Diving course in Thailand, advice. Koah lak?

When are you coming exactly?
Daytrips to Similans won't start for a few weeks, and the place is still very, very quiet. From what you're writing, have you considered Phi Phi or Krabi?

I understand that you don't want to worry about time of year and details like that, but for Khao Lak, that is absolutely essential information. If I understand correctly, you plan to arrive next week? Many, if not most, dive centers in Khao Lak are closed until at least the middle of October because the Similans National Park only opens on November 1, and that destination is vital to their offerings.

In October, on the Andaman Sea side (where Khao Lak is located), you will have the most options on Phuket. It's a fairly large island, so if you don't want a party atmosphere, the simple solution is to avoid Patong, which is where the dance clubs, sex clubs, and bar-after-bar-after-bar streets are located. However, finding a beach hut is not going to be easy since most of the beaches have resorts on them. You can, on the other hand, find very affordable guest houses near the beaches, especially this time of year with low season rates in effect.

One option somebody will probably mention is Phi Phi, and that might work for you since there are plenty of backpacker places there, but be advised that it is quite the party island and is generally a bit more expensive than Phuket. Maybe for what you are dreaming of Railay Beach in Krabi province would work. There's a real backpacker vibe there, a couple of dive schools, and no huge party scene.

"One option somebody will probably mention is Phi Phi,"

You mean 'has mentioned'.

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/SmileySurrender.gif

Thanks alot for your advice.
Indeed we might be arriving in Phuket even tomorrow. Too bad the similians won't be accesible :( Do you think any change of boats going before 1'st of november, around 20'th of Oct? I have read some contradicting information on the net regarding this.

Anyway, a few more questions -
Since we would like to stay away from the party scene, i think ko phi phi doesn't sound like the right choice. So going with your advice, the choice then is between Phuket and Railay. Looking in net Rai Leh sounds like a nice place for us, beside wikitravel saying "Rai Leh is not a major diving spot as the local coral and sea life is not as diverse or spectacular as other areas of Thailand.". Do you think this is a non-issue for our open-water course? And do dive schools their have foreign native english instructors?

Regarding Phuket - any recommendations on quiet beach + good diving school?

And last questions - i read in some places that best diving in october is in Koh Lipe, and that it has some dive schools. Any ideas regarding that? The downside from net searching, is that many people say what was once a paradise has become somewhat of a garbage dump... pretty sad :(

Thanksalot again!

I'm not an expert on Krabi, so it's hard for me to say whether the dive shops at Railey will be fully staffed. You'd be best advised to write to a few of them if that place appeals to you.

As for Lipe, it's a great little place, but again, I'm not sure when they open for their season. That place just pretty much shuts down during low season.

On Phuket, if you want a quieter area, Nai Harn is very nice and not overbuilt, but it's a ways from the main tourist towns. Another area you might like is the northern part of the island, but again, it's somewhat isolated.

Regarding the chance of getting to the Similans later in October, it may be possible, weather dependent. Some liveaboard operators "jump the light" so to speak and if they've got enough customers, they run a couple of early trips out. If I were you, I'd keep that idea in the back of my mind and see what boats actually are planning on going out a bit early.

I'm sending a PM to you, so check your inbox.

The Similans are accessible for liveaboards, the first trips are going out from around 15 October. This boat has a confirmed trip on the 18th, the trip of the 15th on this boat is not yet confirmed, we need some more people for that one.

I've not dived either Phuket or Railay but have heard great things about Railay. Its abit more rlaxed and has the island life about it apparently.

boyojohnquninn, it might surprise you to learn that Railay, though a coastal dirt-path village is not on an island at all and that Phuket, which has lots of towns and villages dotted around it is actually an island in its own right. I do agree, though, that Railay is small and less developed than Phuket, which is probably what you mean to say.