Thailand Diving
Into the Blue World
The blue world of Thailand comprises 155,213 square miles of marine environment and includes over 500 islands in the Indo-Pacific region, the union between the Pacific Ocean – the largest ocean in the world, and the Indian Ocean – the smallest and most mysterious one. With ideal natural conditions, a temperature of 75 - 82 Fahrenheit and mineral supplementation from the mainland, Thailand has unique characteristics that are rarely found elsewhere.
Where to Dive?
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 world-class dive site. Accessibility to Thailand diving is convenient, by means of the international airport in Phuket, which brings together divers from every corner of the world.
The underwater world of whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, coral reef fish, flying fish, dolphins, coral reefs, and underwater rocks and walls are amazing. Diving in Thailand can be achieved in a day trip. More serious divers may take a live-aboard trip, which will take you to dozens of dive sites over 4-5 days or more. Popular sites include:
# o Richelieu and Surin Islands – the world famous site for seeing the world’s biggest fish: Whale Shark
# o Ko Bon and Ko Ta Chai – the best site for seeing the world’s largest ray: Manta Ray
# o Similan Islands – the most beautiful dive sites with greatest diversity of marine life
# o Phi Phi Islands – one of the most famous wreck dives in the Indian Ocean
# o Hin Muang & Hin Daeng – the best wall dive sites in Thailand
The Gulf of Thailand – East
Closer to Bangkok, diving in this area is convenient since it saves travel time and money. Pattaya is ideal for a shipwreck dive. There are 3 shipwrecks in the area and the most famous is the Hardeep, a ship bombed during World War II. If you have more time, visit Ko Chang. Diving in Ko Chang is possible on the shallow coral reefs. To enjoy a more beautiful underwater environment, dive at the rocks located to the south of Ko Chang, such as Hin Sam Sao and Hin Look Bath. The area is open sea, and the visibility is better than any other part of the east. There are hard corals, sea whips, and a few species of soft corals. A greater diversity of fish can also be found here, especially reef fishes as well as larger pelagic fish such as barracuda, trevally, or even shark.
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 Chumphon and Ko Tao to the status of legends. Chumphon is a quiet seaside town with the most abundant growth of black corals in Thailand. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs. Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can see turtles, stingrays, barracuda, and reef sharks. There is a chance of encountering large creatures like the whale shark, manta ray, and potato cod.
When to Dive?
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.
More Fun in the Blue World
With a variety of activities, you may not only enjoy diving but also a change of scenery by partaking in other Thailand activities such as golf, rock climbing, sea canoeing, relaxing on the beach, bird and animal watching in primitive moist evergreen forests on the islands, or even experience the local way of life of the Sea Gypsies, who have been living in the Andaman Sea for over a thousand years. Varieties of accommodations, tropical Thailand spas for relaxing and rejuvenating body and mind, and superb dining that includes the fresh seafood dishes for which Thailand is famous also add more fun in this blue world.
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