AirAsia have started cheap flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani, the nearest airport to the Thailand diving mecca of Koh Tao
Koh Tao is one of the most popular places to go diving in Thailand, a tiny island next to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in the Gulf Of Thailand. I lived there for six months back in 2004 and, while life was pretty idyllic, travelling to and from the island was a bit of a pain.
Koh Tao is a 4 hour ferry ride from the mainland port of Surat Thani. This isn't so bad, but the only cheap way of getting to Surat Thani before was a gruelling overnight bus ride from Bangkok which took around 12 hours and dumped you at the ferry terminal at 4 in the morning.
Now AirAsia.com, the budget airline carrier that seems to be expanding its routes all over the continent, has started flying daily trips from Bangkok to Surat Thani - which means you can be at the port in a couple of hours and then catch the ferry. Much more civilised. Prices start from 499 Thai Baht - about $12 US! - although taxes will double that price to around 1100 Thai Baht. Even so, it's still a bargain.
You could also catch a flight with Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui and catch a ferry from there to Koh Tao, which only takes a couple of hours as Samui is much nearer. Bangkok Airways have a monopoly on flights to and from Samui so their prices tend to be a lot more expensive.
See also:
Koh Tao: An Introduction
Koh Tao, Thailand: Learning To Scuba Dive
Koh Tao Dive Sites: Chumphon Pinnacle
Koh Tao Dive Sites: South West Pinnacle and Sail Rock
Koh Tao Dive Sites: Green Rock, White Rock, Shark Island
Koh Tao Dive Sites: Twins, Japanese Gardens, Mango Bay
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