Scuba
Diving Koh Tao - Thailand
with buddha view idc dive resort
Buddha
View IDC Dive Resort, Koh Tao, is Thailand's premier
PADI 5 star Gold Palm Resort. Buddha View Dive are Thailand's
specialists in PADI dive education, with courses from
your first breaths underwater, the prestigious PADI
Open Water gold certification card, through to PADI
Dive Instructor and Divemaster development programmes,
the IDC, with one of Thailand's most experienced Course
Directors, Mark Soworka.
Our
extremely experienced PADI Divemaster and Instructor
staff will make diving Koh Tao an enjoyable and memorable
experience. Our dive staff are here to make your holiday
great. To us, your dive holiday to Koh Tao is more than
just diving. We will help you with travel to and from
Koh Tao, with our dedicated travel office. We will organise
accommodation for you on Koh Tao, discounted during
dive courses, to suit your budget and needs. Our staff
will introduce you to diving Koh Tao, the sun, the sea
and that special atmosphere that has made Koh Tao the
diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand.
All
About Koh Tao
a great diving and social island
Today,
Koh Tao is one of Thailand's major dive destinations.
The island is widely recognized as one of the top dive
education centers world-wide and, while remaining an
absolute paradise, has expanded to cater for all types
of tastes and budgets. Although scuba diving remains
the primary focus of most local businesses you will
find under What Else that Koh Tao offers far more than
just diving, a whole range of activities to keep even
the most avid non-diver enjoying soaking up the atmosphere
of Koh Tao.
Koh
Tao means turtle island, because, in the past, the waters
were rich with sea turtles. A small island, a little
more than 21 square km, located about 70km east of the
coastline between Suratthani and Chumpon in the Gulf
of Thailand, Koh Tao remained uninhabited until recently.
Initially, there was only the occasional fisherman from
neighbouring islands seeking shelter from a storm. On
June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn visited
Koh Tao marking a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay. This
site is revered and respected, and marks the island
as having been claimed under royal patronage. From 1933
until being abandoned in 1947 the island was used as
a political prison. Later, the first pioneers began
to arrive from neighbouring Koh Phangan, and began a
very simple, tough life, harvesting coconuts, fishing
and growing vegetables.
The
first travelers began to arrive in the early eighties
and the island quickly became widely known as a paradise.
Faster and larger boats began servicing the island and
the islands reputation for natural beauty, marine life
and coral reefs grew.
Koh
Tao is one of the must do stops on the South East Asia
route. The clear, tranquil waters offer an ideal location
for learning to dive. Within all of these courses are
great accommodation packages offering discounts on budget
accommodation during the course or discounts on the
more luxurious bungalows. You'll also find that, although
Koh Tao and Buddha View Dive Resort are focused on diving,
there are many other interests from rock climbing to
waterskiing to make your Koh Tao experience unforgettable.
Expect to unwind and soak up an atmosphere that will
see you coming back year after year.
Getting
To Koh Tao
with buddha view dive resort
Buddha
View has a new office .............We have relocated
Dave in the Bangkok office and the new Bangkok address
is:
Buddha
View, Bangkok branch, 44 Plaza, 36 Chakrapong road,
end of Khaosan road, Bangkok 10200.
The
office telephone numbers are 02 282 2205 and 02 282
2206
If
you go to the police station end of KHAOSAN ROAD you
will find Gullivers bar on the left corner.
Walk left from Gullivers about 50 meters and you will
find Buddha View in the 44 plaza which is directly opposite
the Travelers connection and just before the A2 aiport
bus stop.
Our
Resort
buddha view 5 star gold palm resort
Buddha
View Dive Resort is on Chalok Baan Kao, the south side
of Koh Tao. Great views and a relaxed beach ensure an
enjoyable atmosphere. You can get athletic with a little
bit of beach volleyball, or unwind in the chilled bar
and excellent BBQ on the beach each evening.
The
resort offers accommodation, swimming pool, snorkeling,
restaurant and bar, as well as dive tours, courses and
equipment. That's why Buddha View Dive Resort is a Gold
Palm Resort, the Professional Association of Diving
Instructors' (PADI) recognition of a great place to
stay for the traveling diver, and that's why people
return year after year to immerse themselves in the
Buddha View lifestyle.
Choose
accommodation that suits your budget and needs anywhere
on Koh Tao. All transfers to and from the diving are
free of charge. Just contact our staff and they'll find
the resort you're after, whether its air con luxury
or a little isolated bamboo hut. For our divers taking
course we also offer accommodation discounts during
your dive course. Check out the accommodation section
for prices and choices. E-mail us for bookings and questions.
Accommodation
On Koh Tao
a brief overview
Koh
Tao has accommodation from the budget bamboo hut to
suit the traveling backpacker through to luxury accommodation
to treat yourself to something special. Accommodation
is also available for monthly rates. Whatever you are
after e-mail and ask and we will find accommodation
to suit your budget and needs.
Budget accommodation begins at 200-450bht. These would
be simple huts or rooms with fan, private toilet and
shower.
Mid-range accommodation is 500bht-1200bht. A touch more
comfortable simple fan bungalows through to basic air
con bungalows and deluxe fan cottages.
Luxury accommodation is air conditioned cottages with
facilities to suit the more discerning traveller.
Accommodation
discounts are available for Buddha View student divers.
We will help you choose accommodation anywhere on the
island to suit what you need for your holiday, and will
also help with accommodation in Bangkok and Koh Samui.
