FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COREsea is located in Chaloklum, a small fishing village on the northern coast of Koh Phangan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Our research station is just a short walk from the beach and the centre of Chaloklum, where you’ll find local restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and other everyday essentials.

Koh Phangan is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes and vibrant island life, so there’s plenty to explore during your free time!

Our address:

94 Moo 7, Chaloklum
Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
Thailand

Find us on Google Maps

Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, so the final part of your journey will always involve a ferry. There are several ways to reach us depending on your budget and travel preferences.

Option 1: Fly to Koh Samui (quickest and easiest)

The most convenient option is to fly to Koh Samui Airport (USM), which has connections from Bangkok and other regional airports. From Koh Samui, you can take a ferry to Koh Phangan, with the crossing typically taking around 20–60 minutes depending on the ferry operator and departure pier.

Option 2: Fly to Surat Thani (usually cheaper)

A more budget-friendly option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT). From there, you can book a combined bus and ferry ticket to Koh Phangan. The journey typically takes around 3–5 hours, depending on connections and the ferry operator.

Option 3: Travel by train or bus from Bangkok

If you’re travelling on a budget or have more time, you can take an overnight train or bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Chumphon, then connect with a ferry to Koh Phangan.

Booking your journey

We recommend using 12Go Asia to compare transport options, schedules and prices.

Whichever route you choose, please make sure your final destination is Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan, as this is where we arrange student pickups.

We recommend allowing plenty of time between connecting flights and ferries, particularly during the rainy season, as delays and cancellations can occur.

Yes! We provide a complimentary pickup from Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan, on your confirmed internship start date, provided your ferry arrives before 5:00 pm.

Approximately two weeks before your internship begins, we’ll get in touch with more detailed information about your pickup, including where to meet us at the pier. At this stage, we’ll also ask you to confirm your ferry company and scheduled arrival time.

If your ferry arrives after 5:00 pm, you’ll need to arrange your own transport to COREsea. You can either arrange a taxi transfer directly through your ferry company when booking your ticket or find a taxi at Thong Sala Pier upon arrival.

If your ferry is delayed or your travel plans change, please let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust arrangements where possible.

Important: Pickup is only provided on your confirmed internship start date. If you arrive on Koh Phangan earlier, you’ll need to arrange your own transport and accommodation until your internship begins.

You’re more than welcome to arrive on Koh Phangan (or Koh Samui) a few days early if you’d like some time to explore the island, relax or recover from your travels before your internship begins!

However, you can only move into COREsea’s accommodation on your confirmed internship start date. Unfortunately, we’re unable to accommodate early check-ins, as our accommodation and student schedules are organised around our official programme dates.

If you choose to arrive earlier, you’ll need to arrange your own accommodation and transport until your internship begins.

Please note that our complimentary ferry pickup service is only available on your confirmed internship start date.

The visa you’ll need depends on your nationality, the duration of your stay and whether your internship is part of your university studies.

1. Students completing an internship as part of their university studies (Marine Conservation or Marine Research)

If your internship at COREsea forms part of your university studies, whether you’re joining our Marine Conservation or Marine Research programme, we can provide supporting documentation to help you apply for a Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa, which generally permits an initial stay of up to 90 days.

Please let us know if you require these documents so we can prepare them for your application.

2. Students joining independently (not through a university)

If you’re joining COREsea independently, we can provide supporting documentation to assist with a visa application where appropriate.

For recreational learning or training activities, Thailand offers a Tourist Visa (TR) category that includes activities such as scuba diving. This visa generally permits an initial stay of up to 60 days, with the possibility of extending your stay by an additional 30 days at a Thai Immigration Office, allowing for a total stay of up to 90 days. Extensions are subject to immigration approval and additional fees.

Please confirm with the relevant Thai Embassy or Consulate that this visa category is appropriate for your particular placement, as tourist visas do not authorise all forms of internship or work-related activity.

Depending on your nationality, you may also be eligible for visa-exempt entry.

When should I apply for my visa?

For both ED and Tourist Visas, we recommend submitting your application approximately 1.5 months (6 weeks) before your planned arrival in Thailand.

Thai visas have a validity period within which you must enter the country, so applying too far in advance could mean your visa expires before you travel. However, processing times vary between embassies and consulates, so please check their requirements before applying.

How should I describe my activities at COREsea when applying for a visa?

When completing your visa application, please ensure that you accurately describe the purpose of your visit and the activities you’ll be undertaking at COREsea.

