Diving

Thailand

Diving

The Kingdom of Thailand, often known as the "Land of Smiles" is also a land of fabulous diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in its crystal seas. With 2,600 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of idyllic islands, Thailand's waters harbour a mes-merising menagerie of life, from vast coral reefs, to shoals of brilliantly-coloured fish, to such breathtaking and exotic visitors as manta rays, turtles, sharks and dolphins.

The seas around Thailand are unusually calm and clear, and at a temperature of around 28 degrees, perfect habitat fo, more than 200 species of coral and the tens of thousands of different types of organism they support. But a large part of the reason for Thailand's marine bio-diversity lies in the fact it comprises two distinct ecosystems.

To the west is the Andaman Sea, part of the Indian Ocean, home to the internationally-renowned resorts of Phuket and Phi Phi and the world-class diving sites of the Similan and Surin islands. To the east stretches the Gulf of Thailand, famed for its laid-hack diving havens of Ko Samui and Ko Tao, and biggest marine national park of the region, Mu Ko Ang Thong. One benefit of these two systems is that together, unlike other tropical locations, they offer ideal snorkelling and diving conditions all year round. The Gulf of Thailand is perfect between May and September, with the Andaman clearest between October and April. As well as crystal seas teeming with life, Thailand offers laid-back beach life on golden, palm-fringed shores, all the sports and leisure activities you could desire and a famously friendly and welcoming people. It's no wonder that every year more and more visitors come back to marvel at the Land of Smiles.

Diving - the most popular water sport Scuba diving is Thailand's most popular water sport, and it's an experience you cannot fotget. With magical appatatus allowing you to breathe underwater, a whole new universe opens up to you. Some of the most extravagantly beautiful creatures in creation await you in this weightless, watery world. Explore brilliantly-coloured coral reefs and be dazzled by fish of a thousand hues. Expect close encounters with giant barracuda, manta rays, sea cows and even sharks! Thailand is the central focus for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and become avid divers for life. There are world-class locations for everyone.

Dive site	Dive season	Depths	Visibility	Attractions
Pattaya	All year	18-30 m	6-10 m	Ko Lan, Ko Pai, Ko Rin
Ko Samet	Nov-June	18-30 m	10-20 m	Ko Coral, Shipwrecks
Ko Chang	Nov-june	18-30 m	10-25 m	Ko Wai, Ko Kradat
Ko Samui	March-Oct	15-40 m	10-25 m	Ko Tao, Mu Ko Ang Thong
Phuket	Nov-April	30-45 m	10-25 m	Ko Racha, Shark Point
Saimilan	Dec-April	25-90 m	35-40 m	Ko Huyong, Elephant Pock
Surin	Dec-April	25-70 m	20-40 m	HQ bay, Turtle Ledge
Ko Phi Phi	Jan-March	25-40 m	15-30 m	Phi Phi Don, Ko Bida Nok
Trang	Jan-May	20-45 m	20-40 m	Emerald Cave, shipwrecks
Ko Tarutao	Dec-May	15-35 m	15-35 m	Ko Khai, Ko Ngam

Diving at Phuket

Near Phuket, on Thailand’s west coast from Ranong down to Krabi are a large number of excellent dive sites. However, the area is sometimes tricky and can be difficult during the southwest monsoon from June to November.

Good sheltered water is found around the island at all times of the year. Spear-fishing though not encouraged, is fair to good down to a depth of some 15m (49ft). Thereafter, coral mostly run out and give way to a plain, fairly flat, sandy ocean bottom between 18-36m (60-120ft). The reefs are very colorful and picturesque and are particularly suited for snorkeling and photography.

As Phuket’s popularity among divers of all nationalities has increased, so has the number of dive sites. Nowadays, regular trips lasting up to two weeks are made to distant island groups in the Andaman Sea. Many of them are uninhabited and absolutely pristine, with dive sites to rival the best in the world .

In Phuket, half day tours are available to the west coast where a short trip by motor boat takes the diver to the coral reefs. By far the most popular tours, however, are the full day trips to the islands off Phuket’s south and eastern coasts. These islands include Ko Racha, Shark Point, Ko Dok Mai and Phi Phi islands.

