Heading to Koh Chang, first time on that side of the world....help!!!

[lord khram]

Theres lots of reef diving, but take care when you select your trip, many of the best dive sites are around the islands south of Koh Chang and can be a long boat ride, in such circumstances sometimes a trip using a speed boat can be somewhat crowded and uncomfortable particularly in rough seas.
Also for the non divers a big boat would possibly be better, most of them providing a cooked meal and drinks on board they can just go for the ride and have a relaxing boat trip, or get in the water to swim or snorkel, many of the dive sites are good for snorkelling.
With regard to the whale sharks, personally I have done a lot of diving around koh chang and have never seen one, but at times they are around. Just the luck of the draw.

 

[Quero]

Bowmouth is spot on in his advice to take the time to head over to the Andaman side for whatever time you can manage.

The diving in the Mu Koh Chang National (Marine) Park is not the best Thailand has to offer, but it can be pleasant. The sites are all quite shallow and rather silty. In terms of marine life, you will see reef fish mainly; don't expect to see pelagics like whale sharks and mantas. In addition to reef fish, there are nudibranchs, which are colorful and interesting--very different from the paucity of these in the Caribbean--and you'll see lots of other invertebrates as well, such as christmas tree worms, feather duster worms, shrimp, crabs, lobsters.

I've done a number of dives with Ploy Scuba, who have several branches around the area. Last time I was there I wanted to avoid the commercialism of Koh Chang (I live on Phuket and don't need to go to a mini-Phuket when I'm on vacation), so I stayed at the backwater island of Koh Kut further south. I pretty much always enjoy my dives, and can't say my dives in the Mu Koh Chang park were a waste of time, but my curiosity about the diving there has been satisfied, and I won't be back.

 

[jkaterenchuk]

I am a US Resident and I travel over to Thailand frequently and stay for several months at a time.

All the other comments are spot on. I would add the following for your consideration.

1) Seems your staying at the JW Marriot in Bangkok. Its a nice place and I have stayed there many times. There is a very nice bakery/restaurant on the main level. However, be aware that the Nana Plaza area is one block over from the Marriot just off the main street. Do a google search on it as you may want to avoid the area with a child in tow. You can get to any of the shopping/sightseeing venues easily via a taxi or the overhead subway which is a short walk from the hotel.

2) You will have no trouble finding western type food restaurants at any the locations discussed. You can eat at those and then if you wish to move up to thai style restaurants you can and then if your really adventurous you could move to the small street vendors.

3) Whatever anyone says do not drink the tap water. Its not worth the risk of a two-three day illness on you short trip. Stick to bottled water which is very cheap compared to US prices and available everywhere. There is a 7-11 every couple of miles in in Thailand.

4) Reading between the lines it seems like you might have done some diving in the Caribean. If so do not expect to see that kind of visability on the eastern gulf. If you want that kind of vis and more spectacular fish than the suggestion on visiting Phuket would get you closer and a trip to the Similans would be a memorable dive location for you.

5) If you taking a bus from Bangkok be sure to ask the tour operator what type it is. Your looking for a two level AC coach style with facilities. Those are quite comfortable and inexpensive. I only bring this up because in Thailand you should not assume anything regarding the standards of care that will be provided versus what you would consider basic and expected in the US.

John

 

[bjexpat]

Street Vendors- Find one that does the fried banana + nutella crepes...unbelievable.

Greatest food court - Central World Mall (also Supersports - like Dick's but with scuba gear). The malls make a nice retreat from the heat too. Siam Center is good too.

JKs mention of busses and standards is correct. It was wrong of me to make the point that all busses would be cushy when some might be over-the-top deluxe and others completely dodgy.

 

[lord khram]

I have to agree with a number of the posts here, Yes South Thailand would better provide the type of diving that would appear you are looking for.
However, if you decide to go down to the South, research things before you go and get some impartial advice, because as Koh Chang the diving is seasonal. And a number of people use this board as a sales pitch and have a financial interest in you going down there.