Southern Thailand

[pinklife]

My wife and I are going to be in Southern Thailand in October (20-24) and plan to dive. We're certified Adv OW, and have 50+ dives.

We're looking at the Andaman coast. Where do you recommend diving at that time of year?

Thanks, Bob.

Edit: I just did some more reading. Are the Similan Islands and Surin Islands totally out of bounds for that time of year? Is Koh Phi Phi a good dive area?

[Pat0286]

Let's put it this way. Monsoons are the major factor in weather conditions. They always head in from South West over the Andaman Sea. And when they are gone, the Similans are open -- normally from beginning of November till end of May. However, the best time to dive there is from Februay to April.

By the way, the Similans is too far away from shore to do a day trip. Yes, there are dive operators offering day trips. Just that you would end up spending too long time in the speed boat and getting yourself exhausted.

I would recommend to sign up for a liveaboard trip. There are tons of dive operators offering such a trip to the Similans, Koh Ta Chai, Koh Bon, and Richelieu Rock.

[WorldwideALOHA]

Both Phi Phi and the Similans are fantastic options for you. October is in the transition period, but the Similans should be open. Consider doing an overnight on one of the dive tour operators liveaboards as mentioned above or there are some operators that do overnight camping which is quite nice!

Done as a day trip you won't get to dive some of teh best sites. Similans is best done as a multi day liveaboard.

Phi Phi is great and there are so many dive options in and aroud Phi Phi. Anytime of the year, you'll find good diving in Phi Phi.

Aloha

[WorldwideALOHA]

Should also mention that you should consider a trip to the Burma Banks, either now or in the future. Simply amazing!!!

[diver of the world]

Similan and surin national parks are opening on the 1st of november. I will agree with worldwide aloha about burma, if the weather is goo, you can start diving there in october and it is still amazing this year!!!