The 5 Best Diving Spots in Thailand To Check Out This 2019

Thailand has the most astonishing beaches in the world. Plus, the diving spots are immensely exceptional with underwater visibility and a wide variety of corals and marine life.

The coastline of Thailand has two areas. These are the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Both areas offer different diving conditions all year round. On the Gulf of Thailand, which is on the eastern coastline of Thailand, the best time to experience diving is between May and September. It is because of the monsoon rains experience on this side of the country from November to April. On the other side, which is the Andaman Sea, located on the west coast side of Thailand, the months between November to April are the best times to experience its best diving conditions since monsoon rains are not present.

Diving in Thailand can be experienced through liveaboard boat trips. These boats set you off to the diving sites, and may also include accommodation and food during your stay. You can enjoy liveaboard boat trips in about three to five days or more depending on the location of the diving sites. You can book a liveaboard boat trip based on the diving site you prefer to visit.

For you to have the best diving experience, here are the top 5 local diving spots throughout Thailand for you to check out this 2019.

#1: Similan Islands

The Similan Islands consists of twenty-five different diving spots in nine different islands, which you can travel by a liveaboard boat trip. The diving spots spread over the islands are considered to be diving heaven to many enthusiasts. It is because of the extensive diversity of marine life that you can find underwater.

You can take a liveaboard boat trip from Khao Lak, a small village closest to the Similan Islands. It is about sixty kilometers north of Phuket. You can reach Khao Lak by about one hour of driving from Phuket Airport.

When you visit the Similan Islands, you will find the most notable marine life creatures in this area. They include the leopard sharks, black tip and white tip reef sharks, triggerfish, batfish, and barracudas. Moreover, another striking area that you can visit on this strip is Elephant Island. Due to its topography, you will notice that its gigantic boulders are very much dominant.

If you ever consider visiting the Similan Islands for diving, it is best to go visit between February to May. These are the months suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. During this time, there is good visibility of twenty to forty meters, which is the recommendation for intermediate to advanced divers. For a hassle-free trip, book your diving in Khao Lak with the best diving centers in the area.

#2: Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

These two diving spots are famous among advanced divers. With underwater visibility of between 20 to 40 meters, theses two neighboring islands boast an array of marine life, particularly mantas, whale sharks, and a variety of small fishes.

Commonly known as “Red Rock and Purple Rock”, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang respectively, are famous for their soft red and purple corals. Both are on the south of Phuket within the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park. You can access these two scuba diving havens via shorter liveaboard boat trips from Phuket or speed boats from Koh Phi Phi. You can plan your dive in these sites between November and April when the monsoon rains are not present.

#3: Richelieu Rock

Richelieu Rock is famous for its huge number of whale sharks. Many diving enthusiasts call it the Whale Shark Territory. Plankton is also very well thriving in this massive diving region, which brings a significant contribution to marine life, especially the larger fish population.

Richelieu Rock is just south of the Burmese border and is on the east of the Sulin Islands. This diving region is recommended for intermediate to advanced divers and can be accessed via a liveaboard boat through Khao Lak. You can ask the experts to plan your diving in khao lak, even before you arrive in the area.

#4:Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are popular as the top hard-coral diving spot in Thailand. It is well renowned for the rarer and unique marine life that are not found in other Thai diving hotspots.

Be prepared to get amazed as you dive alongside rare fish species such as yellow-marked angle fish, tomato clownfish, bump head parrotfish, Barramundi, Napolean Wrasse fish, and a ton of sea turtles. Snorkeling is very popular in this spot due to the shallow depths of some of the reefs found here, which makes it appropriate for beginners. The islands lie just south of the Myanmar border and slightly further up from the Similan Islands.

One great feature about this diving location is the remoteness. If you want to escape the tourist crowds and enjoy some quiet time. Koh Surin Marine National Park protects this area as it contains lush jungle scenery on the islands, which makes it stand out among the rest of the diving islands around Thailand.

Popular diving spots include South East Point and Koh Turinla. The diving season of the Surin Islands is open from mid-October to early May, but the best time of the year to visit this region is from December through April. Access to this diving region goes the same as you visit Similan Islands through Khao Lak due to its remoteness.

#5: Koh Tao

Koh Tao is very popular for experienced divers, who come to train to become professional divers. It is also a hotspot for professional divers seeking a laid back work abroad experienced diving instructors. It is also a place for beginners, as the area welcomes some of the most reasonable PADI Open Water diving courses for young travelers and some of the most suitable and calm conditions for beginners.

Barracuda, angle fish, triggerfish, yellowtail, whale sharks, plenty of turtles, and more are ever so present around the diving spots along the coast of Koh Tao. Diving hotspots to venture out include the Shark Island, White Rock, Green Rock, Hin Wong Pinnacle, and Chumphon Pinnacles. The diving season for this region is open year-round but the best time of the year to visit Koh Tao for diving recreation is from May to September.

Takeaway Thought

While a surprise getaway is exciting, you can always plan ahead of time for a smooth, hassle-free vacation in Thailand. Remember to pack the appropriate diving materials, clothing, and safety gear ahead of time. And last but certainly not least, take pictures of your best moments to create wonderful memories under the clear waters of Thailand’s best diving spots.