Thailand or Vietnam or Philippines

[fjpatrum]

Thailand is wonderful in February and March, in my opinion. Though I wasn't there for a diving trip, we did some snorkeling in Koh Tao and Phi Phi Island and had a great time. A little cool in the water but not horrible. If you're looking for nightlife Koh Tao doesn't have a lot to offer but it's fun. I suspect there is definitely better diving and better "night life" if you're looking for the "ville" type scene with lots of bar girls and the like, but we had a great time climbing, snorkeling, camping and relaxing.

 

[Garrobo]

I can't see where there would be a visibility problem with the whole coastline of VN. Probably around the deltas and river mouth and nearby depending on the ocean currents. But I am sure that there is plenty of good diving along the coast. Of course, everything would have to be mobile unless you could find some old fart with a compressor in one of the coastal villages and a boat to take you out in. Another of course is that you would have to find and outfit a government companion who will be watching everything you do and say and is a diver. Probably isn't worth the effort unless you are one of those people who are in it for the adventure. Personally, I'd do it just for the fun of it if I could afford it and could get the communists to approve it.

 

[MarkHerm]

Easy choice between the three IMO: The Philippines!

 

[coldwaterdufus]

I got certified in Cambodia, off
the isle of Koh Tang. Yes, there are other islands, but too much ordinance in the water where we were ( and they warn you about it ) . Grey colorless reefs, very few fish that we saw. I wouldn't go back. Yes, I know that's not very much info to write off a whole country, but that was my experience. BTW, for a non diving trip, Cambodia was incredible and quite a trip, safe too despite their recent ( late 90's ) history.

 

[Centrals]

Cambodia was incredible and quite a trip, safe too despite their recent ( late 90's ) history.

A bit off topic, I believe you are talking between 1975-1979(Khmer Rouge's period).
Not much happening since UN(UNTAC?) moved in around 1993.
BTW, where was your Avata taken(couldn't read the sign), Nepal or Pakistan?

Now back to diving.

 

[AmyKB]

So from all your replies, Vietnam is now out. Its now between Philippines and Thailand. Is Cambodia any good ?

I just returned from a few days diving in Ko Lanta Thailand and after the last 2 years of diving in the Philippines (Fav. spots Bohol: Balicasag, Anilao, PG:Sabang, CEBU:Moalboal, Apo Island and Tubbataha), my recommendation would also be the 'pines! I found diving in Thailand a lot more crowded and much more expensive!

 

[pearpandas]

I learned how to dive in Thailand. It is gorgeous diving, lovely people and everyone speaks english. Koh Phi Phi had decent nightlife and wicked diving. I loved Koh Tao - sorry about spelling, one of the east islands in Thailand. If you time it properly, you can hit up the full moon party in koh samui.

I have never visited the Philippines so I don't know about that but it is probably gorgeous too!

Nha Trang is definately out, the water isn't clear at all, although it is a lovely place to visit!

Steph
Cute Quotes

 

[azathoth]

I've dove Nha Trang in Feb. Visibility was similar to Puget sound in summer, not much in the way of animal life and there was dynamite being used in the area. Water temps were OK for me, I think about 70 f. Topside weather was awesome. Wasn't much nightlife I saw.
Never been to P.I., want to go sometime.
Haven't done any Gulf Islands in Thailand. Phuket that time of year vis is good, animal life OK. Lots of big cattle boats, sites can be crowded. OK nightlife, but things are somewhat dispersed over the Island. I wasn't overly impressed with Bangla Rd. Temps were bathwater warm and effing hot topside. In Feb. Pattaya is party central, diving so-so. Some say a good place to learn. Plenty of easy sites and not enough to distract you, but enough to see to make you want more. Visibility varies, can be bad one spot, swim 150 yards or so and it turns crystal clear, reversed th next day. Not near as crowded as Phuket.

 

[coldwaterdufus]

Centrals, limited pockets of resistance even as late as 1997, or so we were told. Koh Tang was one of the last remnents of Khmer Rouge, that's why the ordinance in the water around the island. Picture is EBC, Everest base camp, so Nepal, right on the border with Tibet. Actually the peak, background left, is in Tibet. Everest is to " up " to the right, Khumbu Ice fall is between us in the distance. Our arrival day at base camp was Dec 1, 2010, my wife and I. That was a great trip, but, as you mentioned, we digress.

 

[frombeyond]

hey everyone .. thanks a lot for all your inputs. I am dipping towards the Philippines ..