Khao Lak is one of the resort beaches
located in Thailand and is known as a departing
point for trips of live-aboard diving to
Similan Islands. Its pristine line of coast
is a synonym of beauty and the nearby palm
and rubber plantations dotting the coastal
area add to its splendor. Khao Lak is one
of the thriving tourist destinations for
backpackers, adventure tourists, scuba diving
enthusiasts and up-scale tourists. The local
people are mainly Thai and often have Chinese
ancestry. The diversity of cultural influences
and ethnic groups within Khao Lak makes
it rich in fishing, dry food and agricultural
products. Tourism is one of the revenue
generating entities of the place.
Diving in Khao Lak
Scuba diving is one of the most popular
water sports in Khao Lak and the place boasts
about some of the most attractive diving
sites across the world. The waters are clear,
the sea life is plentiful and accommodation
and transport facilities are readily available.
Diving in Khao Lak is quite cheap comparatively
and once you achieve your certificate in
Thailand, you will be able to use it for
scuba diving in every part of the world.
The koh provides diving opportunities at
almost any time of the year but changes
may be visible as per the changes in season.
The best months for diving in Andaman
Sea are from October to April. May to September,
can be best for diving in Gulf of Thailand.
At the recommended diving sites of Thailand,
the waters are so clear that the underwater
life can be seen from the surface itself.
The marine life includes manta rays, whale
sharks, flying fish, marlin, coral reefs
and dolphins. People can swim, snorkel,
relax, sunbathe and enjoy the food, scenery,
trip and sail in the crystal clear waters
of the place.
Diving courses
All the reputed diving shops are affiliated
to the PADI or any other international diving
body and most of them hold diving courses
in different languages. These bodies provide
diving courses to individuals ranging from
beginners to advanced and seasoned professionals.
All over the place you will find international
standard boats, professional facilities
and modern amenities. Almost all the PADI
certified diving companies are well qualified
and have experienced staff members, which
give adequate instructions to the divers
and prepare them for their excursion.
Anyone who has attained the age of 12
years is eligible to pursue a PADI course
and as long as you are medically fit, free
from asthma, breathing or heart problems
and severe cold, you are ready for diving.
Precautions to be taken while diving:
Whether you are a beginner or experienced
diver, you should never go for diving after
heavy meal as the blood flows into the stomach
for digestion and this may result in cramps.
Also never drink alcohol before going to
dive as the effect of alcohol may multiply
several times underwater which may lead
to lack of judgment and disorientation.
No matter how expert you are with diving,
you must follow all the safety rules advised
by your instructor.