Solo dive in August - Koh Tao or somewhere else?

[yakitrak]

Hi all,
I’m an AOWD-certified diver (close to 100 dives, so still a noob!) planning a solo trip in mid-August with about 4 full days for fun diving. I was initially considering Koh Tao, since I’ll already be in Thailand and it's easy to reach from Bangkok. But I wanted to ask:

Are there better or alternative dive destinations in Thailand (or nearby) that would suit a short trip focused on fun diving?

What I'm looking for:

• Good dive conditions in August (I know monsoon affects the west coast)
• Social vibe or group diving — I’m traveling solo and enjoyed the atmosphere on liveaboards previously
• Possibility of daily dives, ideally 2–3/day
• Sites with decent marine life and visibility — macro or big stuff both okay
• Easy to reach logistically (I'll be coming from Bangkok)

I’ve heard Koh Tao is course-heavy and beginner-focused — but also very social and budget-friendly. Open to it, but curious what else is out there for an new diver just looking for solid dives and a good community for a few days.

Any insight would be super appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Edward3c]

Check out Koh Lipe.

I normally fly/van/ferry from BK, same timeframe as getting to Koh Tao.

 

[yakitrak]

Check out Koh Lipe.

I normally fly/van/ferry from BK, same timeframe as getting to Koh Tao.

Thanks, it definitely does look better from a diving perspective. What about the weather? I don't mind the rain as the intention is to get way anyway! In fact, I did my certification in August in the Andaman islands, where it did not stop raining for the whole week! But is it safe, and are operations running?

 

[Centrals]

Aug is the green season in either Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe.
Koh Tao is a better option especially weather wise. But do chose the operator carefully ie. avoid dive factory at all cost.
I used to dive with Master Divers but there has been changed of management so no idea what the place like. It is only a stone throw from the ferry terminal.
Chumphon Pinnacle and Sail Rock are the only two good sites.
Party? Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan( 9th Aug).

 

[Edward3c]

I’ve only done KL during the dry season, but some operators stay open year round. Contact a few and see what they offer.

As @Centrals says Master Divers is now under new management and from their FB posts are just another training factory. I was going to give Hydronauts, a RAID operator, a try the next time I go.

 

[Centrals]

Ferry from Pakbara to Koh Lipe is less frequent during the 'green season'. However, accommodation in Koh Lipe is certainly a lot cheaper at that time.

 

[yakitrak]

Given I am a new diver, I have not seen enough, and hence have lower expectations than some of you who have "seen it all". I am happy to just be in the water really, and keep improving my skills at this point, while seeing the usual tropical marine life. if I would go for Koh Tao, which "non dive factory" operators would you recommend?

 

[Centrals]

@yakitrak
"Hydronauts' as suggested.
Search on line and there are plenty info on "dive factory" in Koh Tao.
Pity with Master Divers if it has became one of the infamous dive factory in Koh Tao.

Talk with them first.

 

[JonnieB]

Thanks, it definitely does look better from a diving perspective. What about the weather? I don't mind the rain as the intention is to get way anyway! In fact, I did my certification in August in the Andaman islands, where it did not stop raining for the whole week! But is it safe, and are operations running?

Forget about anywhere along the west coast (Andaman Sea) in August. Yeah, you could get lucky with good weather but you're more likely to get washed-out. Why chance it on a short trip. The Gulf of Thailand is your option. Ko Tao is very social, very crowded, and the diving is meh, but as a newb, it might fit the bill. Also very budget friendly...S-W Pinnacle, Sail Rock, and the wrecks are good dives. If you don't want to trek to Ko Tao, 2-4 hours south of Bangkok are Pattaya and Ko Chang. Pattaya is very "social" but the diving is average at best...but hey you get wet and have fun boat rides out to the sites (1-2 hours.) In Pattaya check out Copperband Scuba hours.https://maps.app.goo.gl/g43bpzoQmu5SFBzh7

Or Pattaya Scuba Adventures

The other option is Ko Chang - one of Thailand's most beautiful islands (second largest after Phuket) about fours south of Bangkok. If you want more of an "island experience," this is better than Pattaya, which is a crowded resort beach town.

Another option is a gulf LOB to the Ko Tao sites and Ko Losin. Losin is know for Whale Shark sightings. Check out Aquarian (Siam Dive) for schedule and pricing.

 

[Edward3c]

Given I am a new diver, I have not seen enough, and hence have lower expectations than some of you who have "seen it all". I am happy to just be in the water really, and keep improving my skills at this point, while seeing the usual tropical marine life. if I would go for Koh Tao, which "non dive factory" operators would you recommend?

The last two times I was in KT I used DJL they also have an operation in KL.