Koh
Tao Divesites
a few of the more popular sites
Koh
Tao offers a variety of dive sites, from gently sloping
coral gardens to massive granite pinnacles patrolled
by schools of barracuda and seasonal whale sharks. The
conditions are excellent for training divers from your
first breaths underwater right through to professional
levels, with dive sites from 5-40 meters and packed
with a diverse, exotic marine life. Regular dive tours
to the deeper pinnacles and Ang Thong Marine Park offer
experiences for the more adventurous, certified divers.
The
fringing reefs of Koh Tao teem with an incredible biodiversity.
Tropical reefs are an oasis of life and colour in our
oceans. Diving is your entrance to this fascinating
ecosystem. Some of the marine life you may experience
on your visit to Koh Tao include:Whale Sharks - the
largest shark in the world, wander the waters of Koh
Tao every year in search of food. These fish can reach
16 meters in length and engulf plankton by the ton with
their huge gaping mouths. An exhilarating experience
to dive with a such an enormous fish.
Black
Tip Reef Sharks - like all sharks, are amazing hunters.
They have all the five senses of an human, plus one
more - electrosensitivity. This sixth sense enables
them to detect the heartbeat and muscle movement of
their prey hiding in the sand or coral.
Cleaner
Wrasse - clean the ectoparasites off other fish. They
advertise their cleaning station with their bright coloured
bodies and a little dance. At times there may be four
or five fish patiently waiting in line to be cleaned.
Sea
Cucumbers - are slow moving animals that vacuum the
sand for food. Their defence when attacked by fish is
to eviscerate their guts. The fish are satisfied to
eat while the cucumber slinks away and regenerates it's
insides.
Sea
Stars - are deadly hunters that pry open their prey
with their powerful arms. Once open they stick their
stomach out through their mouths, into the shell and
begin digesting their prey while still in it's home.
A
clownfish family may consist of two adults and one or
two juveniles living in the same anemone. These fish
rarely ever leave the protection of the anemone. In
fact, if the female clownfish dies, the male clownfish
will not leave the anemone in search of a new mate.
He simply changes sex and takes over the role of the
female. One of the juvenile fish steps up and takes
up the role of the male.
The
Longnose Butterfly fish has a black spot at the tail
end of its body called a false eye spot. This eye spot
confuses attacking predators, causing them to go for
the wrong end of the fish. This form of camouflage allows
the butterfly fish to dart off in the other direction,
hopefully with its tail in tact. Better its tail than
its head.
Who
Are We?
a little bit about buddha view
Buddha
View Diving started in 1996 with a few sets of gear
and tanks. The bungalows had been there for a few years
already and had developed a reputation as a resort with
great food and groovy music. Divers quickly found that
they enjoyed the atmosphere of a resort and the dive
business grew quickly.The money from the dive business
has consistently been reinvested to improve resources
and facilities. Today the diving facilities are some
of the best in South East Asia. Buddha View Dive has
also continued to grow as a member of PADIs International
Resort Association. In 1997 Buddha View Diving became
PADIs first Gold Palm IDC Resort in Thailand, recognizing
Buddha View's excellent facilities and dive instructor
courses conducted on the premises.
But
one thing has not changed. Buddha View's popularity
comes from a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere that was
there right from the beginning. Many of the staff from
those first couple of years still remain and many of
our divers come back year after year to immerse themselves
in the atmosphere and lifestyle of Buddha View Dive
Resort.
Our Qualifications &
Resources
learn about buddha view
Our
qualifications:
Since 1997 Buddha View Dive has been a 5 Star Gold Palm
IDC Resort. This is recognition from PADI (Professional
Association of Diving Instructors) of excellence in
education and facilities for the traveling diver. A
Gold Palm Resort, as opposed to a 5 Star Dive Center,
must have facilities, dive boats, and accommodation/diving
packages attractive to people on holidays. It is also
a recognition of Buddha View IDC Resort's quality instructor
training, the PADI IDC (Instructor Development Course).
Buddha View IDC Resort employs three full time instructor
trainers, Course Directors Mark Soworka, Guy Corsellis
and Satoru Kikuchi who oversee instructor development
and training standards. A Gold Palm IDC Resort is your
guarantee of facilities and educational quality to suit
the travelling diver.
Resources
at Buddha View:
For courses, Buddha View must be one of the best-equipped
centers in South East Asia. On-site classrooms and swimming
pool provide excellent teaching facilities. Professional
courses are conducted at Buddha View's dedicated IDC
center. Combine this with the ease of restaurant, beach
BBQ and bar, e-mail, equipment retail outlet and accommodation
all within the resort and you have facilities that will
ensure a relaxed, enjoyable holiday experience.
To get you out diving Buddha View has opted for several
smaller boats to offer you convenience and flexibility
with scheduling and dive destinations. Buddha View operates
a 3 x 250hp engine speed boat and a 2x 250hp engine
speed boat, both fully equipped with tank ranks and
dive platform, taking 20-25 divers comfortably. These
boats allow access to further dive sites and are also
available to groups for charter. For more information
check out Dive Tours. We also operate three larger in-board
engine boats that have been converted for diving. Complete
with sun deck and shade covered areas the Sangthong
comfortably seats 25-30 divers and the Buddha View 1
and 2 up to 45 divers. All boats are equipped with GPS
navigation, oxygen and safety equipment.
The
dive rental equipment is US Divers and Aqualung regulators
and Seaquest BCDs. All equipment is thoroughly maintained
regularly by our Technician John and completely replaced
every two to three years.
The resources of Buddha View Dive Resort will ensure
your dive experience is relaxed and enjoyable.
Meet
The Team
the buddha view dive crew
We
think the fun we have doing our jobs reflects in the
fun you'll have while diving with Buddha View.
