Where to do DM in Thailand?

[MGW]

I have 2 months off work this summer and am thinking about doing my Dive Master course in Thailand. Where would be the best place to do this (dive and live for 2 months)?? Any particular dive shops that are recommended? Also, does it make a difference if you have your own gear?

Thanks

 

[Bowmouth]

You can do your DM course either in Pattaya (close to BKK,interesting nightlife but no great diving), Ko Samui/Ko Tao/Ko Phangan (calm seas between May and Sept, LOTS of dive shops (good value) and some so-so and some OK dive sites) or Phuket/PhiPhi/Krabi/Ko Lanta (chances on so-so weather between May and September, LOTS of diveshops (good value) and great offshore day diving).

Different shops will offer different DM course prices. If you have the full two months available try to find a shop that's willing to do an internship with you.