Packing Tips

    • Passport (if you haven't actually seen it for a while, now's a good time to make sure you can find it).

    • Flight Tickets.

    • Hotel confirmation if you have a room booked.

    • The local currency is the Baht (THB) (100 satangs makes 1 baht).

    • Credit Cards are accepted in some places on the mainland such as hotels and supermarkets (Mastercard and Visa are best, Amex is generally not accepted). It is recommended that sufficient cash is brought with you while in the cruising area. The average would be 1,000 Baht per person per day. Credit cards are accepted only at larger restaurants and resorts.

    • Your wallet might get wet on dinghy rides, so don’t bring your library card, etc. (Let your bank know you will be using your cards and/or ATMs overseas).

    • Sailing logbook for your skipper to sign if you want to log bareboat cruising hours

    • T-shirts (polyester fast-drying technical fabric allows you to rinse t-shirts and re-wear)

    • A couple of long sleeve tops to aid with sun protection – same fast-drying tech fabric is good

    • Shorts (with at least one closable pocket)

    • Clothes for potentially cool weather upon return to the US (e.g., light fleece, waterproof jacket, sweatpants)

    • Clothes for exploring onshore

    • Underwear (personal preference, won’t wear much while on boat)

    • Multiple bathing suits, so you’ll have a dry one to change into

    • Rash guard for SPF protection on back while snorkeling

    • Closed-toe boat shoes are helpful if you’re prone to stubbing toes

    • Flip flops / bare feet for onshore or chilling out on boat when not underway

    • Something specific to sleep in that you’ll keep salt-free (just another t-shirt / shorts / leggings etc. that you set aside for sleeping in)

    • All onshore dinners are casual with no requirement for fancy clothes, however ladies may like to bring a nice summer dress and men a thin, long-sleeve shirt, but not absolutely necessary

    • Snorkel. Flippers are provided on the boat, however you’ll need your own mask and mouthpiece due to Covid precautions

    • Refillable water bottle

    • Hat with lanyard to clip the hat to your shirt when sailing so wind doesn’t blow it off (you can buy lanyards separately that have clips at both ends. Some hats come with them already attached)

    • Sailing gloves (recommended but not essential if you don’t own a pair already. Can switch around for those that are trimming lines at any given time)

    • Sunglasses, preferably polarized, with a retaining strap like croakies

    • Sunscreen (keep in mind if you are not checking bags for the flight you must fit all liquids in a 1 quart zip-top plastic bag)

    • Lip balm with sunscreen

    • Headlamp with red light setting (don’t rush out and buy one but if you have it, bring it)

    • Bug repellent (there is generally one can already supplied with the boat, but bring your favorite if you like)

    • Soap, shampoo, conditioner (eco-friendly products preferred, in that quart bag if not checking luggage)

    • Toothbrush/toothpaste

    • Motion sickness treatment (if you feel there’s even a slight chance you’ll get seasick consider one of the many remedies available. Consult your doctor for best advice on treatment and possible side affects. Treatments that have been shown to be successful include Dramamine, Scopolamine patches that go behind the ear and Seabands which hit an acupressure point on your wrist and, I’m told, do an amazing job)

    • Headache remedy

    • Prescription medicines. Bring enough to cover your entire stay and bring a copy of the prescription to help explain what you are bringing into the country if you are asked about it.

    • A small dry bag for protecting phones, wallets and dry clothing during dinghy transfers. Ziplock baggies provide an additional layer of protection for smaller items