There
is a hard working team backing them up from the management
of Jira, the divemaster team, who will lead you on dive
tours once you're certified. They know their stuff so
any questions that you might have they will have answers
for...
Tim
and Ruth are our videographers who'll be filming
you on your last day of the open water course. Go for
Glam! Tim and Ruth have been teaching and videoing on
the island for years. Their videos make a fantastic
souvenir of your Koh Tao journey and their experience
can offer great videography courses.
Alex Staeubl (German, Spanish, English Instructor)
joined Buddha View 6 years ago, spending his time before
Koh Tao touring europe as an exotic dancer and playing
guitar in a 'Scorpions' cover band. Seriously, Alex
is an extremely experienced IDC Staff instructor with
over 4000 certifications. Alex teaches fluently in German
(or at least in Bavarian), Spanish and English. He has
taught in South and Central America as well as throughout
Thailand.
Jack. (Instructor) Papa Jack has been with Buddha
View about 5 years. Jack's other passion in life is
mountaineering, a skill which has helped him in his
3 year long climb to the high moral ground from which
he looks down at the rest of the Buddha View staff.
Before arriving on Koh Tao, Jack dived extensively in
his native Ireland. Jack has in excess of 3000 certifications
and enthusiastically teaches many of the Rescue courses
at Buddha View. He is also a PADI Staff Instructor and
DAN O2 Provider certified.
Craig (Instructor) worked in military intelligence
before joining Buddha View 4 years ago. Craig worked
as a modern day 'Wind Talker', made famous by the Nicholas
Cage movie. Using his original Scottish accent as a
code unbreakable by the enemy, Craig could pass secrets
across the airwaves. Craig's career as a Windtalker
didn't last long when it emerged not even his own side
could understand a word he says. He has in excess of
1000 certifications and is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Vicky (Swedish/Norwegian, English Instructor) Vicky
is an able seaman. Not exactly the image that springs
to mind. She has some of the finest assets of all the
team, which she proudly displays to staff and customers
alike.
Scouse John. (Instructor, Equipment Technician)
John has 5 years experience as a dive guide on Koh Tao
with many of the successful dive centers. He brings
that great local knowledge to the dive tours at Buddha
View. John is also a highly experienced equipment technician
with certifications with Aqualung, Mares and Scubapro.
Having John on staff ensures well maintained equipment
and quality equipment courses.
James (Instructor) has been with Buddha View for
1 year now and hails from Australia. James isn't really
sure what he's doing here... or how he even got here.
When you talk to James, please talk slowly and don't
use long words. What he lacks in intelligence he makes
up for in.... erm.. er... eh.....
Irish Pete (Irish Instructor) be'jesus! Pete has
a passion for potatoes, potatoe diving, and is Buddha
View's only PPI (Potatoe Preparation Instructor). If
it's not a potatoe, pete's not interested. He likes
to share his own potatoes with the ladies. Just ask
to see his sack full, and he will happily whip out a
couple of boiled beauties.
Jolien (Dutch, German, French, Spanish and English
Instructor) Jolien has gone out into the workforce to
support her aging boyfriend as he nears retirement.
She keeps him young with her enthusiasm and smile.
Nigel Lewis (Diving Medic Technician , Certified
Hyperbaric Technologist, professional breakdancer, Dr
of journalsim, 100m sprint gold medalist in 1998 olympics,
second man to set foot on the moon, holder of the 2004
nobel prize for poetry, and bar owner) Nigel is currently
working with Stephen Hawkins on the grand unified theory,
making the dream of time travel become a reality.
(OK... So Nigel obviously wrote this himself. Not to
sing his praises, but it is good to have a medic on
staff. It adds to safety and O2 and EFR courses. )
Kyte Gawman (MSc Marine Resource Manager & Freelance
Instructor) We stopped using a podium on the IDC 8 years
ago when a tattooed and pierced Geordie started ranting
and raving from the pulpit. These days he has calmed
down and put that passion into the marine environment
and entertaining the divemaster trainees. Kyte brings
to Koh Tao a thorough knowledge of reef ecology. He
offers an excellent opportunity to really learn about
the environment that you dive in with courses and research
projects.
Mark
Soworka (Course Director) Mark puts his growth down
to hard work and a massive appetite for teaching and
hamburgers. Oh yeah... and he never pays his bills.
Accommodation
- Budget Range
for those on a shoestring
Around
Buddha View, the south end of Koh Tao, there is plenty
of opportunity for budget accommodation. Typically,
bungalows in the range from 200-350baht per night will
include fan, toilet and shower. Rooms in this price
range tend to be clean and functional, but basic.
With
a short walk from Buddha View Dive Resort there are
even cheaper bungalows with shared toilets and even
cheaper accommodation without electricity. Don't forget
that during recreational level dive courses accommodation
is discounted 100bht per person per night making the
accommodation even more affordable. This accommodation
is situated around Buddha View giving easy access to
Buddha View Water-sports center and beach BBQ and bar.
Rooms at Buddha View Resort can be reserved, owing to
availability, and are discounted during recreational
dive courses.
If
you are interested in staying a while on Koh Tao, say
going on through to your Divemaster and Instructor courses
you can find budget monthly accommodation for as little
as 2500bht per month. That's a smaller basic bamboo
bungalow with toilet, shower and fan. Large private
bedrooms with share TV room, kitchen and toilet are
4000bht per month. Some larger concrete bungalows can
be rented for 4500-6000baht per month. This monthly
accommodation tends to be a bit back off the beach.
