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Dive and Discover

the Magical Underwater W rld


of Thailand
Table of Contents

Muko Similan National Park 12


Richelieu Rock 28
Muko Lanta National Park 36
Ko Tao 46
King Cruiser Wreck 58
Losin 68
Ko Lipe 76
Muko Chumphon National Park 84
Pattaya 94
Snorkelling Sites 102
Marine Life 112
Dive Schools and Dive Operators 116
DIVE SITES IN THAILAND

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white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with
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the world with the amazing underwater realm
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seahorse, and nudibranch, as well
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shark and manta ray.

4 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Dive
sites &
dive seasons
 7KH GLY H VLW HV LQ
7KDLODQGDUHGLYLGHGLQWR
two zones with two distinct
characteristics in which
diving is possible at
DOO WLPHV RI WKH
year.

WEST COAST
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WKH $QGDPDQ 6HD ZKLFK
enjoys great weather and
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November to the end
R I  $ S U L O   ( [ D P S O H V  R I
memorable sites are Muko
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0XNR 6XULQ 1DWLRQDO 3DUN
in Phang-nga province,
Muko Ha in Krabi province,
DQG6KDUN3RLQWLQ EAST COAST
Phuket province.  7KHHDVWFRDVWLVWKH*XOI
RI 7KDLODQG ZKHUH WKH FDOP
and warm water is suitable
IRUGLYLQJWULSVIURPWKHHQGRI
$SULOXQWLOWKHHQGRI2FWREHU
6RPH RI WKH SRSXODU HDVW
coast dive sites include
&KXPSKRQ3LQQDFOH.R7DR
.R1DQJ<XDQDQG.R6DPXL
LQ6XUDW7KDQLSURYLQFH/RVLQ
in Pattani province, Ko
&KDQJ LQ 7UDW DQG 3DWWD\D
in Chon Buri province.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 5


Diving Facilities in Thailand
For a great scuba diving experience, divers are required to
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VDIHW\ JXLGHOLQHV 2WKHU HTXDOO\ LPSRUWDQW DVSHFWV DUH WKH
SURIHVVLRQDO LQVWUXFWRUV DQG VWDQGDUG GLYLQJ HTXLSPHQW 7KDLODQG
is endowed with international standard diving schools with diving
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VXFK DV 3$', 3URIHVVLRQDO $VVRFLDWLRQ RI 'LYLQJ ,QVWUXFWRU  1$8,
1DWLRQDO $VVRFLDWLRQ RI 8QGHUZDWHU ,QVWUXFWRU  DQG 66, 6FXED
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open water, and advanced open water.

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charming underwater environment
combined with the modern
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courses.

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RI SUHIHUHQFHV IRU EHJLQQHUV WR H[SHULHQFHG GLYHUV DQG IURP
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LV HTXLSSHG ZLWK FRPIRUWDEOH DFFRPPRGDWLRQ IDFLOLWLHV DQG
SURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV

6 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Dive Green
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FRUDO UHHIV DQG H[SORUH WKH UHPDUNDEOH EHDXW\
XQGHUWKHZDWHUZLWKWKHLURZQH\HV$SDUWIURP
WKH H[FLWHPHQW DQG HQMR\PHQW WKH\ JHW IURP
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should also understand about the marine
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HQYLURQPHQW FRQVHUYDWLRQ ,W LV LPSRUWDQW WKDW
these natural treasures are appreciated,
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JHQHUDWLRQV 'LYLQJ WRXULVP LQ 7KDLODQG KDV
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LQFUHGLEOHPDULQHUHVRXUFHV(YHU\RQHZKHWKHULWLVGLYHUV
dive operators, or local businesses, should make a contribution in being
UHVSRQVLEOHIRUHQYLURQPHQWDOFRQVHUYDWLRQDQGVXVWDLQDEOHWRXULVP
 7KH(DVW$VLDQ6HDV5HJLRQDO
&RRUGLQDWLQJ 8QLW ($65&8 
has initiated the Green Fins
Programme to promote coral
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awareness on the importance
R I  P D U L Q H  F R Q V H U Y D W L R Q
Z L W K  W K H  Q H W Z R U N  R I  G L Y H
operators in order to protect
WKH FRUDO UHHIV LQ 6RXWKHDVW
$VLD *UHHQ )LQV 7KDLODQG ZDV
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province, with the mission to
protect and conserve coral
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implementing environmentally-
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a sustainable diving tourism
L Q G X V W U \   7 K H  Q H W Z R U N
established by Green Fins
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VXFK DV WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI
0DULQHDQG&RDVWDO5HVRXUFHV
WKH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 1DWLRQDO
3 D U N V   : L O G O L I H  D Q G  3 O D Q W
&RQVHUYDWLRQ WKH 7RXULVP
$XWKRULW\ RI 7KDLODQG KRWHOV
and resorts on the shoreline,
and dive operators.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 7


Dive Responsibly
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JXLGHV LQIRUP \RX RI WKH VLWH·V XQGHUZDWHU WHUUDLQ FXUUHQWV DQG
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dive site can be dangerous to divers.

• • •
([DPLQH DQG 'RQRWWRXFK Help
secure the diving move, or place preserving the
equipment that may things on the corals natural environment
drag and damage the or other living by not touching,
FRUDOV VXFK DV VSDUH organisms when chasing, damaging or
regulator, weight taking underwater collecting anything
belt, and gauge. photographs. IURP XQGHU WKH
water.


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sediment and damage the
FRUDOV 'R QRW VWHS RQ FRUDOV
as it will break the corals
DQGFXW\RXUIHHW

8 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand



Participate in the
water cleanup activities, not
leaving any rubbish in the water,
and not disturbing the marine
ecosystem with your hands or any tools.
• 'R QRW EX\ VRXYHQLUV PDGH ZLWK FRUDOV
VKHOOVWXUWOHVKHOOVRUSXIIHUÀVK
• 'R QRW IHHG WKH PDULQH OLIH EHFDXVH WKH\
ZLOO UHO\ RQ WKDW IRRG VRXUFH DQG LW ZLOO
interrupt their normal behaviour and cause
serious harm to their wellbeing.
• (QFRXUDJH WKH ORFDO EXVLQHVVHV RQ
the shoreline to proactively work
on their waste management
to prevent the garbage,
waste, and sewerage to
be a problem to the
coastal and marine
environment.
• (QFRXUDJH VXVWDLQDEOH ÀVKHU\
WR WKH ORFDO ÀVKHUPHQ DQG OHW
them know that they should avoid
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and during breeding seasons.
$VNWKHÀVKHUPHQQRWWRDQFKRU
RQ WKH FRUDO UHHIV DQG
use mooring buoys
instead.

For more information


please visit:
• 7RXULVP$XWKRULW\RI7KDLODQG
www.tourismthailand.org
• 'HSDUWPHQWRI1DWLRQDO3DUNV
 :LOGOLIHDQG3ODQW&RQVHUYDWLRQ
www.dnp.go.th
• $VVRFLDWLRQRI7KDLODQG8QGHUZDWHU
 6SRUWV 7KDLODQG'LYLQJ$VVRFLDWLRQ 
www.tda-thailand.org

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 9


Richelieu Rock
ONE OF THE WORLD’S TOP TEN DIVE SITES
GPS : N 8° 39.150’ E 97° 38.450’

FAST FACT
Location : 7KH1DWLRQDO3DUNLVORFDWHGLQ$PSKRH.KXUD%XULRI3KDQJQJD
  SURYLQFHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVIURP7KDS/DPX3LHULQ$PSKRH
  7KDL0XHDQJRI3KDQJQJDSURYLQFHDQGDSSUR[LPDWHO\NLORPHWUHV
  IURPWKH+DW3D7RQJ3LHULQ3KXNHWSURYLQFH
Dive Trip : %RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : %HJLQQHU$GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : 10 - 30 metres
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : .R%RQ.R7D&KDL&KULVWPDV3RLQW%DWÀVK%HQG(OHSKDQW+HDG5RFN
  'HHS6L[:HVWRI(GHQ$QLWD·V5HHI
Season : 1RYHPEHU$SULO
Corals : 7DEOHFRUDOIROLDFHRXVFRUDOERWWOHEUXVKFRUDOEUDLQFRUDOPXVKURRP
  FRUDOVSRQJHVHDIDQDQGVHDDQHPRQH
Marine life : %DUUDFXGDPDUOLQSXIIHUÀVKEXWWHUÁ\ÀVKSDUURWÀVKOLRQÀVKDQJHOÀVK
  FORZQÀVKJKRVWSLSHÀVKDQQHOLGZRUPJLDQWFODPVTXLGOREVWHU
nudibranch, sea turtle, seahorse, and crab. Whale shark and manta ray
are also sometimes sighted.
Airport : 3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car : )URP3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWGULYHIRUDURXQGNLORPHWUHVWRWKH
  7KDS/DPX3LHULQ3KDQJQJDSURYLQFHDQGHPEDUNRQDVSHHGERDW
  7KHVSHHGERDWMRXUQH\IURPWKHSLHUWRWKH0XNR6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
is approximately 70 kilometres.
By Boat : $URXQGNLORPHWUHVIURPWKH7KDS/DPX3LHULQ3KDQJQJDSURYLQFH
: $URXQGNLORPHWUHVIURPWKH+DW3D7RQJ3LHULQ3KXNHWSURYLQFH

12 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


 5HQRZQHGIRUWKHH[WUDRUGLQDU\QDWXUDO
beauty and pristine marine ecosystem, the
0XNR6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUNLVIUHTXHQWO\OLVWHG
DPRQJWKHWRSWHQGLYHGHVWLQDWLRQVRIWKH
Bangkok ZRUOG 7KH LVRODWHG ORFDWLRQ FRXSOHG ZLWK
WKH PDULWLPH LQÁXHQFH IURP WKH ,QGLDQ
Gulf of Thailand
2FHDQ DOORZV WKH 6LPLODQ DUFKLSHODJR WR
be blessed with an exceptional diversity
Phang-nga DQGDEXQGDQFHRIPDULQHOLIH
 7KH WRSRJUDSK\ RI WKH 0XNR 6LPLODQ
National Park provides divers with an array
Andaman Sea
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WXUTXRLVH VHDZDWHU (DFK LVODQG RI WKH
1DWLRQDO 3DUN KDV LWV RZQ XQLTXH IHDWXUH
and is surrounded by spectacular underwater
URFN IRUPDWLRQV DQG H[WHQVLYH FRUDO UHHIV
7KHHDVWFRDVWIHDWXUHVZKLWHVDQG\EHDFKHV
VORSLQJ GRZQ WR JDUGHQV RI HOHJDQW KDUG
Muukko Similan
M
ional Park
Naatio Phang-nga corals, whereas the granite boulders on the
ZHVW FRDVW RIIHU PRUH FKDOOHQJHV WR GLYHUV
ZLWK GUDPDWLF FOLIIV DQG VZLPWKURXJKV 7KH
VHQVDWLRQDOVLJKWWKDWGLYHUVJHWIURPGLYLQJ
WKH GLIIHUHQW GLYH VLWHV DW WKH 6LPLODQV
LQFOXGHV EXW LV QRW OLPLWHG WR D SURIXVLRQ RI
UHHI LQKDELWDQWV FRORXUIXO VRIW DQG KDUG
FRUDOVDQGVDQG\VHDEHGWKDWORRNVDVÀQH
as powder.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 13


 7KH 6LPLODQ DUFKLSHODJR FRPSULVHV QLQH
JUDQLWHLVODQGVVWUHWFKLQJIURPQRUWKWRVRXWKDQG
XVXDOO\ UHIHUUHG WR E\ D QXPEHU QDPHO\ .R %D
1JX .R.DR,VODQG1R .R6LPLODQ .R3DHW
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+RN ,VODQG1R .R+D ,VODQG1R .R0LDQJ
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1R .R3D<DQJ .R6RQJ,VODQG1R DQG
.R +X <RQJ .R 1XHQJ  ,VODQG 1R   $QRWKHU
two islands that have been included as a part
RI WKH 0XNR 6LPLODQ 1DWLRQDO 3DUN DUH .R %RQ
DQG .R 7D &KDL ERWK RI ZKLFK DUH ORFDWHG
WR WKH QRUWK RI .R .DR 7KH 1DWLRQDO 3DUN
V
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accommodation, restaurant, and camping area.
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6LPLODQ RU .R 3DHW LV D KRUVHVKRHVKDSHG LVODQG
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beach. Visitors to this island can walk up the
IDPRXV 6DLO 5RFN 9LHZSRLQW WKH V\PERO RI WKH
6LPLODQ DUFKLSHODJR DQG HQMR\ D PDJLFDO
ELUG·VH\HYLHZRIWKHVXQVHWRYHUWKHJOLVWHQLQJ
$QGDPDQ6HD

14 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


FAMOUS DIVE SITES IN
MUKO SIMILAN NATIONAL PARK :
Ko Ta Chai : 6LWXDWHG DSSUR[LPDWHO\  NLORPHWUHV
QRUWKZHVWRI.R%RQ.R7D&KDLLVDQLVODQG
ZLWK XQVSRLOHG IRUHVW DQG SRZGHU\ ZKLWH
VDQG\ EHDFK .R 7D &KDL LV IDPRXV IRU LWV
inviting crystal clear water, which is suitable
IRU ERWK VQRUNHOOLQJ DQG GLYLQJ DFWLYLWLHV
DVZHOODVIRUEHLQJRQHRIWKHSODFHVLQWKH
$QGDPDQ 6HD WR HQFRXQWHU ZKDOH VKDUN
OHRSDUGVKDUNDQGPDQWDUD\7KHPDLQGLYH
VLWHVRIWKHLVODQGDUHDURXQGWKHSODWHDXRI
URFNV DW WKH VRXWK DQG ZHVW RI WKH LVODQG
ZKLFKDUHIXOORIVRIWFRUDOVEUDLQFRUDOVDQG
JLDQWVHDIDQV.R7D&KDLLVDOVRKRPHWR
GLYHUVHPDULQHVSHFLHVVXFKDVEDUUDFXGD
EDWÀVK WUHYDOO\ FORZQÀVK JKRVW SLSHÀVK
SDUURWÀVK OLRQÀVK ZKLWHWLS UHHI VKDUN DQG
EDPERR VKDUN $QRWKHU KLJKOLJKW RI .R 7D
Chai is an onshore activity, where visitors
FDQ HQMR\ MXQJOH ZDONLQJ WR ÀQG 3X .DL
FKLFNHQ FUDE  WKDW UHVLGHV E\ WKH ZDWHU
VWUHDP 7KH KDLU\ OHJ PRXQWDLQ FUDE ZLWK
brownish-yellow body and brownish-
RUDQJH FODZ KDV JRW LWV QDPH IURP WKH
QRLVHVWKH\PDNHWKDWUHVHPEOHWKRVHRID
FKLFNHQ 6RPH EHOLHYH WKDW WKH FKLFNHQ
noise is caused when the claws hit each
other.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 15


Ko Bon : Ko Bon is a small island with no sandy
EHDFKHV ORFDWHG DURXQG  NLORPHWUHV
QRUWKHDVW RI .R .DR $OVR NQRZQ DV .R
7KDOX RU WKH LVODQG ZLWK D KROH .R %RQ
IHDWXUHV D OLPHVWRQH ULGJH ZLWK D QDWXUDO
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GLYHUVDVRQHRIWKHEHVWSODFHVLQ7KDLODQG
WRVSRWPDQWDUD\ZKLWHWLSUHHIVKDUNDQG
EDPERRVKDUN.R%RQLVDOVRIXOORIKHDOWK\
FRUDOUHHIV7KHVWHHSZDOOVDORQJWKHULGJHV
DUH SDUWLFXODUO\ EHDXWLIXO ZLWK JDUGHQV RI
SLQN VRIW FRUDOV VHD IDQV VSRQJHV DQG
QXGLEUDQFKZKHUHDVWKHQRUWKRIWKHLVODQG
SUHVHQWV D ÀHOG RI LPSUHVVLYH VWDJKRUQ
FRUDOV7KHDYHUDJHGHSWKDURXQG.R%RQLV
 PHWUHV EXW GLYHUV VKRXOG EH FDUHIXO
as the currents can be potentially strong
here.

