Korean Job Discussion Forums

JungMin · Joined: 18 May 2005

I've been diving all over the Philippines and it has been great. But I want to check out somewhere else. Pretty sure the Ms. and I are off to Borneo this winter, but out of curiosity I was wondering where in Thailand is there good diving?? Nice beach, some bars/restaurants, good diving are what I am looking for. No big party areas, scummy/dirty areas with hookers everywhere, etc.

Can anyone recommend a nice dive area/resort, mid-range and up, quality wise??

Cheers.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

If you go in winter, hit the Similan Islands. It's a national park of 7 islands, but you can only sleep on one in a controlled area, very protected. The snorkeling and diving is some of best. Comparable to the GBR in Australia. I'd go back in a heartbeat if there weren't other new nations to explore this winter. Do more than 2 days and 1 night.

NoExplode · Joined: 15 Oct 2008

good diving at nana plaza

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

I did a 4 day 3 night live aboard trip through the Similans and some other nearby islands. It was great, probably top 10 in the world. That is on the west side (Phuket side). The other primary dive spot is Koh Tao on the east side (Samui side). It's really popular but much more crowded. Probably cheaper than the Similans but not world class.
To avoid scummy/dirty areas with hookers everywhere just stay out of Pattaya. There's a lot to do there and hotel prices are competitive, but it sounds like the place you would want to avoid. Outside Pattaya those areas are confined to single streets so if you don't go looking for it it wont find you.

JungMin · Joined: 18 May 2005

Yes, the Similans do sound amazing. I just spent a few hours reading up on them. The only problem is that it sounds like to get the most out of them, you need to do a live aboard. That is a problem as I don't think the Ms. can handle a boat for that long.

I looked into the other side, Koh Tao, and it looks alright. The diving doesn't look as good, but still decent.

I think we have it narrowed between A) Sipidan and staying at the Kapalai Island Resort B) Koh Tao and staying at the Ko Tao Resort.

Review on TripAdvisor for both places sound good. I'm sure both places would be great. I really want to go to Kapalai Island, but it is a bit pricier!! Anyone been to either of these places??

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Kho Lanta

nene · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Location: Samcheok, Gangwon-do

If she can stomach a live aboard, I'd go with Sea Dragon out of Khao Lak - they were top notch. And I've never seen any place so beautiful as those islands (Similan, Surin, etc.)

I think there is some seasonal variation, ie. one side of the pennisula has clearer water at any given time of the year... that's probably worth looking into....

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

JungMin · Joined: 18 May 2005

Thanks everyone....We decided against Thailand. Our trip is booked. We are off to Kapalai Island in January for 7 nights. Can't wait!!

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

Good choice! You won't regret it.

Be sure to do the afternoon 'muck' dives on Mabul, and Kapalai too, they make a nice change from the walls of Sipadan and there a loads of interesting critters to be found.