frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking your diving liveaboard in Thailand and Burma
Welcome to our frequently asked questions page! If you are preparing for your next diving liveaboard in Thailand and Myanmar, you are in the right place. We have gathered all the essential information here to organize your trip aboard the MV Smiling Seahorse.
Preparing for your diving liveaboard in Thailand and Burma
Do I need travel and diving insurance?
Yes—diving insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended for all guests joining a trip with The Smiling Seahorse liveaboard.
All guests must have valid diving insurance that provides adequate cover for diving accidents, emergency evacuation, recompression chamber treatment and related medical costs before boarding.
Your diving insurance must cover the type of diving you’ll be doing and the maximum depths your certification allows. Be aware that some basic travel insurance policies may limit diving depth well below your certification level, so it’s important to check the fine print.
The maximum dive depth on all of our itineraries is 30m.
We also strongly recommend taking out travel insurance covering trip cancellation, delays, lost or damaged baggage, medical expenses, and other unexpected travel-related costs.
We have a couple of popular options here for diving insurance, if needed.
What diving certification and experience do I need?
The minimum requirement for our Thailand and Myanmar itineraries is an Open Water Diver certification (PADI, SSI, or equivalent) with 10+ logged dives.
Please note that some of our dives exceed 18 meters, and we plan night dives on a daily basis. If you’re not already Advanced Open Water certified, you can obtain your Advanced Open Water certification onboard or complete the Deep Diving and Night Diving Adventure Dives required for these types of dives.
Advanced Open Water courses are available onboard from 8,500 THB (5 Adventure Dives, manual, and certification card). Individual Adventure Dives are available at 1,500 THB each.
Am I fit to dive? Do I need a medical form?
It is each diver’s individual responsibility to ensure that they are medically fit to dive. Please review the medical questionnaire here well in advance of your trip.
If you answer “yes” to any of the questions on the form — including questions relating to conditions that are currently being managed with medication — you will need to obtain a doctor’s certificate dated within the past year confirming that you are fit to dive.
We strongly recommend taking care of this before you travel rather than trying to arrange it at your destination. Guests who cannot provide the required medical documentation may be unable to participate in diving activities.
How long should I wait before flying after my last dive?
We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your last dive before boarding a flight.
Please plan your return flights accordingly. If your departure is scheduled within 24 hours of your final dives, you will not be able to participate in those dives.
Do I need to sign any waivers?
Yes – all guests are required to sign the relevant liability releases for their itinerary and activities on embarkation.
When should I fly in and out?
We recommend arriving in Thailand the day before embarkation, if possible. It’s a long travel day from most destinations, and there’s no buffer if your flight is delayed.
For Thailand itineraries:
If you are flying in on the day of embarkation, please make sure your flight lands in Phuket before the check-in time, which is between 2pm and 4pm.
For departures from Phuket, allow at least 1 hour to travel from Phuket to the pier.
For departures from Khao Lak, allow at least 1 hour and 40 minutes to travel from Phuket Airport to Thap Lamu Pier.
If you are arriving on an international flight, please also allow sufficient time for immigration, as processing can take longer when the airport is busy.
On the final day, please ensure there are at least 24 hours between your last dive and your flight. Check your specific itinerary for disembarkation times so you can plan your onward travel accordingly.
We recommend staying an extra night in a hotel before your flight to allow plenty of time and avoid unnecessary travel stress.
For Myanmar itineraries:
The only suitable flights into Ranong Airport currently operate from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK), not Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
You can check the latest timetable and prices directly on the AirAsia website.
Are transfers included? How do they work?
Free shared transfers are included depending on your departure point and accommodation location.
For Phuket departures:
We can arrange a free shared transfer if you’re staying in the Phuket Town area. If you’re staying outside this area, the transfer is not included, but we can arrange a private car, SUV or minivan for you. You can check our transfer price list here.
For Khao Lak departures:
We can arrange a free shared transfer if you’re staying in Khao Lak town center. Transfers are not included for accommodation in Bang Niang, Khuk Khak, Pakarung or Bang Sak, but we can arrange a private car, SUV or minivan for you. You can check our transfer price list here.
For Ranong departures:
We can arrange a free shared transfer if you’re staying in the Ranong town center area. Transfers from Ranong Airport or other areas are not included, but we can arrange a private car, SUV, minivan or shared transfer for you. You can check our transfer price list here.
How to get to Ranong?
There are several ways to get to Ranong – pick yours!
By plane:
You can travel to Ranong by plane in about 1 hour 30 minutes from Bangkok.
The only suitable flights into Ranong Airport currently operate from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK), not Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
You can check the latest timetable and prices directly on the AirAsia website.