16 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Christmas Point : 2 I I  W K H  Z H V W H U Q  V L G H  R I  . R  . D R  L V
Christmas Point, a popular dive site that
has an average depth between 5 and
 PHWUHV *UDQLWH ERXOGHUV RI GLIIHUHQW
VKDSHV DQG VL]HV DQG D P\ULDG RI
swim-throughs make the underwater
ODQGVFDSHRI&KULVWPDV3RLQWSDUWLFXODUO\
scenic. While inside the swim-throughs
DUH LQKLELWHG E\ GLIIHUHQW VSHFLHV RI ÀVK
WKHZDOOVRIWKHRXWFURSDUHFRYHUHGZLWK
PDJQLÀFHQW VHD DQHPRQH VRIW FRUDOV
DQG VHD IDQV 7KH ZRQGHUIXO GLYHUVLW\
RI PDULQH OLIH KHUH UDQJHV IURP EOXH
U L E E R Q  H H O   W R  Z K L W H W L S  U H H I  V K D U N 
grouper, barracuda, goby, and
SHDFRFN PDQWLV VKULPS )URJÀVK DUH
IRXQG KRSSLQJ DFURVV WKH VHD ÁRRU
whereas whale shark and manta ray
can occasionally be spotted.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 17


Batfish Bend : /RFDWHG RQ WKH QRUWKHDVW RI .R .DR
%DWÀVK %HQG RU 7KUHH 7UHHV FRQVLVWV RI D
KXJH VWDFN RI ERXOGHUV ZLWK DQ DYHUDJH
GHSWK RI  PHWUHV %DWÀVK %HQG LV D
vibrant dive site that is rich in diverse
DQG FRORXUIXO VHD FUHDWXUHV VXFK DV
VHD DQHPRQH IHDWKHU VWDU VSRQJH
F O R Z Q À V K   K X P S K H D G  S D U U R W À V K 
XQLFRUQÀVK EURZQPDUEOHG JURXSHU
ELJH\H VQDSSHU EDUUDFXGD SDUURWÀVK
and sea turtle. Not only can divers enjoy
exploring the small and lively marine
animals here, but they can also encounter
ELJ FUHDWXUHV VXFK DV ORQJÀQ EDWÀVK
OHRSDUG VKDUN ZKLWHWLS UHHI VKDUN DQG
manta ray.

18 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Elephant Head Rock : $OVRNQRZQDV+LQ3XVDRU+LQ+XD.DORN
(OHSKDQW +HDG 5RFN KDV JRW LWV QDPH
IURP WKH URFN WKDW MXWV RXW RI WKH ZDWHU
DQG UHVHPEOHV WKH VKDSH RI D EDWKLQJ
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Paet, this dive site has an average depth
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narrow passages, canyons, and caverns.
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PDULQH DQLPDOV VXFK DV OHRSDUG VKDUN
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damsel, harlequin shrimp, grouper,
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5RFNLVDOVRNQRZQIRULWVDEXQGDQFHRI
healthy and spectacular hard corals, as
ZHOO DV DVWRXQGLQJ VRIW FRUDOV VHD IDQV
DQGIHDWKHUVWDUV

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 19


Deep Six  'HHS6L[LVDQDWWUDFWLYHGLYHVLWHIHDWXULQJ
D FROOHFWLRQ RI KXJH JUDQLWH ERXOGHUV
ORFDWHG WR WKH QRUWK RI .R &KHW $V WKH
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can enjoy deeper diving trips with the
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endowed with numerous tunnels and
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H[SHULHQFH 7KH ZHVWHUQ VLGH RI 'HHS 6L[
LV HVSHFLDOO\ EHDXWLIXO ZLWK JRUJHRXV
I D Q  F R U D O V  D Q G  G D ] ] O L Q J  S L Q N  V R I W
FRUDOV ([DPSOH RI PDULQH OLIH IRXQG DW
'HHS 6L[ LQFOXGHV SLSHÀVK SXIIHUÀVK
OLRQÀVK EXWWHUÁ\ÀVK QXGLEUDQFK WUHYDOO\
EDUUDFXGDDQGZKLWHWLSUHHIVKDUN

20 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


West of Eden  :HVW RI (GHQ KDV JDLQHG PRUH SRSXODULW\
DIWHU WKH IDPRXV (DVW RI (GHQ ZDV FORVHG
to the public to be naturally replenished
DIWHU WKH FRUDO EOHDFKLQJ HYHQW 6LWXDWHG
WR WKH ZHVW RI .R &KHW DQG GLUHFWO\
RSSRVLWH WR WKH (DVW RI (GHQ :HVW RI
(GHQ·V XQGHUZDWHU WRSRJUDSK\ FRQVLVWV RI
ODUJHERXOGHUVWKDWVORSHIURPWRPHWUHV
7KH JUDQLWH ERXOGHUV DUH FDUSHWHG ZLWK
VSRQJHV VHD IDQV DQG D YDULHW\ RI VRIW
corals, whereas the nooks and crannies
along the walls are sheltered by several
DTXDWLF DQLPDOV VXFK DV QXGLEUDQFK
KDZNVELOO VHD WXUWOH IURJÀVK DQG WUHYDOO\
%ODFNWLSDQGZKLWHWLSUHHIVKDUNVDUHRIWHQ
IRXQGDWWKHORZHUGHSWKVRIWKLVVLWH

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 21


Anita’s Reef  6LWXDWHG DURXQG .R +D $QLWD·V 5HHI
IHDWXUHV JHQWOH VORSHV RI D UHHI ZLWK DQ
DYHUDJHGHSWKRIPHWUHVDQGERDVWLQJ
D ZHDOWK RI VWXQQLQJ FRUDOV VXFK DV
FRORXUIXO VRIW FRUDO WDEOH FRUDO DQG VHD
DQHPRQH 6RPH RI WKH PDULQH DQLPDOV
GLYHUV FDQ H[SHFW WR ÀQG KHUH LQFOXGH
EDUUDFXGD JRE\ ULEERQ HHO OLRQÀVK
stingray, harlequin shrimp, grouper and
FORZQÀVK7KHKLJKOLJKWLVWKHYDVWVDQG\VHD
ÁRRU DW D GHSWK RI DURXQG  PHWUHV
ZKHUH KXQGUHGV RI VSRWWHG JDUGHQ HHOV
FDQEHVHHQ7KHJHQWOHFXUUHQWVDW$QLWD·V
5HHI PDNH WKLV VLWH D JUHDW LQWURGXFWLRQ
WR WKH 6LPLODQ GLYH VLWHV DQG DQ LGHDO GLYH
VLWHIRUEHJLQQHUV

22 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Sample Diving Itinerary : Day 2 : 4 dives at
Day Trip: 2-3 dives Richelieu Rock and The
0XNR6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUN Muko Surin National
Park
Morning : 6SHHGERDW GHSDUWV IURP
WKH7KDS/DPX3LHUWRWKH0XNR6LPLODQ Morning - Afternoon :
National Park. 'LYH   ([SORUH WKH ULFK GLYHUVLW\ RI
'LYH ([SORUHWKHVWXQQLQJXQGHUZDWHU DTXDWLFFUHDWXUHVDW5LFKHOLHX5RFN
ZRUOG DURXQG .R .DR VXFK DV DW Evening :
&KULVWPDV3RLQWDQG%DWÀVK%HQG 'LYH 6SHQGWLPHHQMR\LQJWKHVLJKW
'LYH (QMR\GLVFRYHULQJWKHGLYHUVLW\ RI WKH XQGHUZDWHU ZRUOG DW QLJKW DW
RI PDULQH FUHDWXUHV DW .R 3DHW DQG WKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
DW(OHSKDQW+HDG5RFN 7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW
Afternoon : DWWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH PDUYHOOLQJ DW WKH Day 3 : 4 dives at
DTXDWLF DQLPDOV DQG EHDXWLIXO FRUDOV Ko Ta Chai, Ko Bon,
DW'HHS6L[DQG:HVWRI(GHQDURXQG and The Muko Similan
Ko Chet. National Park
Evening :'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDWWKH Morning :
7KDS/DPX3LHU 'LYH   %HJLQ WKH GD\ DPLGVW WKH
Remark : The itinerary is subject to change, ZRQGHUV RI QDWXUH ZLWK  GLYHV DW .R
depending on the weather conditions and
the dive operators.
7D&KDL
Afternoon:
4 Days 3 Nights 'LYH 6SHQGPRUHWLPHDSSUHFLDWLQJ
Liveaboard Diving Trip WKHDPD]LQJDEXQGDQFHRIPDULQHOLIH
.R %RQ .R 7D &KDL 0XNR 6XULQ at Ko Bon.
1DWLRQDO3DUN5LFKHOLHX5RFNDQGWKH Evening :
0XNR6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
'LYH   (QMR\ D QLJKW GLYH WR REVHUYH
Day 1 : 4 dives at WKH QLJKW VFHQHU\ RI WKH 0XNR 6LPLODQ
Ko Bon and Ko Ta Chai National Park.
Morning : 7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW
DWWKH0XNR6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
'LYH    'LVFRYHU WKH EHDXW\ RI
PDULQHOLIHDW.R%RQ
Afternoon :
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH H[SORULQJ WKH
XQGHUZDWHU ÁRUD DQG IDXQD DW .R 7D
Chai.
Evening:
'LYH 7DNHDQLJKWGLYHDW.R7D&KDL
7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW
DW.R7D&KDLDQGGHSDUWVWR5LFKHOLHX
5RFN DW WKH 0XNR 6XULQ 1DWLRQDO 3DUN
around 3 am.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 23


Day 4 : 3 dives at The Dive Green :
Muko Similan National  7KH 7KLUG 1DYDO $UHD &RPPDQG
Park. RI WKH 5R\DO 7KDL 1DY\ VWDUWHG WKH
Morning - Afternoon : $QGDPDQ 6HD 7XUWOH &RQVHUYDWLRQ
(QMR\  GLYHV DW WKH IDPRXV GLYH VLWHV Project to preserve sea turtles by
DURXQG WKH 0XNR 6LPLODQ 1DWLRQDO protecting the marine environment and
3DUN VXFK DV &KULVWPDV 3RLQW %DWÀVK ecosystem, and raising awareness to
%HQG (OHSKDQW +HDG 5RFN 'HHS 6L[ SHRSOH RI WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI WKLV
:HVWRI(GHQDQG$QLWD·V5HHI endangered creature. Microchip tags
Evening : are injected to the sea turtles to keep
WUDFN RI WKHLU SDWK ZKLOH WKH QDWXUDO
'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDWWKH7KDS/DPX habitats are restored to provide them
Pier. ZLWK VXVWDLQDEOH EUHHGLQJ VLWHV 7KH
Remark : Phang-nga Naval Base, located in
• The diving itinerary is subject to change, $PSKRH 7KDL 0XHDQJ RI 3KDQJQJD
depending on the weather conditions and the
dive operators. SURYLQFH VHUYHV DV WKH $QGDPDQ
• Most of the liveaboard diving trips at the 6HD 7XUWOH &RQVHUYDWLRQ &HQWUH ZKLOH
Muko Similan National Park already includes .R +X <RQJ .R 1XHQJ  LQ WKH 0XNR
nearby diving sites in the itinerary; such as, 6LPLODQ 1DWLRQDO 3DUN ZKLFK SURKLELWV
Richelieu Rock and the Muko Surin National
Park.
WRXULVWV IURP YLVLWLQJ WKH LVODQG VHUYHV
DVWKHQHVWLQJJURXQGRIWKHVHDWXUWOHV
Facilities :  7KH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RI WKH 0XNR
6LPLODQ 1DWLRQDO 3DUN LV SODQQLQJ WR
7KH IDFLOLWLHV RQ WKH OLYHDERDUG ERDW
install permanent concrete blocks on
LQFOXGHFRPIRUWDEOHDFFRPPRGDWLRQ
the seabed, with the weighted chain
IRRGDQGEHYHUDJHWDQNVZHLJKWEHOWV
FRQQHFWLQJ WR WKH ÁRDWLQJ PRRULQJ
DQGSURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV
buoy. Vessels coming to the Muko
6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUNFDQWKHQWLHWKHLU
mooring lines to the mooring buoy,
LQVWHDGRIGURSSLQJWKHDQFKRUZKLFK
FDQSK\VLFDOO\GDPDJHWKHFRUDOUHHIV
24 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 25
Muko Similan National Park
A Hidden Gem of the Andaman
GPS : N 9° 21.127’ E 98° 01.531’

