Thailand

Wondering about Thailand.

Looking at a 12 - 14 day expedition in early November - any suggestions on must do places.

Am more interested in info about good locations / unique opportunities rather than specifics about particular operators. Being completely self contained remote locations are not out of the question.

I am not sure how Burma is in early November, but when is was there in mid-December a few years back it was a really good time.

There are only a few operators that go up there, but I think it wouldn't be hard to find a couple of back-to-back trips where you hit Burma and the Similans.

Also, Hin Daeng & Hin Maung for mantas. Again, I am not sure if they're around at that time of year, but its another one of the do not miss spots.

If you need any other general info about Thailand, PM me.

I'd second these recommendations, even though I'm also dubious on the conditions in Thailand at this time of the year. It seems a bit early in the season. 12-14 days on a boat in 3m waves can play tricks on some stomachs

Assuming you are looking at scuba opportunities, I'd suggestion you hit the trail of Hin Daeng/Muang and Ko Haa in the southern area, and of course the Surin, SImilans area in the north.

Personally I would not go to Myanmar and give the US$150 park fee in support of the military regime. Also the sharks have been longlined years ago.

If you are not adverse to going to a lesser dived place, my favorite area is the Andaman Islands on the Indian side of the Andaman sea. Coral life is wonderful and a few manta spots with over 20 mantas. Still a few sharks around (although it also has been longlined). You can fly by BKK-Port Blair.

Wondering about Thailand.

 

Looking at a  12 - 14 day expedition in early November  - any suggestions on must do places. 

 

Am more interested in info about good locations /  unique opportunities rather than specifics about  particular operators.  Being completely self contained  remote locations are not out of the question.

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Definately Hin Daeng and Muang, you don't need Mantas to have a great time here. I think the Similans only just become accesible in November, If I remember right, they are unreachable from May to Nov but if you went a little later, Similans and Richeleau Rock are well worth a visit.

I'll be down in the southern andaman myself late December and will be checking out Ko Ha, I've heard good things about it but never dived it myself.

Wherever you go, don't go to the Gulf of Thailand at this time of year, 5m swells and vis of 2m is not uncommon. Stick to the glorious in season Andaman side.

Personally I enjoy staying on Phi Phi, Hin Daeng/Muang are only a short speedboat ride from here.

I have been to the Similans on a 3 day live aboard during November and it was brilliant.

I am used to cold water low vis diving so maybe it was just my perception, but it was definitely one of my best dive destinations. I also went to Phi Phi, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, and although this diving was excellent the crowds was a bit much for me.