I have to admit that it hasn't been a place that I've considered as a great scuba diving location. But some recent conversations and e-mail exchanges have me re-considering that position.

If one were interested in doing a scuba diving expedition to Thailand, what would be the recommendations? I love Thai food and have never been to Thailand so it'd definitely be a mix of diving on some days (up to 3 in a row) and exploring the country on the other days. Have plenty of AA miles to redeem to get me there (assuming I can find low cost flights to locations from BKK). I'd like to plan a trip including a couple days in Bangkok and then a longer time in some interesting diving and exploring locations. Figure on a week to week and a half total time. I'm sure there are plenty of recommendations here on FT.

More info: I'm considering cashing in miles for either a trip to Thailand for exploration and diving or going to Australia for a 3-4 night Liveaboard on the GBR (with Mike Ball). I'd be interested in hearing any comparisons people have of Thailand diving to the GBR.

Thanks in advance!

If you go in the winter months, you can take a day trip from Phuket to the Similan Islands. Its a LONG day but wonderful diving. They offer trips that overnight on the islands in with decent facilities.

This is the company I used. I was staying at the JW Marriott. They included hotel transfers.

http://www.similan-diving-safaris.com/

+1 for Similan

Check out www.divehappy.com

I dived with three different operators on a 3 week trip in Feb-Mar out of Phuket and Khao Lak. I dove the Rachas, Phi Phis, and Similans and all the local Phuket sites. The diving was great, all the ops very professional, warm water and amazing visibility. And it's Thailand, which equals nightlife, good/cheap food, lodging, massages, etc.

A caveat: the high water temps (86f/30c) are bleaching the coral and if it continues, the Thai government will shut down diving even more. Some sites are closed already. One of the ops I used has decided not to go to the Similans next season. They will operate elsewhere.

But, hey, I will be back in November. Like I said, it's Thailand...

How does shutting down a site help the bleaching due to temperature? The boats and people aren't causing the bleaching, are they?

Like I said, it's Thailand...

Correct me if I am wrong, but I fear sometimes the official reaction to any problem is to somehow blame it on the farangs. Most dive operators are non-Thai.

I am not a marine biologist, but it would probably make more sense to actually enforce no-fishing statutes in the marine reserves. There are nets, anchors and other debris on the reefs that most definitely do not come from dive operations, all of whom are downright fanatic about never even touching the reefs.

The diver's philosophy is, "Take only pictures, leave only bubbles."

I won't try to guess what the government's philosophy is...

I'd bet that's not the rationale.

My guess is the goal is to hide the bleached corals so as not have photos and stories drifting around the tourist trade that the diving in Thailand has gotten so much worse.

If you only have 3 days for diving in Thailand I would so on a liveaboard for 3 days of Khao Lak. You will get better diving than just going on 3 day trips. If you are based in Phuket Hin Daeng / Hin Muang are nice spots.

Phi Phi and the islands off Krabi are not as spectacular.

Mike Ball is a different story. Luxury, ultra-professional and more upmarket people as clients. Of course spectacualr diving ( I went to see the coral sea).