Sole Female / Advanced Open Water Course - Phi Phi, Phuket or Krabi?

Hello All,

It's another where should I go, where should I stay question, I'm afraid...

I am considering doing my Advanced Open Water Diver during my next holiday. I am a female travelling on my own and can't decide whether to stay in Phi Phi, Phuket or Railay. As it's going to be peak season (early January), hotels are going to be mega expensive where ever I stay, but Phi Phi seems particularly expensive. I am looking for a quiet and relaxed place, I am not into parties but would like to stay somewhere where I am not too isolated either and can get to a dive centre fairly easily.

Can anyone give any advice on where I should stay? I have been to Phuket and Khao Lak and would consider returning to both, but haven't been to Phi Phi and Krabi/Railay, so in a way would quite like to try something new (but without paying through the nose). Friends have recommended Phi Phi, but I am not sure whether it would appeal to me with it's party crowd and steep prices, in particular as all the quiet places seem a long way away from town and it might be a pain to get to the pier. Railay looks great, but again, I am concerned that's it's a pain to get to a dive centre for an early morning start (I am not an early bird!).

Also, if anyone has any recommendations for a good dive centre, then that would be really appreciated as well.

Thanks very much.

Have you considered Ko Toa?

It seems to have everything you need.

Sam

Long Beach Divers at Phi Phi could be just what you're looking for. VERY highly recomended.
Long Beach Divers

Leigh Travel Club

Have you thought about Khao Lak? It is a diver's mecca.....Sea Dragon and Khao Lak Scuba Adventures are both great and more budget minded.