Adam & Meghan
Tranquil white sands. Clear turquoise waters with up to 50 meters in visibility. Fields of soft corals filled with prolific fish life. The chance to see large migrating pelagics. Reasonable prices and year round diving opportunities. For these reasons and more Thailand has consistently ranked as one of the world’s top dive destinations. To Thailand’s west is the Andaman Sea and to Thailand’s east is the Gulf of Thailand; both offer . Here’s a look at the best scuba diving Thailand has to offer:
Andaman Sea
Similan Islands & Surin Islands
The Similan Islands are one of the choicest of dive destinations in Thailand, and for good reason. The protected national park includes 9 different islands and more than 25 different dive sites. Liveaboards are by far the most cost effective and convenient way to see the Similan Islands.
Point of Access: Liveaboard from Khao Lak
Dive Operator: Wicked Diving
Here are Thailand’s Top Dive Sites
Our Similan Islands liveaboard offered us the opportunity to
Without question, the Similan Islands represent the best diving that Thailand has to offer. No other region offers such a number of excellent sites and such wonderful scuba diving as can be found in this protected national park. The Similans are a chain of 9 tiny and verdant islands fringed with white sand beaches and surrounded by some of the area’s richest waters.
When choosing your Similan scuba diving trip there is really no substitute for a liveaboard. There is no other way to visit all 25 or so scattered sites at your leisure. Furthermore there is such a range of liveaboards in the area that there is something for just about every taste and budget.
Early November to early May is the period during which liveaboards operate at the Similan Islands. Day trips and overnight trips run from October through to May. The most constant weather patterns, and therefore the most stable conditions, tend to be between February and April. The diving at this time of year is great as the visibility is always between 25-40m, and calm seas are the norm as the monsoon winds cease to blow. Clouds are rarely seen in the sky.
Andaman Sea
Hin Daeng & Hin Muang
Point of Access: Koh Lanta
Dive Operator: Scubafish (sadly, now closed)
Andaman Sea
Koh Haa Yai
A cluster of five small islands, Koh Haa is best known for its caverns, lagoons, and diverse marine life. It’s a great spot for photographers, with excellent visibility and plenty of macro life hidden among the corals. The Cathedral, an underwater cavern lit by shafts of sunlight, is the signature dive here.
Point of Access: Koh Lanta
Dive Operator: Scubafish
Gulf of Thailand
HTMS Chang
For wreck diving enthusiasts, HTMS Chang is a must. This 100-meter long ship was intentionally sunk off Koh Chang in 2012 and has since developed into an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Schools of barracuda, batfish, and giant groupers are common sightings.
Gulf of Thailand
Sail Rock
Between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, Sail Rock is the Gulf of Thailand’s crown jewel. Known for its famous vertical “Chimney” swim-through, it also offers regular encounters with massive schools of fish and, occasionally, whale sharks.
Gulf of Thailand
Southwest Pinnacles
Located near Koh Tao, the Southwest Pinnacles are covered with anemones and alive with barracuda, fusiliers, and trevallies. The pinnacles rise dramatically from the seabed, creating stunning underwater scenery.
When To Visit Thailand for Scuba Diving
When to visit Thailand? From October to April is the best time for the Andaman Sea. Giant Manta Rays arrive at the Similans in March and April. Come May though, heavy rainfall hits the West coast and continues until September. Plus the marine reserves which host most of the best diving are closed from May to the middle of October. During this time, the Gulf of Thailand to the east of the country is a better option. The best diving on this side is around Koh Tao, although it can be very crowded.
Thailand has very clear waters and an average sea temperature of 28oC. The Thai people are friendly and welcoming, and the food is fantastic. They tend to serve very mild food to their western guests: if you like hot food then tell them. But be careful, even the most hardened European chilli-eater has been seen to sweat with home-made Thai-strength curries.