- Special offers
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Mermaid 1 ●
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Black Manta ● |
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The 29
 meter M/V Philkade, launched in 2002, has been designed specifically for luxury live-aboard diving cruises. Our 5 star comfort for a limited number of lucky divers provides the answer for those tired of compromising between exceptional diving and discomfort and those who prefer diving amidst a school of fish rather than a school of divers. Built to meet all international standards, M/V Philkade is equipped with the latest electronics and safety eq uipment and is capable of transoceanic cruises.Philkade has an upper fly bridge, three main decks, plus 6 spacious, well appointed guest cabins including: 1 master, 4 doubles and a triple, for 13 guests. The two aft cabins now have an option so that the double beds can be converted into full sized single beds. This means that there are more options for the individual customer to join M/V Philkade on her voyages. |
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M/V Philkade - Schedule 2009● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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M/V Philkade - Schedule 2009/10● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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M/V Philkade - Route map● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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M/V Philkade - Itineraries● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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Similan islands itinerary C: 4 Days / 4 Nights● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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This itinerary is perfect for those who wish to see the best of the Similan Islands but are limited with time though wish to relax in luxury. Unlike most 4 day Similan trips, this one has the advantage that it is 'one way' and thus limits cruising time which enhances dive site choice and maximises time on the Similan Islands themselves. The itinerary will include two full days diving on the Similan Islands diving such sites as East of Eden, Deep 6, Elephant Head Rock, and Three Trees before heading north via Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and of course Richelieu Rock. As we have a little more time in the Similan Islands than many operators we encourage all our guests to visit the islands whenever possible between dives (either by tender or kayak), so that you can experience what the Similan Islands have to offer above, as well as below the water. You could lounge on the beaches of Ko Miang, Ko Similan, or Ko Tachai or stretch your legs to the view points overlooking Honeymoon Bay and Ao Guerk. Over the four days you can see hard coral reefs, soft coral covered pinnacles, and large boulder sites (a Similan speciality). All these are covered with Snapper, Goat Fish, Grouper, Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Anthea, and Damsel Fish. When lady luck travels with us you may wish to bring your camera. Over the 2007-08 season we saw Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Leopard Sharks, schools of Barracuda, Sea Horses, Harlequin Shrimp, and many more in these waters. At the end of this 4 day itinerary, guests choosing to leave the boat will be transferred from the Port of Ranong on the Thai border to their hotel in Phuket.
Remark : All itineraries are subject to changes without notice based on the weather conditions. |
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Similan islands itinerary F: 4 Days / 5 Nights● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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This itinerary is meant to give our guests the best of the Similan Islands within their limited schedules. As with all M/V Philkade’s trips, departures and arrivals are timed so that there is no need to stay overnight on Phuket Island, though, if you wish to we are able to arrange accommodation. We transfer you on the days of arrival and departure at no additional cost. We always include a full evening meal on the evening of departure to the Similan Islands and a full breakfast on the day of departure from M/V Philkade. This trip gives a full four days diving with up to four dives a day. The dive sites we usually visit include: East of Eden, Deep 6, Elephant Head Rock, Boulder City, and Three Trees on the Similan Islands themselves as well as Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, and of course Richelieu Rock which are all to the north. Over the four diving days you can see hard coral reefs, soft coral covered pinnacles, and large boulder sites (a Similan speciality). All these are covered with Snapper, Goat Fish, Grouper, Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Anthea, and Damsel Fish. Keep your fingers crossed and you may also be lucky enough to see Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Whale Sharks, Leopard Sharks, schools of Barracuda, Sea Horses, Harlequin Shrimp, and many more in these waters. We encourage all our guests to visit the islands when ever possible between dives (either by tender or kayak), so that you can experience what the Similan Islands have to offer above, as well as below the water. You could lounge on the beaches of Ko Miang, Ko Similan, or Ko Tachai or stretch your legs to the view points overlooking Honeymoon Bay and Ao Guerk.