Dive Sites

Ko Racha, to the south of Phuket some 2 hours by motor boat, has dives down to 30m (98ft) and a visibility range of 20-40m (65-131ft). In addition to the excellent visibility Racha’s’ attractions include huge rock formations, sloping coral reefs and steep drop-offs. From January to March manta rays and whale sharks can occasionally be seen, in addition to varied tropical marine life.
Shark Point and Ko Dok Mai, approximately 1.5hrs east of Phuket by motor boat, are beyond doubt two of the most popular dive sites in the area. Shark Point, a submerged reef, is a favorite sleeping spot for leopard sharks and sting rays. More daring divers have been hand feeding moray eels and leopard sharks (not with the diver’s own limbs). The visibility at Shark Point is 10-22m (33-72ft) with dives down to 25m (82ft).
The island of Dok Mai offers dives down to 30m (98ft) with visibility of 10-25m (33-82ft). In addition to a variety of coral this dive site offers an impressive wall dive and a number of cave dives.
The Phi Phi Islands (Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lek), some 40km (25mi) southeast of Phuket and about 2hrs by motor boat, are among the most beautiful islands in the world. They also have some excellent dive sites between 10m and 30m (33 and 98ft), with a visibility of 15m-25m (49-82ft). In particular, the islands offer several cave dives and many impressive wall dives. In addition there are many hard and soft corals and an abundant marine life. In the tropical reefs one can see, among other fish, white tip sharks, sting rays and moray eels.
Similan Islands: The Similan Islands are a group of nine virtually uninhabited tropic islands approximately 80 kilometers (50mi) northwest of Phuket. The group was declared a Marine National Park and increasing efforts are being made to keep them in their present pristine condition. The islands encompass some of the best dive venues in Thailand.

The dive possibilities range from viewing coral gardens to adventurous drift diving in strong currents. In the judgement of Asia Magazine (issue of October 18 to 20, 1991: "Every diver has particular favorites, but few would dispute that the Similans... are one of the best. The visibility tops 100 feet between the November-April peak season, revealing a wonder world among the giant granite coral-coated boulders stacked one atop the other to depths of 90 feet and more."
Ko Huyong, the southernmost island of the Similan group offers a magnificent coral garden in 7-14m (23-46ft) depth. The garden consists of many varieties of soft and hard corals and abounds with small colorful coral fish. This site frequently has over 30m (98ft) visibility, only slight currents and is considered a very safe site.
An extensive reef runs off another of the southern islands and provides at least 4 different dive sites. One bottoms out at 25m (82ft) and has many large rocks which provide a most interesting contour; many large schools of fish inhabit the area. Another part of the reef has an excellent 20m (65ft) dive, with a lot of small lava type rocks which provide a home for colorful anemones, hydroids and soft coral as well as moray eels and red grouper. The visibility is seldom less than 30m (98ft) and frequently more. There is often a strong current here, a good site for drift dives.
The central island of the group, Ko Miang, is the only island which is inhabited. There is also a number of excellent dive sites around this and the small adjoining island including one which features huge boulders leaning together forming many interesting tunnels and small caverns. This dive often has a strong surge which attracts a large variety of marine life. Small white tip sharks, rays, snapper and turtles are just a few of the species of marine life at this site.
An excellent night dive site is just around the corner and close to a safe overnight anchorage and a beautiful white sand beach. This dive site is a coral drop-off and depths range from 10m-20m (33-66ft). The almost complete absence of currents is what makes it ideal for night dives. Lobster and large red crabs are usually seen here.
Hin Pousar or Elephant Rock is one of the best known dive locations of the area; it has at least 3 more excellent sites. There are again many big holes and caverns created by the unusual rock formations. Anemones and coral provide a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, blues and browns. Frequently large rays, tuna or barracuda can be seen.
Further to the north lies an off-shore reef which comes up to within 8m (26ft) of the surface and drops off to over 35m (114ft). More tunnels, hollows and chimneys provide a site that never fails to impress even the most experienced diver. Two large sea cod and a huge resident moray eel add to the many interests of this site. Seldom is the visibility less than 25m (82ft) and usually much more.
These are only a few of the many dive sites available in the Similan archipelago. Each island provides its own special sites and there is something to be found to interest both the novice diver and the much traveled diver.
Similar conditions can be found at Surin islands and Tarutao Marine National Park (see entry under Satun) though no regular trips to these island groupings are yet available.
Tours to the Similans generally last five days, though some are much longer in order to explore other nearby islands including the Surin group, some 30km (19mi) to the north. For accommodation, divers have the choice of tents, dormitory bungalows and on-board berths. During the trip all meals are provided and at least nine individual dives are organized.

