November to May is the season for diving in the Andaman Sea. If you would like to fully experience the tropical skies, sunlight and clear undisturbed waters, February to April is best. April to October is the dive season in the Gulf of Thailand. The best time is between August and September.

Detailed information on diving in Thailand is available in several books on sale in leading bookshops throughout the country. Therefore, this pamphlet aims only to provide essential details for selected dive sites.

The Gulf of Thailand - East

Diving in this area is convenient, since it saves travel time and money. Important dive sites are located in Pattaya and Muko Chang.

1.Pattaya

Pattaya has been a world-famous seaside resort for more than 40 years, and has a well developed tourism industry. So visitors can choose from food and accommodation in a wide range of styles and prices to suit every budget. It is said that diving in Pattaya is the most inexpensive in Thailand or even the world. Dive sites in Pattaya fall into one of 3 groups.

Near-shore islands such as Ko Lan and Ko Sak. Visibility is not that good but the sites are accessible within 20-40 min., and at low cost. The coral reefs are also not that diverse but by following the sandy floor you may encounter strange animals such as the Sea Horse, Sea Moth, Indian Walkman, and Crocodile Fish.
Offshore islands such as Ko Rin. Although costing more in terms of time and money, this site has the best visibility in the area.

This area has 3 shipwrecks. The most famous is the Hardeep, a ship bombed during World War II. Another is the H.M.S. Kram, a Royal Thai Navy warship that was intentionally sunk in order to create a new dive site in the area.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 6-30 m.
Visibility: 5-20 m.
Duration: 1 day
Time to Visit: Year-round, though best from March to September
Cost: 1,200-2,500 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip
Types of Dive: Reef dive and wreck dive
Special Features: The convenience of the city

2.Koh Chang

Ko Chang is accessible by road and car ferry, being just 5 hours from Bangkok. Alternatively you can fly to Trat, which reduces travel time by more than half. Koh Chang is a relatively new tourist destination, and on this second largest island of Thailand, an abundance of forests can be found in the national park areas. Resorts and restaurants are located in tourist areas such as Sai Khao Beach, as well as at other sites on the other 52 islands and islets of the archipelago.

Diving in Koh Chang is possible on the shallow coral reefs, but the visibility is quite poor. The diversity of fauna is average. If you would like to enjoy a more beautiful underwater environment, you should dive at the rocks located to the south of Koh Chang, such as Hin Sam Sao and Hin Look Bath. This area is open sea, and the visibility is better than in any other part of the east. For aquatic scenery, there are hard corals, sea whips, and a few species of soft corals. A greater diversity of fish can be found here, especially reef fishes such as damselfish and angelfish, as well as larger pelagic fish such as barracuda, trevally, or even shark.

At present, diving in Koh Chang is still expanding. The costs are reasonable and the standard of service is increasing. It can be hoped that in the near future, this area might become the dive centre of the east.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 0-25 m.
Visibility: 5-20 m.
Duration: 1 day
Time to Visit: Year-round, though best from March to September
Cost: 1,500-3,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: Dive and relax on large islands not far from Bangkok
Access: 5 hrs. by car from Bangkok. Take the ferry from the port in Trat Province.

The Gulf of Thailand - West

The seas over here are clearer than in the rest of the gulf. The increasing diversity of marine life and the romantic atmosphere of the beaches and islands have propelled the following destinations to the status of legends.

3.Chumphon

Chumphon is a quiet seaside town and has not yet been developed as a large tourism destination. Those who come to Chumphon can not only admire the more than 40 islands, but can also learn about the Thai lifestyle, whilst experiencing nature. Several alternative activities such as rafting and agrotourism are cheaper here than at other more famous tourism destinations. The dive sites of Chumphon are far from shore, but are still accessible by boat within one hour. Visibility is better here than at dive sites in the east. The most abundant growth of black corals in Thailand and the Whale Shark, which always visits at the beginning of summer, attract divers to Chumphon. Honeymoon couples or families can dive, whilst others enjoy activities on shore.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-25 m.
Visibility: 10-25 m.
Duration: 1 day
Time to Visit: Almost all year, except November and December
Cost: 2,000-2,500 Baht/day
Service Style: Resort diving
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: Diving in tranquil seas
Access: 6 hrs. by car from Bangkok.

4.Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao

More than 70 islands, including the 3 world-famous islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao make this area one of the most famous dive sites in Thailand.

Access is very convenient by plane or can be arranged more cheaply by taking the bus and a speedboat. Thousands of hotels and restaurants, and almost a hundred dive shops make planning your scuba adventures easier.

Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan are recommended if your emphasis is not specifically on diving. However, if you especially enjoy the underwater world, Ko Tao should be your fi rst choice for learning how to dive.

Experienced divers, meanwhile, can encounter large creatures like the Whale Shark, Manta Ray, Potato Cod and so on.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-30 m.
Visibility: 15-25 m.
Duration: 1-3 day
Time to Visit: Almost all year, except November and December
Cost: 1,500-3,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Resort diving, day trip and live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: Popular diving sites in the Gulf of Thailand
Access: 6 hrs. by car from Bangkok (to Chumphon), then 1½ hrs. by speedboat to Ko Tao.

