Thailand is described by many travelers as the most exotic country in Asia. Its independence as a kingdom has preserved its unique culture for the last 700 years. From the golden spires and ornate roofs of Bangkok’s many fabulous Buddhist temples to the intriguing ruins of ancient cities, from the northern jungle hills sheltering picturesque hidden valleys to the hundreds of miles of unspoiled beaches and idyllic island settings, Thailand is a land of astounding variety. Adventurers can take elephant back safaris through the northern jungles to visit enchanting timeless villages or SCUBA dive the uninhabited and stunningly beautiful Similan Islands. The three islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Tao lying in the South China Sea offer an alluring retreat with swaying palms and sparkling beaches. The Krabi area has dramatic sheer cliffs dropping down to emerald waters. Equally appealing are lush jungle covered mountains, deep green terraced rice fields, meandering rivers, vibrant valleys and graceful waterfalls.

Diving in Thailand
Thailand is well known for its fabulous diving. There are dive operators in Phuket, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Ko Pha-Ngan, and Ko Phi Phi among others. The best diving is in the Similan Islands, Burma Banks and Mergui Archipelago where an amazing amount of sea life can be found. The islands themselves have some of the most stunning above water scenery in Asia with sparkling turquoise water, white sand beaches and secluded bays framed by rocky headlands. Diving topography ranges from deep underwater mountains to spectacular pinnacles, from shallow coral gardens to dramatic under sea formations created by massive granite boulders. The reefs contain an amazing number of exotic tropicals and hundreds of species of both hard and soft corals, enough to impress the most seasoned diver. This area offers perhaps the best opportunity to see large pelagic animals, such as whale sharks and manta rays. The only way to dive the uninhabited Similan Islands, which lie 70 miles off the west coast of Thailand, is by live-aboard dive vessels.

Trip Details

WHO:
Divers & non-divers, all ages!

WHEN:
Dec 24, 2003–Jan 3, 2004

WHERE:
Thailand.
Add-on trips are available.

COST:
$2,995 per person, double occupancy
$5,110 per person, single occupancy
$2,795 non-diver, double occupancy

Variations of listed itinerary are available.

COST INCLUDES:
• Round trip airfare from SFO
• Airport/hotel transfers
• Hotel
- A/C rooms
- Beachside resort
• Liveaboard diving
- 5 days unlimited diving
- Tanks & weight belt
- Beautiful accomodations
• Entertainment
- Midnight swims & night diving

HOW TO SIGN UP:
A non-refundable $1,000.00 deposit is required to hold your spot. Remaining due eight weeks prior to departure date.

TRIP NECESSITIES:
We recommend that you pack light and consider the following items:

• Dive gear (except tank & weight belt)
• Dive computer*
• Diveskin
• Bathing suit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Mosquito repellant
• Party clothes for evening events
• Cool/comfortable clothing
• Walking shoes/sandals
• Camera
• Film

* Dive computers are not essential, but they are suggested because it will significantly increase your bottom time and diving flexibility. If your dive buddy is on computer, you must be also.

Thailand Adventure—sample itinerary from previous trip:

Dec 23: Depart San Francisco on Singapore Airlines flight #001 at 11:55 pm

Dec 25: Arrive Singapore 11:45 am, connecting to flight #064 departing 1:05 pm, arriving Bangkok 2:25 pm. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Amari Watergate Hotel for 2 nights.

Dec 26: Day tour by Hang Yao (long-tailed boat) on the narrow waterways of Bangkok. This river adventure offers wonderful views of the temples and markets. In the afternoon tour the King’s Palace offering the finest architecture and Golden Buddha in all of Thailand.

Dec 27: Transfer to airport for the 10 am Thai Air flight #207 to Phuket, arriving 11:20 am. On arrival you will be met and transfered to the boat where you will spend the next 7 nights enjoying unlimited diving and meals on the M/V Excalibur.
The diving here is world class with pristine uninhabited islands and every tropical fish one could imagine is here with an abundance of soft corals. As well the Silmilans and Burma Banks offers amongst the finest pelagic diving on the planet. 60% of all trips encounter Whale Sharks and Mantas are always seen.

