Gabe here, with more info on another trip planned by some local divers. I'm seriously interested in this one. I'm going to contact Dale (owner of the dive shop here in Kamloops) and suggest a longer stay. I think two weeks in each Vietnam & Thailand would be an amazing experience. Especially Vietnam - having only been open to tourists since what, '95 I think?? Travel would be more difficult, but the experience (and the diving) would be phenomenal.
"In March of 2009 I (dale) will be going to Vietnam and Thailand , we will leave on March 14th. and not come back till April 4th.
The plan is to go to Vietnam for the first week, tour and some diving, after that go to Thailand sit on the beach a couple of days then jump on a live aboard dive for 4 days then go back to Phuket and tour, beach, snorkel and dive"
In my minds eye I see the sun rising in Vietnam, and setting in Thailand - both encredible experiences. But again, it's the Vietnam portion that really gets me. Another variation could be to do the planned itinerary, but leave a week or so at the end, for whatever we feel like doing. If anyone is interested speak up soon.
Gabe
here's a quick link to a little video I made after my most recent trip to the island. sorry! didn't have the U/W housing for this trip!
and one of the place I and the kiddies are living in