from genuine antiques to fighting fish. Tailor-made clothes are also good value and can be made in a matter of days, yet the standard is very high.

Duty-free shops are located throughout the country and items can be purchased there and delivered to the airport in time for the departure flight. Value Added Tax (7%) can be refunded on goods bought in shops labeled ’VAT Refund for Tourists’, where there is a minimum transaction of ฿2,000 including VAT. VAT Refund Application for Tourists forms are completed at the time of purchase and it is necessary to show one’s passport. Cash refunds (minimum ฿5,000) can be obtained in the airport departure hall and often the goods purchased must also be shown. Shopping hours: Mon-Sun 1000-2100/2200.

Dive Perhentian Islands

Currency Exchange and Banks in Bangkok

Currency

Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5 and 1, and 50 and 25 satang.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels (which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than ฿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are found in all major cities and almost all provincial banks.

Traveler's Cheques

Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0830-1530.





Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring customs duty by any person, irrespective of age:

• 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco or equal weight of cigars.
• 1l of alcoholic liquor.

Prohibited Imports

There are restrictions on the import and export of illegal drugs and all firearms and ammunition, and the export of items of archaeological interest or historical value, without a certificate of authorization from the Department of Fine Arts in Thailand. The export of images of the Buddha and other religious artifacts is also subject to this ruling. Radio transceiver equipment, plant and living materials, live animals or products, medicines and chemicals also require a permit from the relevant government agency.

Warning: Any drug-related offenses are severely punished and may result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Dive Perhentian Islands

Bangkok Airport - BKK - Information

Bangkok Airport General Info:

Address: Bang Phli, Samutprakarn, 10540 Bangkok, Thailand
Location: The airport is located in Racha Thewa in the Bang Phli district of Samut Prakan province, 30km (18.5 miles) east of Bangkok
Website:
E-mail: aotpr@airportthai.co.th
Telephone: (0)2 132 1888
Country Code: 66
Time Zone: GMT + 7
Number of Terminals: 1 (The Domestic and International terminals are located in the same building. There are plans for the construction of a second terminal building for low-cost airlines.)

Bangkok Airport Help Desk:
There are information counters on the departure level (tel: (0)2 132 9324/5/6/7) and just outside the luggage pick-up area on the arrival level (tel: (0)2 132 9328/9).

Bangkok Airport Disabled Facilities:
Facilities and arrangements for disabled travellers are in place, but the airport’s designers have been criticised for not making the airport sufficiently accessible for disabled people. For example, it has been argued that the restrooms designed for people with special needs are not spacious enough for wheelchair users.

Bangkok Airport Facilities
Money and communications: Bureaux de change are located in the Arrivals hall on level 2. There are ATMs in several places throughout the terminal building. Public telephones are available on all levels. Eating and drinking: There are plenty of restaurants, food outlets and bars in the terminal building, on level 1, 2, 3 and 6. In addition, there are four restaurants and two bars in the airport hotel nearby. Shopping: Shops selling everything from freshly cut flowers to designer clothing are available on levels 2, 3 and 4 of the terminal building. Duty free shops are on the departures level (level 4). Luggage: Luggage trolleys are available in the Arrivals and Departures halls. Lost and found services can be reached on (0)2 134 221. Other facilities: A wide variety of facilities are available in the terminal building, including traditional Thai massage and luxurious spa facilities. The Airport Medical Center is available on (0)2 132 7777. Airline lounges are located on level 3, some of which offer first class and business travellers luxury spa and massage rooms, a fine-dining area, slumber rooms with full-size flat beds, a business centre, a host of private meeting rooms, state-of-the-art video and visual entertainment rooms, shower rooms, deluxe seating areas and built-in check-in facilities.

Renting A car at Bangkok Airport
Car rental service counters can be found at the Arrivals level. Travellers can book their rental car there and take the airport shuttle bus express route to the Transport Center, where the car can be picked up. Car rental services at the airport are provided by international and local operators.

Driving to Bangkok Airport
Road access to the airport is provided by five new highways connected to Bangkok's outer ring road. The main access road (and the most convenient route) is an elevated two-by-five lane road going north from the passenger terminal to the new Bangkok-Chonburi Expressway.

Car, Taxi or Public Bus To Bangkok Airport
Driving by taxi or bus from the airport to downtown Bangkok takes around 50 minutes. Road: Taxi: Public taxis can be found on Level 2 (Arrivals). Alternatively, travellers can take a complimentary airport shuttle bus to the Transport Center taxi stand. Limousine: To get a limousine, travellers should contact the Limousine Service Counter at the Arrivals level (second floor). The limousine pick-up area is by the outer curb on the Arrivals level. Six types of limousine are on offer with a total of 380 cars available around the clock. Bus: Public bus service is provided from the bus terminal at the airport’s Transport Center (which can be reached by taking a free airport shuttle bus). Public buses depart frequently to Bangkok and the surrounding area. Buses go to Minburi (no. 549), Happy Land (no. 550), Victory Monument (no. 551), On Nut BTS station (no. 552), Samut Prakan (no. 553) and Don Muang Airport (no. 554). In addition, Airport Express provides air-conditioned bus services between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok hotels, operating four bus routes to downtown Bangkok. The pick-up area for buses is by the inner curb on level 2 (Arrivals), while the drop-off area is by the inner curb on level 4 (Departures). Rail: Work on a city airport terminal in Makkasan and a 28.5km (17.5 miles) high-speed rail link to the new airport started in July 2005 and is due for completion by early 2008(now 2010!). When operational, the high-speed link is expected to take travellers from city to airport in 15 minutes.

Bangkok Airport Hotels:
The 612-room Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (tel: (0)2 131 1111) is the airport’s official hotel. It is located in front of the passenger terminal building and connected to it by a 300m (328 yards), air-conditioned underground walkway. The hotel is situated straight above the underground rail station that upon completion (expected in early 2008) will be connected to the city of Bangkok by a high-speed rail link. Hotel Ibis Huamark Bangkok (tel: (0)2 308 7888), Avana Bangkok Hotel (tel: (0)2 744 4280), Royal Princess Srinakarin (tel: (0)2 721 8400) and Kanary House (tel: (0)2 374 5544) are some hotels that are located within 30 minutes from the airport.

Open Water Courses - Online Training for Free!

Learn to Dive - for Free!

Learning to dive is just so much easier and simpler now. These days the academic portion of your Open Water course can be done online. Save your vacation time for the water, the sun and the beaches!

This gives you time to do the academic portion at your pace and at your preferred location (the sofa? in bed? at work?). Start when you want - and pause for a day or two. It's really that simple.

But unlike some systems - you can actually do all this for free! You don't need to pay hundreds of Dollars/Euros before you even start! With our system - you simply click on the link above - and that's it. By the time your plane lands and you settle in over sunset drinks - you'll have already completed 25% of your Open Water Training!

For free!

When you arrive - we will check on your progress, double check your work and then we are off to the water to start practicing under the sea! If you feel like you need more questions answered - we are happy to cover any sections you feel you need more work on and to demonstrate any thing that wasn't clear in the online videos and presentations.

How much does it cost? Free!!! No obligations!

For more information - contact us. Or simply click on the image to the left and start...right now!

Once you have completed the online training - we still give you great options for your continued training. Why not join our liveaboard to complete your course - cruising through the Similan Islands doing 9 dives and really enjoying the uninhabited Similan Islands. We also allow you the chance to stay in your resort on the mainland and head out on our speedboat each day to the Similan Islands. Sunset drinks at your bungalow?
-Khao Lak Diving