Diving and Accom in Thailand

[OneCatEvil]

Hello,
Can anyone recommend diving and cheap accommadation in Thailand for two Advanced open girls.
We went diving in Dhahab at the beginning of this year and found it really laid back but with night life and things to see and are looking for the same in Thailand.
We want to go early November (this year) and stay for two weeks
Any suggestions would be appreciated

OneCat

 

[MGW1979]

Go to Koh Phi Phi. Beautiful, fun Island. Outstanding diving. Accomodation in not the cheapest (by thai standards) but it's worth it to stay there. Phuket is cheaper but without the Island feel...

 

[MoonWrasse]

Phuket / Kata. You can access the PhiPhi dive sites, along with many others, and you should be able to find a cheap hotel.

Also unless you plan on diving everyday, you'll be able to explore around.

Avoid Patong IMO.

 

[mase]

Koh Tao on the Bay of Thailand side is a very laid back Island particularly if you get out of Sairee Beach. The diving isn't as good as in the andaman sea but it's relaxing, inexpensive and enjoyable.
Phuket , Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta on the Andaman Sea side are all very cool, depending on what you want. The further South you go the quieter it gets. Get out of Patong Beach and the prices go down.
You can also pick up a reasonable Live- aboard in Phuket, Koh Lak or Ranong, for much cheaper then anywhere else in the world and head out to the similan Islands for fantastic diving.
Weather might be an important consideration in early November. Andaman Sea side might be a bit blustery. Bay of Thailand could be a safer bet.
If you want me to be more specifics, let me know.
Richard

 

[stevenl]

Weather might be an important consideration in early November. Andaman Sea side might be a bit blustery. Bay of Thailand could be a safer bet.

Totally agree with the rest you wrote, but statistically the weather on the Andaman Coast is better than in the Gulf in November.

 

[Ringo]

Yes, the weather in November is supposed to be better on the Andaman side as opposed to the Gulf side. Also if you are looking for a bit of night life Phuket has more to offer. Kata and Karon have some nightlife but without the hectic frenzy as in Patong.

Diving wise from Phuket you have more of a choice such as shore dives, local boat dives off Kata, Karon and Kata Noi beaches, daytrips, Overnight cruises to Phi Phi and Liveaboard cruises to The Similan and Surin Islands as well as the southern sites Hin Daeng/ Hin Muang.

Whatever you Ladies decide have an excellent trip!

 

[OneCatEvil]

Thanks guys I'm sure we'll have a great time, will see about Koh Phi Phi.

 

[dm_junkie]

Hi,

From my own experience diving in Phuket, check out with the dive operators; some of them have their own accomodations; especially those who operates outside of Patong. I saw one with a clearcut package...but am not advertising for them. Looked rather exotic a place to stay and they have dive packages as well. But what dive sites they do ; you will have t check with them- marinadivers.com

Or, try to make some search for cheap accomodations or even rental of apartments for a period of time. Usually when you book online for 2 persons, breakfast are included.

It also depends where or which part of Phuket you wish to stay. Phi Phi can be one of the options. Or you may even opt for staying in Chalong Bay or Patong or even Kata beach. There is also liveonboard and you got 2 which makes it easy to do so (meals included and usually one night accomodation on the boat or PhiPhi hotel)

Places you ought not miss during November period:-

1) SharkPoint, Ko Doc Mai, Anemone Reef or King Cruiser Wreck - these are usually on weekend and they are in the package of about 3000 to 3500baht for 3 dives

2) Similans- if you are willing to travel for 2 dives and back to the mainland. Try Liveonboard, great visibility

3) PhiPhi islands- good corals and some wall dives on the southern islands.

4) Racha Noi/Koh Racha - that is south of phuket which quite afew operators does it. Some days they do have 3 dives package and some 2 dives package.

Do some search on this and you should be able to find outmore.

Hope you have a wonderful time diving ! Also don't forget to post your dive trip .... Bon Voyage

 

[orangelemon]

Everyone seems to worry about the cost of accomodation here but you really can have some great accomodation at reasonable prices as long as you dont want to be in the middle of the tourist areas (In November 200 bar a day gets you a room above a bar 6000-10000 baht a month gets you your own bungalow, 20000 baht for 2 week gets you a luxury holiday villa in a complex around a pool, and 40,000 per night gets you a presidental suite at the top hotels here) have had people that have taken all the options above for accomodation choices with us and all have been more than happy

 

[orangelemon]

For interest I really recommend the Kata Delight Villas for couples and Kata Beach Resort for Families, Recently had students (pretty weathy ones !) staying in the Aspasia Hotel, who said it was very luxurious and would be coming back next year to complete their Divemaster and would definatly be staying at the Aspasia again