By train:
You can travel by train from Bangkok to Chumphon, followed by a 3-hour bus journey to Ranong.
Some travellers find the train more comfortable than taking a bus, as you can book a sleeper berth and lie down for the night. The bus journey from Chumphon to Ranong is relatively short.
For more information, you can check the Thai Railway website here.
By bus:
You can travel by bus to Ranong from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Phuket and Khao Lak.
You can check timetables and prices and book your ticket here.
Can you pick me up on Koh Phayam?
Yes! For Thailand trips departing from Ranong, we can pick you up from Koh Phayam, as the island is on the way between Ranong and the Surin Islands.
However, for Myanmar (Burma) trips, you will need to take a boat back to Ranong, as the MV Smiling Seahorse will depart from Ranong and cruise north after completing immigration clearance.
You can check the boat timetables for Koh Phayam and Koh Chang here.
Where to stay in Ranong?
Check out our handpicked selection of favourite hotels in Ranong.
Do I need to apply for a visa to visit Burma?
Yes. To visit Myanmar, you will need to apply for a tourist e-visa, which costs US$50. The visa is valid for 28 days.
Additionally, please be aware that entry fees are required for access to the Mergui Archipelago:
6 days: US$180
7 days: US$210
8 days: US$230
9 days: US$280
Please note that the authorities may refuse banknotes that are marked, stamped, written on, or folded. It is therefore important to ensure that your US dollar banknotes are clean and in pristine condition.
Can I travel in Burma before or after a cruise in the Mergui Archipelago?
Yes. You can leave the boat in Kawthaung at the end of the trip. You can also join our trip in Kawthaung if you are travelling in Myanmar before your diving trip.
Please make sure that your Myanmar visa is valid for the entire duration of your diving trip.
Do I need to bring money with me on board?
For Thailand cruises, park fees and any additional purchases onboard must be paid in Thai baht (THB).
For Myanmar cruises, the Myanmar entry and diving fees must be paid in NEW US dollar banknotes. During your brief stay in Kawthaung, you can use US dollars or Thai baht for shopping.
We recommend bringing sufficient cash with you, as it can be very difficult to exchange money or find an ATM once you have left Thailand.
Don’t forget the tips!
It is common practice to give the crew a tip at the end of the cruise. If you have been happy with their service, a typical tip is around 1,000 THB per day, per diver, which is divided equally among the boat crew.
What are the implications of visiting Myanmar?
Myanmar has been under military rule for significant periods over the past decades, and the current political situation remains complex. You will see very little of the mainland during our cruise and will have very limited contact with local people, mainly in Kawthaung and with the Myanmar guide who accompanies us during the trip.
We do not consider that paying the required government fees to visit the Mergui Archipelago contributes in any meaningful way to supporting the military junta.
For your own safety and, more importantly, the safety of our local guides and contacts, we strongly recommend avoiding political discussions or questions while in Myanmar. Please be respectful of the local situation and follow the advice of our crew and guides at all times.
What is the weather like?
Thailand and Myanmar are tropical countries with two main seasons. The dry and cooler season runs from November to March, followed by the hotter season from March to May.
Rain is more common from June to October, and the sea can become rough during this period. For this reason, we take a break from diving operations and give the boat – and ourselves – a well-deserved rest!
Equipment, levels, and diving conditions
Is a dive computer mandatory?
Yes – every diver onboard must use a dive computer, without exception.
If you don’t have your own, we have dive computers available for rent at 300 THB per day. Please reserve your equipment in advance to ensure availability.
Can I dive with Enriched Air Nitrox?
Yes, Nitrox is available for an additional charge. The normal price is 250 THB per tank, but we offer discounted packages for those who want to dive exclusively on Nitrox:
18 dives: 3,600 THB
22 dives: 4,500 THB
25 dives: 4,800 THB
29 dives: 5,700 THB
What if I’m not Nitrox-certified? If you aren’t certified yet, you can complete the Enriched Air Nitrox specialty course during your trip! Just let us know in advance, and we will arrange the training for you.
Important Note on Availability Please note that Nitrox availability cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances. No compensation will be offered if we are unable to provide Nitrox for reasons beyond our control.
Is Blackwater diving included?
Yes, one Blackwater dive is included on every trip. If enough guests are interested in a second Blackwater dive, we may be able to arrange one for 1,000 THB per person per dive.
Experience one of the ocean’s most fascinating migrations with our unique Blackwater diving sessions. The Smiling Seahorse was the first liveaboard to introduce Blackwater diving in Thailand and Myanmar.
These unguided dives are suitable for experienced divers who are comfortable diving in buddy teams without direct supervision.
