Krabi, Koh Tao or Phuket?

[divinh]

Hin Daeng and Koh Ha would be closed from April 15th until October 15th, but the Phi Phi (Bidas, Kled Kaeow Wreck etc) and local Krabi sites would still be accessible.

Good to know!

 

[rabe]

If you want prettier reefs, go to Andaman sea. If you prefer easier diving, with no currents and short boat rides (20 minutes as opposed to 2-3 hours), go to Koh Tao. If your vacation is longer than a week, you may opt to do both, as transferring from Koh Tao to Phuket or Krabi is fairly easy. Your location is listed as Brisbane - are you flying in to Bangkok, Phuket, or some other airport?

I'm flying to Bangkok and stay a couple of days there.
Then on Sunday I will fly to my destination and do my Tec course. A couple of days after, my lady will join me (she is staying longer in Bangkok because of work) and will enjoy some relaxing time and relaxing and easy dives.
Unfortunately, i can stay only one week... I wish I could stay longer...

Thanks everyone for the answers.
Hopefully the weather will be good enough.
At the moment, I'm deciding for Koh Tao because the plan works better for me, including the course...
I'll keep you updated!

 

[divinh]

If you're traveling with your own gear and flying NokAir, pay extra for the extra luggage allowance ahead of time because it's cheaper to do so and they will weigh your bags somewhere along the way. The number of bags doesn't seem to matter for the weighing, just the total for all.

The fly-bus-ferry packages make it pretty easy to get around. When you check in, they put a sticker on you and that allows you to be routed without any language issues, but there are always reps around to guide you.

 

[rabe]

If you're traveling with your own gear and flying NokAir, pay extra for the extra luggage allowance ahead of time because it's cheaper to do so and they will weigh your bags somewhere along the way. The number of bags doesn't seem to matter for the weighing, just the total for all.

The fly-bus-ferry packages make it pretty easy to get around. When you check in, they put a sticker on you and that allows you to be routed without any language issues, but there are always reps around to guide you.

I'll keep it in mind thanks!
My (future[?]) instructor sent me a nice guide on how to get there with all the info & tips I need...

 

[Barmaglot]

At the moment, I'm deciding for Koh Tao because the plan works better for me, including the course...

FWIW, I have found an overnight train to be the best option of reaching Koh Tao from Bangkok. The train station is reachable by MRT, so no worries about traffic, the train leaves at 8PM and reaches Chumphon by 5AM - with 2nd or 1st class tickets you get a bunk, so you can sleep normally - then you get a short bus transfer to Chumphon pier, and take the first morning ferry to Koh Tao; unless it's delayed for whatever reason, you get to the island early enough to dive on the same day.

 

[rabe]

FWIW, I have found an overnight train to be the best option of reaching Koh Tao from Bangkok. The train station is reachable by MRT, so no worries about traffic, the train leaves at 8PM and reaches Chumphon by 5AM - with 2nd or 1st class tickets you get a bunk, so you can sleep normally - then you get a short bus transfer to Chumphon pier, and take the first morning ferry to Koh Tao; unless it's delayed for whatever reason, you get to the island early enough to dive on the same day.

We were (my GF and me) talking about the train option yesterday...
(and that option is also considered in the info the instructor has sent to me)

 

[Barmaglot]

I used 12Go: Book Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers & Flights to buy my tickets; it was smooth as can be. I've done the Bangkok - Koh Tao route three times now; first time was by Air Asia plane to Surat Thani, second time by Lomprayah overnight bus, third time by overnight train, and train was by far the best of the three.

 

[mortenscuba]

Hin Daeng / Muang and Koh Ha will be closed from May 16th until October 15th, not from April 15th.

 

[Bubble Junky]

Hin Daeng / Muang and Koh Ha will be closed from May 16th until October 15th, not from April 15th.

Ooops, yes. This is correct. The Similans, Hin Daeng, & Koh Ha all close from mid-May...

 

[Centrals]

State Railway of Thailand
Buy the ticket on line.
#39 or #85
Check the arrival time at Chumphon.
I will take #85 which is scheduled to arrive at 04:13.
The train attendant will wake you up on approaching to Chumphon. Bring a light jacket even though blanket is provided.
The food court at Hua Lamphong Railway Station(Bangkok) provides cheap and tasty food. Luggage storage facility is also available.
When they play the National Anthem please do not forget to stand up.

There is a small Lomprayah office literally on the train platform in Chumphon. Food is available even at 04:13!!
สุดยอดโปรโมชั่นท่องเที่ยวสุดร้อนแรง เดินทางไปเกาะเต่ากับเรา LOMPRAYAH
Bus depart at 06:00 and connect with the ferry which is scheduled to arrive at Mae Haad in Koh TAo at 08:45.