FAST FACT
Location : 5LFKHOLHX5RFNLVVLWXDWHGLQ7DPERQ.R3KUD7KRQJ$PSKRH.KXUD%XUL
  RI3KDQJQJDSURYLQFHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVVRXWKHDVWRIWKH0XNR 
  6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUNDQGDURXQGNLORPHWUHVQRUWKHDVWRIWKH0XNR 
  6LPLODQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
Dive Trip : %RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : $GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : 15 - 30 metres
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : 5LFKHOLHX5RFN
Season : 1RYHPEHU$SULO
Corals : $YDULHW\RIVRIWFRUDOVVHDIDQVWDJKRUQFRUDOKXPSFRUDOVSRQJH
table coral, and sea whip.
Marine life : Nudibranch, harlequin shrimp, cleaner shrimp, dancing shrimp,
  VHDKRUVHFXWWOHÀVKVFKRRORIEDUUDFXGDWUHYDOO\EDWÀVKVQDSSHU
  SXIIHUÀVKKXPSKHDGSDUURWÀVKJRE\UDLQERZUXQQHUPDFNHUHOWXQD
  PRUD\HHOIURJÀVKSLQHDSSOHÀVKPDQWDUD\HDJOHUD\DQGZKDOH
shark.
Airport : 3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW5DQRQJ$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car : )URP3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWRU5DQRQJ$LUSRUWGULYHWR$PSKRH 
  .KXUD%XULRI3KDQJQJDSURYLQFHWRWKH.KXUD%XUL3LHUWRHPEDUNRQD
  ERDWWR5LFKHOLHX5RFN
By Boat : 7KHMRXUQH\IURPWKH.KXUD%XUL3LHUWRWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUNLV 
  DURXQGNLORPHWUHVDQGIURPWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUNWR5LFKHOLHX
  5RFNLVDSSUR[LPDWHO\NLORPHWUHV
28 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
 $GLYHGHVWLQDWLRQZKHUHGLYHUVIURPDOO
over the world would not want to miss while
YLVLWLQJ 7KDLODQG LV 5LFKHOLHX 5RFN /RFDWHG
LQWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUNLQ3KDQJQJD
Bangkok SURYLQFH 5LFKHOLHX 5RFN LV RQH RI WKH PRVW
EHDXWLIXOGLYHVLWHVRIWKH$QGDPDQ6HDDQG
LV UHQRZQHG IRU LWV DVWRQLVKLQJO\ DEXQGDQW
Gulf of Thailand PDULQH ZRUOG 5LFKHOLHX 5RFN LV D KXJH
horseshoe-shaped boulder with the average
depth between 5-35 metres and only breaks
Phang-nga
WKHZDWHU
VVXUIDFHGXULQJORZWLGH
Andaman Sea

Muko Surinn
National Parkk
Richelieu Rockk

Ko TTa CChai

Phang-nga

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 29


 7 K H  E R W W R P  R I  W K H  S L Q Q D F O H  L V
VXUURXQGHG E\ URFNV RI GLIIHUHQW VKDSHV
and sizes, which are home to an incredible
YDULHW\RIPDULQHOLIHVXFKDVFRORXUIXOVRIW
FRUDOV VHD DQHPRQH VHD ZKLS VFKRRO RI
EDUUDFXGD DQG EDWÀVK 1HDU WKH WRS RI
WKH ERXOGHU LV ZKHUH GLYHUV FDQ ÀQG
VHYHUDO VSHFLHV RI PDULQH FUHDWXUHV E\ WKH
FRUDO UHHIV IRU H[DPSOH QXGLEUDQFK
harlequin shrimp, cleaner shrimp, dancing
VKULPS VHDKRUVH FXWWOHÀVK DQG JRE\ WKDW
dwell in shrub corals and rock crevices.
7KH FKDQQHO LQVLGH WKH FUHVFHQW DW WKH
GHSWK RI DURXQG  PHWUHV LV WKH VKHOWHU RI
YDULRXV DTXDWLF DQLPDOV VXFK DV VFKRRO
RI WUHYDOO\ UDLQERZ UXQQHU PDFNHUHO DQG
yellowstripe scad, whereas outside walls
RIWKHFUHVFHQWLVKRPHWRGLIIHUHQWNLQGVRI
H[RWLF ÀVK VXFK DV IURJÀVK SLQHDSSOHÀVK
DQG KDUOHTXLQVKULPS 5LFKHOLHX 5RFN LV
DOVR IDPRXV DV RQH RI WKH EHVW SODFHV WR
encounter whale shark.

30 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES :
 3RSXODU GLYH VLWHV QHDU 5LFKHOLHX
5RFN WKDW DUH XVXDOO\ LQFOXGHG LQ WKH
OLYHDERDUG WULS DUH .R %RQ DQG .R 7D
&KDL 7KHVH WZR LVODQGV DWWUDFW GLYHUV
with their amazing biodiversity and
DWWUDFWLYH FRUDO UHHIV DQG WKH\ DUH
known to be dive sites where whale
shark, leopard shark, and manta ray are
IUHTXHQWO\ VLJKWHG 7KH 0XNR 6LPLODQ
1DWLRQDO3DUNWKDWERDVWVVHYHUDOIDPRXV
dive sites is also nearby.
Remark : More information on Ko Bon, Ko Ta Chai,
and the Muko Similan National Park is in the
Muko Similan National Park section.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 31


Sample Diving Itinerary : Evening :
Day Trip: 2 dives ' L Y H    ( [ S H U L H Q F H  D  G L I I H U H Q W
5LFKHOLHX5RFN X Q G H U Z D W H U  H Q Y L U R Q P H Q W  R I  W K H
Morning - Afternoon : 5LFKHOLHX5RFNZLWKDQLJKWGLYH
'LYH   ([SORUH WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH 7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW
XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGIXOORIPDULQHDQLPDOV DWWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
DQGEHDXWLIXOFRUDOVDW5LFKHOLHX5RFN
Evening :
Day 2 : 4 dives at Richelieu
'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDWWKH.KXUD%XUL Rock and The Muko Surin
3LHURU7KDS/DPX3LHU National Park
Morning :
3 days 2 nights 'LYH   6SHQG WKH PRUQLQJ LQ WKH
liveaboard diving trip mesmerising underwater world at
5 L F K H O L H X  5 R F N   7 K H  0 X N R  6 X U L Q 5LFKHOLHX5RFNZLWKGLYHV
1DWLRQDO3DUN
Afternoon :
Day 1 : 4 dives at 'LYH   7DNH WKH ODVW GLYH WR H[SORUH
Richelieu Rock PRUHRI5LFKHOLHX5RFNEHIRUHOHDYLQJ
Morning : WRWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
'LYH   6WDUW WKH WULS ZLWK  GLYHV WR Evening :
GLVFRYHUWKHEHDXW\RIQDWXUHDURXQG
'LYH (QMR\DQLJKWGLYHDWWKH0XNR
5LFKHOLHX5RFN
6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
Afternoon : 7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW
'LYH   7DNH DQRWKHU GLYH WR H[SORUH DWWKH0XNR6XULQ1DWLRQDO3DUN
WKHPDULQHGLYHUVLW\RI5LFKHOLHX5RFN

32 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Day 3 : 3 dives
Day dive
di ves
s at
The Muko
T M Surin
S
National Park
Morning - Afternoon :
'LYH 8QFRYHUWKHQDWXUDOZRQGHUV
XQGHU WKH ZDWHU RI WKH 0XNR 6XULQ
National Park.
Evening :
'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDWWKH.KXUD%XUL
Pier.
Remark :
Boat services for a 1-day trip and liveaboard
diving trip operate from the Khura Buri Pier
and Thap Lamu Pier.
The diving itinerary is subject to change,
depending on the weather conditions and
the dive operators.

Facilities :
7KH IDFLOLWLHV RQ WKH OLYHDERDUG ERDW
LQFOXGHFRPIRUWDEOHDFFRPPRGDWLRQ
IRRG DQG EHYHUDJH WDQNV ZHLJKW
EHOWVDQGSURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV
Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 33
Richelieu Rock
Hin Daeng
· Hin Muang
· Muko Ha

A WORLD RENOWNED DIVE


DESTINATION OF THE ANDAMAN SEA
GPS : N 7° 16.886’ E 99° 03.306’

FAST FACT
Location : 7KH1DWLRQDO3DUNLVDERXWNLORPHWUHVIURP$PSKRH
Mueang Krabi.
Dive Trip : 5HVRUW%RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : $GYDQFHG,QWHUPHGLDWH
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : PHWUHV
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : +LQ'DHQJ+LQ0XDQJ0XNR+D
Season : November - May
Corals : ([FHOOHQWYDULHW\RIFRUDOVVXFKDVFRORXUIXOVRIWFRUDOVWDJKRUQ
  FRUDOPXVKURRPFRUDOERWWOHEUXVKFRUDOVSRQJHVHDIDQDQG
anemone.
Marine life : 6FKRRORIEDUUDFXGDVFKRRORIWUHYDOO\PDFNHUHOVQDSSHU
  ZKDOHVKDUNOHRSDUGVKDUNPDQWDUD\DQGERZPRXWKJXLWDUÀVK
Airport : .UDEL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW

36 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Transfer
By Car : )URP.UDEL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWLQ$PSKRH
Bangkok
Mueang Krabi, drive to Ban Hua Hin Pier
  ZKHUHWKHFDUIHUU\WDNHVDURXQG
Gulf of Thailand
  PLQXWHVWRUHDFK.R/DQWD1RL2QFHDW
  .R/DQWD1RLIROORZWKHVLJQVWR/DQJ6RW
  3LHUWRJHWRQDQRWKHUFDUIHUU\WR.R
  /DQWD<DL
Andaman Sea
Krabi Remark : A construction of bridge connecting
  .R/DQWD<DLDQG.R/DQWD1RLLVGXHWRÀQLVK
in 2015. Please check for updates on the
Krabi project prior to travelling.
Hin Pier
ann Hua Hin
BBan Pieer By Boat : 3DN.KORQJ&KLODW3LHU$PSKRH0XHDQJ
Krabi, Krabi Province
Ko Lannnttta Noi : +DW1RSSKDUDW7KDUD3LHU$PSKRH
Mueang Krabi, Krabi Province
: .R&KDP3LHU$PSKRH1XHD.KORQJ
Lanta Yai
Koo Lanta YYa Krabi Province
: 7RQ6DL3LHU0XNR3KL3KL.UDEL3URYLQFH
Ko Moo Koo NNgai : 6HYHUDOERDWVHUYLFHVRSHUDWHIURP
Muko Lannta   .R/DQWD<DLWRRWKHULVODQGVDWWKH6DOD
ark
National Park
  'DQ3LHU.UDEL3URYLQFH
Muko
ko Ha KKo Rok Nai
Ko Rok Nok

Hin Daengg · Hin Muangg

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 37


 0 X N R  / D Q W D  1 D W L R Q D O  3 D U N  L V  D
GHVWLQDWLRQ IRU IDPRXV GLYH VLWHV RI WKH
$QGDPDQ 6HD DPRQJ GLYHUV IURP DOO RYHU
the world, as it is blessed with an abundance
RIQDWXUDOUHVRXUFHVERWKRQODQGDQGLQWKH
ZDWHU &RYHULQJ DQ DUHD RI  NLORPHWUHV
LQ$PSKRH.R/DQWDRI.UDELSURYLQFHWKH
1DWLRQDO 3DUN FRQVLVWV RI RYHU  EHDXWLIXO
LVODQGV DQG FRPSULVHV EHDFK IRUHVWV
PDQJURYH IRUHVWV D QG D Q LQWULJXLQJ
FROOHFWLRQRIPDULQHOLIH
 7KH PDLQ LVODQG DQG WKH FHQWUH RI DOO
WKHDFWLRQVRI0XNR/DQWD1DWLRQDO3DUNLV.R
/DQWD <DL 2Q WKLV LVODQG YLVLWRUV FDQ ÀQG D
ZLGH UDQJH RI WRXULVW IDFLOLWLHV LQFOXGLQJ
accommodation, tour operators, and
UHVWDXUDQWV/RFDWHGRQWKHQRUWKHUQHQGRI
.R/DQWD<DLLVWKH6DOD'DQ3LHUWKHVWDUWLQJ
SRLQW RI WKH GLYLQJ WULSV DQG H[FXUVLRQV WR
other islands, whereas at the southern tip
RI WKH LVODQG DW %DQ /DHP 7DQRW LV WKH
1DWLRQDO 3DUN
V +HDGTXDUWHUV 6HYHUDO
JRUJHRXV EHDFKHV GRW WKH ZHVW VLGH RI
.R/DQWD<DLIURPQRUWKWRVRXWKZKLOHWKH
PDQJURYH IRUHVWV IULQJH WKH FRDVWOLQH RQ
the east.

38 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


FAMOUS DIVE SITES IN MUKO LANTA
NATIONAL PARK :
Hin Daeng : 5HJDUGHGDVRQHRIWKHZRUOG
VWRSWHQGLYH
VSRWV+LQ'DHQJLVZLWKRXWGRXEWDSRSXODU
GLYH VLWH RI WKH 6RXWKHUQ $QGDPDQ 6HD
+LQ'DHQJLVDODUJHVXEPHUJHGSLQQDFOH
ZLWKWKUHHSHDNVWKDWSURWUXGHWKHVXUIDFH
RIWKHZDWHU/RFDWHGDERXWNLORPHWUHV
VRXWKZHVWRI.R/DQWD<DLEHWZHHQ7UDQJ
DQG .UDEL WKLV IDPRXV GLYH VLWH KDV DQ
DYHUDJHGHSWKEHWZHHQDQGPHWUHV
´+LQ'DHQJµRU´UHGURFNµKDVJRWLWVQDPH
IURP WKH GD]]OLQJ DUUD\ RI UHG VRIW
corals that cover the pinnacle, which is
HVSHFLDOO\ EHDXWLIXO GXULQJ VXQVHW DV WKH
URFN JORZV UHG 7KH VORSHV DQG ULGJHV RQ
WKHHDVWHUQVLGHRI+LQ'DHQJDUHHQGRZHG
with impressive corals, sea anemones, sea
IDQVDQGVPDOODTXDWLFFUHDWXUHVVXFKDV
FORZQÀVKVHDKRUVHJKRVWSLSHÀVKFOHDQHU
VKULPSDQGJUHHQVSRWWHGSXIIHU,IOXFN\
divers might spot barracuda, manta rays,
OHRSDUGVKDUNVZKDOHVKDUNVDQGJUH\UHHI
sharks around the boulder.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 39


Hin Muang : /RFDWHGDURXQGPHWUHVIURP+LQ'DHQJ
Hin Muang is also rated among the top ten
GLYHVSRWVLQWKHZRUOG8QOLNHLWVQHLJKERXU
WKHQDUURZDQGORQJULGJHZLWKVWHHSFOLIIV
RI+LQ0XDQJDUHFRPSOHWHO\VXEPHUJHG
ZLWK DQ DYHUDJH GHSWK RI  PHWUHV
7KHQDPH´+LQ0XDQJµRU´SXUSOHURFNµLV
GHULYHGIURPWKHGHQVHSXUSOHVRIWFRUDOV
WKDWFDUSHWWKHZDOOVRIWKHRXWFURSV7KH
QRRNV DQG FUDQQLHV DORQJ WKH FOLII ZDOOV
DUH LQKDELWHG E\ VPDOO PDULQH DQLPDOV
such as, seahorse, harlequin shrimp, and
JKRVWSLSHÀVK7KHRWKHUVLGHRIWKHURFNLV
IXOO RI VRIW FRUDOV VHD DQHPRQH DQG D
UHPDUNDEOH YDULHW\ RI ÀVK IRU H[DPSOH
WUHYDOO\WXQDEDUUDFXGDJUH\UHHIVKDUN
mackerel, and rainbow runner. Hin Muang
LV EHFRPLQJ D IDPRXV GLYH VLWH GXH WR
IUHTXHQWVLJKWLQJVRIZKDOHVKDUNVOHRSDUG
sharks, manta rays, and moray eels.

