Thailand
From CruisersWiki
Thailand Cruising Guide
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing around Thailand.
Thailand | |
Thailand | |
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Capitol: | Bangkok |
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Language: | Thai |
Currency: | Thai Baht |
Thailand map courtesy of www.theodora.com/maps used with permission |
Thailand is home to several distinct geographic regions, partly corresponding to the provincial groups. The north of the country is mountainous, with the highest point being Doi Inthanon at 2,565 metres above sea level (8,415 ft). The northeast, Isan, (see special section on this region) consists of the Khorat Plateau, bordered to the east by the Mekong river. The centre of the country is dominated by the predominantly flat Chao Phraya river valley, which runs into the Gulf of Thailand. The south consists of the narrow Kra Isthmus that widens into the Malay Peninsula.
Thailand has over a 1,000nm of mainland coastline bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand (Siam). With thousands of islands, there are many more miles of beaches, creeks and headlands meeting the sea. Lying between 5 and 13 degrees north, the climate is tropical, the beaches are palm fringed, with priste white sand,crystal waters and superb coral reefs.
Climate
Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F), a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand. The careful observer will, however, note three seasons:
- Cool: From November to the end of February, it doesn't rain much and temperatures are at their lowest, although you will barely notice the difference in the south and will only need to pack a sweater if hiking in the northern mountains, where temperatures can fall as low as 5°C. This is the most popular time to visit and, especially around Christmas and New Year's, finding flights and accommodation can be expensive and difficult.
- Hot: From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F). Pleasant enough when sitting on the beach with a drink in hand, but not the best time of year to go temple-tramping in Bangkok.
- Rainy: From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical monsoons hit most of the country. This doesn't mean it rains non-stop, but when it does it pours and flooding is not uncommon.
There are local deviations to these general patterns. In particular, the south-east coast of Thailand (including Ko Samui) has the rains reversed, with the peak season being May-October and the rainy off season in November-February.
Weather Links
Special reference to Thailand's coastal areas
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of Cruiser's Nets and VHF operating/calling channels here.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Submit any details about advance notification of arrival, etc.
Immigration Visas & Customs
See the Official Govt. Website for current details.
- We have been in and out of Thailand many times and there is little cost except for weekend overtime at the Immigration places. Also unlike many other places the ship captain cannot check in or out passengers and Crew members. Places like Satun which as a strong river tidal currents should be avoided as all crew and passengers must attend the immigration. Also do not take your time from Langkawi to Phuket as the immigration want to charge a non recieted fee for any delays more than 3 days. You can sit and argue for an hour and get away with it sometimes.--Rossmonty 03:26, 15 June 2008 (MDT)
Health
Submit any health warnings/information.
Security
Details?
Ports & Popular Stops
- Peninsula West Coast
- Gulf of Thailand
Offshore Islands
Passages from Thailand
- See Phuket (Has data)
Cruiser's Friends & Supplies
Teak Supplies
- Serm Wong Sawmill Company.Ltd. tel. 66 02 585 0238
- S Sammakke timber Trade Limited- Part. tel. 66 02 587 3311 - 66 02 585 2440 - 66 02 585 8164 - 66 02 587 8748
- Taveekit Timber trade Limited.Part. tel. 66 02 585 4077- 66 02 585 0330 - 66 02 585 4612
Sikaflex
- Sika(THailand) Limited. tel. 66 02 671 2764/9
Epoxy Glue
- Thai Epoxy & Allied Products Company. tel. 66 02 253 5031/3
(Tel. Note: If phoning from outside Thailand drop the 0 before the"2")
References & Publications
Books, Guides, etc.
- Andaman Sea Pilot: a very well documented sea pilot issued by Image Asia Events Co., Ltd in Phuket. Lots of anchorages reaching from Darwin to Andaman Islands, with detailed drawings of heaps of anchorages. More details on Andaman Sea Pilot's website http://www.andamanseapilot.com/ ISBN 974-949998-08
Links to Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Submit useful website links for the region
Personal Notes
Personal Experiences?
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| HOMEPAGE | WIKI CONTENTS | SE Asia | Thailand | |
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