North Andaman

The most beautiful underwater scenery and the most eclectic reef-dwelling marine life in Thailand are the two main reasons why the North Andaman region is a primary diving destination. Accessibility is convenient by means of the international airport in Phuket, which brings together divers from every corner of the world. Accommodations, restaurants and the tour agencies that throng the coase are for you.

Diving in the seas of North Andaman can be achieved in a day trip from Khao Lak, the most rapidly developing tourist town in Thailand. This makes diving with Mantas and sleeping in one of the most luxurious spa resorts in the world within a single day a reality. More serious divers may take a live-aboard trip, which will take you to dozens of dive sites over 4-5 days or more.

5.Richelieu and Surin Islands

There can be very few divers who have never heard of Richelieu, a world-famous site for seeing the world’s biggest fish: the Whale Shark. These pinnacles, which cover an area of less than 1 sq. km. can be reached on a day trip or by a live-aboard. The Whale Shark is most often found during March and April, and sometimes, as many as three can be found nearby. Amazing spectacles are always a possibility here. Richelieu also has the most abundant soft corals of any site in Thailand. Giant cuttlefish and groupers are always your underwater companions here.

Fourteen km. to the west are the Surin Islands, with the largest and most developed coral reefs in the Andaman Sea. Although there are not so many soft corals or sea fans, other corals, fish, sharks and sea turtles are so plentiful that nowhere else in Thailand can compare to this thriving underwater environment. The national park has been praised as having the best resources management policy in Thailand and is used by the UNEP as a case study in world marine resources management.

The shallow-water coral reefs of the Surin Islands are beautiful and very diverse, and also suitable for snorkellers. The deep-water areas of the reef slopes are the habitat for several rare creatures, such as Ribbon Eels, Crocodile Fish, Leaf Fish and so on. To the west of the islands is Decom Rocks, a new dive site in Thai seas.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-35 m.
Visibility: 15-30 m.
Duration: 1-4 days
Time to Visit: December to April only
Cost: 3,000-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip, live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: Whale Shark and the most beautiful coral reefs in Thailand
Access: 12 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Kuraburi, Phang-nga.

6.Ko Bon and Ko Tachai

Ko Bon and Ko Tachai are actually located in Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park, but in the past these two sites were so far away that very few divers could reach them. However, access has been much improved and today hundreds of divers per day may head out to Ko Bon in order to see the Manta, the largest ray in the world. Most divers, if visiting between December and April, are not disappointed. The chance of seeing a Manta Ray is very high and sometimes you may even see four Ko Tachai, Phang-nga of them on a single dive. Just to see a single Manta is an unforgettable experience.

When you compare the expense, time and convenience of other sites, very few places in the world are comparable to Ko Bon. Tachai is an island surrounded by a vast expanse of sea. Underwater rocks are one of the most diverse habitats for soft corals and sea fans in Thailand. Whale Sharks and Manta Rays often visit. The beauty of the 20-metre-deep underwater rocks is a sight not to be missed.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 15-35 m.
Visibility: 15-30 m.
Duration: 1-2 days
Time to Visit: December to April only
Cost: 3,000-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip, live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive and wreck dive
Special Features: The best sites for seeing Manta Rays
Access: 12 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Kuraburi, Phang-nga.

7.Around Phuket Island

Phuket, the pearl of the Andaman, is an island where travellers the world over wish to visit at least once. Phuket has everything, and its dive sites can be reached so easily, quickly and conveniently that more than 300,000 divers come to Phuket every year. Diving can be combined with other activities very easily.

The Racha islands and the underwater rocks around Phuket are full of soft corals and sea fans. Sometimes more than ten Leopard Sharks can be encountered in a single dive. The dive operators on Phuket provide high standards, and the creation of a diving association has helped promote environmentally friendly activities.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-30 m.
Visibility: 10-30 m.
Duration: 1-2 days
Time to Visit: Year-round, though best from December to April
Cost: 2,500-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: Beauty and comfort
Access: 13 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Phuket. By plane, 1 hr. 30 min. from Bangkok to Phuket.

8.Similan Islands

“Similan” means nine. It refers to the nine islands that are lined up from north to south about 70 km. from the mainland. Very clear water from the Indian Ocean bathes these granite islands and, without a doubt, provides the islands with the most beautiful beaches and underwater tourist attractions in Thailand.

The marine environment is well protected by the national park. The charm of the soft corals and sea fans make the area one of the top ten most beautiful dive sites in the world. It also has the greatest diversity of marine life. Many species of fish are found only here, and with over 100 convenient live-aboard boats ready to serve Muko Similan Marine National Park you, no one can deny that this archipelago is in a league of its own.

