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Q: What is the
fastest way from Bangkok to Koh Tao?
A: A domestic flight to Koh Samui and the speed boat
or Catamaran from there. Less comfortable and slower,
but cheaper, is the bus or train to Chumphon, where you
can take the night or express ferry.
Q: Do I need malaria prophylaxis?
A: The risk of malaria on the Islands in south
Thailand is minimal. Unless you plan to travel up north,
the severe side effects of most anti-malarial medicine,
especially in combination with diving, outweigh the
potential benefit.
Q: Are credit cards accepted on Koh Tao?
A: Most of the bigger resorts will accept VISA/ MC,
but might apply a 3% service charge. There is also a
bank and 2 ATM machines in town ("Mae Haad")
Q: Do I need medical clearance for diving?
A: A medical is not required for certified divers in
Thailand, only for participating in courses. However, a
regular check up is highly recommended.
Q: I am an Instructor, can I teach my friends/
relatives through your facility?
A: Yes, but (unless you hold a Thai work permit) we
have to send a Divemaster/ Instructor along, as TAT
regulations state clearly, that any diving activity has
to be controlled/ supervised by our staff, otherwise (in
the unlikely event of an incident) any insurance cover
is invalid.
Q: Where is the nearest recompression
chamber?
A: There is a mono chamber on Koh Tao for first aid
treatment and an SSS Recompression Chamber Network
facility on Koh Samui. Check that your dive shop is a
member/ affiliate, to guarantee unrestricted access if
needed.
Q: When is monsoon season? Some travel guides give
contradicting information.
A: In some older guides they differentiate only
between north and south Thailand, but it also makes a
difference if you are on the west or east coast. Phuket,
Krabi and the Similans in the west have their rainy
season from April to October, while on the east coast -
Samui, Phanghan and Koh Tao, there is monsoon only in
November .
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