A
sample of resorts to choose from: All within meters
of Buddha View Dive Centre. All bungalows and rooms
have private toilet and shower. Prices are per bungalow.
Subject to availability.
Buddha
View Dive Resort has fan rooms discounted to 200bht
per night for Buddha View Dive students during dive
courses, normally 300bhtper night. These are simple
fan rooms with toilet and shower. There is 24hr power
and safety deposit boxes available in the office. Easy
access to swimming pool, dive center and beach bar and
BBQ. Air conditioned basic bungalows with good clean,
cold water bathroom are also available for 500bht per
night to Buddha View Dive students during dive courses.
Normally 1000bht per night.
Tropicana Resort fifty meters from Buddha View Dive
Centre, nicely landscaped gardens and nestled on Chalok
Baan Kao beach. Fan bungalows just back from the beach
are normally 400bht, but discounted to 300bht per night
for Buddha View Dive customers. These are simple fan
rooms and bungalows with toilet and shower, 24 hours
electricity. Twin rooms or double available. Bungalows
with double bed and single bed available for families,
normally 600bht, for BV customers 500bht per nght. Friendly
atmosphere and quiet surroundings. Still with easy access
to Buddha View swimming pool, dive center and beach
bar and BBQ. Fan bungalows directly on the beach normally
600bht per nigth, reduced for Buddha View customers
to 500bht per night. Back just a touch fro the beach
500bht per night. Air conditioned basic bungalows with
good clean, cold water bathroom are also available for
1200bht per night, reduced for Buddha View customers
to 1000bht per night. Monthly accommodation 9000bht
per month.
Sunshine Resort twenty meters from Buddha View Dive
Centre. Bamboo, fan bungalows just back from the beach
from 250bht per night. Concrete 350bht. These are simple
fan rooms and bungalows with toilet and shower. With
air con 900bht, for our customers just 800bht per night.
Still with easy access to Buddha View swimming pool,
dive center and beach bar and BBQ. Fan bungalows directly
on the beach are 500bht per nigth. Air conditioned basic
bungalows with good clean, cold water bathroom are also
available for 1200bht per night, reduced for Buddha
View customers to 1000bht per night. Family rooms with
two doubles or three singles 700bht per night. Monthly
fan accommodation 5000-6000bht per month.
J.P.
Resort seventy meters from Buddha View Dive Centre.
Concrete bungalows with beautiful view of Chalok Baan
Kao 450bht per night. These are simple fan rooms and
bungalows with toilet and shower. With air con and hot
water 1200bht per night. . Still with easy access to
Buddha View swimming pool, dive center and beach bar
and BBQ.
Laem
Khlong seventy meters from Buddha View Dive Centre.
Concrete bungalows with beautiful view of Chalok Baan
Kao 350bht per night. These are simple fan rooms and
bungalows with toilet and shower. Family bungalow available
for 6 people, 3 double beds, 500bht per night. Still
with easy access to Buddha View swimming pool, dive
center and beach bar and BBQ.
Viewpoint
5 minute walk around the headland from Buddha View Dive
Centre. Secluded babmboo huts for 250bht per night.
These are simple fan bungalows with toilet and shower.
Still with easy access to Buddha View swimming pool,
dive center and beach bar and BBQ.
Long
term - Divers Village 150 meters inland from Buddha
View Dive Centre. Across road from Buddha View IDC (instructor
development centre). Budget long-term accomodation.
Simple, bamboo, fan bungalows for 2500bht per month.
Concrete bungalows with more living space 3500-4500bht.
Long
term - All Tree 450 meters inland from Buddha View
Dive Centre. Behind Buddha View IDC (instructor development
centre). Budget long-term accomodation. Simple, bamboo,
fan bungalows for 4000bht per month. Quiet and secluded.
Koh
Tao has great budget accommodation to suit you during
your dive holiday. E-mail what sort of accommodation
and price range you are after and we will help find
accommodation that suits your budget and needs. With
Buddha View we will help you stay wherever you choose
on KOh Tao and include tranfers to and from diving.
Accommodation
- Mid Range
a touch nicer
For
a little bit more you get better views and more spacious
bungalows. Mid-range accommodation begins at around
450 baht per night for sea view bungalows with toilet,
shower and fan. Bungalows are available with a large
double bed or twin share accommodation.
Beach-front
cottages with fan are available from 6000baht per night
at the more secluded end of Chalok Baan Kao beach, affording
a little bit of extra privacy. These bungalows are situated
close to Buddha View and the beach BBQ. Basic bungalows
with air con unit begin at 900bht, for nicer accommodation
with air conditioning you need to look under luxury
accommodation, but for this price you can find beautiful
deluxe fan bungalows.
If
you are interested in staying a while on Koh Tao, say
going on through to your Divemaster and Instructor courses
you can find monthly accommodation that's a little more
comfortable than the budget monthly accommodation. Houses
with kitchens, hot water and a bit more space are available
from 9000 to 15000baht per month.
A
sample of resorts to choose from: All within meters
of Buddha View Dive Centre. All bungalows and rooms
have private toilet and shower. Prices are per bungalow.
Subject to availability.
Buddha
View Dive Resort There is 24hr power and safety
deposit boxes available in the office. Easy access to
swimming pool, dive center and beach bar and BBQ. Air
conditioned basic bungalows with good clean, cold water
bathroom are available for 500bht per night to Buddha
View Dive students during dive courses. Normally 1000bht
per night. For fan accommodation look under budget accommodation.
We
also now have an exclusively designed room available,
(see pictures on this page) for 1300baht per night for
a/c, or 700Baht per night for fan. The room has satelite
tv (UBC) and 24 hour electricty.