For participants joining our Marine Conservation programme independently, this may fall under recreational learning or training activities, including scuba diving, depending on the nature of your placement.

If you’re unsure which visa category applies to you, please contact us before submitting your application so we can provide information about your programme and the relevant supporting documentation. You should also confirm the appropriate visa category with your Thai Embassy or Consulate.

Important information for all students

Visa requirements and permitted lengths of stay vary depending on your nationality and may change. We strongly recommend checking with your nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travelling to confirm the appropriate visa for your circumstances.

You can find official visa information and apply online through the Thai e-Visa website.

Please remember that arranging the correct visa and ensuring it covers your entire stay in Thailand is ultimately your responsibility.

Yes! We can provide supporting documentation for your visa application once your internship booking has been confirmed.

Depending on your programme and the visa you’re applying for, we can provide an official invitation or acceptance letter confirming your participation at COREsea, your programme dates and accommodation arrangements.

For students undertaking an internship as part of their university studies, we can also provide supporting documentation for a Non-Immigrant Education (ED) visa application.

If you require visa documentation, please contact us approximately 6 weeks before your planned arrival in Thailand, allowing sufficient time for us to prepare the necessary paperwork and for your visa application to be processed.

Please note that additional documentation may be required depending on your nationality and the Thai Embassy or Consulate processing your application. We recommend checking their requirements before requesting your documents.

All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), regardless of whether they’re entering with a visa or under a visa exemption.

The TDAC is a free online form that must be completed within the three days before your arrival in Thailand.

You can complete it through the official Thai Immigration website:

Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)

You’ll need your passport details, travel information and accommodation address in Thailand.

For your accommodation details, you can use our address:
94 Moo 7, Chaloklum
Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
Thailand

Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation by email. We recommend saving a copy on your phone so you can easily access it when arriving in Thailand.

Please note: The TDAC is not a visa and does not replace any visa requirements.

Yes, absolutely! All students are required to have valid travel and medical insurance covering the entire duration of their stay at COREsea.

As scuba diving is an essential part of our programmes, your insurance must explicitly cover scuba diving activities, including diving-related injuries and emergency medical treatment.

Our research activities are generally conducted at depths of less than 10 metres, although depths may vary depending on the research project and dive site.

We strongly recommend choosing a policy that includes:

• Scuba diving to the depths permitted by your certification and our research activities
• Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation
• Hyperbaric chamber treatment for diving-related injuries
• Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
• Trip interruptions or cancellations

Please check your policy carefully, as some standard travel insurance policies exclude scuba diving or impose restrictions on diving depth, certification level or the type of diving activity covered.

You will be required to provide your travel insurance details when completing our student registration form on arrival. Please ensure you have arranged suitable coverage.

Important: You are responsible for ensuring that your insurance provides adequate coverage for the activities you’ll be undertaking during your internship.

All students participating in our diving activities are required to complete a scuba diving medical questionnaire upon arrival at COREsea, as part of our registration process.

Depending on your medical history and the answers you provide, you may be required to obtain medical clearance from a qualified physician before being permitted to dive.

We strongly recommend downloading and reviewing the medical questionnaire before travelling to Thailand. If any of your answers indicate that medical clearance is required, please arrange an assessment with your doctor in your home country before departure.

You can download the questionnaire here:

[Download the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire (PDF)]

The document also includes a medical evaluation form that your doctor can complete if clearance is required. If you require medical clearance, please bring your completed and signed medical evaluation form with you to COREsea.

Important: Scuba diving is an essential part of our programmes. If you require medical clearance but have not obtained it, you will not be permitted to participate in diving activities until the necessary clearance has been provided.

Even if you have obtained medical clearance before travelling, you’ll still need to complete our medical questionnaire upon arrival.

We recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health professional at least 6–8 weeks before travelling to Thailand to discuss any recommended vaccinations and health precautions.

Depending on your vaccination history, travel plans and length of stay, you may be advised to update routine vaccinations or consider additional travel vaccinations.

Mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly dengue fever, occur in Thailand, so we strongly recommend bringing insect repellent and taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

It’s also worth bringing a small supply of any personal medications you regularly use, along with a copy of your prescription where appropriate.

For up-to-date travel health recommendations, we suggest checking the CDC’s Thailand travel health information or consulting your local travel health clinic.

Thailand is hot and humid for most of the year, so pack light! You’ll spend plenty of time outdoors, on boats and in the water, so comfortable, practical clothing is much more useful than anything fancy.

