Thailand's diving possibilities are almost endless. With world-class dive sites, heavenly tropical islands and immaculate white sand beaches, Thailand's undersea kingdom is the perfect destination for a dedicated or casual diving holiday.

Thailand is a remarkable country full of history and culture, friendly natives who offer friendly service, beautiful national parks, a wide range of accommodation possibilities at every price level, and some of the most delicious and extraordinary food and exotic tropical fruits in the world.

And, with over 50 dive centers located on the islands and towns in the Gulf of Thailand and in the Andaman Sea, visiting some of the best dive sites in the world has never been easier.                                

Diving environments range from deep underwater mountains, to breathtaking pinnacles rising out of the sea, from shallow pristine coral gardens to dramatic under-sea formations created by huge granite boulders, from plunging limestone walls to large dramatic caves. Our reefs feature hundreds of spices of both hard and soft corals. Large pelagic fish including whale sharks, silver tip sharks, and manta rays are seen frequently. The amount and variety of tropical Indo-Pacific fish will impress even the most seasoned diver.

Diving activity takes place in three general areas. Pattaya, close and convenient to Bangkok, the islands of the Gulf of Thailand including Ko Samui and Ko Tao, and on the west coast of Thailand, in Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, and Krabi where diving is offered in the two Andaman Sea triangles.

Diving is popular all-year round at all diving areas around Thailand. The best time of year of the Andaman Sea and most other areas, however, is between October and June when the seas are flat and the travelling range of dive boats is increased dramatically.

Thailand's dive centers are all very concerned about environmental protection of our coral reefs. When diving here, please keep this in mind and do your best to help all of us to make the diving in Thailand better and better.

Thailand's reefs are some of the most beautiful in the world and its astonishing marine life keeps divers coming back again and again.

ANNUAL DIVING CONDITION

	DEC-FEB	MAR-MAY	JUN-AUG	SEP-NOV
THAILAND: (Phuket)
Water Temperature	26 - 29 C	28 - 30 C	28 - 30 C	28 - 30 C
Visibility	15 - 30 M	15 - 30 M	10 - 30 M	10 - 30 M
Air Temperature	25 - 30 C	30 - 35 C	30 - 35 C	28 - 32 C
Weather	sunny/dry	dry/hot	rainy	rainy
	windy	sunny	humid	humid

CLIMATE
Thailand's tropical climate means that temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), and tend to remain above 30°C (86°F) all year round. Humidity levels are around 70% - 90% all year round; the best time to visit a particular area will usually be determined by the local rainfall patterns. Due to Thailand unique location, the climate for the whole country is affected by two opposing monsoons. East of Thailand (Gulf of Thailand) area will experience wet seasons during November to April. Strangely during this period, the West of Thailand (Andaman Sea) is experiencing the dry seasons. Similarly during May to October, the rain will swept through West of Thailand and leave the East of Thailand dry.

HEALTH
Health Insurance is recommended; check that the activities you wish to engage in are covered by your policy (diving, caving, riding a motorbike and so forth). Choose the most suitable policy for your needs; some only pay out once your claim has been verified, while others will pay your bills immediately, or even fly you home. Some credit card companies' offer travel insurance if you use your card to pay for your airfare. No particular vaccinations required entering Indonesia. Common disease such as travelers' diarrhea can be avoided by consuming fully cooked food or water. Generally tap water is not drinkable, unless stated otherwise. Protecting yourself against mosquito bites or taking prescription anti malarial drug can prevent malaria risk in this region. Always be cautious with AIDS.

SAFETY
Generally try to avoid the border area between The Cambodian and Myanmar because it can contain a volatile mixture of land mines, bandits, smugglers and rebels. However, if you are traveling to popular tourist's destination, it is relatively safe. It is, however, always advisable to take reasonable precautions. Please do not accept offer of free air tickets and a new sets of luggage from someone you just met. Be cautious to petty thefts. Do not leave valuables unattended in hotel rooms; most hotels and banks offer safe deposit boxes for this purpose. Similarly, do not leave valuables unattended while on the beach. A padlock is a useful thing to bring with you as it can be used to secure your luggage while using public transport, and to secure hotel room doors and lockers. A money belt that can be worn under your clothing will ensure that your credit cards, traveler's checks and cash remain hidden and safe. The emergency number for the police is 999

VISA AND PASSPORT
IAll visitors to Thailand need a valid passport. Generally, visitors are allowed to stay for 15 days with on arrival transit visas from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports. Visa is not needed for nationals of most countries for the maximum stay of 30-day visa. Visitors are also allowed to stay for 15 days with on arrival transit visas from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports.Extensions are possible at all immigration offices.

CUSTOMS
Duty free allowances include: 1 liter of alcohol; 200 cigarettes or 250 cigars or 250g of tobacco. Souvenirs and gifts at a reasonable quantity. Prohibited Items such as: Narcotics ( e.g. marijuana, hemp, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin, Amphetamine pills), Obscene literature or pictures, Firearms/ammunition-unless a permit has been obtained from the Police Dept.

CURRENCY
The Thailand unit of currency is the Bath (THB). The smaller currency units is sating = cents or penny. The exchange rate: 1 USD = 45 THB. Due to Asia Financial Crisis, the exchange rate is fluctuated. Always check the latest exchange before you depart. Notes come in the following denominations: 10,20,50,100,500,1000, while coins available in: 25, 50 Satang: 1,5,10 baht

TIME
Thailand is eight hours ahead of GMT (all over the country).