Tropicana Resort fifty meters from Buddha View Dive
Centre, nicely landscaped gardens and nestled on Chalok
Baan Kao beach. Bungalows with double bed and single
bed available for families, normally 600bht, for BV
customers 500bht per nght. Friendly atmosphere and quiet
surroundings. Still with easy access to Buddha View
swimming pool, dive center and beach bar and BBQ. Fan
bungalows directly on the beach normally 600bht per
nigth, reduced for Buddha View customers to 500bht per
night. Back just a touch fro the beach 500bht per night.
More basic accommodation available at Tropicana. Look
in budget accommodation section. Air conditioned basic
bungalows with good clean, cold water bathroom are also
available for 1200bht per night, reduced for Buddha
View customers to 1000bht per night. Monthly accommodation,
fan bungalow, 9000bht per month.
Sunshine Resort twenty meters from Buddha View Dive
Centre. Basic air con 900bht, for our customers just
800bht per night. Still with easy access to Buddha View
swimming pool, dive center and beach bar and BBQ. Fan
bungalows directly on the beach are 500bht per nigth.
Air conditioned basic bungalows with good clean, cold
water bathroom are also available for 1200bht per night,
reduced for Buddha View customers to 1000bht per night.
Family rooms with two doubles or three singles 700bht
per night. Monthly accommodation 4500-5000bht per month.
J.P.
Resort seventy meters from Buddha View Dive Centre.
Concrete bungalows with beautiful view of Chalok Baan
Kao 450bht per night. These are simple fan rooms and
bungalows with toilet and shower. With air con and hot
water 1200bht per night. . Still with easy access to
Buddha View swimming pool, dive center and beach bar
and BBQ.
Viewpoint
5 minute walk around the headland from Buddha View Dive
Centre. Secluded, deluxe fan bungalows. Spectaacular
views and unique architecture. Really something special.
1200-1500bht per night. Still with easy access to Buddha
View swimming pool, dive center and beach bar and BBQ.
Baan
Tao 400 meters inland from Buddha View, across the
road from Buddha View IDC centre (instructor development
center) Baan Tao offers long term accommodation in spacious
bungalows for 3500-6000bht per month.
Long
term accommodation Two bedroom, fully furnished
houses are available for 12-15000bht per month. Single
bedroom for 8-10 000bht per month. Fan accommodation.
There is accommodation on Koh Tao with a little bit
more luxury. E-mail what sort of accommodation and price
range you are after and we will help find accommodation
that suits your budget and needs. With Buddha View you
can stay wherever you wish on Koh Tao and we will provide
transfer to and from diving free of charge.
Accommodation
- Exclusive
for those with a luxury lifestyle
Each
year more resorts begin to cater for travelers with
a desire for a little more comfort. Today, there are
plenty of places to choose from with good quality accommodation
and picturesque settings. Higher end accommodation begins
with uniquely designed fan bungalowson the eastern headland
of Chalok Baan Kao. These bungalows offer style and
beautiful views. They are priced at 1500bht per night.
On
either side of Mae Haad in secluded little bays you
can also find air con, hot water cottages with prices
beginning at 1800bht per night. Again they are beautiful
views, next to the beach and relaxed resort atmospheres.
Air conditioning is available cheaper on Koh Tao, but
these cottages are more than a simple bungalow or room
with an air con unit inside. For 2800bht per night,
air con bungalows with hot water, breakfast and satellite
TV are available in resorts with swimming pool on the
beach.
Deluxe
air con bungalows and family cottages are available
for 3500bht and above. All transfers to and from your
diving are provided free of charge to help ensure that
your Koh Tao experience is relaxed and comfortable.
Famous House 3 exlusive rooms with private swimming
pool. Set 300 meters behind Buddha View Dive resort,
you have comfort and privacy. Long term stays are discounted,
deluxe fan rooms begin at 900bht, deluxe air con 1500bht.
Viewpoint 5 minute walk around the headland from
Buddha View Dive Centre. Secluded, deluxe fan bungalows.
Spectaacular views and unique architecture. Really something
special. 1200-1500bht per night. Still with easy access
to Buddha View swimming pool, dive center and beach
bar and BBQ.
Koh
Tao Cottages 2 minute stroll along the beach from
Buddha View. Air con rooms with hot water, bar fridge
1700bht per night. Bungalows 2880bht. Accommodation
clean and fully serviced. Good restaurant and beautiful
swimming pool.
There
is accommodation on Koh Tao with a little bit more luxury.
E-mail what sort of accommodation and price range you
are after and we will help find accommodation that suits
your budget and needs. With Buddha View you can stay
wherever you wish on Koh Tao and we will provide transfer
to and from diving free of charge.
Muay
Thai Boxing - Sairee Stadium
regular fight nights and training
camp
Muay
Thai is Thailand's national martial art. Thai boxers
are adept at striking with knees, elbows, legs as well
as punches. Island Muay Thai trains boxers from beginner
to professional levels. Training instructors and competitors.
Several Thai and European coaches conduct daily training
sessions at Island Muay Thai Sairee Stadium. It is a
great way to get fit for both men and women. Builds
confidence and strength. Students of Island Muay Thai
receive recognised certifications and a membership card
that entitles you to use of training facilities, coaches
and discounted entry to Island Muay Thai fight events.
Thursday
nights are Fight Night on Koh Tao. Island Muay Thai
presents high prize money fights featuring professional
boxers from around Thailand and the rest of the world.
A great night out on Koh Tao with the excitement and
exhiliration of a truly cultural experience.
Nightlife!
what happens when the sun sets!?