Diving at Ko Chang

Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Cambodian border is the largest island in Thailand after Phuket But altbougb it is big, beautiful and only 400 kilometres from Bangkok, it remains serene and undeveloped, Almost 70 percent of Ko Cbang is undis-turbed inland rainforest, some of the best preserved in Thailand. Its pristine beaches and unhurried way of life make it the perfect destination for those looking for an idyllic tropical island getaway. Because of its unspoiled interior, walking is one of Ko Chang's most popular activities, with trail, allover the island for any level of skill and ambition These rontes can also be travelled by mountain bike, available at Hat Kaibai and Hat Sai Khao beaches Ko Chang is becoming increasingly popular as a water sports centre, with dive shops on Hat Kaibai and Hat Sai Khao and excellent diving and snorkelling sites allover the island The area's topography is also perfect for sea-canoeing, and these, as well as sail boats can be rented from many guesthouses and hotels.

Diving at Pattaya islands Ko Lan

Ko Laan is the most populat offshore island, with quiet picturesque beaches and its own accommodation. This, together with Ko Sak and Ko Krok are the most popular dive sites for beginners. Further from the mainland, Ko Rin and Ko Man Wichai have better visibility and stronger currents suitable for more experienced divers. Further southeast are the wreck diving sites that Pattaya is most famous for.

Diving at Ko Samet

This small island, off Rayong on the southeastetn sea- board, is one of the seven national marine parks in Thailand. It is a favourite of Thai visitors, although far fewer foreign visitors have discovered it, and famous for its soft white sands. Favourite activities on Ko Samet -apart from relaxing on the beach -include windsurfing and diving. Several of the guesthouses on the island arrange b~at trips for swimming and snorkelling and exploring nearby uninhabited islands.

Diving at Chumphon Sea islands

Ko Mattra is a large island with spectacular rocks, a coral reef and a rare crab called poo kai - or chicken crab - which climbs trees and cheeps like a chick. Ko Raet also has an extensive and colourful coral reef. Great diving and snorkelling spots are to be found around the islands of Ko Ngam Yai, Ko Ngam Noi, Ko Samet, Ko Rang Kachiu, Ko Maphrao and Ko Chorakhe. The undersea landscape of the Chumphon isles is remarkably varied, with caves, rock piles and large coral colonies. Look out in particular for the famous black coral with shades of white, gold and yellow, and several species of marine flower.

Diving at Ko Pha-ngan

The island has developed a reputation as a quieter and less developed alternative to Ko Samui, and still has many deserted beaches. The live coral formations around the island make snorkelling perenially popular, and scuba diving trips to some of the best spots in the Gulf depart from the islandis main beach, Hat Rin. Tours leave the main port, Thong Sala, for excursions to the Ang Thong National Marine park, and there are four pictur-esque waterfalls in the islands interior, one of which, Than Sadet, bears the royacinsignia, carved into the rock, of three of Thailand's kings. Mountain bikes are available at Thong Sala and Hat Rin to explore the island.

Diving at Ko Nang Yuan

Just one kilometre north of Ko Tao is the beautiful island of Ko Nang Yuan, the only place in the world where three islands are joined together by a sandbar. The island is worth exploring by foot, but is also home to a variety of great dive sites. If you are diving at White Rock, look out for a local personality, Trevor the Terrible Trigger Fish. Trevor vigorously guards its nest and its favourite trick is to ambush unsuspecting divers from behind a rock.

Diving at Surat Thani

Surat Thani, meaning "City of the decent people", is known to many visitors as an embarkation point to the famous islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao. But the mainland town, and the eponymous province boast some unforgettable attrac tions of their own. Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Edncation Centre is just six kilometres from the provincial capitac From the summit of Khao Tha Phet, there are fantastic views of the Tapi River and the town of Surat Thani. The park also has a well-managed zoo To the west of Surat Thani Province is Khao Sok National Park, boasting more than 100 islands in its vast Cheo Lan ReservoiL The park shelters a huge variety of wildlife; from leopards to wild elephants, tigers and the Malayan sun beaL Khao Sok is also . home to the higgest flower in the world, the wild lotus, whose hloom can be up to 80 centimetres in diameteL Hiking trails in the park lead to many waterfalls

Diving at Mu Ko Chang National Park

The Ko Chang National Marioe Park comprises 46 islands apart from Ko Chang itself, 192 square kilometres of land in 450 square kilometres of sea. The park offers some fantastic diving and snorkelling, as well as pristine islands, beautiful seascapes and idyllic beaches and coves that can be visited by boat or sea-canoe from Ko Chang. Ko Kut and Ko Mak are the largest after Ko Chang, with simple accommodation. 00 Ko Mak you can rent jeeps and motorbikes to explore the island's wild interior and organise diving trips to uninhabited islaods. The small islands of Ko Rang and Ko Rayang oear Ko Kut are renowned for their colourful coral. For perhaps the best diving in the park, check out the smaller islands of Ko Wai and Ko Lao-ya.

