Dive travel journalist needs recs for a few days in Thailand

[BlueGirlGoes]

Hello,

I'm doing a (non-diving-related) assignment in Hua Hin, and have a few extra days. I would love to check out some dive sites in Thailand. My plane arrives BKK 11:55 on Fri Sept 3 -- I need to be in Hua Hin on the 6th or 7th.

Does anyone have recommendations for a couple days' worth of diving? I'd like a good shop and - hopefully! - a good buddy!

Thanks,
Cyn

 

[stevenl]

I think the best diving is on the Andaman side. But that means some more travelling, but you could easily take a plane out to Phuket and check out the local divesites.

 

[DORSETBOY]

Andaman side is very good, a day trip to the similans if you're pushed for time on a liveaboard is still an excellent idea. Poss alterntatives, Koh Tao which is easily accessible from Chumporn by ferry or Koh Samui (the south of the island chain) which you can fly too.

You can also get between Pattaya and BK in an hour and a half by taxi for next to nothing, Ive not dived Pattaya and the town's not to everyone's tastes but ve heard of people who've dived there and enjoyed it.

If you're pushed for time and need to take flights dont forget about your no fly time!

 

[BlueGirlGoes]

Thanks. I've booked a flight to Koh Samui, and will take the train back to Hua Hin. Any recommendations for places to stay/dive on Koh Samui?

 

[BlueGirlGoes]

After reading more, I think I'll go to Koh Tao. Recs for there? Thanks.

 

[travelem]

I recommend Scuba Junction in Koh Tao.
Medium-size very professional and organized shop.

 

[whitehead]

....Pattaya ...Ive not dived Pattaya and the town's not to everyone's tastes but ve heard of people who've dived there and enjoyed it.

They were liars Seriously though, the diving in Pattaya is extremely poor by all standards (even by North Sea standards IMHO).

 

[BlueGirlGoes]

Thanks. Would you stay with them (Scuba Junction), or do you recommend another resort? I'm not a priss, but I am a woman traveling alone so I'd like someplace well-lit and well-managed.

 

[BlueGirlGoes]

I got another recommendation for Buddha View. Thoughts?

 

[DORSETBOY]

Buddha view are one of the larger shops on the island - large, busy boats (ie. cattle trucks!!)