Here’s what we recommend bringing:

Clothing & everyday essentials

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for everyday wear
• Swimwear (we recommend bringing at least two sets)
• Flip-flops or sandals
• Comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the island
• A rain jacket (yes, it rains sometimes)
• A hat and sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• A reusable water bottle
• A reusable coffee cup if you’re a coffee lover!
• Personal toiletries and any prescription medication you require
• A small personal first-aid kit

Diving & research essentials

• A wetsuit (no thicker than 3 mm) or rash guard and leggings. The average water temperature is around 30°C, so thick wetsuits aren’t necessary. We do have some second-hand wetsuits and diving clothing left behind by previous students, but sizes and availability are limited. We strongly recommend bringing your own to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Your diving certification card (physical or digital), if you’re already certified
• Your personal dive mask, fins or other equipment, if you prefer using your own
• A laptop, particularly if you’re undertaking the research internship

Other useful items

• A small backpack for everyday use and exploring the island
• A power adapter suitable for Thailand
• A portable power bank

What don’t I need to bring?

There’s no need to bring a full set of scuba diving equipment, as this is available through our programme. However, please note that we do not provide wetsuits or personal diving clothing as part of the standard equipment.

We also provide bedding and a bath towel at the research station, so there’s no need to pack these. Our rooms have mosquito screens on the doors and windows, so individual mosquito nets aren’t necessary.

And don’t worry if you forget something! Koh Phangan has plenty of shops where you can purchase most everyday essentials.

No two days are exactly the same at COREsea! Our schedule depends on the weather, sea conditions and the research projects we’re working on.

We generally work Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with weekends free for you to explore Koh Phangan, relax or arrange your own activities.

During your first two weeks, you’ll participate in our Marine Research & Conservation training programme. This is a more structured introduction to our research methods and includes diving skills, underwater survey techniques, species identification and an introduction to our long-term monitoring programmes.

Once you’ve completed your initial training, you’ll become more involved in our regular research activities and, depending on your internship, your individual research project.

Most mornings are spent out on the water, conducting research dives and collecting data as part of our long-term marine monitoring programmes. We typically conduct one research dive per day, depending on weather and sea conditions.

Afternoons are usually spent back at the research station, where activities may include data entry, lectures, workshops, species identification training, research planning or working on individual research projects.

If the weather prevents us from diving, we’ll adjust the schedule and focus on land-based research activities instead.

While we work hard during the week, there’s also plenty of opportunity to enjoy island life and spend time with your fellow interns!

During your internship, you’ll be living at our research station in Chaloklum, a small fishing village on the northern side of Koh Phangan.

COREsea is a working marine research station, not a hotel or resort! You’ll be sharing the space with fellow interns and staff, creating a friendly, international environment where everyone lives and works together.

What are the rooms like?

• Rooms are shared, with a maximum of three students per room.

• Rooms are allocated on a same-sex basis.

• Rooms are equipped with fans rather than air conditioning.

• We provide bedding and a bath towel.

• All rooms have mosquito screens on the doors and windows.

You’ll also have access to communal facilities where you can relax, socialise and spend time with fellow interns.

For photos and more information about our accommodation and facilities, have a look here:

[View COREsea’s Accommodation & Facilities]

Please note: Accommodation is only available from your official internship start date until your scheduled departure date. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate early arrivals or extend stays beyond your confirmed booking.

Living at COREsea is very much a shared experience, so we ask everyone to be considerate of others and help keep the accommodation and communal areas clean and tidy.

Absolutely! You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy island life during your internship.

Our regular working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, so your evenings and weekends are generally yours to enjoy.

Koh Phangan has plenty to offer, from beautiful beaches and snorkelling spots to hiking trails, waterfalls, night markets, cafés and restaurants.

Many students also use their weekends to explore other parts of the island, visit neighbouring islands or arrange recreational diving trips.

You’re welcome to organise your own activities outside working hours, but please remember that these are independent of COREsea and any associated costs are your responsibility.

We encourage everyone to make the most of their time in Thailand while also being rested and ready for the following day’s research activities!

There are several ways to get around Koh Phangan, depending on how much of the island you’d like to explore during your free time.

Do I need to rent a motorbike?

No! You don’t need a motorbike to participate in your internship. COREsea is located in Chaloklum village, within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and the beach.

However, if you’d like to explore more of the island independently, renting a motorbike is a popular option.

