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Suvarnabhumi Airport
BKK • VTBS
30 km • 45-75 minutes to central Bangkok (traffic dependent)
Main international gateway and best connector between coasts.
Transport: Airport Rail Link, Taxis
Logistics · Country Guide
Two seas, two seasons: build your Thailand trip around the coast that is in form
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Thailand is easy to reach via Bangkok (BKK) and multiple coastal airports. For the Andaman coast, Phuket (HKT) and Krabi (KBV) are the main gateways. For the Gulf islands, fly to Surat Thani (URT) for budget connections or Samui (USM) for the fastest island access, then continue by ferry.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
BKK • VTBS
30 km • 45-75 minutes to central Bangkok (traffic dependent)
Main international gateway and best connector between coasts.
Transport: Airport Rail Link, Taxis
Phuket International Airport
HKT • VTSP
32 km • 45-75 minutes to Chalong/Rawai dive areas
Gateway for Andaman hubs like Phuket and Khao Lak.
Transport: Airport taxis, Pre-booked vans
Krabi International Airport
KBV • VTSG
25 km • 35-60 minutes to Ao Nang
Gateway for Krabi, Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta transfers.
Transport: Airport taxis, Shared vans
Domestic flights connect Bangkok to Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, and Trat. Overnight trains and buses can be good budget routes to the Gulf piers. On islands, taxis and songthaews cover main towns; scooters are common but high-risk. For heavy dive gear and multi-stop plans, private vans and combined ferry tickets reduce hassle.
Thailand entry rules depend on passport: many travelers use visa exemption, while others need a visa on arrival, embassy visa, or e-Visa. Always verify with an official Thai embassy or consulate.
Thailand also uses the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), an official online travel information submission (not a visa) that is typically completed within 3 days before arrival.
If you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required.
Major Thai dive hubs have full rental inventories, but bringing your own mask, computer, and exposure protection improves comfort. Use a dry bag for pier transfers and wet decks, and pack spares for cameras and regulators. If you switch coasts, travel light and rely on local weights and tanks.
Thai Baht (THB)
Cards are widely accepted in Bangkok, Phuket, and larger resorts, but cash is still common at piers, longtail boats, and smaller islands. Keep smaller notes for island fees and tips.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and main tourist towns. On smaller islands, you may have limited machines and occasional outages, so withdraw before ferry days.
220V • 50Hz • A, B, C, F, O
Many accommodations accept multiple plug types, but standards vary. Bring a universal adapter and a small power strip if you travel with camera chargers. Some boats have limited outlets, so charge overnight when possible.
Communications
Thailand has strong mobile coverage in cities and major tourist hubs, with 4G/5G widely available. Islands can have weaker signals in remote bays. Tourists commonly buy a local SIM or eSIM at airports or convenience stores. Download offline maps for island scooter days and save operator WhatsApp/LINE contacts before transfers.
Language
Thai is the national language. English is widely spoken in dive shops, hotels, and transport hubs, but less so in local markets and smaller towns. Having your hotel name and pier name written in Thai (or saved as a screenshot) can help with taxis and vans.
Insurance
For scuba or freediving, carry insurance that covers hyperbaric treatment, evacuation, and trip interruption due to weather cancellations. If you ride scooters, ensure your policy covers motorbike accidents and that you meet license and helmet requirements. DAN-style dive accident coverage is common among frequent divers.
Packing list
Pack for sun, salt, and boat spray. Essentials include a rashguard, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and a lightweight rain layer in wetter months. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm suit or shorty, but bring a full 3mm if you chill after repetitive dives. Include spare batteries and charging cables for computers and cameras, plus motion-sickness support for long day boats.