The Royal Varuna Yacht Club is located on Phra Tamnak Hill, on the southern end of Pattaya in Chonburi province, approximately 2 hours drive from Bangkok. Google Maps link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Royal+Varuna+Yacht+Club/@12.918172,100.8552694,17z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x3102964606f7aa15:0x2ef7f947a2f166c8!8m2!3d12.918172!4d100.857458
AIRPORTS
Bangkok’s main international airport, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), is approximately an hour and a half drive from the RVYC (120km). It is easy to book minibuses and taxis in advance online or upon arrival. Most hotels will offer airport transfers, usually at an extra cost.
Other airports which serve the region include Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), which is a low-cost carrier hub north of Bangkok. Allow an extra hour to reach Pattaya from there. U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) is much closer to Pattaya, but flights are not as regular.
Car and motorcycle rentals are available in Pattaya as well as local ‘songtaew’ and taxi services. We do not recommend hiring car rentals from Bangkok for those unfamiliar with local driving habits on the highways. We also advise visitors to check their insurance if renting motorcycles as many policies limit coverage for accidents incurred while using motorcycles. Popular ride-hailing apps are Grab and Bolt.
VISAS
Visas on arrival and visa exemptions are available to people from many countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days, with nationals from some countries currently eligible for stays up to 45 days from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Requirements include having a valid passport with at least six months eligibility. Please contact your local Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate-General for specifics for your situation (full list at https://www.thaiembassy.org/).
For those hoping to come early and stay longer than 60 days (our ILCA District Championship is in November, the 2022 ILCA Asian Championship in December, and the ILCA Thailand National Championship and Great ILCA Laser Island Race in January), one may opt to apply for a tourist visa, or enter on a 30 to 45-day visa on arrival / visa exemption and request an extension in Thailand, or perhaps enter on a 30 to 45-day visa then visit a neighboring country (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, for example) and return on a 30-day visa on arrival / visa exemption. Note: we believe travel must be by air. Sea and land border crossings only grant a 15-day visa on arrival.
You can read more about current policy at https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/general-information?menu=5e1ff6d057b01e00a6391dc5
Summary of countries eligible for visas on arrival: https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/summary-of-countries-and-territorie?menu=5e1ff736aff2fd00bd63f6e2
Contact the nearest Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate for more information.
COVID-19 ENTRY RESTRICTIONS LIFTED
As of October 1, 2022, there are no special requirements related to COVID-19 to travel to Thailand. No need to show a negative PCR test, prove vaccination, or buy insurance coverage (although insurance is still recommended). Those who do test positive while in Thailand are encouraged to isolate themselves for 5 days. Note: Airline policies may differ.
Mask requirements have been lifted, with people only recommended to wear them in crowded places. Private businesses are allowed to require visitors to wear masks so it may be useful to bring one.
Participants in the regatta and supporters should be prepared to wear masks when attending indoor meetings at the club and in enclosed transport.