Family holdiay in Thailand

I spent a month in Thailand with my family. It was not a diving holiday, but of course I managed to get a few days diving in. Very rewarding was the day-trip to Hin Daeng/Hin Mouang (finally made it after being blown out on previous days) where we had mantas all day on both reefs. More sad to report is that Hin Mouang is a shadow of it's former glory since the soft coral died last spring. On this trip I also had the pleasure to meet and talk to fellow wetpixeler 'Otara'. I also must reccomed Blue Planet Divers on Ko Lanta and especially Isa and Carl who are real 'ocean lovers', enthusiastic and interested. When on other boats with other companies you were looked upon as a 'threat' to the routines with a dslr camera, whereas I & C directly embraced the situation. But it must be said that there are no day boats which really has adequate facilities for UW-photographers today in Ko Lanta. You have to be completely self reliant.

By far most rewarding was introducing my 5 year old daughter to the tropical reef. She's like a fish in the water and absolute fantastic. The best model I have 'worked' with...

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Maybe not quiet what they used to be but both sites are still the best in the area in my opinion. You had mantas but there is also the chance for Whale sharks. Even time I've been there I've always seen lots of Zebra sharks, Baracudas, Bat fish, turtles and big groupers to mention a few.

Maybe not quiet what they used to be but both sites are still the best in the area in my opinion. You had mantas but there is also the chance for Whale sharks. Even time I've been there I've always seen lots of Zebra sharks, Baracudas, Bat fish, turtles and big groupers to mention a few.

If you have mantas or whaleshark, it of course a good dive. My comment was regarding the general state of the reef. As I remembered it, Hin Mouang was my favourite and one of the richest sites for colorful soft coral that I have seen, Red Sea included. Now it is a greyish/greenish piece of rock. Lots of fish though.

No whalesharks on HD/HM during our stay, but one was seen on Ko Bida.

To give an idea what the reef looks like today (but as you can see we weren't that bothered...)

Wow great shot.

I hear you on the soft coral. Maybe need to change the name from purple rock to something more fitting?

oh my god ... i still have HD/HM as some of the nicest soft coral in my memories ... sad to hear, that this is no more ...

The pic of ?your daughter is fantastic, it should be on your wall. The scorpionfish with the divers is awesome

Beautiful pics, thanks for sharing. Brings back memories - I was there on my honeymoon a few years ago, and remember HD/HM as two of the most spectacular dives I've ever done - the whale shark on HD that swam within 15 ft was probably part of it. Sad to hear about the soft coral die-off.