Koh
Tao can have a pretty wild nightlife. The bars are generally
a little more chilled, and a lot less crowded than the
huge full moon parties on the nearby island of Koh Phangan,
but with a bucket of Thai whiskey being passed round
the dance floor you can quickly find yourself lost in
a party that will continue through to the early morning.
Each
night of the week will find a different party. Most
of the bigger clubs have dance floors on the beach,
a couple up in the mountains. There are also plenty
of more relaxed, chilled little bars along the beaches
in which to warm up for the parties or just unwind and
get into the music. The nightlife is definitely part
of the Koh Tao experience.
After
a heavy days diving you can hang out at "Buddha
on the Beach" with the dmts and instructors.With
live music two nights a week and international djs playing
a varied mix its a cool place to hang out and is one
of the few bars that have a real backpacker vibe."Buddha
on the beach" definetly has the Alex "party
boy" Steubel seal of approval. And when theres
a full moon the owner, Nigel, can be found spooning
the resident 'Wonkey' dog on the beach.
Environmental
Projects
protecting koh tao's beaches and
reefs
KOH
TAO MARINE ECOLOGY MONITORING PROGRAMME
KOH TAO REEF SURVEY PROJECT
Buddha
View IDC Resort in conjunction with the Coastal Presevervation
and Development Foundation, C-PAD actively promote environmental
projects on Koh Tao, increasing awareness and knowledge
of the aquatic environment and strengthening the local
dive industry. Kyte Gawman, MSc Coastal Development
and Mark Soworka, Course Director and Marine Resource
Mangagement Instructor Trainer, have developed education
programmes promoting an increased understanding of Koh
Tao's diving environment. Marine Resource Management
and Coral Reef Ecology seminars are held in conjunction
with all Divemaster and Instructor training courses.
These seminars are open to all and are promoted with
package deals with all open water and advanced courses.
Kyte runs additional courses in coral and fish identifcation.
Regular surveys on Koh Tao's coral reefs are conducted
with additional training in identifying indicator species
and laying transect lines.
We
strongly recommend all divers and snorkelers learn more
about the underwater world. It is where your fascination
with diving will begin. And, it is through more of us
taking an active interest in the underwater world that
we will work effectively towards reef preservation.
Currently we are in the process of compiling a course
that will supplement standard diver training with an
environmental internship assisting Kyte and C-PAD with
local research and surveys, environmental projects and
eceolgy education programmes. If you are interested
in being part of these programmes, whether non-diver
or instructor, please contact us.
Diving
& Treking Packages
koh tao and chaing mai package
Whilst
SCUBA diving is a must on the ‘things to do in Thailand’agenda
there are plenty of other activities in other parts
of Thailand that must also be pursued and trekking in
Chiangmai is high on everyone’s list …..!
Therefore
we have teamed up with a great trekking company in Chiangmai
to offer the above and below, north and south, diving
and trekking experience……!
By
now you will have read all about the SCUBA diving on
Koh Tao offered by Buddha View dive resort in the Buddha
View website so lets explain all about Chiangmai, the
trekking and our packages.
Trekking in Chiangmai
Chiangmai
is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage
that digs deep into the soil of time. For tourists,
the name Chiangmai brings to mind a tranquil and fascinating
land with beautiful ladies and colorful flowers plus
a rich culture and diverse tradition.
Named "Rose of the North" for the abundance
of flowers that thrive in its cooler mountain climate,
Chiangmai has grown from its origin as a small northern
Lanna capital to become a city representative of modern
Thai culture. The people themselves are an unforgettable
part of Chiangmai.
Handicrafts made from silk, silver and wood are timeless
souvenirs for visitors to take home. Along with all
this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants
and entertainment establishments helps make Chiangmai
one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.
Chiangmai
is 700 kilometers north of Bangkok and is nestled in
a valley 310 meters (1,027 feet) above sea level. There
are mountains all around the valley rising to heights
of more than 2,500 meters. The highest mountain is Doi
Inthanon which, at 2,565 meters, is Thailand's highest
peak.
Chiangmai
has a cooler and drier climate than other parts of Thailand.
It has three main seasons : cool (late October to mid-February);
summer (late February to May) and rainy (June to October).
Average temperatures are 21 degrees Centigrade during
the cool season; 30 degrees Centigrade during summer;
and 25 degrees Centigrade during the rainy season.
Just
to the north of Chiangmai lies the sleepy town of Pai
surrounded by mountains, jungles and hill tribes and
this is where our trekking tours take place.
THE 3 DAYS/ 2 NIGHTS TREKKING TOUR IN PAI …
For
3 days and 2 nights we will walk you around the beautiful
Pai area with a local guide who will educate you all
about the northern flora and fauna.
You
will sleep in the villages of the local hill tribes
and observe and learn about their traditions whilst
enjoying the peace and tranquility of the jungle.
Our
local guide will cook traditional northern Thai food
for you in the evenings whilst you recover from the
days exertions and will explain anything you need to
know about hill tribe life and culture.
Day
1 - (Up the mountain day)
You
will depart from Chiang Mai at 9AM and drive about 2
hours to the PAI area where you are surrounded by jungle
and mountains.
The first day is the most physical as you will be trekking
to high elevation through the jungle, crossing local
streams and stopping at waterfalls.
Your first night will be spent in a local Lahu hill
tribe village where your tour guide will cook you supper
and tell you all about hill tribe life.
Day
2 - (Down the mountain day)
After
breakfast, more trekking but this time downhill, crossing
more rivers, more waterfalls and more jungle. Watch
out for the bamboo forests!