Remark : All itineraries are subject to changes without notice based on the weather conditions. |
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Similan Island Itinerary A: 5 Days / 6 Nights● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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This is the most popular of our itineraries and is meant to give our guests the best of the Similan Islands within their limited schedules. Our 5 day / 6 night trip, as with all MV Philkade’s departures and arrivals, is timed so that there is no need to stay overnight on Phuket Island, though if you wish to we are able to arrange accommodation. With five days diving and up to four dives a day we can offer you the best of the Similan Islands. The dive sites usually visited include: East of Eden, Deep 6, Elephant Head Rock, Anita's Reef, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai and, of course, the famous Richelieu Rock. As we have a little more time in the Similan Islands than many operators we encourage all our guests to visit the islands whenever possible between dives (either by tender or kayak), so that you can experience what the Similan Islands have to offer above, as well as below the water. You could lounge on the beaches of Ko Miang, Ko Similan, or Ko Tachai or stretch your legs to the view points overlooking Honeymoon Bay and Ao Guerk. Over five days of diving you can see hard coral reefs, soft coral covered pinnacles, and large boulder sites (a Similan speciality). All these are commonly covered with Snapper, Goat Fish, Grouper, Green and Hawksbill Turtles, Anthea, and Damsel Fish. When lady luck travels with us you may wish to bring your camera! Over the 2007-08 season we saw Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Whale Sharks, Leopard Sharks, schools of Barracuda, Sea Horses, Harlequin Shrimp, and many more in these waters.
Remark : All itineraries are subject to changes without notice based on the weather conditions. |
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Similan - Surin Itinerary B: 6 Days / 7 Nights● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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This itinerary is new to the 2008-2009 schedule and allows our guests not only the best of the Similan Islands but also a chance to explore the lesser known Surin Islands. Last season we did just one or two dives per trip in Surin which were very well received and so by popular demand we have added two days dedicated diving in this sister park to the Similans. The trip gives a full six days diving with up to four dives a day. Dive sites we usually visit include East of Eden, Deep 6, Elephant Head Rock, Ko Bon, Ko Tachai in the Similan National Park as well as Ko Torinla Pinnacle, Hin Kong and the world famous Richelieu Rock in the Surin National Park. We encourage all our guests to visit the islands whenever possible between dives (either by tender or kayak), so that you can experience what the Islands have to offer above, as well as below the water. You could lounge on the beaches of Ko Miang, Ko Tachai, and Ko Surin Tai or stretch your legs to the view points overlooking Honeymoon Bay and Ao Guerk in the Similans or the trail across Ko Surin Tai. In both parks you will see hard coral reefs, soft coral covered pinnacles, and large boulder sites (a Similan speciality). All these are covered with Snapper, Goat Fish, Grouper, Green and Hawksbill Turtle, Anthea, and Damsel Fish. There is also the chance for the lucky ones to see Leopard Sharks, Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. In 2007-08 Surin also delivered some extras such as large White Tip Reef Sharks, Eagle Rays, Hump Head Parrot Fish, and Napoleon Wrasse.
Remark: All itineraries are subject to changes without notice based on the weather conditions. |
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Similan - Hin Daeng Itinerary D: 6 Days / 7 Nights● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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This special Christmas and New Year itinerary gives guests the chance to experience the best diving in both the northern and southern sections of Thailand’s Andaman Sea. The cruise generally begins in the south where you will wake to discover that the Phi Phi Islands have stunning scenery both above and below the water. There is a wide variety of dive sites with the chance of Leopard Sharks, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Turtles, as well as bountiful hard and soft corals and anemones. As well as the wonderful diving, the white sand beaches and stunning backdrops offer some of the most beautiful surface intervals available anywhere in Asia. Two hours south, and Mu Ko Haa is a small group of rocky outcrops between Phi Phi and Hin Deang. These small islands have some interesting caves and swim-throughs that are accessible to everybody regardless of their certification. With opportunities to see small critters such as Sea Horses and Nudibranchs as well as the occasional Shark or Ray it makes for very rewarding diving. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are located south of Phi Phi Island, and are known as a magnet for “Big Stuff”, otherwise known as Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. Even if these wonderful creatures are not in attendance the sites have more than enough to offer most divers with pelagics, macro life and spectacular underwater topography. The Similan Islands are located north of Phuket and are made up of nine granite islands. The calm indigo waters are a haven for all types of marine life and as well as the diving there are also good opportunities to explore the uninhabited islands and their powder white beaches. Ko Bon is known as the Manta spot of the Similans with dramatic displays of agility and grace these wonderful creatures can keep you entertained for the entire day. As well as the Mantas you can also see Leopard Sharks, and many small critters living along the wall and on the reef. A little to the north and Ko Tachai's interesting pinnacle and reef are home to many wonderful things. The pinnacle is known to attract large schools of barracuda and batfish as well as the occasional Manta Ray or Whale Shark. The reefs are renowned for their abundance of life and the occasional Leopard Shark. Richelieu Rock is probably the ultimate dive site in Thailand. The large pinnacle boasts large schools of fish from Big Eye Trevally to Barracuda and is also home to Tiger Tail Sea Horses and the ever elusive Harlequin Shrimp. The rock caters to the tastes of all divers, with something to see on every dive. In between the dives we provide the guests with the opportunity to explore the islands, either by kayak or tender. The true beauty of these islands really should be experienced both above and below the water!! You could lounge on the beaches of Ko Haa Yai, Ko Similan, or Ko Tachai or stretch your legs to the view points overlooking Honeymoon Bay and Ao Guerk.
