Four islands, different training environments and more than one way to complete your PADI IDC.
Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket or Koh Lipe? If you are planning to become a PADI Instructor in Thailand, choosing where to complete your Instructor Development Course (IDC) is probably one of your first decisions.
Each island has its own character and training environment. Koh Tao has a thriving professional diving community, while Phi Phi has spectacular limestone cliffs and marine life. Phuket offers excellent training facilities and access to the Andaman Sea. Meanwhile, Koh Lipe provides a quieter alternative for instructor training.
But location is only part of the decision. Your Course Directors, IDC package inclusions and how your training is organised are just as important.
You may also be surprised to learn that you do not need to spend two full weeks in a classroom in Thailand. Scuba Dive Online have redefined PADI Instructor training with our innovative hybrid IDC, changing how and where candidates prepare to become dive professionals. At all four destinations, you can complete the classroom section of your PADI IDC live online before travelling. This leaves more time on the island for practical instructor training.
In this guide, we look at the qualifications you need, what happens during the IDC and the costs involved. We also introduce the four Thailand destinations where you can train with Scuba Dive Online.
Where Can You Complete Your PADI IDC in Thailand?
Our PADI IDC Thailand programmes take place at established PADI 5 Star Career Development Centres across four islands. Our award-winning Platinum Course Directors bring decades of international teaching and professional diving knowledge to your training.
PADI IDC Koh Tao: A Thriving Professional Diving Community
Koh Tao has a large diving community, stunning and varied dive sites and plenty of opportunities to continue developing your professional skills.
We run PADI IDCs every month through two PADI 5 Star Career Development Centres, each offering a different training environment.
At Davy Jones Locker Diving, Platinum Course Director Neil Richards combines instructor training with opportunities to explore technical and wreck diving. The centre also offers extended professional development programmes and conservation projects.
Meanwhile, Assava Diving Resort combines a quieter beachfront setting with a strong conservation focus. Platinum Course Directors Tim and Natalie Hunt incorporate marine conservation and additional teaching development into their programmes.
Both centres offer classic and hybrid IDC options.
IDC price: 68,900 THB, including the IDC, EFR Instructor course and training materials. Accommodation arrangements differ between centres.
Download the Koh Tao IDC brochures: Davy Jones Locker | Assava Diving Resort
PADI IDC Koh Phi Phi: More Time for Practical Training
Koh Phi Phi combines dramatic limestone scenery with coral reefs, turtles, reef sharks and an active diving community.
Our partner, The Adventure Club, is a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre and PADI ECO Dive Centre.
The PADI IDC on Phi Phi follows an exclusively hybrid format. The programme begins with seven days of live online classroom training, three hours daily. You then complete ten days of practical instructor training on Phi Phi.
The extended practical programme allows additional time for teaching presentations, skill development and individual coaching with your Course Director.
Depending on your training plans, you can also use the additional time for further water practice or PADI Instructor Specialties.
Download the Koh Phi Phi IDC brochure for prices and upcoming dates.
PADI IDC Phuket: Established Facilities and International Training
Phuket provides access to Andaman Sea dive sites, a lively international community and excellent facilities for professional diver training.
Our partner, All4Diving, has operated since 1995 and provides dedicated classrooms, a training pool and its own dive boat.
Your Course Director, Guy Corsellis, has spent more than 30 years training dive professionals. He also brings extensive international teaching knowledge and teaches in several languages.
Candidates can choose between classic and hybrid IDC programmes, with practical training taking place around Phuket’s dive sites.
IDC price: 68,900 THB, including the IDC, EFR Instructor course and training materials. Accommodation is additional.
Download the Phuket IDC brochure for scheduled dates and full course details.
PADI IDC Koh Lipe: Instructor Training in a Tropical Paradise
Koh Lipe is a beautiful island in southern Thailand, known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water and colourful coral reefs.
Surrounded by the Tarutao National Marine Park, the island has a relaxed atmosphere, with spectacular diving just a short boat ride away.
Here, you train with Davy Jones Locker Diving and Platinum PADI Course Director Neil Richards.
Away from the busier tourist destinations, Koh Lipe provides a wonderful setting to complete your PADI Instructor Development Course.
Between training sessions, you can enjoy the island’s beaches, explore its small walking streets and watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea.
Both classic and hybrid IDC options are available.
IDC price: 68,900 THB, including the IDC, EFR Instructor course, training materials and dorm accommodation during the IDC
Download the Koh Lipe IDC brochure for programme dates and details.
How Do You Become a PADI Instructor in Thailand?
To enrol in a PADI Instructor Development Course, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- PADI Divemaster or qualifying leadership-level certification.
- Minimum age of 18 years.
- Have been a certified diver for at least six months.
- At least 100 logged dives before the Instructor Examination (IE).
- CPR and first aid certification (such as EFR) within the previous 24 months.
- Current diving medical within the previous 12 months.
During your IDC, you will learn how to teach PADI courses, evaluate student performance and conduct teaching presentations.
Training includes knowledge development, confined water, open water and practical instructor workshops. Your Course Director will also help you refine your demonstration skills, and prepare for the PADI Instructor Examination (IE).
Classic or Hybrid PADI IDC in Thailand?
All four Thailand destinations offer our hybrid IDC option, allowing you to complete the classroom curriculum before travelling.
Our IDC LIVE online classroom runs for seven days, with three hours of interactive training each day. PADI Course Director Monique Richards leads the live sessions.
You then join your chosen dive centre for practical instructor training, including confined water, open water and teaching workshops.
Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Lipe also offer classroom-based IDC programmes, while Phi Phi specialises exclusively in hybrid training.
Both formats prepare you for the same PADI Instructor Examination.
All our IDC candidates also receive access to the Scuba Dive Online Digital Instructor’s eBundle through our shared study drive. This includes our Dive Theory Revision eBook, recorded theory presentations, skills videos and unlimited access to digital practice exams. You can use these resources before, during and after your IDC to prepare for the PADI Instructor Examination.
What Does a PADI Instructor Course in Thailand Cost?
When comparing IDC prices, look carefully at what each package includes.
Training materials, EFR Instructor courses and accommodation can affect the overall cost. Additionally, PADI Instructor Examination and application fees are separate and paid directly to PADI during your IDC.
Our destination brochures provide the full breakdown, helping you plan your training and travel budget.
Start Your PADI Instructor Training in Thailand
Whether you prefer Koh Tao’s busy diving community, Phi Phi’s extended practical programme, Phuket’s established facilities or Koh Lipe’s island setting, our team can help.
We offer several ways to become a PADI Instructor in Thailand, supported by award-winning Course Directors and flexible training options.
For upcoming IDC dates, brochures and course enquiries contact us.
