39 replies to this topic

[shadragon]

...begins with a single step...

I am in the opening stages of planning a trip to Thailand at some point in 2008. I have never been and would love to get down there. I was thinking a minimum of 10 days to 2 weeks to make the trip worth while and thought others here may be interested. I would like to go for a longer time, but the university will not let me go for any longer than 2 weeks at a time.

I currently have no dates, no destination (beyond the country) and no firm plans except I would like to get in as much diving as possible. A live aboard will certainly give a lot of variety, but a resort (or two depending on where we want to travel) may do the same thing.

Any suggestions, comments or past experiences you can provide would be great. I am looking for a quality trip with reasonable comforts. If I can find a small, but motivated group to go with me then life gets sweet indeed. However, I don't mind going alone either...



UPDATE NOVEMBER 2007:

Shadragon's wish is coming true...well hopefully it is! SingleDivers.com is looking to do Thailand as an SD trip in either late fall 2008 or early winter 2009. Please let us know if anyone is interested! We'd be looking at doing both land based and a short liveaboard along with sightseeing to maximize the culture, diving and total experience! -ww

Edited by WreckWench, 08 November 2007 - 03:58 AM.

[Basslet]

I went to Thailand last year in March and it was totally awesome. We went on the Mermaid II liveaboard. Honestly to get to the remote spots and take advantage of all of the diving, your best bet is a livaboard. We didn't get a chance to do too much land-based excursions but we did spend an entire day in Bangkok. Also, you have some land time in Phuket before boarding the boat so we went to a rain forest and rode and elephant.

[shadragon]

I went to Thailand last year in March and it was totally awesome. We went on the Mermaid II liveaboard. Honestly to get to the remote spots and take advantage of all of the diving, your best bet is a livaboard.

Here is the link to it I think:

http://www.mermaid-liveaboards.com

[Basslet]

Yep. And here's the itinerary. Mermaid II
In one day, we saw 2 whale sharks and a manta. It was Doris' (Ariesno1) birthday. Couldn't have asked for a better birthday present.

[weescot]

...begins with a single step...

I am in the opening stages of planning a trip to Thailand at some point in 2008. I have never been and would love to get down there. I was thinking a minimum of 10 days to 2 weeks to make the trip worth while and thought others here may be interested. I would like to go for a longer time, but the university will not let me go for any longer than 2 weeks at a time.

I currently have no dates, no destination (beyond the country) and no firm plans except I would like to get in as much diving as possible. A live aboard will certainly give a lot of variety, but a resort (or two depending on where we want to travel) may do the same thing.

Any suggestions, comments or past experiences you can provide would be great. I am looking for a quality trip with reasonable comforts. If I can find a small, but motivated group to go with me then life gets sweet indeed. However, I don't mind going alone either...

If you are going to Thailand, you must not miss Chang Mai and a 2/3 day trek in the rainforests. then head to ko Tao/Ko Samui wonderful diving on East side - fly West to Phuket then ferry over to Ko Phi Phi. It is HEAVEN ON EARTH and where "The Beach" was filmed. i did my rescue course/deep speciality there. Wonderful wall diving. sharks every dive - (leopard and reef) For liveaboard, I'd head for the Similan Islands for a farewell liveaboard/dive safari for mantas and bigger stuff.

[tonyinasia]

This coming November will be my seventh trip to Thailand, and the Similan Islands. In a nutshell, it's wonderful. Best time to go is November thru March. Spend at least 2 weeks. Great diving, spicy food, and all at a very reasonable cost. The only thing that's expensive is the airfare. I've always used the same liveaboard - go to www.jonathancruiser.com . Plan on spending a few nights in Bangkok coming and going (no pun intended) and the remainder in or about Phuket. There is good local diving in Phuket, and some wonderful small islands just a ferry boat ride away such as Koh Phi Phi. You won't be disappointed.

[annasea]

Please do post the results of your research, shadragon. I'm interested in Thailand as well (especially since it's so close ).

[shadragon]

Please do post the results of your research, shadragon. I'm interested in Thailand as well (especially since it's so close ).

Will do. I plan on making the most of this trip as I suspect I will not be getting down there often. I think a resort / liveaboard combo would work best for the time frame I have. Keep those suggestions coming...!

[dustbowl diver]

Since I have family headed to Hong Kong shortly and the summer Olmpics are slated for Beijing in '08, that is part of my vacation plans for next year. I have considered heading to Phuket as part of my trip, but will only have a day or two likely before having to head back. Keep me posted!

[pugslover]

I'm very interested as well! but i need couple months notice so i can plan around work. If anyone wants to travel to southern part of China, like Yunan, Tibet, I'm up for it too.

[WreckWench]

Shadragon, book with SD travel and we'll save you money! We typically can beat any deal you can find, simple as that. Booking through SD travel also helps our booking credit which allows us to continue to obtain great fares, so it's a win/win for all!

Let us know what you decide you and anyone else interested want to do.

Not sure that SD we can do a Thailand group trip in 2008 as we have Wakatobi in October, but here's another idea for you. Many have suggested for those who can travel longer to add Thailand onto the Wakatobi trip!! Then again, there is also the world tour trip for 2009 that has been talked about.

So many tempting options...

[shadragon]

Not sure that SD we can do a Thailand group trip in 2008 as we have Wakatobi in October, but here's another idea for you. Many have suggested for those who can travel longer to add Thailand onto the Wakatobi trip!! Then again, there is also the world tour trip for 2009 that has been talked about.

So many tempting options...

No worries, you are first on the travel booking list, but I can only do a dive trip every 6 months or so because of time limitations. Wakatobi did catch my eye, but there is no way I can do that then the NY Bahamas liveaboard. My boss would throw a fit if I even mentioned it. Plus, I need to keep some time for my outdoor club and their 5 day backpack trip in Newfoundland in the fall. ~sigh~

I have Bonaire, Thailand, Vegas, Japan on my schedule for 2008 plus wherever the Singles week is. And it is still only half way through 2007...! ~sigh~

[WreckWench]

Not sure that SD we can do a Thailand group trip in 2008 as we have Wakatobi in October, but here's another idea for you. Many have suggested for those who can travel longer to add Thailand onto the Wakatobi trip!! Then again, there is also the world tour trip for 2009 that has been talked about.

So many tempting options...

No worries, you are first on the travel booking list, but I can only do a dive trip every 6 months or so because of time limitations. Wakatobi did catch my eye, but there is no way I can do that then the NY Bahamas liveaboard. My boss would throw a fit if I even mentioned it. Plus, I need to keep some time for my outdoor club and their 5 day backpack trip in Newfoundland in the fall. ~sigh~

I have Bonaire, Thailand, Vegas, Japan on my schedule for 2008 plus wherever the Singles week is. And it is still only half way through 2007...! ~sigh~

Wakatobi is in the second half of 2008 (October) so you should be able to plan for that! I'm sure we can work with your 6 month timeframes too....

[shadragon]

Wakatobi is in the second half of 2008 (October) so you should be able to plan for that! I'm sure we can work with your 6 month timeframes too....

Well, that changes things... If it is 2008 then that makes it doable...

[Kuraman]

Everything I read on this thread about Thailand is spot on. I used to go there 2-3 times a year to dive, bot liveaboards and shore-based. Definitely do a liveaboard to the Similans, Richelieu Rock. There is a great weekend trip out of Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, and most dive shops offer it. You will get some great dives on the way over, spend the night on Koh Phi Phi, and different dives on the way back. Definitely do the King Cruiser (wreck) and Anemone Reef if you are just going to do day trips.