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M/V Philkade - Prices● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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Trip Price - Similan islands itinerary C1 (Euro) : 4 Days / 4 Nights
Trip Price - Similan/Hin Daeng Itinerary D (Euro) : 6 Days / 7 Nights
Trip Price - Similan-Surin Itinerary B (Euro) : 6 Days / 7 Nights
Trip Price - Similan Itinerary A (Euro) : 5 Days / 6 Nights
Trip Price - Similan Itinerary F4 (Euro) : 4 Days / 5 Nights
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M/V Philkade - Specifications● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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Layout and Description
The 29 - meter M / V Philkade, launched in 2002, has been designed specifically for luxury live-aboard diving cruises. Our 5 - star comfort for a limited number provides the answer for those tired of compromising between exceptional diving and discomfort and those who prefer diving amidst a school of fish rather than a school of divers. Built to meet all international standards, M/V Philkade is equipped with the latest electronics and safety equipment and is capable of transoceanic cruises.
MV Philkade has an upper fly bridge, three main decks, plus 6 spacious, well appointed guest cabins including: 1 master, 4 doubles and a triple, for 13 guests. The two aft cabins now have an option so that the double beds can be converted into full sized single beds. This means that there are more options for the individual customer to join M/V Philkade on her voyages. Lower Deck Layout
 Accommodation consists of 3 superior double-bed cabins with ensuited bathrooms (shower cabin and toilet). There are also 1 standard three-bed cabin and 1 standard double cabin that share a bathroom (shower cabin and toilet). All cabins have individual A/C and are equipped with wardrobes, drawers, safe deposits, internal phones. Main Deck Layout
The Deluxe Cabin, dubb
 ed Aquamarine, has a panoramic ocean view, king size bed, TV and home theater, wardrobe, drawers, cabinets, leather sofa, safe deposit, individual A/C, own large bathroom (shower cabin, WC, cabinets). The Deluxe cabin can be accessed from a main deck private door or from a saloon private door.The saloon and dining place offer an amazing 70 sqm surface. The aft deck entrance door opens to the saloon, on the left lays a wave shaped leather sofa and 2 black granite coffee tables. On the right,  an L shaped leather sofa with a black granite table. An integrated wood cabinet shelters the TV and home theater, small fridge, cabinets and drawers and is connected on one side to a Bar with black granite top. The en suite dining space can also be accessed from a separate deck door and is furnished with a black granite dining table, an L shape leather sofa and an electric dumbwaiter connecting to the galley on the upper deck. There is a PC workstation on Philkade which is dedicated for the viewing of digital photos and video. The computer has most necessary software programs and a CD burner for you to back up your treasures. Upper Deck Layout
A fully equipped Wheelhouse with one access from the saloon and two from the walkways.
