Diving Ko Chang (Thailand) in August

[eadli]

Hi,

I am going to Thailand the first week of August, and I am looking for place with good conditions (good visibility). I have understood that the time of the year is really not good for Andaman coast, however I would preferably like to avoid the what I have heard is "overfull" icelands Ko Samui / KO Tao etc.

That leaves pretty much the Ko Chang archipelago. However I hear mixed reports about August. Some say it is still fine, but other people say one should forget it during (the northern) summer because of the weather (closed access to outer island etc).

If anyone has experience with diving Ko Chang archipelago in the period July-September it would be welcome!

Best regards,

Erik Adli, Norway
CMAS **

 

[buksida]

That is right in the middle of the rainy season so viz will probably be poor on the eastern gulf (5-15 meters). However Koh Chang has never been renowned for its good visibility to this is probably average for the area. There are a couple of nice spots off the smaller islands further south and you have the Thonburi wreck to explore. There is a lot more info on Koh Chang dive sites here:

http://www.asiadivesite.com/thailand-dive-sites/koh-chang/

 

[jc928tw]

Hi Guys:

I am also trying to locate a destination in Thailand other than Phuket, Samui region for some diving (probably 1 day only..) and most importantly--snorkeling since i am going with my GF and she does not dive. I am thinking about Hua Hin but from my understanding it is more of beach resort location and snorkeling is seldomly mentioned. Please kindly correct me if i am wrong. Thank you very much.

Jeff

 

[ssra30]

Hi Guys:

I am also trying to locate a destination in Thailand other than Phuket, Samui region for some diving (probably 1 day only..) and most importantly--snorkeling since i am going with my GF and she does not dive. I am thinking about Hua Hin but from my understanding it is more of beach resort location and snorkeling is seldomly mentioned. Please kindly correct me if i am wrong. Thank you very much.

Jeff

Definitely no snorkeling or diving around Hua Hin. Viz there is generally 1-2 ft. However it does have many nice resorts/hotels.

Chumporn which is on the mainland across from Koh Tao offer some decent diving and snorkeling year round. Check out chumporn cabana here: http://www.cabana.co.th/

Koh Chang in August is definitely not a good idea, especially for diving. Viz around Koh Chang is generally bad all year around but the outer islands are pretty decent, generally around October-November.

 

[buksida]

Yep, I live in Hua Hin and the lack of diving here pains me. The closest place to dive is Koh Talu which is two hours drive south. Shallow reef (12m) good coral growth and plenty of fish, more info here:

http://www.asiadivesite.com/thailand-dive-sites/chumphon/koh-talu.php

After that as said above is Chumphon, where the diving is a lot better. I didnt think much of the Cabana resort but they have the monopoly on diving there so there isnt much choice. The islands of Koh Nam Yai and Noi are beautiful beneath the surface, equal to Koh Tao any day:

http://www.asiadivesite.com/thailand-dive-sites/chumphon/index.php

I wrote an article after my last trip there a couple of months ago, it may help:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/GE07Ae01.html

Hope this helps.

 

[jc928tw]

I would like to thank SSRA30, you are always very helpful. I received some tips from you before too! I sincerely appreciate it. have fun in lembeh!
Thank you Buksida too, i have read your article; it is very helpful. It is just a shame that Hua Hin does not even have a decent snorkeling spots. It was my first choice!
I wanted to go to Thailand but now i might have tosettle for Philippines.

 

[bendejo]

Thailand is getting it from both sides this time of year.
Consider going down the east (Gulf of Thailand) coast to Malaysia. Not far south of the border (hundred km) is the Perhentian Islands, and other islands, which are not getting monsoon until November or so. I know it sounds weird that the weather is so different so close by, but it´s true. The Perhentians, both Besar and Kecil, have lots of dive shops.
If you do, mind how you go: southern Thailand has a malaria outbreak and is prone to terrorist bombings (though they are not targeting tourists).