Koh Phra Thong, Blue Guru

[mgmonk]

I'm looking at visiting what sounds (and based on the website... looks) to be one of Thailand's next great diving islands.

It's undeveloped, there is only one large resort with a few other cheaper accommodation possibilities (home-stay, etc), and one diving facility, Blue Guru (Blue Guru Diving | Thailand Scuba Diving)

From the looks of it, this is islands is a welcome step back in time, and the diving potential is amazing. There are house reefs and local diving (all shallow, but with West Coast species variety), and then there is Surin and Richelieu.... only a boat ride away.

Anyway, I am in Thailand for almost 4 years now, and I have been on both coasts, worked on both coasts, and (I'm not claiming expertise, but....) I think I have a pretty good idea what the "known markets" (Phuket, Lanta, Kao Lak, Phi Phi, Tao, Phangan, Chumporn Park, et. all) have to offer.

What I'm envisioning here is Tao, 20 plus years ago, but on the west coast and with Richelieu instead of Chumporn. Or Lanta 15 plus years ago with local diving.

Has ANYONE been there, heard of it, known people that have visited?

Well, I plan on going, most likely, this winter, and if no one else has anything to say.... I'll be happy to start the reviews.

I think this is a spot with some real, well conceived, chances of becoming a major dive destination in Thailand. I don't know if they even want it to change too dramatically (its appeal seems to be its look into the past), but I do see room for sustainable growth.

Any ideas, opinions, or rants are welcome.

Thanks.

Gannon

 

[Bowmouth]

Hi Gannon,

I've been to Koh Phra Thong once many years ago.
It was a beautiful place; tranquil, lots of nature, beautiful beaches and very-very quiet.
I've always wanted to go back and I'm sure at some stage I will go again.
It's one of those places that once you're there you don't want to leave.

It's a bit off the beaten track and I don't think it has changed too much over the years.
At least, that's what I hope.

I didn't dive the "local" sites so cannot say anything about that.

Go!!!

 

[mgmonk]

Thanks mate,
I'm asking because not only do I want to go, but I might even want to work there!

Regardless, since I'll be on the W Coast this Season, I'm gonna make it up there one way or another.

Appreciate your response.

Any more would be great to hear.

 

[Quero]

Somebody on here actually works there. Let me see if I can remember who it is.

Edit: Here you go! http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/members/surinboy.html

 

[TimA]

Spent many years working/diving from Kura Buri (Btwn Takua Pa and Ranong),
Quickest way to the Surins, Tachai, and Richelieu Rocks.
Well worth a visit.

Blue Guru Diving

 

[surinboy]

Hey Gannon. Good to talk this afternoon. Will get back to you within the next couple of days.

Bowmouth & Quero hope you can make it over here at some point. Is still very beautiful & peaceful here. I don't see that changing for a while...

and Mr. Tim, we hope to visit you in your even more remote and picturesque location at some point. Will be in touch.

 

[Quero]

<snip>Quero hope you can make it over here at some point.

Hey surinboy--thanks for the invite! I really would love to go do an inspection visit and a few dives with you, and I looked into it last spring, but your op was already closing down for the season (think it was just after Songkran). It's on my list, though! I need a few days when I can get away to drive up there, and that won't be soon (booked solid into December), but maybe I can squeeze in a few days before the end of the year--I really would like to manage it somehow.

 

[Bowmouth]

Bowmouth & Quero hope you can make it over here at some point. Is still very beautiful & peaceful here. I don't see that changing for a while...

That's good to hear.
I'm looking forward to come over for a visit with the family sometime soon.

 

[mgmonk]

Well, it all comes full circle.

I've seen SurinBoy on here before, and now I'm going to work with him. I've spoken to Quero a few times on the PM tip, and I've always read Bowmouth's posts. So... it's a smaller and smaller diving world out there the longer I stay in it.

I'll be at Blue Guru next month, and I've got HIGH expectations (no pressure, Chris...hehehe). Seriously, I haven't looked forward to a new job since I moved to Lanta 2 years ago for the winter. Can't wait to move into the "isolation chamber" of Koh Tha Phrong....

Look forward to meeting some of you if you make it up!

Gannon