Fly Bridge Layout
 The spacious fly bridge, largely shadowed by a retractable sun awning consists of a second helm, two large Sofas with upholstery, several cabinets and a BBQ station with a sink. MV Philkade is equipped with 2 tenders. We have a pair of 4.25m inflatable dinghies, equipped with 40 horsepower outboard engines for access to divesites as well as jaunts to shore, snorkelling and sightseeing. While underway the dinghies are raised by electric crane and stowed on the upper d
Accommodation
Yacht-Equipment
Maximum Passenger Capacity
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M/V Philkade - Cabins● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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M/V Philkade - Frequently asked questions● Schedule ● Itinerary ● Specifications ● Cabins ● Faqs ● Prices ● Diving photos ● Inquiry ● |
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Liveaboard cruises on board MV Philkade cover a number of diving destinations in several different countries. Each individual country differs slightly by facilities, as well as general rules and regulations; any of which could have an effect on your diving liveaboard experience. The FAQ section provides you with as much necessary travel advice as possible for the liveaboard destination that you are interested in. In each FAQ section you will find general travel advice such as how to get to your diving destination, flight information, visa information, air/water temperature, time zone information, health advice, cultural information and much much more. Furthermore, in each FAQ section you will also find more specific travel advice relating to MV Philkade, from what to bring and how dives are conducted from MV Philkade through to what the food is like and any extra costs while on board your liveaboard trip. All you have to do is figure out which liveaboard destination you are interested in and click on the relevant FAQ sections below. We hope to provide as many answers as possible with our FAQ and Travel Advice sections for each liveaboard destination but if you find you still have questions, please do not hesitate to email me directly.
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand? Do I need to arrange a hotel in Phuket? What is the electricity supply in Thailand? What is the currency in Thailand and how do I pay? Where can I eat and how is the food? What will the weather be like during my visit? What are the air and water temperatures in Thailand and will I need a wetsuit? What should I wear? What about health precautions? What is the religious stance in Thailand? Are there any rules of etiquette I should know about? What time zone does Thailand lie in? Is there a postal service? Can I make international calls and access the internet? Is there anything to buy on Phuket and are there bargains to be had? How much crime is there in Thailand and how useful are the police? Flying to Thailand and Phuket International flights There are two airports in Bangkok, with all international flights arriving to the new international airport of Suvarnabhumi (airport code BKK). Most major airlines fly direct to at least Bangkok, and often to Phuket. Thai Airways International (THAI) is the national airline and is regarded as one of the best airlines in the world, with another great carrier being Singapore Airlines who have multiple flights to Bangkok and Phuket daily. Phuket also has an international airport, with at least five flights a day (this varies from high-season to low-season) arriving from Bangkok year-round. Phuket also welcomes planes from Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and even Europe to its airport. Internal FlightsIf you have a connecting flight to Phuket then it can leave form Suvarnabhumi or from the old international airport of Don Muang (airport code DMK, which is now purely domestic). Please check your tickets, transfer times, and lay-over times between flights as passage between the two airports can be time consuming. Thailand has a number of discount and budget domestic airlines which can be good as long as you don't want to change your travel plans. You can save 50% or more using these carriers if you book early but keep in mind that they usually limit your luggage weight to 15kg or 33lbs. For many divers this is simply not enough and by the time you pay the over weight fees, you may not end up saving any money. To check flights with the main carriers into and out of Phuket check the following links: Note: It is strongly advised that you arrive in Phuket at least one day prior to boat departure in order to avoid potential problems and to allow you time to acclimatise before heading out on the trip. Also remember the '24 hours after diving' rule when booking your return flights. Visa Requirements All travellers to Thailand must have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the Kingdom. Although nationals of most countries in Southeast Asia, Europe, America, and Oceania are granted visa on arrival for up to 30 days, some are only granted 15 days, and others must have visa before arrival. See the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an up to date list of what is required. If in doubt please contact the Thai embassy in your country for more information, see here for a list of Thai Embassies around the world. IMPORTANT FOR BURMA CUSTOMERS: If you require a visa to enter Thailand, please make sure you obtain a multiple entry visa as you will need for your initial entry to Thailand as well as your re-entry to Thailand on returning from Burma. See Burma Travel Advice for more details on Burma visas and entry procedures. Accommodation upon Arrival in Phuket It is highly recommended that you arrive at least one day prior to your cruise. Premier liveaboard diving can arrange accommodation for you based on your need. If you require a longer stay either before or after your trip we can, of course, arrange this also. Electricity Supply In Thailand 220Volt/50Hz is standard with sockets mixed between 2 and/or 3 pin flat and/or round pins. To avoid confusion or disappointment we suggest guests bring at least one travel adapter. You can check the socket system visually at this World Wide Electricity Guide.
