Page 199 - TICA'S MICE GUIDE TO THAILAND 2018-2019

Scuba Diving Certification Programmes The best time for diving is May through
Why not learn a new skill and get qualified, September for the Gulf of Thailand on the east,
while bonding with your colleagues? Already and October through April in the Andaman Sea
a popular hobby due to the often raved about on the west coast. Generally though, Thailand’s
diving spots in Southern Thailand, this tropical climate promises great conditions all
activity requires only a few days of training year round.
before you are licensed. Top locations to train
include diver’s heaven Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Go-karting
the pristine island of Koh Chang, all of which For some land-based adrenaline rush, plan an
are located on the Gulf of Thailand. On the event at a go-karting site. Suitable for all ages
opposite coast, there is Phuket, Krabi, Khao and abilities, Thailand has a number of
Lak and the Similan Islands. Dive sites include go-karting tracks great for honing racing skills
colourful reefs, wrecks, caverns and deep and building team morale. EasyKart has
drop-offs hosting a fascinating array of marine branches in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.
life, from whale sharks, manta rays and leopard EasyKart Bangkok uses one of the largest
sharks to smaller creatures like indoor go-karting tracks in Asia; EasyKart
seahorses and frogfish. Pattaya is by the pier offering a stunning view
of the ocean; and EasyKart Koh Samui is by
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the Chaweng Lake. There is also the Patong
most basic scuba diving programme. The only Go-Kart Speedway in Phuket, which features
requirements are adequate swimming skills Grand Prix-style racing.
and decent physical health. Consisting of three
main phases covering theory, basic scuba skills Boundless Options
and open water dives, the PADI course only The activities listed here don’t even begin to
takes three and a half days to complete. cover all that Thailand can offer. Some other fun
ideas are cooking classes, boat cruises,
Those who want to advance their skills further water parks, and Amazing Race-style adven-
can try the PADI Enriched Air Diver, Deep Diver tures which incorporate local attractions for
and Drift Diver courses, which get you fully a nail-biting contest.
equipped to tackle more challenging
dive sites.

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