Padi Course Hong Kong

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Jarrell Campbell

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Aug 3, 2024, 11:24:24 AM8/3/24

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Train: From Bangkok, head on over to Hualamphong Station and book a sleeper train to Chumphon. We recommend getting the train + ferry combos to avoid missing the ferry. You can check the train schedule online here.

Fly: Fly from Bangkok Don Muang Airport to Chumphon with Nok Air or Suratthani with Air Asia then take a ferry to Koh Tao. Both of these airlines have joined forces with a ferry companies enabling you to purchase a joint flight/ferry ticket on their website.

Some of my friends went to Koh Tao from Phuket. Flights into Thailand are cheap so often people fly into Phuket and then get a mini bus to take them to Surat Thani. You will find a night ferry, which leaves there straight to Koh Tao. There are ferries in the day but check the schedule ahead of time. If you are heading to Phuket you can also check out Koh Pi Pi which is know for its popular day trips and heavy partying.

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Competition for dive schools in Koh Tao is intense! Wherever you look, there is a dive school. You will even get approached when you are on the ferry heading there. Koh Tao is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand to get certified because not only is it very convenient, it is also one of the most affordable places in Asia. I chose to do my open water dive course with Easy Divers. They had new equipment, prices were reasonable and the team seemed great. Plus, my friend who is an avid diver recommended we dive with them after checking out most of the competition.

No matter which organization you get certified by, you will dive using the same equipment and see the same underwater life. Each however set their own standards and develop their own teach methods/materials.

SSI: Scuba Schools International grew out of passion of a few avid divers who were intent on making it possible for anyone to learn how to dive. Whilst still being world recognized, generally speaking, SSI courses are cheaper than PADI.

I decided to go with PADI because my friend recommended them. They are also the leading scuba diving training organization and I was told if I ever wanted to get a job as a diving instructor, it would easier. What you choose is up to you. There are perks for both.

By far, my favorite dive site in Koh Tao is the Chumphon pinnacles. The pinnacle itself is colorful and as soon as you get underwater, you will find yourself surrounded by large schools of batfish, barracuda and trevally. Sometimes Whale Sharks are even spotted slowly swimming around.

Arguably one of the best sites in Thailand, Sail Rock is located 50 minutes away by speedboat. It is a pinnacle shaped iceberg that rises out of the water, creating an out of this world wall dive. Famous for its vertical chimney which is super fun to ascend. In Sail Rock, you can see whale sharks, giant morrays, groupers, and bat fish. The trip out here is definitely worth it and highly recommended.

I loved the diving in Sail Rock even though my regulators broke and I had a bit of an hairy experience. Beautiful colours, amazing coral and totally undamaged (or at least it was when I was there which is a long time ago)