Your second night will be spent in another Lahu hill
tribe village and your guide will cook more food for
you whilst you drink a cheeky beer and rest those weary
legs.
Day
3 - (The activity day)
After
breakfast just a little trekking is in order to get
you to the local elephant camp where you will ride elephants
for an hour. After the elephants, it's time for an hour
of bamboo rafting and then we get the zodiacs out for
an hour of white water rafting. Superb!
After the days activities you will be taken back to
Chiang Mai to arrive around 5PM.
Each Chiangmai trekking tour INCLUDES -
1.
All meals (first day lunch to the last day lunch)
2. Elephant riding
3. Bamboo rafting
4. White water rafting (in the rainy season )
5. 2 nights accommodation in hill tribe villages
6. Insurance
7. Local guide
8. Return transport from Chiangmai to Pai
PACKAGES - DIVING IN KOH TAO & TREKKING IN CHIANGMAI
This
is a big favourite … We realize that many people traveling
to Thailand wish to make both a trekking tour in Chiangmai
and a PADI dive course on Koh Tao so we’ve combined
both activities with transport in between … Here are
the different packages -
PACKAGES
Package
A
Transport
from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3 days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Transport from Chiangmai to Bangkok by VIP bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI open water course with Buddha View.
4 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI open water manual.
Price …… 12,600 Baht
Package
B
Transport
from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3 days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Transport from Chiangmai to Bangkok by VIP bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI advanced course with Buddha View.
2 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI advanced manual.
Price …… 11,300 Baht
Package
C
Transport
from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3 days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Transport from Chiangmai to Bangkok by VIP bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI EFR/rescue course with Buddha View.
4 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI EFR/rescue manuals.
Price …… 14,900 Baht
Package
D
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI open water course with Buddha View.
4 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI open water manual.
Transport from Koh Tao to Bangkok by Catamaran and VIP
bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Price …… 13,100 Baht
Package
E
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI advanced course with Buddha View.
2 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI advanced manual.
Transport from Koh Tao to Bangkok by Catamaran and VIP
bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3 days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Price …… 11,800 Baht
Package
F
Transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao by VIP bus and Catamaran.
PADI EFR/rescue course with Buddha View.
4 nights accommodation at Buddha View.
PADI EFR/rescue manuals.
Transport from Koh Tao to Bangkok by Catamaran and VIP
bus.
Transport from Bangkok to Chiangmai by VIP bus.
3 days/2 nights Chiangmai trekking tour.
Price …… 15,400 Baht
Package
G the ‘freestyle’ package
You
tell us what you want and how you want it and we will
customize to suit your needs with the best possible
price ….!
None
of these packages are too rigid so if you want an extra
few days in Chiangmai between heading to Koh Tao or
visa versa just let us know .. remember you choose !
All
prices are based on a single person so if there are
two or more persons then the prices will be slightly
cheaper when sharing accommodation at Buddha View.
If
you have any special requirements you wish to add or
take out from a package or wish to upgrade accommodation
on Koh Tao just let us know … remember you choose !
Whatever
you choose you are guaranteed a great time !
Watersports
wakeboards, waterskis and kayaks
Waterski-ing,
wakeboarding, banana and tyre rides, snorkeling with
the sharks and exploratory trips around the island -
just a few of the things on offer when you're taking
a bit of time out from diving. Situated right on the
beachfront in Mae Haad, the busy watersports company
can help you with any of the following:
Waterski-ing
and Wakeboarding
As the first and only place to waterski and wakeboard
on Koh Tao, we always find the calmest waters on the
island and and offer expert tuition at all levels. Whether
you want to give it a go for the first time, or improve
your technique, there are few things more exhilarating
than zipping across the crystal waters of Koh Tao, or
taking a few jumps on the wakeboard as the sun is going
down.
Kayaking
and Snorkeling
We rent out snorkeling equipment and one, two or three
man kayaks so you can head off and explore the island
on your own. We can always point you in the right direction
of the best places whether you want a lazy day in the
sun, or to snorkel with the sharks as they come out
for their afternoon feed...!
Banana
Boat and Tyre riding
If you're an adrenalin junkie , we offer exciting rides
along the coast on our 5 man banana - or even take on
one of your friends in a tyre bashing competition as
you skim along in the boat's wake!
It is also possible to book our speedboat by the hour
and take out whatever equipment you like - banana, tyres,
skis, boards, snorkels - and this makes a great trip
out with a group of friends.
Longtail
Boat trips around the island
Buddha View also offers longtail boat day trips around
the island so you can get to some of the more remote
and uninhabited beaches, only accessible by boat - and
visit places such as Shark Island, Mango Bay and the
idyllic sand islands of Koh Nang-Yuan.
Thai
Culture
learn about the country you're
visiting
With
a little bit of effort you can immerse yourself in the
local culture. Much of the island remains coconut plantations.
A walk around and you will often see nuts being collected
by monkeys or the husks been burnt to produce charcoal.
Locals handcraft unique jewellery and bags from the
coconut shell, for sale in some of the roadside stores.
Local
fishermen are happy to take travelers out fishing. Andy
at Tatoo Bar is good to get in touch with for the fishing
trip and a few beers. Maybe you can keep your catch
and enroll in a Thai cooking class, learning a couple
of basic Thai dishes like a coconut curry and a papaya
salad. Just e-mail with any questions.
Taking It Easy!
your in thailand... chill out
for a while
Part
of a tropical paradise is just lying on the beach and
letting the world go by. You will lose track of time
on Koh Tao. There are a myriad of little beaches dotting
the south and east coasts of Koh Tao.