Diving at Pattaya

Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city with all modern conveniences, excellent shopping and spectacular nightlife. The city, less than rwo hours southeast of Bangkok by road, was the first place in Thailand to become developed as a tourist destination. Every imaginable kind of water sport and seaside activity is available here. Water-skiing, wakeboarding, jetskiing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing and parasailing are easily organised. Back on land, why not try go-carting, golf, bowling, archery, target shooting, tennis or horse riding? Pattaya was also the birthplace of the diving industry in Thailand and there are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any 1evel and in any language.

Diving at Chumphon

The town of Chumphon is the gateway to the golden South. Many visitors know it as the departure port for the dive haven of Ko Tao, two-and-a-half honrs away by speedboat. Bnt in fact Chumphon has more than a few attractions of its own. It too has a thriving diving industry, thanks to the picturesqne islands in the Chumphon sea, and some beautiful beaches along its 222- kilometre coastline. The most famous of these is Hat Thung Wua Laen; extremely attractive and boasting a wide range of tourist facilities plus an annual windsurfing competition in March or April. South of Chumphon is Hat Arunothai, a six-kilometre, palm-fringed beach that houses the shrine of HRH Prince Chumphon, the father of the Thai Navy

Diving at Ko Samui

The third biggest island in Thailand, Ko Samui is tamous as the archetypal tropical island paradise. It was, along with Phuket, one of the first of Thai-land's islands to be discovered by tourists a mere 20 years ago. Despire the addition of an airport, the isle remains relatively undevel-oped for its status as a premier international tourist destination -the island's regulations prevent structures rising higher than the palms. As well as a destination itself, Ko Samui is an embarkation point for Ko Pha-ngan and visits to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Ko Samui's main beaches are Chaweng -a long and stunning golden crescent framed by rocks and green hills -and its neighbour Lamai. There are scores of attrac-tive resorts on these and all over the island. There are many good diving sites off Samui, the most famous being Hin Bai, or Sail Rock. Jutting out of the water 18 kilometres offshore, it is covered below the surface in beautiful green and yellow coral and frequented by large marine animals such as sharks and rays. Because of its size and reputation, Samui boasts all the facilities and activities you could wish for; scuba diving is available on the main beaches, as is windsurfing, wakeboarding, sailin and jetskiing.

Diving at Ko Tao

The tiny, undeveloped gem of Ko Tao or Turtle Island is just 21 square kilometres, yet it is the beating heart of diving in the Gulf of Thailand and home to an incredible 20 diving schools and more than lOO professional instructors. Ko Tao.s proximiry to "under-water classrooms" makes it ideal for beginners. There are dive sites just one kilometre from the island where you can see pelagics, large schools of great barracudas, big-eyed jacks, tuna and giant travellys. There are also clown fish, shark whales and swordfish. Ko Tao.s is also a departure point for trips to the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park, and its coral makes it great for snorkelling as well as diving.

Diving at Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

Ko Tao, Ko samui and Ko Phangan are all offer tours to the 40 spectacular islands of the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park. The islands are stunning; white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, dense jungle and sheer limestone cliffs. Day trips typically feature snorkel ling and swimming in an enclosed lagoon on the Ang Thong -Golden Jar -island that gives the park its name Most visitors trek up to the island's highest point to get a view of the whole group There is also a cave, Tham Bua Bok, whicb has weird stone formations in the shape of lotuses For the adventutous, sea canoeing trips to the Ang Thong park can be organised from Chaweng Beach on samui, as well as many different diving excursions. Some of the most popular sites are Ko Wao and Hin Yipon, renowned for shallow caves and colourful soft corals Bungalows can be rented at the park headquarters at Ko Wua Ta Lap.

Diving at Pattani Province

This province is well off the beaten tourist track - although there are bungalows and guesthouses for rent -Pattani is ripe for those ready to explore. Pattani's status as Thailand's second largest fishing port, and its location in the deep south of the country guarantees it a wide cultural divetsity. The influence of the Muslim Malays is the strongest - 75 percent of the population speak Malay- and Malaysian flavours ate clearly seen in the customs, atchitec-ture and cuisine. There is also a large Chinese community. In the town itself, the 200-year-old ruins of Kre Se Mosque stand next to the Chinese Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo shrine, reflecting the religious and ethnic diversity of the province. Perhaps the most populat activity is simply to promenade through the picturesque town, by the river, along to the harbour where you will see dozens of brightly painted kolae fishing boats for which the province is famous. The Institute of Atts and Culture at the Prince of Songkla University is a colourful repository of local history and handicrafts.