Can I rent diving equipment on board?
Yes—a good range of rental equipment is available onboard, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, and dive computers.
Your pre-trip booking form includes a section where you can let us know which equipment you need, along with your required sizes.
Guests are responsible for the care of any equipment they rent. Any loss or damage will be charged at the replacement or repair cost.
Are diving courses available on board?
Yes – we can arrange ISC or PADI Advanced Open Water courses, as well as specialty courses, onboard.
For more information, please visit our ISC / PADI Courses page here.
Are the cruises suitable for non-divers?
Yes—we welcome non-divers on all our cruises and even offer a special discount for non-divers on direct bookings. Please contact us for details.
Cruising around the Thai islands and through the Mergui Archipelago is a magical experience that everyone can enjoy. You’ll discover untouched islands, wild sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and plenty of great snorkeling opportunities. You can also relax with a good book, go swimming, or use our kayak to explore the islands around the boat.
However, our cruises are primarily designed for divers, so please do not expect frequent island visits or a wide range of organized activities.
Please note that our standard package does not include a dedicated guide for supervision. If required, we can arrange a guide at an additional cost of 4,000 THB per day.
Private charters for non-divers
Non-diver-focused cruises can also be arranged for groups chartering the entire boat. In this case, we can organize activities such as kayak expeditions through mangrove forests, visits to waterfalls on deserted islands, wildlife and bird watching, and much more.
Is it difficult to dive in Myanmar?
Myanmar generally has stronger currents than the Similan and Surin Islands. We recommend completing your Advanced Open Water and Deep Diver specialty courses before joining the trip so you feel more comfortable in stronger currents and can take full advantage of the deeper dive sites. However, all certified divers can enjoy diving in Myanmar, provided they stay within their training and experience limits.
ISC / PADI courses are also available onboard by prior reservation. The use of a dive computer and surface marker buoy (SMB) is strongly recommended.
We provide SMBs and have dive computers available for rent.
Please also keep in mind that Myanmar is a remote diving destination, and an emergency evacuation can take up to one day. Always dive well within your limits and stay within no-decompression limits.
Finally, please make sure you have appropriate diving and travel insurance before joining the trip.
Is the diving in Burma similar to the Similan Islands?
We dive on both sides of the border and love them for different reasons. Diving in Thailand and Myanmar is very different, and experiencing both is a great way to enjoy a much wider diversity of dive sites, marine life, and underwater environments.
Thailand generally offers better visibility and larger schools of barracuda and trevally. Many of our Thai dive sites are located within national parks, where fishing is restricted during the diving season, helping to protect the marine life.
Myanmar offers a very different experience. There are far fewer dive boats, and we are often alone on the dive sites. To put this into perspective, while Richelieu Rock can sometimes have around 100 divers in the water at the same time, we can often have a dive site in Myanmar almost entirely to ourselves.
Myanmar also offers a greater chance of seeing rare and unusual species. Frogfish, seahorses, and ghost pipefish are regularly seen on our trips, while harlequin shrimp are spotted very often. Nurse sharks and large blotched stingrays are also seen fairly regularly.
The underwater landscapes are different too. Myanmar has many limestone formations and caves, while caves are not found at our Thai dive sites. There are also generally stronger currents, making some of the dive sites more challenging. Water temperatures are typically around 27–29°C.
The stronger currents and cooler water contribute to excellent coral conditions, with many reefs in Myanmar in remarkably good shape.
Myanmar also offers more challenging diving, with deeper dive sites, stronger currents, and cave environments.
So, while Thailand and Myanmar are geographically close, they are two very different diving destinations. If you have the opportunity, we highly recommend experiencing both!
What are the diving conditions like in Myanmar?
The diving season runs from mid-October to mid-May, during the tropical dry season. You can generally expect plenty of sunny days, especially from mid-January to mid-April.
From November to mid-January, visibility typically ranges from 15 to 20 meters due to the higher concentration of plankton. This makes it a particularly good time for encounters with manta rays and whale sharks. During this period, water temperatures can drop and are normally around 24–28°C.
Visibility generally improves from January onwards, reaching its optimum in February, when it can exceed 25–30 metres. Water temperatures are typically around 27–30°C.
Towards the end of the season, plankton concentrations increase again, which can attract more pelagic species and make this another excellent period for encounters with larger marine life.
Currents can be stronger around the Full Moon and New Moon.
What is the procedure in case of accident?
We have the necessary first-aid supplies and emergency equipment onboard, and our crew is trained to provide first aid for common injuries and conditions, such as coral injuries and jellyfish stings. We also carry emergency oxygen in case of a diving-related emergency.
