Thailand

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Thailand has some of the finest and most beautiful beaches and islands in the world, surrounded by crystal clear water and stunning coral, and that is the main reason why the number of divers coming to Thailand has escalated over the past decade or so. The sea visibility in some places is up to 30 m – unheard of in many parts of the world. One can enjoy splendid sights of underwater mountains, coral gardens, undersea rock formations, hard and soft coral, whale sharks, silver tip sharks, manta rays and even sunken battleships.

Best time to dive?

Even though the best time of the year to dive in Thailand is between October and June, it is possible to dive virtually any day of the year. As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out. The best time to dive in the Andaman Sea is from November to April, and again June to September, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. However it is okay to dive all year round.

Best time to Dive?

Even though the best time of the year to dive in Thailand is between October and June, it is possible to dive virtually any day of the year. As Thailand is considered one of the safest destinations for diving and snorkeling in the world, it is perfect for first-timers wanting to try these pastimes out. The best time to dive in the Andaman Sea is from November to April, and again June to September, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. However it is okay to dive all year round.

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Sea Life

Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, reef sharks, and there is a very small chance of seeing a whale shark.

The Similan islands have thriving reefs and abundant delicate coral, and superb variety of marine life. It is possible to see chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners.

Dive Sites

Diving in Thailand is a recent phenomenon beginning with the American Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War. Thailand’s first ever diving store was opened in Pattaya in 1977 and shortly after that, the popularity of diving for both Thais and foreigners in Thailand exploded.

After Pattaya, the next destination to see divers arriving in large numbers was Phuket and they were soon heading out to dive in the Similan Islands and the rest of the Andaman Sea. In fact, the Similan islands have been ranked as one of the top diving sites in the world. Today, diving is popular all over the Andaman Sea, including the relatively unknown Tarutao and Surin islands.

Over on the other side in the Gulf of Thailand is Ko Tao (Turtle Island) has emerged as a major diving destination

in Thailand with over 20 major centers located on the island.

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for diving in Asia. Thailand has two different diving zones consisting of the Andaman Sea on the west and The Gulf of Thailand on the east. Info by AMAZING THAILAND

The Andaman Sea

The best time of the year to dive in the Andaman is from October to April. The visibility in the Andaman is similar to that of the Gulf of Thailand but the area has more extensive coral reefs. Due to the influence of the southwest monsoon, most of the reefs surrounding the offshore islands occur on the east side of the islands.

Ko Lipe

Tarutao National Park is one of Asia’s oldest marine parks and the reefs are in excellent condition. Within easy reach of the dive centres are over 30 uninhabited islands and hundreds of reefs and some of the best visibility to be found in Thailand. Big Stuff: — You can see numerous sharks, whale sharks and manta rays. Sightings of the big guys are more likely on sites around the edge of the marine park, nearer the deeper waters. For the best chance try to visit 8 mile rock, Stonehenge or Koh Pung.

Phuket

Phuket Island has some good dive sites and the largest diving centre in Thailand. The reefs around the area are in a healthy condition with both hard and colorful soft corals. There is also an abundance of other marine life. Most of the dive locations are suitable for all levels of divers but there are also some that are quite deep.

Krabi and Ko Lanta

Some good diving, with several sites rivalling the Similan Islands. All diving is located well off the coast, requires travelling via a dive boat.

This part of Thailand offers some terrific diving and snorkelling sites with plenty of soft coral, limestone outcrops and diversity of marine life. One can go diving off the nearby islands of Bidah Nai and Nok.

Similan Islands

Located in Phang Nga Province, 90 km northwest of Phuket and 70 km due west of Phang Nga, the Similan Islands boast one of Thailand’s most famous diving sites and can lay claim to having one of the best diving sites in Asia. The Similans consist of nine islands (Similan means “9” in the Malay language) Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (two adjoining islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong. The islands have thriving reefs and abundant delicate coral, and superb variety of marine life. It is possible to see chevron barracuda, giant trevally, manta rays, leopard sharks and rainbow runners. Accessed by liveaboards from Khao Lak and Phuket, and by day trip boats from Khao Lak.

Surin Islands

This national park park comprises 5 main islands; Ko Surin Nua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ree (Ko Stok), Koh Pachumba, and Ko Kai (Ko Torinla). Diving is similar to the Similan Islands however there are more sharks and other large marine creatures. The islands are less accessible than other dive destinations in Thailand, which ensures less crowding and the islands’ pristine condition. A few kilometres to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south is Mu Ko Similan National park.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak Marine National Park is a palm fringed coastline with newly discovered reefs. The area is home to a plentitude of marine life and a couple of wrecks. The Similan Island Marine Park is headquartered here and the Similan Islands lie 50km directly West. The local pier, located at Tap Lamu is the main departure point for Similan Island day trips and liveaboards. The nearby sites of Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and the Surin Islands are all accessible via speedboats for one day or overnight trips.

The Gulf of Thailand

This coast of Thailand is a gigantic shallow depression just south of Cambodia. It is roughly 60 m deep with a maximum of 85m .

The area boasts 112 islands with countless fringing reefs. The reefs are not as varied as those of the Andaman Sea but the marine life is still prolific.

Ko Tao

Great for beginners and one of Asia’s most popular places to get certified. Ang Thong National Marine Park nearby also has good diving.

Ko Tao, meaning ‘Turtle Island’, has become one of the most popular diving areas in the country. The island has an area of only 21sq km and lies north of Ko Samui and Ko Phang-ngan. Ko Tao’s popularity could be because there is something to satisfy every level of diver.

Diving in Ko Tao is easy, fun, and you can see turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, reef sharks, and there is a very small chance of seeing a whale shark.

Nearly any time of the year except November is good diving weather in Ko Tao and visibility can exceed 40 m. Average visibility is around 15-20 m. In November visibility is reduced and the seas are choppy, but diving can still be good by the standards of many other destinations.

How to Arrive

Thailand currently has six international airports, in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket and Ko Samui. The vast majority of travellers fly into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. The fastest and most comfortable way of reaching Thailand from the UK is to fly nonstop from London to Bangkok with Qantas, British Airways, Thai Airways or Eva Airways. Thai Airways offers convenient flights from LA to Bangkok, with a one-hour stop in Seoul. Info by roughguides.com

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