Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a sheltered island located in the Gulf of Thailand, which makes it the perfect place for diving during any part of the year. Most dive sites are a short boat ride from the island; however, there are some great sites a little further away where you will see the larger species of fish. If weather conditions are poor on one side of the island, then it’s possible to travel to the other side, where conditions are likely to be better - this is one of the biggest benefits of doing your course on Koh Tao, as diving can nearly always go ahead regardless of the weather.
Koh Tao itself has a good level of infrastructure (including banks, internet cafes, transport and shops/restaurants); however it still manages to maintain a lot of its authentic Thai charm, unlike its two closest neighbours Koh Samui and Koh Phangnan, which are far more developed.
With these modern conveniences, the idyllic location and some of the best diving in South East Asia, Koh Tao is the place you should be doing your scuba diving course.
Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand, with a population of 65 million people, is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and shares borders with Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty complemented by impressive architecture, including striking temples. The country is also well known for its appetising food and the people renowned for their friendly manner.
Time
Thailand is seven hours ahead of GMT.
Thai people are very informal and at the same time very creative and carefree. So be aware that plans can change without clear reason and be prepared to be flexible.
Getting There
We offer an airport pick up, stopover and transfer package for those who wish to be collected from Bangkok International Airport. You will be collected from Bangkok on the first Friday of the month.
Alternatively you will need to make your own arrangements to arrive at Koh Tao on the Monday following the first Friday of the month.
Climate
In general it is hot all year round. On average the temperature is around 30°C. Humidity is high all the time.
Due to the monsoon climate, there is a rainy season lasting from the end of July to the end of October. March is the hottest month of the year. If you are going during the monsoon, don’t worry there is plenty of sun in between the showers.
| Northern Thailand | JAN | FEB |
MAR | APR | MAY |
JUN | JUL | AUG |
SEP | OCT | NOV |
DEC |
| Max Temp (°C) | 29 | 32 | 34 | 36 | 34 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 28 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 14 | 17 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 15 | 14 |
| Rainy Days | 0 | 1 |
2 | 5 | 12 | 15 |
21 | 20 | 17 | 8 |
4 | 2 |
| Central Thailand | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR |
MAY | JUN | JUL |
AUG | SEP | OCT |
NOV | DEC |
| Max Temp (°C) | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 43 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 20 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 20 |
| Rainy Days | 1 | 1 |
3 | 3 | 9 | 10 |
13 | 13 | 15 | 14 |
5 | 1 |
| Southern Thailand | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR |
MAY | JUN | JUL |
AUG | SEP | OCT |
NOV | DEC |
| Max Temp (°C) | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Min Temp (°C) | 23 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 35 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Rainy Days | 5 | 3 |
4 | 13 | 21 | 18 |
19 | 22 | 20 | 22 |
16 | 8 |