Diving Destinations in Thailand

Diving destinations in Thailand can be divided into two general categories – first, those on the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s west coast and second, the ones on the Gulf of Thailand, off the country’s east coast. Divers are attracted by the spectacular marine wildlife, unique rock formations and mysterious wrecked ships to be found under the waves.

The Andaman Sea Coast

A scuba diver’s delight, the Andaman Sea is actually part of the Indian Ocean. The sea water is warm all year round and usually very clear, with underwater visibility ranging from 4 to an amazing 50 meters (over 150 feet). It is preferred over the Gulf coast for scuba divers because the colorful coral reefs off the Andaman’s many islands are more extensive – although, interestingly they tend to be mostly on the island’s east side, due to the battering the west side gets from the rainy season’s monsoons.

Phuket

The island of Phuket, the best known diving center in Thailand, has dive sites for divers from newbies to old pros. Its plentiful submarine life includes an abundance of healthy corals, both soft and solid. Racha Yai is the most popular diving site on the island.

Krabi Province

Krabi Province was hard hit by the tsunami of 2004 but its energetic recovery has seen divers return to this area, with the largest range of scuba diving sites in all of Thailand. Ao Nang and Railay Beach on the mainland plus the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are the primary bases where visitors stay in order to have access to Krabi’s many dive sites. Ao Nang has accommodation and dive centers in the highest numbers; from it, divers can reach sites such as the marine sanctuary at Shark Point and the 30 small islands of Ao Nang Bay.

Shark Point Marine Sanctuary

Shark Point Marine Sanctuary is actually three diving sites located close together. The first is a series of three limestone pinnacles which make for a thriving marine environment, with abundant coral, sea fans, seahorses, eels, fish – and sharks, of course. Second is a reef covered with sea anemones and third is the wreck of the King Cruiser passenger ship.

Similan Islands

West of Khao Lak in Phang Nga Province, the nine Similan Islands have world class diving with many amusingly named sites from where you can see sights such as delicate coral reefs and amazing leopard sharks.

Surin Islands

West of Ranong Province, the Surin Islands are an example of unspoiled nature and abundant marine wildlife, both fish and shellfish.

Gulf of Thailand

Off the east coast, the Gulf of Thailand is approximately 60 meters deep. Although its reefs are sparser than in the Andaman sea, visibility is comparable.

Pattaya

Pattaya, a coastal town on the Thai mainland, is a well-known vacation spot among travelers to Thailand. Besides great diving, it offers an unusual experience – the Underwater World Museum, where visitors dive or snorkel along a 105 meter tunnel to view exotic sea creatures.

Sail Rock

Sail Rock is the best known of all the dive sites in the neighborhood of Koh Samui. Look for anemones of various colors.

Chumphon Province

Chumphon Province’s specialty is night diving.

Koh Lak Ngam

Ko Lak Ngam forms part of The Chumphon Province Marine National Park, one of 52 islands in the Park. Attractions include giant clam sightings.

Hin Kuak Maa

Travelers are awakening to Hin Kuak Maa, with its solid and soft coral forming a home for a hug array of marinelife.

Hin Luk Bath

Hin Luk Bath has become extremely popular, due to its natural boulder formations.

Hin Rap South

Every level of diver will enjoy diving Hin Rap South’s 18 meter pinnacle, covered with sea barrel sponges and staghorn corals.

Hin Run Tek

Hin Run Tek consists of a huge rock formation surrounded by beautiful forms of sea life.