Scuba diving in Thailand
30 ranked shops in 3 destinations. Median Open Water 13,800 THB, median fun dive 1,150 THB.
Thailand is the second-largest country in the world for PADI certifications after the USA, and the number-one long-haul destination for Scandinavians. Two coasts, two seasons: the Gulf (Koh Tao) dives best March to September, the Andaman (Phuket, Khao Lak, Lanta) November to April, so there is always somewhere with good visibility.
Destinations
10 shops ranked Koh Tao
10 shops ranked Phuket
10 shops ranked Khao Lak
Khao Lak & the Similans
Koh Lanta
Koh Phi Phi
Before you book anywhere in Thailand
Ask four questions and most of the price difference disappears: how many students per instructor, is the certification fee included, is the boat a day boat or a longtail, and what does "accommodation included" actually mean. Our price index lists what each shop publishes; the rankings add ratio, reviews and whether we've been there.