nwflyboy
Contributor
I'll be visiting Thailand for a couple weeks in September, based in Bangkok, and hope to do one or two brief side-trips (a few days each) to dive areas. Looking for recommendations for the best diving available at that time of the year (first half of September).
I've been to Thailand once before, about 6 years ago (man, it's been too long...), and did a short live-aboard to the Similans; that trip was mixed - we had really crappy weather (lots of rain, rough seas, little sunshine). We also did a few dives from Ko Lanta a few weeks later, which went much better - warm, sunshine, dove HM and HD, got to snorkel with one BIG manta!
This time, we're looking for someplace with great diving, maximum viz, a healty marine environment rich in life. Nice beaches and comfy resorts are nice, too. Prefer places that aren't completely overrun with tourists (no interest in the Hard Rock Cafe/Planet Hollywood scene). Whale sharks? Mantas? Bring 'em on. But we're not snobs: pretty corals and lots of colorful reef fish are good, too.
Places we've considered include: Samui (maybe too touristy?) Ko Tao (maybe too overrun with divers?), and Ko Lipe (maybe too far/difficult to get to?). I'm just starting to do research now and very much welcome any input.
Suggestions? Thanks in advance!
I've been to Thailand once before, about 6 years ago (man, it's been too long...), and did a short live-aboard to the Similans; that trip was mixed - we had really crappy weather (lots of rain, rough seas, little sunshine). We also did a few dives from Ko Lanta a few weeks later, which went much better - warm, sunshine, dove HM and HD, got to snorkel with one BIG manta!
This time, we're looking for someplace with great diving, maximum viz, a healty marine environment rich in life. Nice beaches and comfy resorts are nice, too. Prefer places that aren't completely overrun with tourists (no interest in the Hard Rock Cafe/Planet Hollywood scene). Whale sharks? Mantas? Bring 'em on. But we're not snobs: pretty corals and lots of colorful reef fish are good, too.
Places we've considered include: Samui (maybe too touristy?) Ko Tao (maybe too overrun with divers?), and Ko Lipe (maybe too far/difficult to get to?). I'm just starting to do research now and very much welcome any input.
Suggestions? Thanks in advance!