Diving in Thailand in november ?

[ngrisi]

Hi everybody,

I am going to visit Myanmar for two weeks starting mid october and after I would like to go to dive in thailand for six days.
I don't want a liveaboard trip and I already went in Phi Phi islands
2 years ago.
Checking the weather conditions for this period, I have found two locations:
- Khao Lak (80 km far from North of Phuket) where you can get daytrips to Similan islands (quite expensive)
- Raya Yai which is an island (south of Phuket) ....may be better for the after diving activities!


Do you know if these locations are plenty of tourists, buildings and no more landscape?
The dive sites are better in Similans Islands or Raya Yai?

Do you know other good locations for diving in Thailand or Myanmar?

Thanks a lot in advance for your help.
Nicolas.

 

[Welshman]

ngrisi

Similans have a far higher reputation than Phuket. However, this doesn't mean that Phuket diving is poor. There is some reasonable shore diving from Kata & Karon beaches. There are some good day trips.

Koh Racha Yai and Noi are two small islands South of Phuket both of which offer diving and which themselves are the basis of day trips from Phuket, as are Anemone Reef, Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck.

Here's a link to a Phuket dive operator I can personally recommend:

www.phuket-scuba-club.com

You'll see details of all the day trips on offer on their site.

trust this assists

regards

 

[travelem]

Similan has the best diving in Thailand. Khao lak dive shops offer day trip to Similan.

Khao Lak is a lot less developed than Phuket or Samui. It also has a national park for eco-trekking.
http://www.khaolakbeach.com/

http://www.southsiamdivers.com/similan_daytrips.html
South Siam Divers offer both day trips and liveaboard to Similan.

 

[Batfish]

Nicolas,

Khao Lak is North of Phuket and has Similan Day trips with several companies and yes they are not cheap. An overnight trip is much better value for money, and many of the companies there offer overnighters.

Racha Yai?? Good for after diving activities?? Er.. there's nothing there save a few bungalows and the diving pales in comparison to the Similan Islands. Racha Yai sites are good for beginners, for courses and for those who are in Phuket and want a couple of easy and cheap dives.

Khao Lak is getting more developed but still has some nature around, and I'd recommend a trip into Khao Sok National Park.

And Phuket day trips to Shark Point/Anemone reef and also to Racha Noi (South of Racha Yai) are good. Beach dives only if the weather is really good and calm otherwise no. And to compare the beach to Similan is like comparing mud to diamonds.

Have a good trip!

 

[TJO]

If you want nice diving - Similan.

 

[Mr. Sunday]

Similians!!!! I returned from two years in Thailand yesterday. I have been working as a DM the entire time. The Similian and Surin Island groups can't be beat in Thailand. Very good vis and huge pelagics.

The Burma Banks however might be even better. Slightly north of the Similians.

Phuket is Ok but the diving is fair and there are many tourists. I would really do the Similains if you can afford it. You wont be sorry.

 

[DiveForLife]

Hi Nicolas,

I agree with most of the others that the Similans are better diving than the other daytrips around Phuket. But: you can reach the Similans by daytrip boat from both Phuket and Khao Lak. Advantages Khao Lak: closer by and cheaper trips, disadvantages: more expensive accommodation, and there is really not much to do in Khao Lak, hardly any choice regarding restaurants etc.

So depending on your preferences, if you decide to dive the Similans you can do this from either Khao lak or Phuket.

Alternatively you can do other divesites than Similans from Phuket or Khao Lak, where I prefer the Phuket sites.

If you want some more info about the Similan daytrips from Phuket, just give me a mail.

regards,
Jurgen

 

[The Hamburger]

KG,

I think you know who I am. We did the AOW together with a funnt Irish chap.

You may have gone home at just the wrong time.

At the minute , and things can change , The gulf of Thailand is experiencing its best conditions I have ever known.

I am told about 20m Viz in Pattaya and people diving with Dolphins there.

Last weekend I was diving just 2hrs Drive from Bangkok with a WHale Shark + Marlins.

See www.DAMNAM.org/forums for details. (and pics)

Normally this is the worst time of year for the gulf!


Cheers