Fees · Country Guide
Two seas, two seasons: build your Thailand trip around the coast that is in form
Updated Mar 4, 2026 • 10 sources
Fees And Permits
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
Fees You Can't Skip
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) - Free (official submission)
- Mu Ko Similan National Park visitor fee (reference) - THB 500 per foreign adult (child rates vary)
- Typical payment pattern: Thailand's diving costs usually break into three buckets: (1) entry paperwork (TDAC and, if needed, a visa), (2) nationalpark and island fees, and (3) operator charges for boats and gear.
What people usually pay
Thailand's diving costs usually break into three buckets: (1) entry paperwork (TDAC and, if needed, a visa), (2) national-park and island fees, and (3) operator charges for boats and gear. Offshore marine parks can add meaningful per-person fees, and some areas have separate island maintenance charges. Always carry some cash for piers and small islands, even if you mostly pay by card in cities.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) | Free (official submission) Per entry (submission required before arrival) | Most foreign travelers entering Thailand | Online via tdac.immigration.go.th | The TDAC is a travel information submission, not a visa. Submit within the official window (commonly 3 days before arrival) and keep a screenshot or PDF confirmation. |
| Mu Ko Similan National Park visitor fee (reference) | THB 500 per foreign adult (child rates vary) Day entry (rules vary by park and operator) | Visitors joining Similan-area trips from Phuket or Khao Lak | Often bundled by tour operators; may be checked by park staff | Similan and Surin marine parks typically close in the southwest monsoon and reopen around mid-October in many years. Confirm opening dates and any e-ticket requirements for your exact travel month. |
| Phi Phi area national park fee (reference) | Often quoted around THB 400 per foreign adult (child rates vary) Per visit (keep your ticket for inspections) | Visitors to the Phi Phi island group from Krabi or Phuket | Collected by park staff or bundled in boat tours | Fees and enforcement can vary by entry point (pier versus beach). Keep the paper ticket with you during the day in case officials check it. |
| Koh Nang Yuan entrance or maintenance fee | THB 100-250 (varies) Day entry | Visitors on [Koh Tao](/destinations/koh-tao-thailand) day trips | Collected on arrival (often via boat operators) | Treat this as a separate island fee from your boat ticket. Carry cash and confirm the latest rate with your operator. |