Currency The common currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in most stores (though American Express is less so) and cash machines are widely available in tourist areas. Currency exchange is also widely available, though we suggest using banks (where you will get a fair exchange rate and often pay no commission) rather than hotels or others who generally provide poorer rates. You will sometimes find that US Dollars, Euros, and the GB Pound are accepted in larger hotels. For current exchange rates click here. Eating out and Thai Food No matter what your gastronomical tastes there is something for everyone in Phuket with world wide fast food outlets, street carts, fine international restaurants, and wonderful traditional Royal Thai Cuisine all available. With all the major resorts and Phuket City offering a wide choice you can eat somewhere new every night! There is a wide variety of Thai food, and contrary to popular belief it is not all very hot. There are many curries available and they can be spicy, though a simple request for "not too spicy" will make it more than bearable to the western palate. Also beware of 'Thai Spicy Salad' as this is not salad in the traditional western sense and can be hot enough to make your brain leak through your ears (though papaya salad is delicious once you are accustomed to the heat!). Northern curries tend to be milder, with 'Massaman' being a particular favourite. Sea food is very popular in Phuket, for obvious reasons, and is very reasonably priced in western terms. Most sea food is generally fresh and cooked beautifully, though take the sensible precaution and beware of shell fish if you have lots of travelling to do the day after. Climate Thailand's tropical climate is influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoons. There are three basic seasons: Dry (November through Feb), Hot (March through May) and Rainy (June through October). Day trip diving is possible all year round, though the liveaboard season is restricted to the 'dry' and 'hot' seasons; often referred to as high season. Below is an example of a typical high season's weather in the Phuket area.
Please note, the above table is not a forecast! For up to date weather in Phuket see Yahoo weather. Air and Water Temperatures Air temperature: 23°C - 35°C (73°F - 95°F), always warm and can be very hot and humid, nights sometimes a little cooler. Water temperature in the Andaman Sea averages around 27°C to 30°C (80°F - 86°F), very pleasant although sometimes thermo clines occur. A 3mm short wetsuit is normally enough, though with 4 dives per day you may want to think about a full length suit particularly if you are succeptable to the cold. Please contact the office a week or so prior to the trip for current water temperatures if you are concerned. Clothing and Dress Codes In all tourist resorts shorts and t-shirts are acceptable attire. This is also appropriate at night, though 'smart casual' is preferred in the better eating establishments. Jackets and ties are not required anywhere. Ladies are expected to dress appropriately when visiting temples, for example, cover your shoulders and wear dresses or trousers below the knee at the very least. Aside from this, light natural fibers are advised as they are comfortable and allow the air to circulate, man made fibres can cause you to sweat in this humid climate and can cause heat rash or worse. Health Health services are excellent in Thailand with modern, well equipped hospitals in all major towns. Although Thailand is officially a malarial area, most of the country (including Phuket) is Malaria free, though Dengue Fever is not unknown. We recommend you check the status of your vaccinations and seek your doctor's advice on inoculations and medication. Normal sensible precautions with food should keep you out of trouble, and be sure to drink lots of bottled drinking water to prevent dehydration (especially if your best laid plans have still left you with a bout of diarrhoea). DO NOT drink tap water in Thailand! Also, be sure to wash regularly and wear light, loose clothing made from natural fibres as heat rash and fungal infections for visitors are not unusual in this humidity. Religious Matters Nearly all Thais are Buddhist (somewhere approaching 90%) with a small percentage (some 5%) being Muslim, though the south has a higher proportion of Muslims. The remainder of the country is made up of various religions with Christianity, Hinduism, and Confucianism making up most of the 5 or 6% left. There is a great tolerance between religions symbolised by the fact that the King is the Protector of All Faiths Simple Etiquette King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the head of the constitutional monarchy in Thailand and is, along with the whole royal family, held in the highest esteem. The family has the love and respect of the entire nation and showing disrespect can get you into trouble. Joking about the Royal Family is simply not done!! Do not point your feet at people, especially monks or representations of Buddha, as this seen as highly disrespectful, as is touching adults on the top of their heads. If you are in a