Diving in thailand

[anna richardson]

I am heading to Thailand beginning of june 2007, want to go to Koh Toa and do the open water padi course....what is the best way to book...should i do it in Bangkok with a travel agent, or book before i leave...im traveling on my own and on a budget so need cheap accommodation...and advise???? cheers!:D

[Tony_W]

I am heading to Thailand beginning of june 2007, want to go to Koh Toa and do the open water padi course....what is the best way to book...should i do it in Bangkok with a travel agent, or book before i leave...im traveling on my own and on a budget so need cheap accommodation...and advise???? cheers!:D

Hi anna,

I've spent months diving around Koh Tao, and over the years have done all my PADI training with one dive centre there - through to Dive Master. I use Bans Diving, IMHO its a good 5 Star IDC and they have accomodation from basic rooms through to luxuary suites with cable TV, hot water etc - all of which are pretty cheap options!

If you are on a budget - and depending on how much time you have - I'd fly into Bangkok and spend a couple of days at the New Siam (I or II) guest house just off the Khoasan Road, walk 1/2 way down the Khoasan Rd to the Bans office, book the overnight bus to Chumphon and fast ferry to Kho Tao. Alternately, you can get a flight to Koh Samui and have a longer boat trip over to Koh Tao, which would be quicker... If memory serves me right I think the bus and ferry was about £12, the flight £50-60. Check out: http://www.amazingkohtao.com/

If you want more info drop me a PM and I'll be happy to help if I can - enjoy the diving, it should be fantastic in June

Tony

[Vikki]

Hi Anna,
I'm just back from Thailand and did my PADI OW in Koh Tao. I did it with Big Fish Resort, which is based on the bottom of the island in an absolutely beautiful bay. Google them and you can see their website. If you e-mail them they'll hold you a room & pick you up at the port - you'll get a discounted room for diving with them (i paid about £6 a night). I was really lucky in that I got 1:1 tuition, and also a slightly discounted rate & that was just about 3 weeks ago. The diving there is brilliant so I'm sure you'll be fine whoever you go with. Drop me a line if you like & I can fill you in on more info if you like.......oh happy days!!!