A
short walk over a headland and you can discover a beach
devoid of travelers, a beach to yourself. If you are
into walking there are also walks up into the mountains,
for great views and the occasional glimpse of the enormous
monitor lizards indigenous to the island.
If
you're lazy, you can see it all by boat, hiring one
of the local longtails to take you around the island
with a bit of fishing or snorkeling. Or, if you're even
lazier still, buy a postcard and lie on the beach in
front of Buddha View Resort.
Spa, Massage And Yoga
the ultimate in exercise and relaxation
The
Thai's have been practicing their own particular brand
of massage for nearly 2000 years. And it isn't just
a muscle manipulation either. It's based on the freeing
of blockages in an invisible system of energy lines
linking 10 different areas of your body - and it actually
does work! Aches and pains are manipulated away, leaving
you with extra vitality and an overall feeling of calm
and well-being.
Jira's
Spa, located opposite the post office in Mae Haad, can
offer full Thai massage or if you don't have a lot of
time between dives, simple head, neck, shoulder or foot
massages.
If you really want to indulge, why not go for a herbal
steam sauna or a body wrap with papaya and carrot.
Prices
start at 100 baht for simple waxing up to 990 baht for
the 3 hour 'Island Experience' which includes herbal
steam sauna, skin treatment and foot massage.
Relax. Unwind. Massage, meditation, sauna, Tai Chi,
all soak up time on Koh Tao. Treat yourself to days
of relaxation. Courses in Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi
and Reiki are also available around the island. Koh
Tao is definitely a relaxing experience.
Places
To Eat On Koh Tao
a few of the best
Concidering that a few years ago there was mostly only
Thai cuisine, there is now a wide variety of world class
international restaurants.
Koh
Tao offers great places to eat, from pizzas and steaks,
at French owned Cafe del Sol, to unique Thai cuisine
at The Famous House just up the road from Buddha View.If
you are staying at Buddha View on Chalok Baan Kao you
can enjoy the renowned nightly BBQ with fresh seafood,
steaks and salads.
If
all you need a simple and quick snack, fresh food markets
and street stalls offer tropical fruit, BBQ type grills
and Thai dishes prepared on the spot.
If
you love food, then Koh Tao will entice the palate as
well as spark the adventure of diving.
Where
Should I Start?
a guide on which course to choose
Taking
your first breaths underwater on Koh Tao is the start
of an exciting and unique experience. Your introduction
to this new world can begin at Buddha View. Whether
you are staying for an afternoon or a longer holiday,
Buddha View instructors have a dive course to get you
started on your underwater adventure.
Those that have only an afternoon and want the experience
of diving shallow coral gardens around Koh Tao, best
to begin with the Discover Scuba Diving experience.
If you have a little more time, a day or two, and want
a more in depth course with a limited certification,
the Scuba Diver course is for you. Those with three
to four days have the opportunity to achieve the PADI
Open Water Diver certification. Check out the approriate
section for more information.
Dive
Tours And Day Trips
for already qualified divers
Buddha View offers divers something different. With
more boats we can tailor a dive trip to suit you. With
our speed boats you can reach the more inaccessible
dive sites easily and quickly. Every couple of days
we offer full day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park. First
dive on Sail Rock and then onto the marine park for
two dives, lunch on the beach and a leisurely stroll
to an inland lagoon. These are dive sites rarely visited
from Koh Tao.
Most
dive sites are reached with a relaxed twenty -minute
ride on our dive boats. Complimentary fruit, drinks
and biscuits are served on the boats. Dive tours depart
for two dives each morning, returning at midday, and
a further two dives each afternoon, with night dives
every second night. You have the chance to eat, sleep
and breathe diving, or a more relaxed schedule with
great dives in the morning and lie on the beach of an
afternoon.
Full
Day Speedboat Trip, 3 dives + lunch, 3,500 Baht
Half Day Speedboat Trip, 2 dives + breakfast, 2,300
Baht Enriched Air dives an extra 550Baht per dive
10% discount for own equipment torch rental 150bht per
dive
All
dive tours are supervised and briefed by our qualified
divemaster team. All prices quoted include dive gear
. If you have completed your dive course with Buddha
View you will receive all dive tours and fundives for
the special price of 700 Baht.
Breath
Hold Diving
freediving experiences on koh
tao
Free
diving, breath holding or apnea is for people who love
the feeling of being underwater freely without the aid
of artificial breathing equipment. You will enter another
dimension where you become one with the serene and tranquil
sea.
The Freediver Course is a course that takes you
straight into this fascinating sport. You will learn
breathing excercises that will take you deeper than
you ever expected. Water sessions, theory and safety
training included.
This is a 2 Day course, max depth 15 metres. 4,500 Baht
The Advanced Freediver Course is an intensive course
that will take you on deeper and longer dives. You will
also be introduced to various disciplines in freediving:
unassisted, static apnea and monofin. You will also
learn advanced breathing and equalization techniques.
This is a 3 day course, max depth 40 metres. 7,000 Baht
Bubblemaker
Course
introduce your kids to diving
Kids take to diving easily. It's a fascinating, memorable
experience for their holidays. Ten year olds can go
straight into an Open Water course . Eight and nine
year olds can awaken an interest for the underwater
world with Bubblemaker and Seal Team activities. Our
staff will explore the underwater world with your children
with a range of activities from simply breathing underwater
through to photography and diving at night. All activities
are conducted in less than 2 meters depth under close
supervision and can be completed in a swimming pool
or one of the local bays.
Supervised
boat dive in local bay - 2000 Baht , Supervised pool
experience - 900 Baht
Muay
Thai Boxing - Sairee Stadium 