situation that leads you to be in contact with the police for ANY reason, you must remain calm and respectful at all times. Raising your voice, displaying anger, making demands will get you nowhere, in fact will probably make matters worse no matter whether the problem is your fault or not. Good humour and patience will get you a long way in any situation. Time Zone Local time is GMT+7 hours throughout the year. Thailand has no daylight savings time and sunrise and sunset are pretty regular year round with sunrise between 6:00am and 6:45am and sunset between 6:00pm and 6:45pm. Postal Services The Thai postal service is mostly reliable, especially if posting abroad, though speed does not seem to be a priority. Post offices in Thailand are open from 9:00am until 3:30pm. Important items can be sent by Express Mail Service (EMS) from most post offices which is both faster and more reliable (with a proportionally higher cost). Both DHL and UPS have offices on Phuket if you want to be sure of their international standards. Telephone and Internet Services International dialling is available from almost all major hotels (and many smaller ones), as well as many offices offering travel and/or internet services. To make an international call, dial 001 plus Country Code plus Area Code plus Phone Number. Services tend to be very reliable. Internet is also widely available with everyone from hotels to coffee shops offering computers with internet service and WIFI. The speed of internet is still not up to western standards but internet calls via Skype are mostly clear and consistent as long as you don't try to involve a webcam. Shopping and Bargaining There is a massive amount of shopping available in Phuket. Regular purchases such as clothing, perfumes, shoes, sunglasses, souvenirs, computer gaming hardware and software are all available. Beware when buying (especially anything designer or software) that you are buying the real thing when paying 'real' prices. Tailors are also very very popular in Phuket, and rightly so. Within 24-48 hours you can have a bespoke dress, shirt, coat, or three piece suit made in the material of your choice at an incredibly low price! There are also, genuine, traditional Thai wares available outside of the resorts, especially in Phuket City. These include wood carvings, teak ware, porcelain, paintings, and Buddha imagery. Thai silk products are very popular too with outlets such as the legendary Jim Thompson now available on Phuket. If you want something traditionally 'Phuket', look out for pearls, tin, and pewter ware, all of which are widely available outside the resorts. Jewellery is also very popular on Phuket with gold, diamonds, and coloured gems particularly prevalant. Be aware when buying since authentic gems should come with a certificate that states the value of the object and a statement of its value, if this is not present and you are not in the business yourself be very careful. Contrary to popular belief most establishments will not engage in bargaining, or 'haggling', for goods, and prices are set. This is especially true in such places as pharmacies, bars, supermarkets, department stores, public transport, and restaurants. Elsewhere, in places like jewellery stores and with street vendors, bargaining is almost part of the game. Simple rules include keeping the bargaining friendly and remembering exactly how much you are haggling over (is 30 Baht really so important to you?). Getting angry or drawing the haggling on for too long over small amounts will be met with irritation. The best way to see if you are getting value for money is to be prepared to walk away. If you are not followed then the vendor really isn't willing to drop his price any further...have a think and go back later to buy. Crime and the Police Known as the land of smiles Thailand is a very safe place to travel around, as demonstrated by the high volume of young backpackers flocking here every year. The police keep a very high profile, with dedicated Tourist Police in all tourist areas designated to looking after the rights of foreign visitors. As in almost all countries, pick-pocketing happens in crowded areas such as bus and rail stations, tourist spots, and busy gatherings (festivals and bars) so watching your valuables in these areas would be wise. It is not unknown for things to go missing form hotel rooms, but by the same token it IS very unusual. By enlarge, Thai staff are very polite and honest. By taking sensible precautions you should have no problems while in Thailand. It is also worth noting here that drugs are very much to be avoided in Thailand. The government has a very vocal and well known harsh system for dealing with people it considers to be involved in this business (including their infamous 'shoot now ask later' system from several years ago), and penalties are very strong. If you are involved in any kind of incident then the police must be informed (ideally tourist police if they can be contacted). As stated in 'Simple Etiquette', when dealing with the police remain calm and polite in order to get the best help and co-operation. |
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