Best place to dive other than Similan Islands?

[rumblefish]

I will be heading over to Thailand in April and am hoping to get 5 - 7 days of diving in. I've heard that the Similans are probably the best dives in Thailand, however, they require a liveaboard to dive. So, I was wondering, where should I go to hit the best dive sites that do not require a liveaboard? While a good mixture of topside activities and diving would be ideal, good diving will be the most important factor in my decision.

Thanks.

 

[summerhill]

I dived in Lanta and it was very good - hin muang and hin doung (something like that anyway!) and island is also very chilled, beautiful etc

 

[limbo]

You can still dive the Similans from Kao lak, day trips per sapeedboat.

 

[katdiver]

As limbo said for the Khao Lak option, otherwise get yourself over to Krabi. Here we've got Hin Daeng, Hi Mouang by speed boat, Phi Phi and Shark Point by dayboat. If you want a half day out, the our local islands are also a good choice.

 

[surinboy]

Dude!

We have excellent diving here in the Surin Islands and at Richelieu Rock. You do not need to take a liveaboard to dive in this area. You can stay cheaply on Koh Surin and do as many days diving as you want over whatever period of time you like.

If you are looking for other activities then this region has some good mountain biking and great kayaking amongst (i think) the densest mangrove forests in the country. Also Khao Sok NP is just up the road.

cheers!!