Top Diving Sites In Thailand

by Mary F. Contributor

Aside from the unique cultural experience it offers, unforgettable cuisine, and stunning beaches, Thailand is blessed with some of the world’s best diving spots. Its clear waters are teeming with vibrant marine life.

With so many beautiful places, it is so easy to get lost in the many choices that make Thailand a diving hotspot. On the west coast, it has the Andaman Sea and on the eastern coastline it has the Gulf of Thailand. One can easily avail a course to snorkel over the reefs and enjoy the beauty of Thailand under the turquoise sea.

So where exactly in the country should you go to?

Don’t forget. After checking out this list of top scuba diving spots, you may want to book one of those Thailand luxury hotels and resorts that would be perfect for relaxation after a day of being one with sea creatures. If you want luxurious comfort and some privacy, The Land of Smiles would surely not disappoint. There are independently-owned resorts with the unmistakable brand of Thai hospitality that would surely keep that smile on your face.

Diving Spots You Should Not Miss When In Thailand

To help you plan your underwater adventure, here’s a list of notable sites just waiting for you to explore!

1. Koh Tao Island, The Gulf of Thailand

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this diving spot whose name means “Turtle Island” is recommended for newbie divers, with its most suitable and calm conditions. Come to appreciate the barracuda, triggerfish, yellowtail, whale sharks, and of course, the turtles, among many others.

2. Similan Islands, Andaman Sea

You may want a liveaboard trip to visit the islands. Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea is composed of nine small islands with white sandy beaches and they have arguably the best diving locations (25 of them) in the country. Witness a massive diversity of fishes, among them are the barracudas, black tip and white tip reef sharks, batfish, triggerfish, and leopard sharks.

3. Surin Islands, North of Similan Islands

Located just below the Myanmar border, the remote Surin Islands tops the hard coral diving spot in the country and is known for the unique and rare marine life which is not found in other diving places in Thailand. If you want to swim with rare fish species like the Barramundi, then this is the spot for you.

4. Richelieu Rock

Found just south of the Burmese border and well-known for the presence of whale sharks, divers call this as the “Whale Shark Territory” and is best for intermediate to advanced divers. This area can be reached through a liveaboard trip or, from Khao Lak, you can hop onto a speed boat going to the area.

5. Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

Just south of Phuket and within the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park, the two are neighbouring islands are known for the colours of their corals. Hin Daeng is aptly nicknamed Red Rock while Hin Muang is called Purple Rock. Each boasts the presence of whale sharks and mantas. They are perfect for advanced divers and can be accessed through liveaboard boat trips from Phuket or via speedboat from Koh Phi Phi.

Those are just an overview of the best snorkelling spots in Thailand and hopefully we have helped you make your choice for your next adventure. The Land of Smiles still has a lot more to offer!