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For beginners I think you can go to Koh Tao there is the best to learn scuba diving , but Koh Tao good to do from second week of January - September (sometimes till mid - October) for dry season. Because Andaman coast good to go from September - April only.3
Good can be had in many places, cheap can be had on Koh Tao. As already mentioned, the period when you're in Thailand could be of importance as well for weather conditions.6
If money is a consideration, go to Kho Tao of Phan Ngan. Diving's better on the other side but you'll be busy learning and sorting yourself out on the PADI, and if you haven't dived before there's still going to be plenty to amaze you. I'd recommend a few dives extra after passing as well so you get a proper chance to look round.7
Koh Tao is better value and can offer some great diving experiences. On the west side (Phuket/Phi Phi etc) prices are a little higher, but not only is the water more consistently clearer but the dive centres also teach in smaller (more personal and safer) groups.Either side of Thailand will be great for you. An option could also be to learn in Koh Tao (cheaper with accommodation included) and fun dive in Phi Phi or around there.
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You can also learn diving in Pattaya, just 1,5 hours from Bangkok and then after the training go down south for the diving. You can fly from Bangkok or from Pattaya Airport (U-tapao) down souththe teaching is done in smaller groups in Pattaya then down south, so you would get more attention during the training and be well prepared before going fun diving in the south
Where i would suggest Phuket / Phi Phi for the diving which is really nice during the period you are going.
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"We are there from mid-January to mid-February."West Coast, Phuket, PP, Koh Lanta, Similans if you have time..