40 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Muko Ha : $QRWKHU IDVFLQDWLQJ GLYH VLWH ZLWKLQ WKH
0XNR /DQWD 1DWLRQDO 3DUN LV 0XNR +D DQ
DUFKLSHODJR RI  XQLQKDELWHG OLPHVWRQH
LVODQGV ORFDWHG DERXW  NLORPHWUHV ZHVW
RI .R /DQWD <DL 7KH QRUWKHUQPRVW LVODQG
FDOOHG.R+D1XHDRU.R+D1RIHDWXUHV
a prominent dive site on the west called the
´&KLPQH\µ 1DPHG DIWHU WKH FKLPQH\OLNH
VWUXFWXUH RI WKH XQGHUZDWHU FDYH WKH
&KLPQH\ ERDVWV YLEUDQW SXUSOH VRIW FRUDOV
WKDW JORZ EHDXWLIXOO\ DV WKH\ UHÁHFW WKH
VXQOLJKWIURPDERYH6LWXDWHGWRWKHVRXWKRI
.R+D1XHDDUH.R+D1R.R+D1R
DQG.R+D1RZLWKDGLYHVLWHUHIHUUHGWR
DV D ´ODJRRQµ ORFDWHG EHWZHHQ WKH 
LVODQGV 7KH DYHUDJH GHSWK DURXQG WKH
ODJRRQ LV  PHWUHV VXLWDEOH IRU ERWK
snorkelling and diving, in which divers
HQMR\VSRWWLQJDQDPD]LQJUDQJHRIPDULQH
FUHDWXUHV VXFK DV OREVWHU JKRVW SLSHÀVK
DQG VTXLG 7KH KLJKOLJKW LV WKH &DWKHGUDO
ZKLFKFDQEHIRXQGDW.R+D<DLRU.R+D
1RWKHODVWDQGODUJHVWLVODQGRI0XNR+D
$VHULHVRILQWULJXLQJFDYHUQVZLWKVWDODFWLWHV
and swim-throughs, the Cathedral is home
WRDZRQGHUIXOGLYHUVLW\RIPDULQHOLIHVXFK
DV VZHHSHU OLRQÀVK KDUOHTXLQ VKULPS
QXGLEUDQFKDVZHOODVFRORXUIXOVRIWFRUDOV
Moray eels, manta rays, whale sharks and
leopard sharks are occasionally sighted
here.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 41


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES :
 $GLYHVLWHQHDU0XNR+DWKDWLVIDPRXVDPRQJVW
divers and almost always included in a Ko Ha
OLYHDERDUG WULS LV 0XNR 3KL 3KL $ SDUW RI WKH +DW
1RSSKDUDW7KDUD0XNR3KL3KL1DWLRQDO3DUN0XNR
3KL 3KL LV DQ DUFKLSHODJR FRPSRVHG RI OLPHVWRQH
FOLIIV DQG LV HQGRZHG ZLWK DEXQGDQW FRUDO UHHIV
DQGPDULQHDQLPDOV$ERXWPLQXWHVIURP0XNR
3KL3KLLV6KDUN3RLQW +LQ0X6DQJ DIDPRXVGLYH
VLWH ZKHUH OHRSDUG VKDUNV DUH RIWHQ VSRWWHG 1RW
IDU IURP 6KDUN 3RLQW LV WKH .LQJ &UXLVHU :UHFN DQ
DWWUDFWLYHGLYHVLWHIXOORIFRORXUIXOFRUDOVZKHUHDV
night diving enthusiasts would enjoy diving at
.R5RN
Remark : More information is in the King Cruiser Wreck - Shark
Point - Anemone Reef section.

Sample Diving Itinerary : Day 1: 4 dives at Muko Ha


Day Trip : 2-3 dives Morning :
+LQ'DHQJ+LQ0XDQJ0XNR+D 'LYH ([SORUHWKHGLYHUVLW\RIPDULQH
Morning : OLIHDW0XNR+D
'HSDUW.R/DQWD<DLWR+LQ'DHQJ Afternoon :
Hin Muang.
'LYH   6SHQG PRUH WLPH GLYLQJ DW
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH
Muko Ha.
marine animals, as well as red corals
DQGSLQNFRUDOVDW+LQ'DHQJ Evening :
'LYH (QMR\H[SORULQJWKHPHVPHULVLQJ 'LYH   ([SHULHQFH WKH VSHFWDFXODU
S X U S O H  F R U D O V  D Q G  W K H  E H D X W L I X O XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGRI0XNR+DDWQLJKW
underwater world at Hin Muang. with the night dive.
Afternoon : 2YHUQLJKWDW0XNR+D
'HSDUWIRU0XNR+D
Day 2 : 4 dives at
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH PDUYHOOLQJ DW Hin Daeng - Hin Muang
WKH ULFKQHVV RI WKH DTXDWLF FUHDWXUHV
Early morning :
around Muko Ha.
'HSDUW 0XNR +D WR +LQ 'DHQJ  +LQ
Evening : Muang.
$UULYHEDFNDW.R/DQWD<DL Morning :
'LYH   ([SORUH WKH EHDXWLIXO XQGHU
4 days 3 nights
water world at Hin Muang.
Liveaboard diving trip
'LYH 'LVFRYHUWKHZRQGHUVRIQDWXUH
0XNR+D+LQ'DHQJ+LQ0XDQJ XQGHUWKHZDWHUDW+LQ'DHQJ
.R5RN.R3KL3KL6KDUN3RLQW 'LYH 6SHQGPRUHWLPHGLYLQJDWWKH
+LQ0X6DQJ .LQJ&UXLVHU:UHFN LQFUHGLEOH+LQ'DHQJ+LQ0XDQJ
Remark : The liveaboard trip begins by Late afternoon:
departing Phuket around midnight and arriving
at Muko Ha in the early morning. 'HSDUW +LQ 'DHQJ  +LQ 0XDQJ IRU .R
5RN
42 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
Evening : Facilities :
'LYH (QMR\WKHQLJKWGLYHDW.R5RN 7KH IDFLOLWLHV RQ WKH OLYHDERDUG
7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW E R D W  L Q F O X G H  F R P I R U W D E O H
DW.R5RN D F F R P P R G D W L R Q   I R R G  D Q G
beverage, tanks, weight belts, and
Day 3 : 3 dives at Ko Bida SURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV
Nok and Ko Bida Nai
Morning : Accommodation :
'HSDUW.R5RNIRU.R3KL3KL $ ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ
Morning - Afternoon : LV DYDLODEOH RQ .R /DQWD <DL D IHZ
examples include :
(QMR\  GLYHV DURXQG .R %LGD 1RN DQG
Ko Bida Nai. • 3LPDODL5HVRUWDQG6SD
 7HO
Evening :
www.pimalai.com
7KH OLYHDERDUG ERDW PRRUV RYHUQLJKW • $PDQWUD5HVRUWDQG6SD
at Ko Phi Phi.  7HO
www.amantraresort.com
Day 4 : 3 dives at Shark • 'UHDP7HDP%HDFK5HVRUW 
Point and King Cruiser  7HO
Wreck www.dreamteambeachresort.com
Early morning :
'HSDUW.R3KL3KLIRU6KDUN3RLQW
Morning – Afternoon :
(QMR\GLYHVDW6KDUN3RLQWDQGWKH.LQJ
Cruiser Wreck.
Dive Green:
Nowadays the ornamental
Evening :
ÀVK ZKLFK DUH LPSRUWDQW WR WKH
'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNLQ3KXNHW V X V W D L Q D E L O L W \  R I  W K H  P D U L Q H
Remark: ecosystem, have gradually declined
• The diving itinerary is subject to change, in numbers due to natural and
depending on the weather conditions and the
dive operators.
KXPDQ FDXVHV 7KH 'HSDUWPHQW RI
• Most of the liveaboard diving trips at Muko 1DWLRQDO 3DUNV :LOGOLIH DQG 3ODQW
Lanta National Park already includes nearby Conservation has joined hands with
diving sites in the itinerary; such as, Muko Phi Phi, WKH .UDEL &RDVWDO )LVKHULHV 5HVHDUFK
Shark Point (Hin Mu Sang), King Cruiser Wreck, DQG'HYHORSPHQW&HQWUHDQGWKRVH
and Ko Rok.
ZKR VHH WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI PDULQH
conservation and started the project
WR UHOHDVH RUQDPHQWDO ÀVK VXFK
DV FORZQÀVK VHDKRUVH \HOORZWDLO
damsel, lemon damsel, and spotted
VFDW WR WKH VHD LQ WKH 0XNR /DQWD
1 D W L R Q D O  3 D U N   2 W K H U  P D U L Q H
conservation activities being carried
out at the National Park include
UHPRYLQJ ÀVKLQJ QHWV XQGHU WKH
ZDWHUDQGFRQVHUYLQJWKHFRUDOUHHIV
RIWKH6RXWKHUQ$QGDPDQ6HD

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 43


Muko Lanta National Park
A WORLD FAMOUS DIVE PARADISE
IN THE GULF OF THAILAND
GPS: N 10° 06.012’ E 99° 50.413’

FAST FACT
Location : $SSUR[LPDWHO\NLORPHWUHVQRUWKZHVWRI.R3KDQJDQDURXQG
  NLORPHWUHVIURP.R6DPXLDERXWNLORPHWUHVIURPWKHFRDVWRI
  &KXPSKRQSURYLQFHDQGDURXQGNLORPHWUHVIURPWKHFRDVWRI
  6XUDW7KDQLSURYLQFH
Dive Trip : 5HVRUW%RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : %HJLQQHU$GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : 5 - 15 metres
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : &KXPSKRQ3LQQDFOH6KDUN,VODQG6DLO5RFN+LQ3KDH
Season : 0D\2FWREHU
Corals : Black coral, orange cup coral, staghorn coral, brain coral, sea
anemone, sponge, and sea whip.
Marine life : &KULVWPDVWUHHZRUPJLDQWFODPWXUWOHVNXQNFORZQÀVK,QGR3DFLÀF
  VHUJHDQWVFKRROVRIEDWÀVKVFKRROVRI\HOORZVWULSHVFDGVFKRROVRI
  EDUUDFXGDWULJJHUÀVKWUHYDOO\VQDSSHUJLDQWJURXSHUOHRSDUGVKDUN
whale shark, bull shark, manta ray, and bluespotted stingray.
Airport : 6DPXL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW&KXPSKRQ$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car : )URP6DPXL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWGULYHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVWRWKH
  1D7KRQ3LHULQ6XUDW7KDQLSURYLQFH
: )URP&KXPSKRQ$LUSRUWGULYHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVWRWKH7KD<DQJ
Pier in Chumphon province.
By Boat : 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH1D7KRQ3LHULQ.R6DPXL6XUDW7KDQLSURYLQFH
  WRWKH0DH+DW3LHULQ.R7DRLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH7KD<DQJ3LHULQ&KXPSKRQSURYLQFHWR
  0DH+DW3LHULQ.R7DRLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
46 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
 $ ZRUOG IDPRXV GLYH GHVWLQDWLRQ LQ WKH
*XOIRI7KDLODQG.R7DRLVVLWXDWHGLQ$PSKRH
.R3KDQJDQRI6XUDW7KDQLSURYLQFH.R7DR
FRPSULVHV PRVWO\ RI PRXQWDLQRXV DUHDV
Z K H U H  W K H  F R D V W O L Q H V  D U H  I U L Q J H G  E \
Bangkok PDJQLÀFHQW ZKLWH VDQG\ EHDFKHV 7KH
VSHFWDFXODU XQGHUZDWHU ZRUOG RI .R 7DR
ERDVWV D ULFK GLYHUVLW\ RI PDULQH OLIH DQG
Gulf of Thailand IHUWLOH FRUDO UHHIV WKDW H[WHQG IRU VHYHUDO
Chumphon
NLORPHWUHV7KHLVODQGLVQRWRQO\ZKHUHERWK
ORFDOV DQG IRUHLJQHUV FRPH WR UHOD[ GLYH
Surat Thani
DQGVQRUNHOEXW.R7DRLVDOVRNQRZQWREH
Andaman Sea a great place to learn to dive.
 .R 7DR RU WKH 7XUWOH ,VODQG ZDV QDPHG
DIWHU WKH DEXQGDQFH RI VHD WXUWOHV WKDW
Ko TTao QHVWHGLQWKHDUHDLQWKHSDVW/RFDWHGLQD
UHPRWHORFDWLRQ.R7DRZDVDQXQLQKDELWHG
LVODQG XQWLO  ZKHQ LW ZDV XVHG DV D
Phha-ng
Ph ggaann
haa nga
Koo Pha SROLWLFDO SULVRQ $IWHU WKH SULVRQHUV ZHUH
pardoned and returned to the mainland
Ko Samui LQ  D IHZ IDPLOLHV VWDUWHG PRYLQJ RQWR
WKHLVODQGLQDQGWKHRQFHDEDQGRQHG
Surat Thani island gradually became a lively paradise.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 47


 1RZDGD\V.R7DRLVIXOO\HTXLSSHGZLWK
D NLORPHWUHORQJ FRQFUHWH URDG WKDW
FRQQHFWV WKH QRUWK HQG RI WKH LVODQG WR
W K H  V R X W K   $ Q  H [ W H Q V L Y H  V H O H F W L R Q  R I
accommodation dots the island, especially
DURXQG%DQ0DH+DWWKHFHQWUHRIWKH.R7DR
FRPPXQLW\ ZKHUH YLVLWRUV FDQ ÀQG D SLHU
restaurants, shops and several diving schools.
 7KHGLYHVLWHVDURXQG.R7DRRIIHUDUDQJH
RI RSWLRQV IRU GLIIHUHQW SUHIHUHQFHV DQG VNLOO
OHYHOV EHFDXVH HDFK VLWH YDULHV LQ WHUPV RI
QDWXUDO EHDXW\ DQG GLIÀFXOW\ .R 7DR LV
regarded as the world’s biggest dive school
DVWKHGLYHVLWHVDURXQGWKHDUHDDUHLGHDOIRU
GLYLQJ FRXUVHV IURP EHJLQQHU WR DGYDQFHG
level. Countless local dive operators can be
IRXQGRQWKHLVODQGDQGVHYHUDOGLYHVFKRROV
IURP RWKHU SODFHV DOVR FRPH WR .R 7DR WR
FRQGXFWWKHLUFRXUVHVKHUH7KHGLYHUVHGLYH
sites coupled with the intriguing natural
EHDXW\ KDYH PDGH .R 7DR WR EH OLVWHG
DPRQJVW WKH WRS GHVWLQDWLRQV LQ 6RXWKHDVW
$VLD ZKHUH GLYHUV FRPH WR FRPSOHWH WKHLU
3$',GLYHPDVWHUFRXUVHV

