Thailand is a hugely popular tourist destination for divers and non divers alike. The country boasts many sites of remarkable natural beauty from the northern mountain areas like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, to the limestone islands in the south like Tarutao and Phi Phi. But let’s focus here on the diving in Thailand and the wonderful dive sites around the country.

Divers have been choosing to come and dive Thailand for over 15 years now because it has some of the clearest, coral filled waters in Asia, the water is warm year round and the marine life is prolific. Add to that a well developed infrastructure and the renowned friendliness of the Thai people.

The Andaman Sea side of Thailand offers the best diving. That’s basically all the way down the west coast of Thailand from the border with Burma to the border with Malaysia. That area includes Koh Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Taratuo, the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon and Koh Tachai. The best time to dive this area is during the north east monsoon from November to April although many areas can be dived year round.

The very best dive area in all of Thailand is the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea. The best way to dive the Similans is by liveaboard dive boat departing from either Khao Lak or Phuket. Longer trips also include Richelieu Rock (best for Whale sharks) Koh Bon and Koh Tachai (best for Manta Rays).