Travel

YOU ARE ADVISED TO BOOK FLIGHTS AND HOTELS (OPTIONAL) AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF BEST AVAILABILITY AND PRICING. CHEAPER OPTIONS WILL FILL UP FAST.

For CDC recommendations and guidance, please review the CDC Travelers Health page for Thailand. If you plan to travel around Thailand before or after the sail the US State Department advises you to avoid Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities against the Thai government. You must not bring vaporizers, eg, e-cigarettes and e-baraku, and refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to prison if convicted. The sale or supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices is also banned and you could face a heavy fine or imprisonment if found guilty. Please note, to show respect, never touch a local’s head or point at a local with your foot when seated.

Travel Health and Safety

Your passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry and you must have proof of an onward or return ticket. No immunizations are required and you do not need a visa for stays of less than 30 days.

Entry Requirements

Flight and Transport Options

All crew must schedule travel to ensure being onsight at the marina on the morning of February 22nd, 2025

From the US you need to fly to Phuket International Airport (HKT). All travel from the US will require at least one connection before landing in Phuket. From there you have options to get to Ao Po Grand Marina, located on the east coast of Phuket, where the Moorings and Sunsail base is located, or your hotel:

  • Taxis are available on exit from the airport, 30-35 min drive to the marina. No reservation is necessary. Taxis are always available at the airport however many taxi drivers do not know where the Moorings office is in the Ao Po Marina and clients may be dropped off at the wrong place, sometimes even the wrong marina. If you are going from the airport straight to the marina it is highly recommended that you organize transfers through The Moorings. DC Sailing Community can facilitate that. If you are going to a hotel from the airport you will need to make your own arrangements.

    • Moorings transfers: 800 Baht each way for up to 4 passengers, 950 Baht each way for up to 6 passengers,, 1100 Baht each way for up to 8 passengers

    • Car taxi to the marina: 500 Baht, maximum 4 persons

    • Minibus taxi to the marina: 900 Baht, maximum 8 persons

  • Car rental is available from the airport. There are three reputable car rental companies in Phuket and although driving there is easy, there are guidelines to follow to stay safe – they are as follows:

    • In Thailand driving is on the left side of the road, similar to driving in the UK

    • A valid International license or Thai Driving license is essential. You can use a current US license and must be aged 25 or older

    • Seat belt wearing and drinking and driving laws apply, and are enforced

    • Full Comprehensive Insurance is a must. Beware of street side vendors with signs saying ‘With Insurance’ – usually the level of insurance is very basic and would not cover the car, or passengers – just third-party injuries or damage

A hotel is not mandatory however many sailors like to book their travel to arrive a day or two early to avoid the risk of disrupting their arrival due to inclement weather. The majority of the hotels in and around Phuket are on the west coast (Moorings base is on the east coast, shown below with the blue pin on the map). Medium to high-end hotel brands are generally priced much more modestly than you may be used to in the US and other countries. As you can see from the map there are lots of options. Click the map to start your search:

Accommodations