48 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


FAMOUS DIVE SITES IN KO TAO
Chumphon Pinnacle :
  7KHEHVWDQGPRVWSRSXODUGLYHVLWHLQWKH
*XOI RI 7KDLODQG &KXPSKRQ 3LQQDFOH LV
situated around 11 kilometres northwest
RI .R 7DR 7KH PHWUHKLJK JLJDQWLF
granite pinnacle is submerged in the crystal
FOHDUZDWHUDQGLVFRYHUHGZLWKFRORXUIXO
VHDDQHPRQHVEODFNFRUDOVDQGVHDIDQV
:LWKDQDYHUDJHGHSWKRIEHWZHHQDQG
30 metres, Chumphon Pinnacle is home to
VHYHUDO YDULHWLHV RI ÀVK VXFK DV EDWÀVK
EDUUDFXGD DQG SRWDWR FRG 7KLV IDPRXV
dive site is also where bull sharks and
PDQWDUD\VDUHRIWHQVLJKWHG

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 49


Shark Island  /RFDWHGWRWKHVRXWKHDVWRI.R7DR6KDUN
,VODQG LV D JUDQLWH ERXOGHU WKDW EUHDNV
WKH ZDWHU·V VXUIDFH DQG ORRNV OLNH D VPDOO
URFN\ LVODQG ZLWK QR VDQG\ EHDFKHV 7KH
XQGHUZDWHU WRSRJUDSK\ RI 6KDUN ,VODQG
FRPSULVHV WZR URFN IRUPDWLRQV WKDW DUH
FRQQHFWHG DW WKH EDVH DQG D JURXS RI
VPDOOERXOGHUIRUPDWLRQVRQWKHHDVWVLGH
7KH UHHIV DUH FDUSHWHG ZLWK VRIW FRUDOV RI
GLIIHUHQW FRORXUV VXFK DV UHG SLQN DQG
purple, as well as black corals, staghorn
corals, brain corals, mushroom corals,
VSRQJHV VHD IDQV DQG VHD ZKLSV 7KH
DPD]LQJGLYHUVLW\RIÀVKWKDWFDQEHIRXQG
KHUH UDQJHV IURP EOXHVSRWWHG VWLQJUD\
WR VNXQN FORZQÀVK QXGLEUDQFK WXUWOH
WLJHUÀVK PRUD\ HHO EDUUDFXGD WUHYDOO\
F O R Z Q  W U L J J H U À V K   D Q G  E X W W H U Á \ À V K 
2FFDVLRQDOO\ EODFNWLS UHHI VKDUNV DQG
ZKLWHWLS UHHI VKDUNV DUH VSRWWHG LQ WKH
DUHD 6KDUN ,VODQG KDV DQ DYHUDJH GHSWK
RI  PHWUHV EXW GLYHUV VKRXOG EH
FDUHIXO DV WKH FXUUHQWV FDQ VRPHWLPHV
be strong here.

50 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Sail Rock  $OVRNQRZQDV+LQ%DL6DLO5RFNLVDODUJH
JUDQLWH SLQQDFOH WKDW EUHDNV WKH VXUIDFH
WR WKH VRXWK RI .R 7DR 6DLO 5RFN KDV DQ
DYHUDJH GHSWK RI EHWZHHQ  DQG 
PHWUHVDQGLVIDPRXVIRULWVFKLPQH\ZKLFK
LVDYHUWLFDOVZLPWKURXJKWKDWZDVIRUPHG
E\ QDWXUDO HURVLRQ 'LYHUV FDQ HQWHU WKH
FKLPQH\ DW D GHSWK RI DURXQG  PHWUHV
DQGH[LWDWDERXWPHWUHV7KHVWHHSZDOOV
RI6DLO5RFNWKDWDUHFRYHUHGE\JRUJHRXV
sea anemones, sea whips, and orange
VSRQJHVRIIHUDJUHDWZDOOGLYH+HUHGLYHUV
FDQ HQFRXQWHU D YDULHW\ RI PDULQH
DQLPDOV VXFK DV JLDQW JURXSHU EDWÀVK
snapper, barracuda, moray eel, grouper,
\HOORZVWULSH VFDG VNXQN FORZQÀVK DQG
whale shark.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 51


Hin Phae  (YHQ WKRXJK +LQ 3KDH LV VLWXDWHG QHDU
K o N g a m N oi a nd Ko Nga m Y a i in
&KXPSKRQ SURYLQFH DQG IXUWKHU DZD\
IURP.R7DRWKLVIDPRXVGLYHVLWHLVXVXDOO\
LQFOXGHGLQWKH.R7DRGLYLQJLWLQHUDU\GXH
WR IUHTXHQW VLJKWLQJV RI ZKDOH VKDUNV
+LQ3KDHLVDJURXSRIURFNIRUPDWLRQVWKDW
projects above the water and has an
DYHUDJHGHSWKRIPHWUHV6RPHRIWKH
VHD FUHDWXUHV IRXQG DW WKLV GLYH VLWH
LQFOXGH VFKRROV RI EDUUDFXGD EDWÀVK
JLDQW JURXSHU EXWWHUÁ\ÀVK VWLQJUD\
WXUWOH DQG JLDQW FODP 7KH XQGHUZDWHU
ZRUOG DW +LQ 3KDH LV SDUWLFXODUO\ EHDXWLIXO
ZLWKDQDUUD\RIFRORXUIXOÁRUDDQGIDXQD
such as, sea anemones, black corals, and
sea whips.

52 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES :
 'LYHUV ZKR YLVLW .R 7DR VKRXOG QRW
miss the opportunity to dive at Ko Nang
Yuan, which is located approximately
 PHWUHV QRUWKZHVW RI .R 7DR %OHVVHG
with natural beauty both on land and
under the water, Ko Nang Yuan is an
LQFUHGLEO\ IDVFLQDWLQJ GLYH VLWH IXOO RI
diverse marine animals, as well as healthy
DQGFRORXUIXOFRUDOV

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 53


Sample Diving Itinerary : Afternoon :
Day Trip : 3 dives 'LYH 6SHQGWLPHPDUYHOOLQJDWWKH
&KXPSKRQ3LQQDFOHDQG6DLO5RFN ZRQGHUVRIQDWXUHDW+LQ3KDH
Morning - Afternoon : Evening :
'HSDUWIURPWKH0DH+DW3LHULQ.R7DR 'LYH 7DNHDQLJKWGLYHDW+LQ3KDH
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH 6WD\RYHUQLJKWRQERDUG
XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGIXOORIDPD]LQJFRUDOV
DQGPDULQHOLIHDW&KXPSKRQ3LQQDFOH Day 2 : 4 dives at
Evening :
Chumphon Pinnacle,
Sail Rock, and Ko Tao
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH H[SORULQJ WKH
Morning :
QDWXUDOEHDXW\RIWKH*XOIRI7KDLODQG
DWWKH6DLO5RFN 'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH ULFK GLYHUVLW\ RI
'HSDUW WR GLVHPEDUN DW WKH 0DH +DW PDULQHOLIHDW&KXPSKRQ3LQQDFOH
3LHULQ.R7DR Afternoon :
3 days 3 nights 'LYH   6SHQG WLPH H[SORULQJ WKH
liveaboard diving trip XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGDW6DLO5RFN
. R  + L Q  / D N  1 J D P   + L Q  3 K D H  Evening :
&KXPSKRQ 3LQQDFOH 6DLO 5RFN DQG 'LYH   (QMR\ REVHUYLQJ WKH QLJKW
.R7DR  VFHQHU\XQGHUWKHZDWHUDW.R7DR
Remark : The liveaboard trip begins by 6WD\RYHUQLJKWRQERDUG
departing the Tha Yang Pier in Chumphon
province at night.
Day 3 : 4 dives at
Day 1 : 4 dives at Ko Hin Chumphon Pinnacle,
Lak Ngam and Hin Phae Hin Phae, and Ko Hin
Lak Ngam
Morning :
' L Y H   ( [ S O R U H  W K H  E H D X W L I X O Morning :
XQGHUZDWHU ÁRUD DQG IDXQD DW .R +LQ 'LYH (QMR\GLYLQJLQWKHPHVPHULVLQJ
/DN1JDP underwater world at Chumphon
Pinnacle.
Afternoon :
'LYH   6SHQG PRUH WLPH REVHUYLQJ
WKH YDULHW\ RI DTXDWLF FUHDWXUHV DW
Hin Phae.
Evening :
'LYH 7DNHWKHODVWGLYHDW.R+LQ/DN
Ngam.
'HSDUW WR GLVHPEDUN DW WKH 7KD <DQJ
Pier.
Remark : The diving itinerary is subject to change,
depending on the weather conditions and the
dive operators. Most of the liveaboard diving
trips at Ko Tao already include nearby diving
sites in the itinerary; such as, Muko Chumphon
National Park (more information is in the Muko
Chumphon National Park section).

54 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Facilities : Dive Green :
7KH IDFLOLWLHV RQ WKH OLYHDERDUG ERDW  7KH6DYH.RK7DR*URXS.R7DR
LQFOXGHFRPIRUWDEOHDFFRPPRGDWLRQ 6XEGLVWULFW 0XQLFLSDOLW\ .R 6DPXL
IRRGDQGEHYHUDJHWDQNVZHLJKWEHOWV 7RXULVP&RRUGLQDWLRQ&HQWUHDQGWKH
DQGSURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV 7RXULVP $XWKRULW\ RI 7KDLODQG KDYH
been working together in organising
DQ DQQXDO HYHQW FDOOHG ´.R 7DR
Accommodation : )HVWLYDOµ IRU PDQ\ \HDUV 7KH )HVWLYDO
$ ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ LV aims to raise awareness to the locals
DYDLODEOH RQ .R 7DR D IHZ H[DPSOHV DQGWRXULVWVRIVXVWDLQDEOHWRXULVPDQG
include: WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI ODQG DQG PDULQH
•%DQ·V'LYLQJ5HVRUW FRQVHUYDWLRQ 7KH IXQÀOOHG DFWLYLWLHV
 7HO RI WKH )HVWLYDO LQFOXGH UHOHDVLQJ VHD
www.bansdivingresort.com turtles and giant clams to the sea, and
•$VLD5HVRUW.RK7DR an exhibition on the conservation
 7HO HIIRUWV RI WKH SHRSOH RQ WKH LVODQG
www.asiaresortkohtao.com 7KH .R 7DR )HVWLYDO QRW RQO\ FUHDWHV
•%OXH'LDPRQG'LYH5HVRUW WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU SHRSOH WR ZRUN
 7HO together in environmental
www.bluediamonddivingresort. conservation, but also promotes Ko
resort.kohtaoisland.net 7DR DV DQ HQYLURQPHQWDOO\IULHQGO\
dive centre.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 55


Red Rock
THE LEGEND OF THE ANDAMAN
GPS : N 7° 48.100’ E 99° 38.567’ / N 7° 43.883’ E 98° 37.567’ /
N 7° 48.467’ E 98° 37.667’

FAST FACT
Location : $SSUR[LPDWHO\NLORPHWUHVIURP3KXNHW·VHDVWFRDVW
Dive Trip : %RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : $GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : PHWUHV
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : .LQJ&UXLVHU:UHFN6KDUN3RLQW$QHPRQH5HHI
Season : 'HFHPEHU$SULO
Corals : 6HDDQHPRQHVRIWFRUDOVHDIDQDQGEDUUHOVSRQJH
Marine life : /HRSDUGVKDUNZKDOHVKDUNOLRQÀVKFORZQÀVKPRUD\HHOEXWWHUÁ\ÀVK
  JKRVWSLSHÀVKUKLQRSLDVVFRUSLRQÀVKWXQD\HOORZWDLOVQDSSHUSXIIHUÀVK
stingray, harlequin shrimp, crab, nudibranch, and sea turtle.
Airport : 3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car : )URP3KXNHW,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWGULYHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVWRWKH
  5DWVDGD3LHULQ$PSKRH0XHDQJ3KXNHW
By Boat : 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH5DWVDGD3LHUWRWKH.LQJ&UXLVHU:UHFNLVDURXQG
  NLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH$R&KDORQJ3LHUWRWKH.LQJ&UXLVHU:UHFNLV 
  DURXQGNLORPHWUHV

58 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


 6LWXDWHG QHDU RQH DQRWKHU LQ WKH
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Koo Phi PPhi

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 59


King Cruiser Wreck :
 $ SDVVHQJHU DQG FDU IHUU\ PHDVXULQJ
 PHWUHV ORQJ DQG  PHWUHV ZLGH WKDW
travelled between Phuket and Muko Phi Phi,
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K L W W L Q J  W K H  $ Q H P R Q H  5 H H I  G L Y H  V L W H 
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WKH IHUU\ ZLWK  GHFNV UHVWHG LQ DQ XSULJKW
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PHWUHV
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metres deep and is inhabited by several
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FKDLUV VFDWWHUHG DURXQG WKH DUHD $W 
metres is the engine room and car deck,
where divers might be able to spot whale
sharks.

60 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Shark Point :
 $OVRNQRZQDV+LQ0X6DQJ6KDUN3RLQW
LV QDPHG DIWHU WKH IUHTXHQW HQFRXQWHU ZLWK
sharks, especially leopard shark, in the area.
6KDUN 3RLQW LV FRPSRVHG RI  OLPHVWRQH
pinnacles that are aligned in a north-south
D[LV 7KH RQO\ SLQQDFOH WKDW EUHDNV WKH
VXUIDFH LV WKH QRUWKHUQPRVW RXWFURS ZKLFK
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second pinnacle, where the peak is at the
GHSWKRIPHWUHVEXWVHOGRPYLVLWWKHWKLUG
pinnacle with a 10-15-metre-deep peak.
(YHQ WKRXJK WKHUH DUH QRW DV PDQ\ VKDUNV
IRXQG UHVWLQJ RQ WKH VHDEHG KHUH DV LQ
the past, divers rarely leave this site
GLVDSSRLQWHG 6KDUN 3RLQW LV GHQVH ZLWK
EHDXWLIXO PDULQH OLIH UDQJLQJ IURP YLEUDQW
VRIW FRUDOV KXJH VHD IDQV EDUUHO VSRQJHV
sea anemones, nudibranch, seahorses,
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RI ÀVK VHHQ DW WKLV GLYH VLWH LQFOXGHV JKRVW
SLSHÀVK FORZQÀVK UKLQRSLDV VFRUSLRQÀVK
OLRQÀVK PRUD\ HHO SXIIHUÀVK DQG EDPERR
shark.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 61


Anemone Reef :
 $QHPRQH 5HHI RU +LQ &KRP 7KDL IRU
´VXEPHUJHG URFNµ  KDV JRW ERWK (QJOLVK
DQG 7KDL QDPHV IURP WKH FKDUDFWHULVWLF RI
the dive site, which is a submerged rock
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DQHPRQHV DQG YLEUDQW VRIW FRUDOV 7KH
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ZLWK WKH EDVH DW WKH GHSWK RI DURXQG 
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PHWUHV 7KH FRORXUIXO VHD IDQV FRUDOV DQG
sea anemones that gently sway in the
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ZHOO DV VPDOO DTXDWLF FUHDWXUHV VXFK DV
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that are usually sighted here includes moray
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resting on the seabed around this site.

