Korean Job Discussion Forums

Zyzyfer · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 12:12 am Post subject:

OK...so all I managed to glean from this thread is that the scuba diving is better in the Phillipines.

Is it more expensive to scuba dive in the Phillipines than in Thailand? Are the schools reputable? What locations are recommended for diving? I did my open water course on Koh Tao and never got the follow-up certification card, so I probably have to take the course again. I'm planning summer vacation with the Chica, and we both love diving, so I'm interested about this.

As far as comparing the two places, this thread really brings out the hate-on. The original poster should just go wherever the hell they want.

desultude · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 1:36 am Post subject:

I was told that The Philippines is cheaper for diving. But I was also told that the summer is not a good time for diving there because of the weather. I want to go back to Boracay for diving, but I was told that its not good to go after July, because of tropical storm season.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 7:45 pm Post subject:

I'd be going right at the end of July.

Is there any diving in Vietnam???

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

I've heard from people who have visited both countries many times that Thailand is better for foreigners. They say that in Bangkok, you have expats who've lived there for decades, something which Manila cannot say. And yes, the number of foreigner-owned bars and establishments was quite impressive during my last trip to the Thai capital back in June.

But I do remember a number of posts saying the Thai government is making things harder on foreigners, especially visas and doing business.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Well, I don't think I've traveled to either country well enough to decide which one is more foreigner friendly, but well, I have heard from many people who've gone to both many times that Thailand wins in the foreigner-friendly department, though that might change later on.

I personally prefer Filipinos over Thais, but I think that's mainly because I don't know Thais well enough, especially those who speak good English. Thais have been very friendly to me, but I haven't had an indepth talk with one. And well, I've heard of horror stories about farang in Thailand, but that also shows me more foreigners are there to get these stories.

Anyway, I think I'm hitting Boracay next month, I CANNOT WAIT!

chocolacharat · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

is there a lot of difference in prices between manila and boracay? I plan on sitting on the beach drinking cocktails most of my time =D and don't really want to spend a lot of money but the beaches in boracay look more appealing than what I have heard about manila.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

I say Boracay is considerably cheaper than Phuket. I just spent four days in Phuket, and I paid 90 baht (US$2.72) for a bottle of Thai beer (Singha or Chang). I remember paying just about $1 in Boracay for San Miguel. I didn't mind Phuket but I probably won't go there again because it's too damn pricey for Southeast Asia.

Boracay is also smaller and that means it's better to get around. Phuket taxis have no meters and you'll end up paying 100 baht for short trips. I also had trouble communicating with Thais but had little problems with Filipinos.

My vote goes to the Philippines!