Diving in Koh Tao on early Novemeber?

[hk_sleepy]

Hello,
I want go to Koh tao for diving on early Nov. Is the water visibility is okay or not?
Because last time I went to koh tao for diving on June the water visibility is very very poor.
And also is there anyone know is there any transportation that I can go to Koh Tao from Chiang Mei and how much and how long for the transportation?
Thanks a lot!

 

[NigerHadiza]

Hey. Well, I went to Koh Tao in August and the water was very warm (no less than 26 C) and the visibility was nice (15-20 meters). I flew from Bangkok to Koh Samui and then from Samui I took the fast boat to Koh Tao. Not so sure about coming from Chiang Mia. I have heard that there is a night bus? But sort of dangerous...the driver fell asleep when this girl I met was on it. They crashed and the bus flipped over. Luckily she was alright.

 

[NigerHadiza]

Also, another reason why the visibility was poor in June was because it was the beginning of the rainy season for them I think.

 

[malaysia-islands]

June is pretty much their low season. November onwards is the high season for the islands in Andaman. Quite a reverse to Malaysia's East Coast islands.

 

[Ringo]

June is pretty much their low season. November onwards is the high season for the islands in Andaman. Quite a reverse to Malaysia's East Coast islands.

Actually it is quite the opposite. June is the high season for Koh Tao (which is located on the Gulf side of Thailand, South China seas) with November entering their low season. For Phuket, Krabi and Phi Phi areas (the Andaman sea) November is the high season.

 

[ssra30]

I am surprised to hear that viz was poor in June. April to August is probably the best time to dive Koh Tao.I was there this past June and it was quite nice.
Viz around the end of the year tend to be poorer than the middle of the year. I am not sure if there is a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui or not. Most likely you either have to fly via Bangkok to Samui then ferry to Koh Tao or bus/train from Chaing Mai to Bangkok then switch bus to Chumporn then ferry. For November period, I think you are better off on the Andaman side ie the Similans, Phi Phi, Krabi, Phuket area.

 

[buksida]

Did a few dives there last month (september) and viz was pretty good 18-22m.

Best way to go from Bangkok is definately Lomprayah (bus-boat combo), quick, efficient and professional.

 

[raya]

Is it expensive once you get to Bangkok, to travel around ie to Phukett, Chiang Mai..etc... What would you recommend as being the cheapest and best way of travelling to these places once I´m there?
Also, I´m looking for work when I get there, should I take any dive equipment, or should I just use te centers? I have a couple of places that want to see me.
Thanks

 

[stevenl]

In most dive centers the equipment is good, so if you look a bit around, I'm sure you'll find good equipment. So if you're travelling a lot, I would not bother bringing my own equipment if I were you.

The best way to get around: bus, train or plane. You can get cheap plane tickets these days with budget companies like Airasia, Nok Air, 1-2 go. Train is quite comfortable and if you take one of the VIP buses with maximum 24 seats, these are also ok. Don't book any busticket from a travel agent though, you will pay too much, get cramped buses plus these buses have a bad reputation because of theft. Simply go to the busstation and book your ticket there. There is no train to Phuket, so only bus or plane there.

 

[raya]

Thanks for that, I just checked out your link, I think I spoke to you a while ago via email..is this the same steve? My name is Natalie.(Just out of curiosity)