The most interesting dive sites are the underwater rocks such as Shark Rock, where Silvertip Sharks are often found; this site also has a beautiful and exciting wall dive. Christmas Point is another site, and its large overlaid rocks form crevices that are full of beautiful sea fans and soft corals; it’s another world. For those who love big fish the choice must be Hin Pusar; its underwater rocks are at a depth of 70 metres, a very challenging site. For those who prefer something more relaxing, the soft corals and sea fans at East of Eden and Island No. 5 should not be missed.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-35 m.
Visibility: 20-40 m.
Duration: 1-4 days
Time to Visit: December to April only
Cost: 3,000-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Day trip, live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive, open sea and wreck dive
Special Features: The most beautiful dive sites in Thailand
Access: 12 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Kuraburi, Phang-nga. By plane, 1 hr. 30 min. from Bangkok to Phuket.

9.Around Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are formed of limestone, which creates a very odd-looking geography, made famous in the movie The Beach. Rock climbing is a popular activity but the world beneath the waves of Phi Phi is no less enchanting than the mainland. You can dive alongside limestone cliffs and into underwater caves, and encounter large and small marine creatures such as Leopard Shark, Frogfish and Ghost Pipefish. Dive sites can be found almost everywhere around Phi Phi, and they can be easily reached by taking a long-tailed boat from a beach resort. Sand dwelling animals dominate some sites; for example at Ko Yoong, seeing a dozen seahorses in one dive is quite normal. If you want more excitement, the King Cruiser wreck is one of the most famous wreck dives in the Indian Ocean. And Ko Ha Yai is a unique dive site due to the incomparable beauty of its underwater caves and strangely shaped island.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 10-25 m.
Visibility: 10-30 m.
Duration: 1-2 days
Time to Visit: Year-round, though best from December to April
Cost: 2,500-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Resort Diving, day trip, and live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive, open sea, cave dive, and wreck dive
Special Features: Underwater limestone islands
Access: 12 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Krabi. By plane, 1 hr. 10 min. from Bangkok to Krabi.

10.Hin Muang – Hin Daeng

In the midst of the Andaman Sea and many kilometres from the mainland are located two adjacent rocks, “Muang” - Purple and “Daeng” - Red, indicating the colours of the soft corals that adorn them. There are also sea fans, large black corals, fishes that range in size from tiny to enormous, such as Whale Sharks, Manta Rays and Great Barracudas, and small rare animals like the Harlequin Shrimp. Hin Muang – Hin Daeng is also the best wall dive site in Thailand. Getting there is troublesome, since you must take a live-aboard boat from Phuket; however, just about everyone who visits believes it’s worthwhile. Since the site is representative of the Andaman, everything can be seen here. It is also the most gorgeous dive site in the South Andaman and one of the most gorgeous in Thai seas.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 15-35 m.
Visibility: 15-30 m.
Duration: 2-4 days
Time to Visit: December to April only
Cost: 3,000-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Live-aboard
Types of Dive: Open sea and wall dive
Special Features: Ultimate South Andaman
Access: 12 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Krabi. By plane, 1 hr. 10 min. from Bangkok to Krabi.

11.Adang – Rawee

At the southern tip of Thailand are located some remote dive sites that few people have visited. However, the beauty and diversity of the underwater world here is not inferior to others. It is one of the three most diverse dive sites in Thai seas, being comparable to the Surin and Similan Islands. Adang – Rawee is also blessed with many beaches, some of which have seen no trace of humans for years. It is also an interesting historical site for both Sea Gypsies, who consider the sea as their home, and for the legendary pirates of Tarutao, who were sunk for good by British troops in 1947.

Eight-mile Rock is the best dive site in the area. Apart from soft corals and large schools of fish, Whale Sharks and Manta Rays often visit. If the current here is too strong, you can dive at Jabang, where soft corals can be observed in shallow 5- metre waters, and if the visibility is clear and sunlit, a colourful underwater heaven will reveal itself.

Beauty:
Fauna:
Depth: 5-35 m.
Visibility: 15-30 m.
Duration: 4 days
Time to Visit: December to April only
Cost: 3,000-4,000 Baht/day
Service Style: Live-aboard
Types of Dive: Reef dive and open sea
Special Features: The secret of Thai seas
Access: 14 hrs. by car or bus from Bangkok to Satun. By plane, 1 hr. 30 min. from Bangkok to Hat Yai, Songkhla.

How to Dive Thai Seas?

For the beginner
You can learn how to dive with experienced instructors from international institutes like PADI, NAUI, etc. in as little as 3-4 days and at a cost of approximately 10,000 baht. In Thailand, there are more than 400 dive centres with international standards. Diving schools can be found in almost every marine tourism destination, including Bangkok, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Ko Samui, Phuket and Krabi. Ko Tao is the second largest centre in the world for learning to dive. Language is not an obstacle to learning to dive in Thailand, since diving centres can instruct you in many different tongues.

For the licensed diver
Diving in Thai seas follows international regulations. If you have a licence from a reliable diving institute, you can dive in Thai seas by means of Resort Diving, Day Trips or Live-Aboard styles from as short as half a day to a week. Thai seas has dive sites of every type, ranging from shallow clear water coral reefs for recreational divers, to cliffs and underwater caves for adventurous divers. You can choose from drift dives, wreck dives, wall dives, cave dives, and night dives.