A word of caution about motorbikes: Koh Phangan’s roads can be steep, winding and slippery, particularly after rain. Road accidents involving tourists are unfortunately common, and we strongly discourage students with little or no riding experience from renting a motorbike.

If you do choose to rent one, please make sure you:

• Hold a valid motorcycle licence and the appropriate International Driving Permit (IDP), where required.

• Have insurance that explicitly covers riding a motorbike in Thailand.

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet.

• Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Avoid riding in heavy rain or when road conditions are poor.

What are the alternatives?

Local taxis (songthaews) are available around the island, although fares can be relatively expensive, particularly for individual journeys. Sharing a taxi with fellow interns is often a more affordable option.

Please note that Grab and Uber do not operate on Koh Phangan, so you won’t be able to rely on ride-hailing apps to get around the island.

You can also explore Chaloklum and its surrounding area on foot.

Ultimately, how you choose to travel around the island during your free time is up to you, but we strongly encourage everyone to prioritise safety over convenience.

How much spending money you’ll need depends on your lifestyle, how often you eat out and what you plan to do during your free time.

Koh Phangan can be relatively affordable, particularly if you eat at local Thai restaurants, but costs can quickly add up if you regularly visit Western cafés, restaurants or beach clubs.

As a rough guide, you can expect to pay:

• Local Thai meals: 60–150 THB

• Western-style meals: 150–400 THB or more

• Coffee: 60–120 THB

• Fresh fruit shakes: 40–100 THB

• Local taxis (songthaews): Approximately 100–300 THB or more per person, depending on distance, time of day and whether you’re sharing

These are approximate prices and will vary between establishments.

Cash is king on Koh Phangan! Most local restaurants, cafés, shops and other small businesses operate primarily on cash, and card payments are not widely accepted. While some larger establishments may accept cards, you should not rely on being able to use one for everyday purchases.

We strongly recommend always carrying some Thai baht with you. There are ATMs on Koh Phangan, including in Chaloklum, so there’s no need to bring all your spending money in cash. However, make sure you have a bank card that works internationally and check any overseas withdrawal fees with your bank before travelling.

Ultimately, your budget will depend on how you choose to spend your free time, but eating locally and sharing transport with fellow interns can help keep costs down!

Yes! We have good, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the research station, so you’ll be able to stay connected, contact family and friends, make video calls, work on your research projects or doomscroll.

Should I get a Thai SIM card?

We recommend getting a Thai SIM card or eSIM if you’d like to have mobile internet while exploring Koh Phangan.

Thailand has several mobile network providers, including AIS and True, with prepaid data packages available.

You can purchase a tourist SIM card at major airports or arrange an eSIM before travelling. Alternatively, SIM cards are available at mobile phone shops and other retailers in Thailand.

Having mobile data is particularly useful for navigation, messaging and staying in contact with fellow interns when you’re away from the research station.

There are two convenient laundry options within walking distance of COREsea:

• Laundry service: There’s a local laundry lady just down the road who will wash, dry and fold your clothes for approximately 50 THB per kilogram. Simply drop off your laundry and collect it when it’s ready!

• Self-service laundromat: If you’d prefer to do your own washing, there’s also a laundromat within walking distance of the research station.

Our lovely cleaning lady takes care of washing your bedsheets every week, so you don’t need to worry about those.

However, although we provide you with a bath towel during your stay, it’s your responsibility to have your towel washed, using either of the laundry options above.

Yes! Although Chaloklum is a small fishing village, you’ll find pretty much everything you need for everyday life within walking distance of COREsea.

Shops & groceries

Chaloklum has a supermarket, four 7-Elevens, and several smaller local shops where you can purchase groceries, snacks, drinks, toiletries and other everyday essentials.

There are also plenty of local restaurants and cafés nearby, so you won’t have to venture far to find something to eat!

For a wider selection of supermarkets, shops and other services, you can head to Thong Sala, the island’s main town.

Pharmacies

There’s a pharmacy within walking distance of COREsea, where you can purchase common medications and basic medical supplies.

If you take prescription medication regularly, we recommend bringing enough for your stay, as specific medications may not always be available locally.

Medical facilities

Koh Phangan has medical clinics and hospitals for illnesses and injuries. For more serious medical emergencies or specialist treatment, transfer to Koh Samui or the mainland may be necessary.

We strongly recommend having comprehensive travel and medical insurance that covers scuba diving, emergency treatment and medical evacuation, as outlined above.

And don’t worry, if you’re unsure where to find something when you arrive, our team will be happy to point you in the right direction!