So I'm thinking of coming back to Phuket for 3 days of diving in mid to late november. I don't think I've got the time to do a live-aboard like I did the first time I went, but instead was thinking I'd just do a few 3-tank day trips on the east coast. So a few questions:
1) I've seen some folks say that Nov isn't a great time for that side of the island - is that true? Am I making a big mistake of diving over there instead of trying to squeeze in a Similans liveaboard? Or will conditions still be pretty good there.
2) Assuming it's a reasonable idea, is staying very close to Chalong pier a bad idea? Last time I did this (day trips from Chalong pier), I stayed in Rawai beach. I didn't use much of what Rawai had to offer (dinner and a couple of foot massages), since I'm pretty much there just for diving. Staying close to the pier would seem like a plus since I could wake up a little later (and avoid having to "car pool" with other folks in the back of a big truck). But I don't know if that area is a decent place to stay. Ideally, something quiet, clean and walk-able to the pier and near some good seafood.
1) I've seen some folks say that Nov isn't a great time for that side of the island - is that true? Am I making a big mistake of diving over there instead of trying to squeeze in a Similans liveaboard? Or will conditions still be pretty good there.
2) Assuming it's a reasonable idea, is staying very close to Chalong pier a bad idea? Last time I did this (day trips from Chalong pier), I stayed in Rawai beach. I didn't use much of what Rawai had to offer (dinner and a couple of foot massages), since I'm pretty much there just for diving. Staying close to the pier would seem like a plus since I could wake up a little later (and avoid having to "car pool" with other folks in the back of a big truck). But I don't know if that area is a decent place to stay. Ideally, something quiet, clean and walk-able to the pier and near some good seafood.