phuket or phi phi island

[Batfish]

was thinking of concentrating on the dive sites around phuket / phi phi, and dive similan seperately another time... want to maximise our dive holiday, yet take things easier as we are newly certified divers - have between 5-10 logged dives only. does that sound logical to you?

Very logical. If you have just a few days, then I'd forget my suggestion to stay in Phuket and Phi Phi. For the diving, better to stay in Phuket, from where you can dive at Racha Yai (I'd do that first, nice and easy), Shark Point / Anemone Reef (as quite new divers, be sure to book a trip to these sites that does not include the King Cruiser Wreck, I don't recommend that site for novices), and you can get a day trip to Phi Phi.

In March, trips will not be full, so booking on arrival is fine.

Hotels - too many to choose from. People have the idea that Phuket only has expensive hotels, but if you just want a room with a shower, you can get one for less than 10 dollars. If you "splash out", you can get a decent place for 25 dollars a night.

Where to stay? Patong has the nightlife and 80% of the tourism, it's not for everyone, but then people often complain in Karon beach that there's nothing to do. Kata is also quiet, but has a few more interesting bars and restaurants.

Hope to see you in March

Jamie

 

[MoonWrasse]

I'd add that Racha Yai has the advantage of sites that are divable (i.e. calm waters) in case of rough seas.
On days boats are canceled to Phi Phi due to rough seas, they still will go to RY.

King Cruiser is in open water and can have heavy currents at times. Also lots of interesting yet toxic sea critters there (lionfish, scorpion fish) and wreck dangers (just swimming around a wreck has its hazards).

 

[Ringo]

On days boats are canceled to Phi Phi due to rough seas, they still will go to RY.

This is hardly likely to happen in March when Stingraysg is planning to come as it is the high season then and the conditions are usually great for the Phi Phi daytrips.

 

[MoonWrasse]

On days boats are canceled to Phi Phi due to rough seas, they still will go to RY.

This is hardly likely to happen in March when Stingraysg is planning to come as it is the high season then and the conditions are usually great for the Phi Phi daytrips.

Normally I'd agree with you, but given recent weather there...

Hopefully by March the winds will have died down.

 

[Batfish]

March should be hot and calm. Never seen it any other way. A long relaxing day trip to Phi Phi is just the ticket. Bring plenty of sun cream and drink lots of water.

 

[seandixie]

Hi there, just like to add I've just spent the last couple of months in Phuket doing my divemaster. When booking for Racha Yai ask what dive sites they are likely to take you to. If they have a a lot of students especially open waters you may find yourself in bungalow bay when you really want to be on the plateau looking at mantas! I can also recommend Eden divers for a speedboat trip to hin dueng/hin moeng, providing your confident in the water you really should dive these two sites....more mantas! Beautiful soft coral etc. And to back up what was earlier said, shark point and anemone reef - absolutely stunning diving, I personally prefer shark point to most of the similans currently.

 

[Batfish]

Again, in March with calm seas, you are very unlikely to dive in Bungalow Bay. The east coast of Racha Yai is much nicer. Mantas are sometimes seen at Racha Noi - the next island south. If you see one at Racha Yai, you are indeed a lucky soul.

 

[SadiesMom]

You guys are getting me totally psyched for my trip to Phuket in March! (Actually, we'll be doing the MMII trip to the Similans for 4 days, then down to Hin Daeng for 2). I'm *really* looking forward to this!

 

[stingraysg]

Thanks all for your tips! Hoping to make the decision before Jan and get all the bookings done in time for the New Year.

Merry Christmas!

 

[JonnieB]

Phi Phi is no longer wiped out. What was left standing is fixed. The town looks better and cleaner than before and there are several dive centers running trips

Not much was left standing, however. Local press reports state and photos show that not too much has been rebuilt yet. The gov't. apparently has plans to re-market the island as the newest 5-Star resort destination in Thailand. Thanks backpackers for discovering it but you are not really wanted when we rebuild.

I am sure the Big-T did wonders in cleaning out the place...it was a mess before. But for someone on vacation, why go to a place that is still in early recovery mode...just stay in Phuket and visit if you want would seem better.

Just my opinion