Calling all divers! Have ever traveled to Thailand to dive? Do you know someone who has? Help reader Marissa out with advise on where to dive in Thailand. She writes:
"I'm traveling in Nepal until October 1st and was interested in spending the first part of the month at the other extreme - scuba diving. I've dived in Australia and loved it but I'm hoping to get certified. Thailand is on the table. Are there any recommendations you would give in Thailand or anywhere in the region for this time of the year? I'm flexible."
Leave Your Suggestions in the Comments Below
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Comments
The government of Thailand is doing great things with the help of volunteers to clean up the reefs for diving as it enhances there tourism trade. Check the web by doing a web search on Thailand you will find tons of info that will give you local contacts who can advise you on the type of diving you want to do and certification.
The Gulf side hits monsoon around November. Go with the Adaman sea
I have been living in Phuket 4 years now, working as a dive instructor. If you are coming to Phuket, there are a lot of dive shops on this island. 100+ Please research the company your thinking about using. Most companies here offer a max ratio of 4 students to 1 instructor on this island and on Ko Tao 10+ easy. Ko Tao is cheapest place in Thailand to get certified. And I believe Phuket and the Similan Iislands has the best diving in Phuket! If you really want the WOW! factor then Khao Lak is the place you want to learn. Chance of Manta Rays and Whale Sharks. KL is north of Phuket about an hour and thats where the boats leave for the similan islands. Hope this helps!
I think you’ll always be happy with Phuket and amazed with the Similians they are very beautiful. If you want something more challenging then the wreck of the Hardeep (Steam Ship Suthathip) in Samae San near Pattaya is a favourite though conditions such as visibility and currents are variable. Hope you enjoy your diving wherever that maybe.