If a medical evacuation is necessary, you may need to be transported to Phuket, where the nearest decompression chamber is located. Such an evacuation and medical treatment can be extremely expensive.
We strongly recommend taking out appropriate diving and travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, recompression chamber treatment, and related medical expenses.
Life on board our diving liveaboard boat
What's the food like?
Our food is one of our guests’ favourite things!
We take you to the best dive sites and offer comfortable cabins, but our chef is probably what earns us the most raving reviews!
The French and Thai cultures are both very serious about good food, so we’ve combined our strengths to offer a delicious mix of Thai and international cuisine for everyone to enjoy.
Check out our food page here.
Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?
Our chef has been with us since Day One of The Smiling Seahorse in 2012 and is very used to managing all specific diets: vegetarian, vegan, and lactose/glucose intolerant, and managing your allergies and tastes. It is never a problem, so don’t forget to mention it in your booking form so we can shop accordingly…
What's the alcohol policy?
Beer, wine, and spirits are available to purchase onboard once diving is finished for the day. Guests wishing to bring alcohol on board will have to pay a corkage fee per bottle of wine and per bottle of champagne or spirits. Beer may not be brought onboard by guests.
Diving and alcohol don’t mix. We will not allow any guest to dive after consuming alcohol, and our crew may ask guests to sit out a dive if they do not appear fit to dive.
This policy is purely for your safety, and we ask that you respect it throughout the trip.
What should I pack for a diving liveaboard?
Life onboard is relaxed – swimwear, shorts, and a T-shirt will see you through most of the day. A light sweater or fleece is often useful for cooler evenings, especially after multiple dives.
Crew and guests go barefoot on deck, but do bring a pair of sturdy sandals or trainers for any island or shore visits.
We recommend packing any essential medications, valuables, and overnight essentials in your carry-on luggage in case your checked bags are delayed.
For more information on what to pack, check out here.
Are towels and toiletries provided?
We provide two towels per guest in each cabin: one for showering and one for after diving. Towels are changed once during the trip.
In the bathroom, we also provide reef-friendly, organic soap, shampoo, and conditioner.
Is there somewhere to set up and charge camera equipment?
Yes—the photography room has a dedicated wash tank for your camera and electronic equipment, as well as numerous charging ports, shelves, and counter space for maintaining and storing your gear between dives.
Our crew are experienced in handling underwater photo and video equipment with care.
For underwater photography, the National Parks require divers to be Advanced Open Water certified and/or have a minimum of 40 logged dives.
Flying drones is not permitted within the National Parks.
What safety equipment is on board?
Guest safety is our top priority. For all our safety information, please visit here.
Is smoking permitted on board?
Smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas only. Please ask a crew member to point these out during embarkation.
Is there a fee to pay to dive in Thailand National Parks and the Mergui Archipelago?
Yes, both Thailand and Myanmar require entry fees.
Please note that entry fees are subject to change without prior notice by the authorities.
For Thailand itineraries, you can find the current fees under the “Not Included” section of our cruise descriptions.
For Myanmar:
6 days: US$180
7 days: US$210
8 days: US$230
9 days: US$280
Please note that the authorities may refuse banknotes that are marked, stamped, written on, or folded. It is therefore important to bring clean, crisp US dollar banknotes in pristine condition.
It is not possible to exchange money at the border. Although the authorities may accept Thai baht, paying the entry fees in Thai baht can be significantly more expensive than paying in US dollars.
Can children join the cruises?
Children are welcome onboard, but parents or guardians are fully responsible for their safety, conduct, and entertainment at all times. Neither The Smiling Seahorse nor any member of the crew can be held responsible for supervising or entertaining children onboard.
Children under 12 years old can only be accommodated onboard by special request and prior arrangement.
Please note that this does not guarantee that there will be no children under 12 onboard on your cruise.
Payment and tips for your diving liveaboard trip
How can I pay for my cruise?
You can pay us via Wise, PayPal, or bank transfer to our bank account in Thailand.
You can find more information on our dedicated Payments page here.
There are many banks and ATMs in Ranong where you can withdraw cash in Thai baht (THB).
How do I pay for on-board extras?
Onboard extras, including marine park fees, nitrox, equipment rental, and alcohol, can be paid by cash in Thai baht (THB), Wise, or PayPal.
We also accept credit card payments (Visa or Mastercard). Please note that card payments are subject to a 5% surcharge.
All onboard bills must be settled in full before disembarkation.
Should I tip the crew? How much?
Gratuities are not included in your trip price and are entirely at your discretion. That said, our crew work incredibly hard, and much of what they do behind the scenes often goes unseen.
A customary tip is around 1,000 THB per day, depending on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Tips are shared equally among the crew.
