Should I stay or should I go to Koh Tao?

[KiltGirl]

I am planning a trip to Koh Tao to do my Divemaster & IDC, however after reading a number of posts on this site, alot of people are swaying me off the idea. I am taking a sabatical for 6 months and would really like to spend it in Thailand doing the above. I was thinking of using Bhudda View, Ban's or Coral Grand......Or should I be looking at other parts of Thailand? So should I goto Koh Tao??

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

KiltGirl

 

[travelem]

It depends on the season. Koh Tao has good weather from May to Ocotober. Phuket and Phi Phi have good weather from Nov to April. Besides, any reasons for Thailand? You can get better diving and better value in Philippines such as Moalboal or Puerto Galera. Also check out Perhentians in Malaysia.

 

[Evil]

You can check out Flora Bay at Perhentian, Malaysia.

http://www.florabaydivers.com

 

[DORSETBOY]

I was thinking of using Bhudda View, Ban's or Coral Grand......Or should I be looking at other parts of Thailand? So should I goto Koh Tao??

Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

KiltGirl

hi there, just by 2 cents worth but I was out there last year doing just what you're intending doing. I did my dmt with asia divers, liked them so much that I came back to thailand from oz after a very short time there and did my instructor course.

Koh tao has an excellent atmosphere, I'd avoid Buddha view though they have too many dmts there at any one time. what oyu would I think be best looking at is one of the middle sized dive shops, an example (where I did my courses) is asia divers in mae hadd (the main town on the island). they are quite happy to let you take as many dives as you need to get through your dmt, whereas some dive shops limit you to doing a max of 60 dives. I liked hem in particular as the manager (Guy Corsellis) is a really decent guy and they always employ very friendly staff. I found I learnt a hell of a lot through assisting instructors. When I was there I was spening 150-200 baht per night on a 1 bedroom appartment in chalok ban khao which isnt too far from mae hadd, for that I had a view to myself overlooking the beach.. awesome!!

if you need any further details send me a message on here - Ive got the details of most of the accom on the island and all the dive sites..

Greg Jenkins

ps. I'm going back this year myself!!

 

[Tigertail]

It really depends on what your up for.
Koh Tao is a bit of a party island.
I spent a good few months there a few years ago and did OW through to DM. It was ok and I managed to do a fair few dives.
The dive sites are ok there, but I now live in Phuket. The diving personally for me here is 10 times better, as there is a greater variety, and the Instructors seem to take their work a little more seriously.
I'd say if you are looking for a good diving experience then come to Phuket. They are plenty of dive schools here to name a few that would give you a good deal for your DM through to IDC.
Or if your looking for a full on party experience with the opportunity of your mentors having a few hangovers then go to Koh Tao.
However this is just my personal experience. Hope this helps?

 

[KiltGirl]

Hi Tigertail

Thanks for your reply.....Can you give me any recommedations on places in Phuket for DM thru to IDC?

KiltGirl

 

[Mako Mark]

Koh Tao is very cool, I lived there for nearly five years, but left in 96. I heard it has changed a lot, but that is not always a bad thing. The diving is pretty good, there are bettre places in the world UW, but Koh Tao has a great vibe. I would suggest you turn up and have a look, if you dont like it, go check out phuket

 

[DORSETBOY]

I would suggest you turn up and have a look, if you dont like it, go check out phuket

good idea mark.. I did something similar. did the dmt on KT, then took a week off and went with a group of dmts / instructors to the similans. The diving west coast is better but my general feel at the time was that I wanted something chilled and laid back which KT can give you, Phuket for me was too much like a big city. When I go back though I'll do both!