bob1dp
Contributor
I'm working in Bangkok until the end of June. I want to do some diving when I am done. Where do you folks recommend I go?
Diving in Thailand
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If you plan to dive at the end of June/early July, its probably best to stick to the Gulf of Thailand, i.e. Pattaya/Satthahip (near Bangkok) or Ko Tao. Theres a location further south called Lo Sin, but most people are avoiding the deep south of Thailand due to the current unrest/political situation.
There are some very interesting sites and wrecks around Pattaya and Satthahip but the diving is generally NOT world-class. Ko Tao, especially Chumporn Pinnacle, can be great or very crowded and horrible depending on when you go and the boat you dive from.
There are some very interesting sites and wrecks around Pattaya and Satthahip but the diving is generally NOT world-class. Ko Tao, especially Chumporn Pinnacle, can be great or very crowded and horrible depending on when you go and the boat you dive from.
danno
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Pattaya area has a few wrecks and some interesting diving. It is not world class but diving is still good. I have been diving Pattaya area for 4+ years and still enjoy it.
Hope you have a good dive.
Hope you have a good dive.
OP
bob1dp
Contributor
You guys seem to be pushing me away from Krabe and Phuket. Why is visablity bad in July or is it a Tsunami or a political stability issue?
Batfish
Contributor
Hey Bob,
I promise not to push you away from Phuket! Not a tsunami issue and not a political issue, just the weather. June/July is normally "OK" on the west coast, but you can expect a mix of wet and dry and the seas may not be real calm. Local day trips will run 99% of the time, while there are a few liveaboards that try to run trips - getting enough numbers is the problem as many people believe the monsoon myth. Can't promise sunshine all day, whereas it tends to be nicer weather on the other coast. But do you want a tan, or do you want to dive??
I promise not to push you away from Phuket! Not a tsunami issue and not a political issue, just the weather. June/July is normally "OK" on the west coast, but you can expect a mix of wet and dry and the seas may not be real calm. Local day trips will run 99% of the time, while there are a few liveaboards that try to run trips - getting enough numbers is the problem as many people believe the monsoon myth. Can't promise sunshine all day, whereas it tends to be nicer weather on the other coast. But do you want a tan, or do you want to dive??
Sea can be rough, you might get some rain, viz generally is not as good as the high season but it is also less crowded. People do dive around Phuket all year round but it is just not the ideal time in June/July although it is still better than Sep/Oct, I think.
MoonWrasse
Contributor
bob1dp:
Tsunami is sooo yesterday
Nah, I've been in Phuket just once during July in the 10 years I've been going there, the seas are rough (otherwise flat), and although the monsoon rains are warm, when the squals end it's becomes one big sauna. Also fewer boats go out.
As far as politics, I know Budhist and Muslim thais who work together on the boats, hard to tell them apart unless you know how
Vie:Just weather concerns. We (Thai divers) usually switch to the Gulf of Siam side after April/May. The political situation in Krabi and Phuket is fine.
I'd like to get in on this one....
I'm heading to Thailand in < 2 weeks (5/1), and trying to decide where to go. Heading to Bangkok to start, but thinking about going on to Ko Tao.
So, it sounds like this is a good choice this time of year due to weather?
Does anyone have a suggestion for a nice dive shop on Ko Tao. Not looking for a liveaboard, just a nice shop we can go out with for 3 or 4 days. Preferably smaller boats (6-8 divers). Don't want to go out on a cattlecar boat.
Any suggestions would be welcome! Islands or dive shops, since I haven't planned anything yet.
Thanks!
Void
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cadivin:
I'm heading to Bangkok this weekend and will be in Koh Tao by next Wednesday. I'm hoping the diving there will be decent this time of year, without too many ppl. I had a friend there last year around this time of year who enjoyed it.
There are LOTS of dive shops there... I think I've settled on www.crystaldive.com... they're British-run and have amenities, but I can't say I'll know if they're good until I'm there.
To find other dive shops and their websites, check out the PADI site and then find the shops from there. It was easier than googling for them.
http://www.padi.com/english/common/...ty=Koh+Tao&Name=&CourseType=ALL&Submit=Submit
Alan
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