62 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Sample Diving Itinerary : 5 days 4 nights
Day Trip : 3 dives liveaboard diving trip
.LQJ&UXLVHU:UHFN6KDUN3RLQW 0XNR+D+LQ'DHQJ+LQ0XDQJ
$QHPRQH5HHI .R5RN.R3KL3KL.R/LSHWKH.LQJ
Morning : &UXLVHU:UHFN6KDUN3RLQWDQG
$QHPRQH5HHI
7KHERDWGHSDUWVWKH$R&KDORQJ3LHU Remark :
in Phuket province to the King Cruiser The liveaboard trip begins by departing from
Wreck. the Ratsada Pier in Phuket at night and
arriving at Muko Ha in the early morning (stay
'LYH %HJLQWKHWULSE\H[SORULQJWKH overnight on board).
underwater beauty at the King Cruiser
Wreck.
Day 1: 4 dives at Muko Ha
Afternoon : and Muko Phi Phi
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKH Morning :
VKDUNVDURXQG6KDUN3RLQW
'LYH 6WDUWWKHWULSZLWKDFKHFNGLYH
Evening : DW.R+D/DJRRQ
' L Y H   ( Q M R \  P D U Y H O O L Q J  D W  W K H Afternoon :
FRORXUIXOVHDDQHPRQHVDQGFRUDOVDW
' L Y H      ( [ S O R U H  W K H  D P D ] L Q J
$QHPRQH5HHI
underwater ecosystem around
'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDW$R&KDORQJLQ
Muko Ha.
Phuket province.
Remark : Evening :
The one-day diving trip at the King Cruiser 'LYH   (QMR\ D QLJKW GLYH DURXQG
Wreck, Shark Point, and Anemone Reef can
Muko Phi Phi.
be done all year round.
Apart from the Ao Chalong Pier, the boats for 6WD\RYHUQLJKWRQERDUG
this one-day diving trip also depart from
the Ratsada Pier in Phuket province and the
Ao Nang Pier in Krabi province.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 63


Day 2 : 4 dives at Muko Day 3 : 4 dives at Ko Lipe
Phi Phi, Hin Daeng, Morning - Afternoon :
Hin Muang, and Ko Rok
'LYH (QMR\GLYHVDW.R/LSH
Morning :
Evening :
'LYH (QMR\PDUYHOOLQJDWWKHFRORXUIXO
'LYH (QMR\DQLJKWGLYHWRREVHUYH
FRUDOVDW+LQ'DHQJ
WKHQLJKWVFHQHU\RI.R/LSH
Afternoon : 6WD\RYHUQLJKWRQERDUG
'LYH   ([SORUH WKH EHDXWLIXO SXUSOH
VRIWFRUDOVDW+LQ0XDQJ
'LYH   6SHQG PRUH WLPH DPLGVW WKH
Day 4 : 3 dives at the King
QDWXUDOZRQGHUVDWHLWKHU+LQ'DHQJRU
Cruiser Wreck, Shark
Hin Muang.
Point, and Anemone Reef
Morning :
Evening :
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH ULFK GLYHUVLW\ RI
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH
marine creatures that are inhabiting
XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGDWQLJKWDW.R5RN
WKHZUHFNRIWKH.LQJ&UXLVHU
6WD\RYHUQLJKWRQERDUG

64 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Afternoon :
'LYH   (QMR\ VHDUFKLQJ IRU VKDUNV
DW6KDUW3RLQW
Evening :
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH H[SORULQJ WKH
VWXQQLQJ VHD DQHPRQHV DW $QHPRQH
5HHI
Remark :
The liveaboard diving trips that include
the King Cruiser Wreck, Shark Point, and
Anemone Reef are usually liveaboard trips
from the Muko Lanta National Park and Ko
Lipe, which are subject to change depending
on the weather conditions and diver
operators. (More information is in the Muko
Lanta National Park and Ko Lipe sections.)

Facilities :
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LQFOXGHFRPIRUWDEOHDFFRPPRGDWLRQ
IRRG DQG EHYHUDJH WDQNV ZHLJKW
EHOWVDQGSURIHVVLRQDOGLYHJXLGHV

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 65


King Cruiser Wreck
ONE OF THE BEST DIVE SITES
IN THE GULF OF THAILAND
GPS: N 7° 19.767’ E 101° 59.683’

FAST FACT
Location : $SSUR[LPDWHO\NLORPHWUHVIURP+DW:DVXNULLQ$PSKRH6DL%XULRI
  3DWWDQLSURYLQFHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVIURPWKHFRDVWRI1DUDWKLZDW
  SURYLQFHDQGDERXWNLORPHWUHVIURPWKH3RUWRI6RQJNKODLQ
  6RQJNKODSURYLQFH
Dive Trip : /LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : $GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : 15 - 30 metres
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : /RVLQ/RSL7UDLQ:UHFN
Season : -XQH$XJXVW
Remark : It is recommended to check the weather conditions
beforehand, as this is an open location with no mountains or sheltered
bays to shield the winds or the waves.
Corals : ([FHOOHQWYDULHW\RIFRUDOVVXFKDVVWDJKRUQFRUDOKXPSFRUDO
barrel sponge, table coral, cup coral, and sea whip.
Marine life : 0DQWDUD\HDJOHUD\ZKDOHVKDUNEODFNWLSUHHIVKDUNJXLWDUÀVKVFKRRO
  RIEDWÀVKVFKRRORIEDUUDFXGDVFKRRORIWUHYDOO\EOXHULQJDQJHOÀVK
  PLONÀVKVQDSSHUSXIIHUÀVKDQGKXPSKHDGSDUURWÀVK
Airport : +DW<DL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW
Transfer : $URXQGPLQXWHVE\EXVIURP+DW<DL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWWRWKH
  3RUWRI6RQJNKODDQGWKHQDSSUR[LPDWHO\KRXUVE\OLYHDERDUG
  ERDWWRWKH/RVLQGLYHVLWH

68 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


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WKH *XOI RI 7KDLODQG /RVLQ RU .R /RVLQ LV ORFDWHG
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LW LV D WLQ\ LVODQG DQG LV RQH RI WKH IDUWKHVW GLYLQJ
GHVWLQDWLRQVLQ7KDLODQG/RVLQ·VFU\VWDOFOHDUZDWHU
and charming underwater world attracts divers
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Bangkok
DV WKH WUHDVXUH RI WKH *XOI RI 7KDLODQG EHFDXVH
RIWKHDEXQGDQFHRILQFUHGLEOHQDWXUDOUHVRXUFHV
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Gulf of Thailand GLVFRYHUHGLQWKHDUHD7KHLVODQGLVDSDUWRIWKH
 VTXDUHNLORPHWUHDUHD RI WKH 0DOD\VLD
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Port of countries equally share and exploit the natural
Songkhla resources.
Pattani
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DURXQG  PHWUHV DERYH WKH ZDWHU ZLWK D
GLDPHWUHRIURXJKO\PHWUHVRQWKHVXUIDFHDUHD
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WUHHVRUDQ\IDFLOLWLHV7KH5R\DO7KDL1DY\EXLOWD

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 69


10-metre-high steel lighthouse structure
on the islet to provide nighttime
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UHPRWH ORFDWLRQ DZD\ IURP WKH VKRUH DQG
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dive site with spectacular underwater
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DQGVRIWFRUDOUHHIVWKHURFN\VORSHVRI/RVLQ
descends to 10-30 metres in depth and
HQFRPSDVVHV DQ DUHD RI DURXQG 
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VXFKDVVWDJKRUQFRUDOFDQEHIRXQGWRWKH
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RI WKH URFN DW DURXQG  PHWUHV GHHS
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FRORXUIXO FRU DOV LQFOXGLQJ EURZQFRORXUHG
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DQG UHHI LQKD ELWDQWV SURYLGH IRRG DQG
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get to see m anta rays, whale sharks, and
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KDELWDW DW WKH RXWHU HGJH RI WKH FRUDO
UHHIVWRYLVLWWKLVVSRW
70 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES :
Lopi (Ko Lopi) : $VPDOOLVODQGVLWXDWHGQHDUWKHFRDVWRI$PSKRH6DL%XULRI
3DWWDQLSURYLQFH.R/RSLLVDQRWKHUIDQWDVWLFGLYHVLWHRIWKH
*XOIRI7KDLODQG/RSLKDVWKHVDPHKHDOWK\DQGDEXQGDQW
HFRV\VWHP Z LWK WKH DYHUDJH GHSWK RI  PHWUHV 7KH
XQGHUZDWHU KDYHQ DW /RSL IHDWXUHV D IDVFLQDWLQJ GLYHUVLW\
RIPDULQHDQLPDOVDQGFRUDOV
Train Wreck : 7KH 7UDLQ :UHFN GLYH VLWH LV ZKHUH GHFRPPLVVLRQHG WUDLQ
ERJLHVZHUHLPPHUVHGLQWKHVHDDWWKHGHSWKRIDURXQG
PHWUHVWRVHUYHDVDUWLÀFLDOUHHIV7KLVSURMHFWZDVODXQFKHG
under Her M ajesty the Queen’s wish to rehabilitate the
QDWXUDO UHV RXUFHV E\ SURYLGLQJ KRPHV IRU ÀVK DQG RWKHU
PDULQHDQLPDOV%RWKVLGHVRIHDFKERJLHDUHVOLGLQJGRRUV
DOORZLQJ GL YHUV WR VSRW VHYHUDO VSHFLHV RI PDULQH DQLPDOV
such as, snapper, cobia, barracuda, yellowstripe scad, and
VHD WXUWOH WKDW LQKDELW WKH ERJLHV ,I OXFN\ GLYHUV PLJKW JHW
some close encounters with whale sharks at this spot.
Remark : Lopi and the train wreck are the alternative dive sites where divers can visit in case
the weather conditions cause poor visibility at Losin.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 71


Sample Diving Itinerary : Day 2 : 4 Dives at Losin
3 days 2 nights liveaboard Morning :
diving trip at Losin 'LYH   %HJLQ WKH GLYLQJ DGYHQWXUH
near the lighthouse, which is a vast
Day 1 DUHDHQGRZHGZLWKEHDXWLIXOVWDJKRUQ
(PEDUN DW WKH SLHU LQ 6RQJNKOD 7KRVH FRUDO FRORQLHV 7KH GHSWK DURXQG WKLV
travelling by plane will be picked up DUHD JUDGXDOO\ GHVFHQGV IURP  WR
IURP +DW <DL ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $LUSRUW PHWUHVPDNLQJLWDSHUIHFWÀUVWGLYH
6RQJNKOD SURYLQFH DQG WUDQVIHUUHG WR spot so divers can review their diving
WKHSLHUE\YDQ6SHQGWKHQLJKWRQWKH techniques.
OLYHDERDUGERDWWKDWWDNHVDURXQG ' L Y H    & R Q W L Q X H  H [ S O R U L Q J  W K H
KRXUVWRDUULYHDW/RVLQ XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGDURXQG/RVLQ
Remark : Afternoon :
• 3OHDVH EH DGYLVHG WR ERRN WKH ÁLJKW WR
arrive at Hat Yai International Airport around 'LYH   7DNH DQRWKHU GLYH DURXQG
18.00 - 21.00 hrs. /RVLQ
• The van transfer service from Hat Yai
International Airport to the pier in Songkhla
Evening :
operates between 19.00 - 22.30 hrs. 'LYH 1LJKWGLYHQHDUWKHOLJKWKRXVH

72 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Day 3 : 3 Dives at Losin Dive Green :
Morning :  /RVLQ LV VLWXDWHG PXFK IXUWKHU
'LYH   %HJLQ WKH GD\ ZLWK D GLYH DZD\IURPWKHFRDVWPDNLQJLWGLIÀFXOW
DURXQG/RVLQ WR SUHYHQW IURP VHWWLQJ ÀVK WUDSV DQG
VTXLG WUDSV 6HLQHUV RFFDVLRQDOO\ PRRU
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH EHDXW\ RI WKH
DW /RVLQ DQG FDXVH GDPDJH WR WKH
underwater world on the other side
HFRV\VWHP RI WKH FRUDO UHHIV 6HYHUDO
RI/RVLQ
organisations and communities have
Afternoon : established marine conservation
'LYH   7DNH WKH ODVW GLYH WR HQJURVV projects in which volunteer divers
LQWKHLQWULJXLQJQDWXUDOEHDXW\RI/RVLQ get together in underwater cleanup
EHIRUHOHDYLQJ SURMHFWV7KHJRDORIWKHVHSURMHFWVLVWR
Evening : SURWHFW WKH PDULQH WUHDVXUHV RI /RVLQ
E\ UHPRYLQJ WKH UXEELVK DQG ÀVKLQJ
7UDYHOEDFNWR6RQJNKOD7KHOLYHDERDUG
QHWV WKDW FRYHU WKH FRUDO UHHIV %\
ERDW DUULYHV DW WKH 3RUW RI 6RQJNKOD
participating, divers not only get to help
around midnight.
mitigate the potential hazards that
Remark : The diving itinerary is subject to change, might put other divers at risk, but also to
depending on the weather conditions and the
SUHVHUYH /RVLQ·V LQFUHGLEOH QDWXUDO
dive operators.
EHDXW\IRUIXWXUHJHQHUDWLRQV

Facilities :
7KH IDFLOLWLHV RQ WKH OLYHDERDUG
E R D W  L Q F O X G H  F R P I R U W D E O H
DFFRPPRGDWLRQIRRGDQGEHYHUDJH,
WDQNV ZHLJKW EHOWV DQG SURIHVVLRQDO
dive guides.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 73


Losin
A DIVER’S PARADISE
IN THE SOUTHERN ANDAMAN SEA
GPS : N 6° 29.450’ E 99° 18.387’

FAST FACT
Location : .R/LSHLVORFDWHGLQ6DWXQSURYLQFHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVIURP3DN
  %DUD3LHUDQGDURXQGNLORPHWUHVIURP.R7DUXWDR
Dive Trip : 5HVRUW%RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : %HJLQQHU$GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : PHWUHV
Currents : Moderate and can be strong.
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : 3DWWD\D&RUQHU6WRQHKHQJH(LJKW0LOH5RFN.R+LQ6RQ.R6DZDQJ
Season : 2FWREHU$SULO
Corals : +XPSFRUDOVRIWFRUDOVWDJKRUQFRUDOOHWWXFHFRUDOWDEOHFRUDOVHDIDQ
and sea anemone.
Marine life : Whale shark, leopard shark, manta ray, moray eel, tuna, barracuda,
  OLRQÀVKWUXPSHWÀVKQXGLEUDQFKIHDWKHUVWDUFORZQÀVKJKRVWSLSHÀVK
and seahorse.
Airport : +DW<DL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car : )URP+DW<DL,QWHUQDWLRQDO$LUSRUWGULYHWRWKH3DN%DUD3LHULQ$PSKRH
  /DQJXRI6DWXQSURYLQFHDQGHPEDUNRQDERDWWRWKHLVODQGV
By Boat : 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH3DN%DUD3LHUWR$R3KDQWH0DODFFDRI.R7DUXWDR
  LVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH3DN%DUD3LHUWR.R$GDQJLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH3DN%DUD3LHUWR.R/LSHLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV

76 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


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0DOD\VLD·V /DQJNDZL ,VODQG 7KH LVODQG
Bangkok
FRQVLVWV RI ORZODQG DUHDV JOLVWHQLQJ ZKLWH
sand, crystal clear water, and several
EUHDWKWDNLQJ EHDFKHV +DW 6XQVHW DOVR
Gulf of Thailand NQRZQDV$R3UDPRQJLVDFUHVFHQWVKDSHG
beach where visitors can enjoy the
V S H F W D F X O D U  Y L H Z  R I  W K H  V X Q V H W  R Y H U
WKH VHD /RFDWHG RQ WKH HDVW RI WKH LVODQG
Andaman Sea +DW 6XQULVH RU +DW &KDR /H LV D WUDQTXLO
Satun beach shaded by sea pines and coconut
WUHHV DQG LV ZKHUH &KDR /H RU VHD J\SVLHV
UHVLGH 7KH FHQWUH RI DOO WKH IXQ RQ .R /LSH
is Hat Pattaya, the island’s main beach
Satun
Z K H U H  Y L V L W R U V  F D Q  À Q G  F R X Q W O H V V
accommodation, restaurants, and piers.
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Ko Rawi Ko Ta NNgaa 3DWWD\Dµ
ruttaaoo
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Ko Batua
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underwater haven surrounding the island is
WUXO\ VSHFWDFXODU 7KH SULVWLQH DQG KHDOWK\
FRUDO UHHIV DV ZHOO DV KXJH GLYHUVLW\ RI
PDULQH FUHDWXUHV PDNH .R /LSH RQH RI WKH
GLYHUV· IDYRXULWH GLYH GHVWLQDWLRQV LQ WKH
6RXWKHUQ$QGDPDQ6HD

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 77


FAMOUS DIVE SITES AT KO LIPE :
Pattaya Corner  6LWXDWHG WR WKH VRXWK RI .R /LSH 3DWWD\D
&RUQHU LV D GLYH VLWH DW WKH FRUQHU RI +DW
3DWWD\DZLWKDWWUDFWLYHFRUDOUHHIV([DPSOHV
RIWKHGLYHUVHPDULQHOLIHWKDWFDQEHVHHQ
DW 3DWWD\D &RUQHU LQFOXGH VHD IDQ VHD
DQHPRQH DQG D YDULHW\ RI ÀVK VXFK DV
EXWWHUÁ\ÀVKWUXPSHWÀVKSXIIHUÀVKVQDSSHU
JLDQWFODPIHDWKHUVWDUDQGVHDKRUVH
Stonehenge  6WRQHKHQJH LV D XQLTXH GLYH VLWH DURXQG
.R 7DODQJ ZKLFK LV ORFDWHG WR WKH ZHVW RI
.R/LSHDQGKDVDQDYHUDJHGHSWKRI
PHWUHV7KHXQGHUZDWHUWRSRJUDSK\FRQVLVWV
RI VHYHUDO JUDQLWH SLQQDFOHV FRYHUHG E\
VRIWFRUDOVRIGLIIHUHQWFRORXUVUDQJLQJIURP
ZKLWH WR SLQN DQG \HOORZ 'LYLQJ GHHSHU
DOORZV GLYHUV WR ÀQG JDUGHQV RI SXUSOH
VRIW FRUDOV VHD IDQV DQG VHD DQHPRQHV
LQKDELWLQJ WKH VHD ÁRRU EHWZHHQ WKH URFN
I R U P D W L R Q V   6 W R Q H K H Q J H  L V  I X O O  R I  D Q
LQWHUHVWLQJ DUUD\ RI DTXDWLF FUHDWXUHV
LQFOXGLQJ WLJHU FRZULH QXGLEUDQFK IHDWKHU
VWDUVKULPSFORZQÀVKJKRVWSLSHÀVKOLRQÀVK
EDUUDFXGD IURJÀVK PRUD\ HHO DV ZHOO DV
yellow, black, and white with grey stripes
seahorses. Whale shark, leopard shark, and
stingray are occasionally spotted here.

78 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Eight Mile Rock  $ KXJH VXEPHUJHG SLQQDFOH ORFDWHG DURXQG  PLOHV
VRXWKRI.R/LSH+LQ3DHW0DLRU(LJKW0LOH5RFNLVNQRZQ
WREHDJRRGVLWHWRVSRWODUJHSHODJLFÀVKVXFKDVZKDOH
VKDUNPDQWDUD\DQGOHRSDUGVKDUN(LJKW0LOH5RFNZLWK
DQ DYHUDJH GHSWK EHWZHHQ  PHWUHV RIIHUV GLYHUV
ZLWK PDJQLÀFHQW VFHQHU\ RI YLEUDQW VRIW FRUDOV VHD
DQHPRQHV FXS FRUDOV DQG VHD ZKLSV $SDUW IURP WKH
JLDQWJURXSHUVWKDWDUHIRXQGUHVLGLQJEHWZHHQWKHURFN
IRUPDWLRQV WKLV SRSXODU GLYH VLWH LV KRPH WR D GLYHUVH
FROOHFWLRQ RI PDULQH OLIH VXFK DV EDUUDFXGD WUHYDOO\
PRUD\HHOOLRQÀVKSXIIHUÀVKFORZQÀVKFRZU\DQGVKULPS
'XHWRVWURQJWLGDOFXUUHQWVWKHEHVWWLPHWRGLYHDW(LJKW
0LOH 5RFN LV GXULQJ WKH ZDQLQJ PRRQ SHULRG WKHUHIRUH
please check the lunar calendar or with the dive operators
EHIRUHPDNLQJWKHWULS
Ko Hin Son  6LWXDWHGLQWKHPLGGOHRIWKHVHDWRWKHVRXWKRI0XNR'RQJ
.R+LQ6RQLVDURFNIRUPDWLRQWKDWORRNVOLNHWZRPDVVLYH
URFNV VWDFNHG RQ WRS RI RQH DQRWKHU 7KH XQGHUZDWHU
ZRUOGDW.R+LQ6RQLVQRWRQO\IXOORIFRORXUIXOVRIWFRUDOV
EXW GLYHUV FDQ DOVR H[SHFW WR ÀQG IHDWKHU VWDUV VHD
DQHPRQHV DQG KDUG FRUDOV VXFK DV KXJH VWDJKRUQ
FRUDO WRZDUGV WKH VRXWK RI WKH RXWFURS (YHQ WKRXJK
the water is not too deep, divers are recommended to
EH FDUHIXO ZKLOH GLYLQJ KHUH EHFDXVH WKH FXUUHQWV FDQ
be quite strong.
Ko Sawang  .R 6DZDQJ LV D JURXS RI URFN IRUPDWLRQV ORFDWHG WR WKH
VRXWKRI.R+LQ6RQZLWKDQDYHUDJHGHSWKRIPHWUHV
7KHPHWUHORQJZDOOLVFDUSHWHGZLWKVWXQQLQJFRUDOV
VHD IDQV VHD DQHPRQHV DQG VHD ZKLSV 6RPH RI WKH
FRPPRQ PDULQH FUHDWXUHV IRXQG KHUH LQFOXGH JLDQW
JURXSHU ORQJQRVH EXWWHUÁ\ÀVK ORQJÀQ EDQQHUÀVK DQG
nudibranch, while whale sharks and manta rays are also
RIWHQVLJKWHG

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 79


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES :
Ko Adang - Ko Rawi  .R $GDQJ DQG .R 5DZL DUH WZR ODUJH LVODQGV VLWXDWHG
WRWKHQRUWKRI.R/LSHDQGDUHVXUURXQGHGE\VHYHUDO
VPDOOLVODQGVVXFKDV0XNR'RQJ.R&KDEDQJ.R+LQ
1JDP.R3KXHQJDQG.R<DQJ$OVRDSDUWRIWKH0XNR
7DUXWDR 1DWLRQDO 3DUN WKHVH WZR LVODQGV FRPSULVH
OXVK IRUHVWV DQG EHDXWLIXO VDQG\ EHDFKHV ZLWK FU\VWDO
FOHDU ZDWHU 7KH XQGHUZDWHU ZRUOG DW .R $GDQJ DQG
.R 5DZL LV ULFK ZLWK DPD]LQJ PDULQH OLIH LQFOXGLQJ
FRORXUIXO KDUG DQG VRIW FRUDOV VHD DQHPRQH
QXGLEUDQFK VHEDH FORZQÀVK JLDQW FODP GDPVHO
EOXHVWDUÀVKDQGOLRQÀVK

80 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Sample Diving Itinerary :
Day Trip : 2-3 dives
6WRQHKHQJH.R6DZDQJDQG3DWWD\D
&RUQHU
Morning : %RDW GHSDUWV .R /LSH IRU
6WRQHKHQJH
'LYH 'LVFRYHUWKHEHDXW\RIGLYHUVH
PDULQHOLIHDW6WRQHKHQJH
'LYH   (QMR\ H[SORULQJ WKH ZRQGHUV
RIQDWXUHDW.R6DZDQJ
Afternoon : 'HSDUW IRU 3DWWD\D Facilities :
&RUQHUDW.R/LSH $ ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ LV
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH PDUYHOOLQJ DW DYDLODEOH RQ .R /LSH D IHZ H[DPSOHV
WKH XQGHUZDWHU ÁRUD DQG IDXQD DW include:
Pattaya Corner. •6LWD%HDFK5HVRUWDQG6SD
Evening : 'HSDUW WR GLVHPEDUN DW  7HO
.R/LSH www.sitabeachresort.com
• %XQGKD\D5HVRUW 
Remark : The liveaboard diving trips that  7HO
include Ko Lipe are usually the liveaboard trips www.bundhayaresort.com
from the Muko Lanta National Park or Hat
• 0RXQWDLQ5HVRUW.RK/LSH
Noppharat Thara - Muko Phi Phi National Park,
depending on the weather conditions and  7HO
dive operators. www.mountainresortlipe.com
Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 81
Ko Lipe
THE GULF OF THAILAND’S ASTONISHING
UNDERWATER WORLD
GPS: N 10° 15.126’ E 99° 13.388’

FAST FACT
Location : 7KH1DWLRQDO3DUNLVVLWXDWHGRQWKHZHVWFRDVWRIWKH*XOIRI
  7KDLODQGDQGFRYHUV$PSKRH3DWKLR$PSKRH6DZL$PSKRH
  7KXQJ7DNRDQG$PSKRH/DQJ6XDQRI&KXPSKRQSURYLQFH
Dive Trip : 5HVRUW%RDW'LYH/LYHDERDUG
Skill Level : %HJLQQHU$GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : PHWUHV
Currents : Moderate
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : .R1JDP<DL.R1JDP1RL.R+LQ/DN1JDP
Season  0D\2FWREHU
Corals :+DUGFRUDOVRIWFRUDOEODFNFRUDOEDUUHOVSRQJHVHDDQHPRQH
cup coral, and zoanthid.
Marine life : 6NXQNFORZQÀVKUHGVQDSSHUWUHYDOO\\HOORZVWULSHVFDGEDUUDFXGD
  EXWWHUÁ\ÀVKDQJHOÀVKEOXHGDPVHOWLJHUFRZULHJLDQWFODP
nudibranch, turtle, sawblade shrimp, whale shark, and bull shark.
Airport : &KXPSKRQ$LUSRUW
Transfer
By Car  )URP&KXPSKRQ$LUSRUWGULYHDURXQGNLORPHWUHVWRWKH7KD<DQJ
Pier in Chumphon province.
By Boat : $SSUR[LPDWHO\KRXUIURPWKH7KD<DQJ3LHULQ&KXPSKRQSURYLQFH
  WR.R1JDP<DL.R1JDP1RLDQG.R+LQ/DN1JDP

84 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


 $ IDQWDVWLF GLYLQJ DQG VQRUNHOOLQJ
GHVWLQDWLRQ LQ WKH *XOI RI 7KDLODQG 0XNR
Chumphon National Park comprises
FRDVWDO DUHDV EHDFK IRUHVWV PDQJURYH
IRUHVWV RYHU D NLORPHWUHORQJ EHDFK
Bangkok
DQG PRUH WKDQ  LVODQGV 7KH 1DWLRQDO
3DUN RIIHUV D YDULHW\ RI GLYH VLWHV WKDW DUH
Gulf of Thailand E O H V V H G  Z L W K  D  S O H W K R U D  R I  P D U L Q H
Chumphon DQLPDOV DQG QDWXUDO EHDXW\ 7KLV GLYH
GHVWLQDWLRQ LV DOVR IXOO RI H[WUDRUGLQDU\
EODFN FRUDOV WKDW DUH GLIÀFXOW WR ÀQG DW
other dive sites.
Andaman Sea

KKo Ngam Yai


KKo Ngam No
Noi
Ko Hin
Ko H Lak Ngam
m
Chumphon

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 85


FAMOUS DIVE SITES IN MUKO CHUMPHON
NATIONAL PARK :
Ko Ngam Yai  $ KXJH OLPHVWRQH PRXQWDLQ ZLWK VWHHS
FOLIIV DQG QR EHDFKHV .R 1JDP <DL LV
D VZDOORZ·V QHVW FRQFHVVLRQ LVODQG 7KH
XQGHUZDWHU ZRUOG LV LQFUHGLEO\ EHDXWLIXO
ZLWK D ZHDOWK RI KHDOWK\ FRUDO UHHIV
HVSHFLDOO\ WR WKH ZHVW RI WKH LVODQG ZKHUH
QXPHURXV VHD DQHPRQHV DQG FORZQÀVK
DUHIRXQG7KHKLJKOLJKWLVKRZHYHURQWKH
HDVWHUQ VLGH ZKLFK LV RQH RI WKH EHVW
GLYH VLWHV LQ WKH *XOI RI 7KDLODQG WR ÀQG
SOHQWLIXO EODFN FRUDOV VRIW FRUDOV KDUG
corals, cup corals, zoanthids, and sea
anemones. Ko Ngam Yai has an average
GHSWK RI EHWZHHQ  DQG  PHWUHV DQG
GLYHUV FDQ DOVR ÀQG D PHWUHORQJ
swim-through, which is home to sponges,
FRUDOV DQG D YDULHW\ RI ÀVK VXFK DV
VFKRRO RI \HOORZVWULSH VFDG VFKRRO RI
E D U U D F X G D   E X W W H U Á \ À V K   S D U U R W À V K 
DQJHOÀVK WXUWOH VDZEODGH VKULPS DQG
nudibranch.