Jan 3: Transfer back to the airport and fly Thai Air flight #208 departing 12:10 pm, arriving 1:35 pm in Bangkok, connecting to Thai Air flight #112 for Chaingmai, departing 1:15 pm, arriving 2:25 pm. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Lai Tai Guesthouse hotel for three nights stay. Chaingmai is the northern-most city in Thailand and shares a mix of cultures from neighboring China, Laos and Burma. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional Khantoke dinner with Northern style cuisine and hilltribe musics and dances and after you will have an opportunity to shop the famous night market.

Jan 4: Breakfast before visiting Wat Prahat Doi, one of the most sacred temples built on a hilltop, containing holy relic of Buddha where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole city. In the afternoon you will tour the famous Handicraft Village known as “Home Industries” where locals weave silk, carve wood, make silver and lacquer goods, as well as the colorful paper umbrellas.

Jan 5: After breakfast you will tour the elephant camp in the jungle and observe these animals hauling huge logs, following which you will mount an elephant for a 1 1/2 hour tour and then board a bamboo raft on the Maetaeng River stopping to visit ethnic hilltribes and waterfalls before being returned to your hotel in Chaingmai.

Jan 6: After breakfast you will transfer to the airport for the flight back to Bangkok Thai Air flight #125, departing 7:00 am, arriving Bangkok 8:10 am where you will connect to Singapore Air flight #063 at 11:15 am arriving Singapore 2:35 pm. Connect to Singapore Air Flight #002 at 5:00 pm arriving back in San Francisco at 5:50 pm Jan 6.

The final selection of our liveaboard has not yet been made but the Excalibur is representative of the boat we will be diving on.

The Excalibur is one of Phuket’s newest motorized live-aboard dive vessels and has been operating here for one year. The advantages that Excalibur has over other vessels is that she is very comfortable. All cabins have access to bathrooms, and her interior is very well done with a touch of class.

Eighty six feet long with a beam of twenty feet, Excalibur offers a level of comfort not found on most boats here in Phuket. With her two twin engines, she reaches speeds up to 16 knots, and cruises at 12 knots. This speed advantage allows the diver to get to remote areas such as Richelieu and Burma in less time. Thus, shorter trips to remote areas are possible and very enjoyable.

The Interior

Her eight twin cabins puts a maximum of 16 divers on board. All of the cabins have a panoramic view and a window for fresh air. All cabins have access to bathroom.

Safety Features

The boat is equipped with all the proper safety equipment required for open ocean cruising. We have mobile phones for staying in contact, as well as a CB radio for communicating with other boats in the area. In addition, we have oxygen on board for emergencies, as well as a complete first-aid kit. Guests are also provided with an individual dive safety package which includes a whistle, a safety bat or sausage, and chemical light. We also supply you with a man-overboard kit.

Built for Comfort

We have the cabins on the same deck as the dive deck, and the heads with hot water are just outside of your cabin. Rinsing tubs are supplied for your camera equipment. The dining area is up top, and forward of the wheel house is a sun deck. For you video junkies, we have a complete TV and video system for playing back those memorable moments underwater. Electricity is available 24 hours a day supplied by our three generator sets.

Built by Divers for Diving

The compressor system is designed to be as noise free as possible, and the dive deck is well laid out to make it as easy as possible to get in and out of the water. Our dinghy picks you up if you drift away from the dive site or boat. Twenty-eight 80 cf tanks are on board.

Personal Attention

The word “no” is never heard on board. We believe in providing you with the best possible service all the time. Anything you need we will do our best to provide, and unlike many other boats, we don't expect you to work while on board! Our staff are well trained, and take their jobs seriously and professionally.

The food that emerges from the galley is an excellent mix of Thai and Western choices.

All in all, a trip aboard the Excalibur will be a trip to remember forever.