Koh Tai vs. Koh Phi Phi - OW Certification

[underwaterbee]

Hi everyone! I am new to this site and still trying to figure it out; so, apologies if someone else has already asked this question.

I am going to Thailand in mid-April (for a little over a week) and want to get my OW certification. After some research, I am stuck between Koh Tao and Koh Phi Phi. Does anyone have any opinions on which would be best? Also does anyone have any shops/ centers they could recommend for 2 people?

Lastly, after more research, I don't really find a huge difference between PADI or SSI. I am indifferent to getting either, but does anyone have any strong opinion(s) of one being better than the other?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance!

 

[drbill]

I dove both back in 2001. My impression was that the dive ops on Koh Phi Phi were a bit more professional than on Koh Tao. However, with some research I'm sure you could find a decent dive op in either destination.

 

[KevinNM]

A good SSI or PADI instructor can both teach you how to dive safely and effectively. A bad instructor (or one who is being forced to push divers out the door fast by the operator) for either can be found with either agency.

 

[NorCalDM]

If you can I would get your certification done locally and then spend your vacation diving. With only a week most of that time will be spend training.