Sailing in Thailand – Practical Tips

Vaccinations

See www.vaccination.dk.

Passport/Visa

Passport must be valid for 6 months after departure from the area. No visa requirement for visits of less than 30 days - however, check www.um.dk

Luggage

We recommend that the luggage is locked with a padlock during the flight. The customs authorities are very aware of contraband. Other people can - even after checking in luggage - place drugs in the bag. For security reasons, the authorities will often seal the luggage on departure from the area.

Check-In

It gets dark at 18.30. Departure will therefore not be possible after 17.00, as you must be at anchor no later than 17:30.

Limitations

It is not possible to sail outside Thai national waters without prior agreement with the base. Only certain boats are allocated for this. Among other things. for one-way sailings. If necessary, a fee must be paid for the issuance of official papers.

Cruising tax

An amount/person/night is paid for sailing in Phang Nga Bay, which is National Park waters in Thailand. Usually 3-4 days are used here. In Malaysia, a fee is paid to sail to the Thai islands.

Provisions

You will often be too swayed in these waters. Provisioning options are very limited, and therefore it can be a good idea to always have provisions for several days.

Certain restaurants or local eateries on the beach are available in some places. Local fishing boats also have some sales on some of the islands.

We can recommend Sunsail's provision package. It is well stocked with exotic fruits, vegetables and spices and a nice breakfast. Meat & fish are frozen and easy to roast on the barbecue on the boat.

Tide

Tidal difference of up to approx. 2-3 meters. Tables are provided at the base. There can be 1/2 – 2 knots of current. When bathing from the boat, you must hang a line aft with a fender - as the current can be stronger than people can swim. Always look out for children - and adults - while swimming from the boat.

Anchoring

You can sail reasonably close to the coast - however, be aware of the corals. The corals are incredibly beautiful. Many coral reefs boast fantastic animal and fish life - but many have been destroyed by sailors with a trailing anchor chain. Take that into account when you anchor and sail onto the beach with your dinghy. In some places, the coral reef is exposed at low tide and landing/returning becomes impossible, so disembark on sandy bottom. When landing in the rubber dinghy, it is placed high on the beach with mooring to shore, so that it does not drift away when the high tide returns.

Bends

Buoys are laid out in some places. These should be avoided as they move and are unreliable - they are used by the local fishermen.

Barbecue

To be used on the boat and not on the beach. Remember charcoal.

The beaches

The places where you anchor to swim and snorkel are picturesque and unspoiled. The water in the northern part of Phangna Bay is light green, completely clean – but often somewhat cloudy, as the large rivers from the mangrove coasts empty into the sea here. Further south, the water has become bluer and crystal clear for snorkelling. Firefighters "stinging jelly fish" are found in the water and beautiful black sea urchins "sea urchins" can be seen at the edge of the beach near rocks and corals. Sea snakes are rare, they are very shy and are almost never seen - they escape between the rocks in deeper water. A bite requires medical attention. You may be lucky to see pods of dolphins, and maybe even the whale shark (large and quite harmless). There are very small reef sharks - they have no teeth and are quite harmless.

Diving
Scuba diving is only allowed with a Padi certificate - ask at the base. Diving centers on Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Racha Yai, Butang Isles.

Holiday tips
Religion
In Thailand, 90% are Buddhist - but here there are also Muslims, Christians, Hindus. Remember when visiting temples that shoulders and legs / feet should be covered (nice dress in general). Remember stockings / socks, as the shoes are placed outside the temple - just like in private homes. On some of the islands, the local "sea-gypsies" are Muslims, so when landing / visiting their fishing villages and jungle communities, the local "dress code" should be respected. Wear a T-shirt and shorts (both men and women), or tie a sarong / large beach scarf, as the women do locally, around the waist. In general, Thais are very clean and neatly dressed, and the opposite is perceived as "lack of respect" in public places.

The food

Thai cuisine is one of the most exciting in the world. The food is spicy. Everything is served fresh and beautiful - but in a wonderful mix: soup "Tom Yam" - rice - vegetables and fish. Some dishes are sweetened with coconut, and some deadly strong. If the mouth burns, then the best cure is to eat rice - it soothes better than water. If you have a bad stomach - drink Coke.

Feel free to eat the local food – also from the stalls along the streets, where you can see if the food is freshly prepared. The freshest meat is usually duck and chicken - otherwise eat noodles, rice and boiled / fried vegetables. Fresh fruit is peeled.

Drink plenty of fluids (preferably a few liters of water at least a day) and drink clean – only from a bottle with a banderole. Beware of ice cubes bought in small bars. Ice cubes bought in bags – including those delivered from the base – are made from drinking water.

Cab

It is recommended to have a small note with the name and address of the hotel / resort written in the local alphabet. The local taxis cannot always read English or understand a road map. In the cities, there is the option of Meter-Taxi. That is that you drive at a fixed taxi meter price (surcharge after midnight) and this is by far the cheapest. Alternatively, there are private taxis, the price of which should be agreed in advance. TUK-TUK are the typical moped taxis that drive quickly and everywhere in the city. Always agree on the price in advance.

Security

Money, valuables, passports etc. should probably be carried on you when you travel around or go ashore - there is no reason to tempt weak souls. In addition, it must be said that we have felt safe everywhere on our journey, even in the smallest alleys. We have never had unwelcome guests on board during the sailing trip - but a pleasant visit from the local fishermen or residents in longtail boats who are happy to offer a trip on board - possibly. an excursion (upon agreed price) through the mangrove swamps to "Gibsy Village" - one of the fishing villages, where everything is built on stilts in the water. Here there is also the opportunity to be supplemented with some provisions.

Currency

On arrival at an international airport, an exchange is recommended.

Thailand: 100 baht (THB) 1 baht = 100 satangs

Malaysia: The currency is the ringgit (MYR). 1 ringgit = 100 sen

In larger cities, you can exchange money in banks and at local exchange offices (Exchange Office). It can also be exchanged at hotels, e.g. at the marina, but the rate is less advantageous.

• Bring US$ - it gives the best exchange rate.

• Credit Cards can be used in banks, larger shops and restaurants. Can only be used to a limited extent outside the sailing area.