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Koh Pangan is a tropical island in the Gulg of Thailand. View
the scuba diving map.
The best diving areas are in the North Coast around Koh Ma, in
the NW coast, around Bottle Beach,in Laem or Cape Pak Chong, and
in the offshore island of Koh Tae Nok, where you will find more
deep waters. Also in Cape Had Rin, but there are often strong
tidals there.
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All diving equipment is for rent for about $20 US per day no
matter where you dive and the equipment is almost always in very
good shape as the diving industry is thriving in Thailand. Dive
shops use all the major brands. Nearly all the diving busines are
PADI licensed. You can take your PADI certificate at low cost
here. As corals and other animals can be toxic on skin contact
use full cover suit. Do not let skin unprotected.
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Batteries are available most places and keep in mind that we
use 220 volts power. 110 volts is available on some dive boats
(the more expensive ones, naturally) but it is probably good to
bring an adapter. The power points in Thailand generally accept
both straight and round-pin plugs, although straight-pin are the
most common.
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Spares are not always available; it is best to bring things
like mask straps, O-rings, etc. A 3 mm wet suit full body
or a Lycra suit is adequate for diving all
year-round. Keep in mind, however, that Lycra suits offer little
or no thermal protection. Most, if not all dive centers have wet
suits for rent. Suits with short sleeves or short pants are not
recommended.
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While there are three working recompression chambers in
Thailand, there is NO AIR EVACUATION. Therefore, transport time
can be very lengthy, depending on your location. In Koh Phangan
Island, which is relatively close to the chamber in Samui,
evacuation may take hours or more. Dive conservatively; do
everything you can to avoid a dive accident. Keep security on
mind. Never dive alone.
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