86 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Ko Ngam Noi  $OVR D VZDOORZ·V QHVW FRQFHVVLRQ LVODQG
Ko Ngam Noi is similar to Ko Ngam Yai but
LV VPDOOHU LQ VL]H DQG FRQVLVWV RI JURXSV RI
VPDOO URFN IRUPDWLRQV VXUURXQGLQJ WKH
LVODQG7KHZLGHDUUD\RIPDULQHOLIHIRXQG
inhabiting the corals and sea anemones
includes orange cup coral, sponge, sea
XUFKLQ QXGLEUDQFK OLRQÀVK PRUD\ HHO
JURXSHUEDWÀVKDQGEXWWHUÁ\ÀVK*RUJHRXV
zoanthids and sea whips carpeting the
URFN\VHDEHGLQVRPHSDUWVRI.R1JDP1RL
and are inhabited by sawblade shrimps
DQG VHD WXUWOHV 2FFDVLRQDOO\ OXFN\ GLYHUV
might encounter whale sharks passing by.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 87


Ko Hin Lak Ngam  $VPDOORXWFURSWKDWEUHDNVWKHVXUIDFHWR
WKHVRXWKRI.R1JDP1RL.R+LQ/DN1JDP
KDVDQDYHUDJHGHSWKRIPHWUHV7KH
LVODQGLVOLVWHGRQWRSRIWKHGLYHVLWHVLQWKH
*XOI RI 7KDLODQG ZLWK WKH GHQVHVW EODFN
FRUDO FRYHUV IHDWXULQJ GLIIHUHQW FRORXUV
UDQJLQJ IURP ZKLWH WR EURZQ DQG \HOORZ
$SDUW IURP WKH UHVLGHQW UHHI ÀVK VXFK DV
VNXQNFORZQÀVKSDUURWÀVKVHDKRUVHJKRVW
SLSHÀVKR\VWHUDQGQXGLEUDQFKGLYHUVFDQ
DOVR VSRW VFKRROV RI EDUUDFXGD DV ZHOO DV
rare whale sharks.

88 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES:
Ko Ran Pet and Ko Ran Kai :  6LWXDWHG QHDU 0XNR 1JDP .R
5DQ 3HW DQG .R 5DQ .DL DUH WZR VPDOO
uninhabited islands with the average
GHSWK EHWZHHQ  DQG  PHWUHV 7KH
submerged pinnacles are home to
PDJQLÀFHQW VHD DQHPRQHV UHG VHD
whips, red barrel sponges, and black
FRUDOV'LYHUVFDQHQMR\GLYLQJWRH[SORUH
WKH FRUDO UHHIV WKDW DUH HQGRZHG ZLWK
D YDULHW\ RI DPD]LQJ PDULQH OLIH VXFK
D V   Q X G L E U D Q F K   V N X Q N  F O R Z Q À V K 
\HOORZEDFN IXVLOLHU \HOORZVWULSH VFDG
and whale shark.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 89


Sample Diving Itinerary : Accommodation :
Day Trip : 3 dives $ ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ LV
.R 1JDP <DL .R 1JDP 1RL DQG .R DYDLODEOHLQ&KXPSKRQSURYLQFHDIHZ
+LQ/DN1JDP examples include:
Morning : 'HSDUWWKH7KD<DQJ3LHU •&KXPSKRQ&DEDQD5HVRUWDQG
IRU.R1JDP<DL Center
 7HO
'LYH   'LVFRYHU WKH DEXQGDQFH RI
www.cabana.co.th
QDWXUDOUHVRXUFHVRIWKH&KXPSKRQ6HD
•6DLUL%HDFK&DEDQDV
at Ko Ngam Yai.
 7HO
'LYH   &RQWLQXH LPPHUVLQJ LQ WKH  
EHDXW\ RI WKH PDULQH ZRUOG RI WKH www.sairibeachcabanas.com
&KXPSKRQ6HDDW.R1JDP1RL
Afternoon : Dive Green :
'LYH (QMR\H[SORULQJWKHVSHFWDFXODU  7KHDQQXDO&KXPSKRQ6HD:RUOG
XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGDW.R+LQ/DN1JDP )DLULVRUJDQLVHGE\WKHFROODERUDWLRQRI
Evening :'HSDUWWRGLVHPEDUNDWWKH WKH&KXPSKRQ3URYLQFLDO$GPLQLVWUDWLYH
7KD<DQJ3LHU 2IÀFH&KXPSKRQ7RXULVP$VVRFLDWLRQ
Remark : Most of the liveaboard diving trips WKH 7RXULVP $XWKRULW\ RI 7KDLODQG
at Muko Chumphon already includes nearby and private sector organisations in
diving sites in the itinerary; such as, Ko Tao, &KXPSKRQ SURYLQFH 7KH JRDO RI WKH
Chumphon Pinnacle, Shark Island, Sail Rock event is to promote tourist attractions in
and Hin Phae; however, the diving itinerary is Chumphon, encourage sustainable
subject to change, depending on the weather
tourism activities, as well as create
conditions and the dive operators. (More
awareness among locals and visitors
information is in the Ko Tao section.)
RIHQYLURQPHQWDOFRQVHUYDWLRQ

90 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 91
Ko Hin Lak Ngam
A POPULAR DIVE DESTINATON
NEAR BANGKOK
GPS: N 12° 55.650’ E 100° 52.517’

FAST FACT
Location : Pattaya is located in Chon Buri province, and is approximately
  NLORPHWUHVVRXWKHDVWRI%DQJNRN
Dive Trip : 5HVRUW%RDW'LYH
Skill Level : %HJLQQHU$GYDQFHG
Depth : PHWUHV$YHUDJH'HSWK
Visibility : PHWUHV
Currents : Moderate
Wetsuits : 3 mm.
Dive Sites : +706.KUDP.R0DQ:LFKDL.R5LQ
Season : $OO\HDUURXQG
Corals : Hard coral, staghorn coral, hump coral, table coral, mushroom coral,
  EODFNFRUDOVRIWFRUDOVHDZKLSVHDDQHPRQHVHDIDQEDUUHO
sponge, and blue sponge.
Marine life : 6DGGOHEDFNFORZQÀVKVNXQNFORZQÀVKVKULPSFRQFKEDQGHG
bonnet, turtle, sole, yellowstripe scad, barracuda, grouper, damsel,
  DQGEXWWHUÁ\ÀVK
Transfer
By Car : $URXQGDKRXUGULYHIURP%DQJNRNWR3DWWD\D
By Boat : 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH%DOL+DL3LHULQ3DWWD\D7DL 6RXWK3DWWD\D WR
  .R3KDLLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH%DOL+DL3LHULQ3DWWD\D7DL 6RXWK3DWWD\D WR
  .R5LQLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV
: 7KHGLVWDQFHIURPWKH%DOL+DL3LHULQ3DWWD\D7DL 6RXWK3DWWD\D WR
  .R0DQ:LFKDLLVDURXQGNLORPHWUHV

94 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


 $ SRSXODU HQWHUWDLQPHQW VHDVLGH
UHVRUW ORFDWHG RQ WKH HDVW FRDVW RI WKH
*XOI RI 7KDLODQG 3DWWD\D LV MXVW D VWRQH·V
WKURZ DZD\ IURP %DQJNRN 7KH 6SHFLDO
/RFDO5HJLRQRI3DWWD\DLVDVHOIDGPLQLV-
Bangkok trating municipality that is divided into
Pattaya IRXUVHFWLRQVQDPHO\3DWWD\D1XHD 1RUWK
3DWWD\D 3DWWD\D.ODQJ &HQWUDO3DWWD\D 
Gulf of Thailand 3DWWD\D 7DL 6RXWK 3DWWD\D  DQG +DW
-RPWLHQ7KHGLYHVLWHVDURXQG3DWWD\DDUH
VHSDUDWHG LQWR WZR ]RQHV WKH )DU ,VODQGV
DQG WKH 1HDU ,VODQGV 7KH )DU ,VODQGV
Andaman Sea
FRPSULVH.R5LQ.R0DQ:LFKDL.R3KDL
DQG+706.KUDPZKHUHDVWKH1HDU,VODQGV
FRQVLVWRI.R/DQ.R.KURNDQG.R6DN
 7KH SOHQWLIXO PDULQH OLIH DQG KHDOWK\
corals around the dive sites, coupled with
Ko PPhaai
Lan
Ko La
Lan Pattaya WKH IDFW WKDW WKH VLWHV DUH YHU\ QHDU WR
Bangkok and diving can be done all year
an Wichai
Ko Man Wic
W round have made Pattaya a popular dive
GHVWLQDWLRQ 6HYHUDO VKDOORZ ED\V DURXQG
KKoo Rin WKH DUHD DUH LGHDO IRU EHJLQQHUV WR OHDUQ
WR GLYH DQG IRU H[SHULHQFHG GLYHUV WR
SHUIHFWWKHLUWHFKQLTXHV
Ko Khaam Yai
Y

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 95


FAMOUS DIVE SITES AT PATTAYA :
HTMS Khram  $SRSXODUZUHFNGLYHLQ3DWWD\D+706.KUDP
LV D GHFRPPLVVLRQHG :RUOG :DU ,, VKLS
WKDW ZDV VXQN RII WKH HDVW FRDVW RI .R 3KDL
E\ WKH 5R\DO 7KDL 1DY\ LQ  0HDVXULQJ
 PHWUHV ZLGH DQG  PHWUHV ORQJ
the ship sits on the seabed in a north-south
GLUHFWLRQLQSDUDOOHOZLWK.R3KDL7KHWLSRIWKH
PDVW LV DURXQG  PHWUHV EHORZ WKH ZDWHU
VXUIDFH ZKHUHDV WKH ERWWRP RI WKH ZUHFN
DW WKH VHDÁRRU LV DW  PHWUHV 7KH DUUD\ RI
PDULQH FUHDWXUHV WKDW LQKDELW WKLV DUWLÀFLDO
UHHILQFOXGHVVHDWXUWOHVFKRROVRIEDUUDFXGD
EDWÀVK DQG VWLQJUD\ (YHQ WKRXJK WKH
FRORXUIXO VRIW FRUDOV VHD IDQV DQG VSRQJHV
DWWUDFW GLYHUV WR WKLV VLWH WKH KLJKOLJKW RI
WKH +706 .KUDP ZUHFN LV WKH LQFUHGLEOH
DPRXQW RI VHD DQHPRQHV DQG VWXQQLQJ
JLDQWVHDIDQV

96 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Ko Man Wichai  $ SDUW RI 0XNR 3KDL DQG XQGHU WKH
VXSHUYLVLRQRIWKH5R\DO7KDL1DY\.R0DQ
Wichai is an idyllic island with sandy
EHDFKHV RQ WKH ZHVW DQG WKH HDVW 7KH
DYHUDJHGHSWKLVEHWZHHQDQGPHWUHV
and divers can enjoy marvelling at the
EHDXWLIXOFRUDOZDOOVIXOORIKDUGFRUDOVVHD
IDQV VHD ZKLSV DQG VSRQJHV RQ WKH
VRXWKHDVWHUQ VLGH RI WKH LVODQG ([DPSOHV
RIPDULQHDQLPDOVIRXQGDW.R0DQ:LFKDL
LQFOXGH VFKRROV RI \HOORZVWULSH VFDG
JURXSHU EDUUDFXGD VNXQN FORZQÀVK
VDGGOHEDFN FORZQÀVK FUDE VDZEODGH
VKULPSDQGFXWWOHÀVK

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 97


Ko Rin  .R 5LQ LV D WUDQTXLO LVODQG ZLWK EHDXWLIXO
sandy beach and crystal clear waters. With
DQ DYHUDJH GHSWK RI  PHWUHV ZLWK
DPD]LQJ ELRGLYHUVLW\ WKH LVODQG IHDWXUHV D
KXJHVHOHFWLRQRIFRUDOVUDQJLQJIURPEODFN
corals, to hump corals, staghorn corals, table
FRUDOVPXVKURRPFRUDOVVRIWFRUDOVEDUUHO
sponge, blue sponge, sea anemones, sea
ZKLSVDQGVHDIDQV7KHYDULHW\RIDTXDWLF
animals that are sighted here includes
OLRQÀVK VFKRROV RI VQDSSHU GDPVHO
moray eel, barracuda, nudibranch, crab,
sawblade shrimp, and sea turtle.

98 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


OTHER NEARBY DIVE SITES:
 $SDUW IURP WKH GLYH VLWHV PHQWLRQHG DERYH RWKHU
LVODQGV VXUURXQGLQJ 3DWWD\D VXFK DV .R /DQ .R .KURN
DQG .R 6DN DOVR SURYLGH D JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU YLVLWRUV
WR HQMR\ VQRUNHOOLQJ DQG GLYLQJ 7KHVH VLWHV DUH QRW RQO\
IXOORIDYDULHW\RIDTXDWLFFUHDWXUHVEXWDUHDOVRSHUIHFW
IRUEHJLQQHUVWRSUDFWLFHDQGLPSURYHWKHLUVNLOOV

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 99


Sample Diving Itinerary : •'XVLW7KDQL3DWWD\D

Day Trip : 2 - 3 dives  7HO


www.dusit.com
Morning : 'HSDUW IURP WKH %DOL +DL •5R\DO&OLII+RWHOV
3LHULQ3DWWD\D7DL 6RXWK3DWWD\D   7HO
' L Y H   ( [ S O R U H  W K H  E H D X W L I X O  ZZZUR\DOFOLIIFRP
XQGHUZDWHUZRUOGDWWKH+706.KUDP • Centara Grand Mirage Beach
 5HVRUW3DWWD\D
'LYH   (QMR\ REVHUYLQJ FRUDOV DQG D
 7HO
YDULHW\ RI PDULQH DQLPDOV DW .R 0DQ
www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Wichai.
Afternoon:
Dive Green :
'LYH   6SHQG WLPH GLVFRYHULQJ WKH
 7KH &RDVWDO )LVKHULHV 5HVHDUFK
EHDXW\RIQDWXUHDW.R5LQ
DQG'HYHORSPHQW&HQWUHRI3UDFKXDS
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Khiri Khan province, and volunteers
Remark : The diving itinerary is subject to change,
IURPZZZVDYHRXUVHDQHWJHWWRJHWKHU
depending on the weather conditions and the
and work on a conservation project at
dive operators.
Ko Phai, which is under the supervision
R I  W K H  $ L U  D Q G  & R D V W D O  ' H I H Q V H
Accommodation : &RPPDQG DQG WKH 5R\DO 7KDL 1DY\
$ ZLGH UDQJH RI DFFRPPRGDWLRQ LV 7KH SURMHFW LQFOXGHV FOHDQLQJ XS WKH
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include: releasing giant clams to the sea, so
they can naturally reproduce in a
natural habitat.
100 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand
Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 101
SNORKELLING SITES

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DFURVV WKH OHQJWK DQG EUHDGWK RI 7KDLODQG WKHUH DUH
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underwater scenery and a healthy marine ecosystem
WRVDWLVI\VQRUNHOOHUVRIDOOOHYHOV

Muko Surin National Park


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islands, which are Ko Khai
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3 D F K X P E D   D Q G  . R  5 L
.R 6DWRN  7KH SURPLQHQW

102 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


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Moken celebrates a time-honoured tradition
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bad luck.

Muko Similan National Park


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DQG&KULVWPDV3RLQWDOVRVHUYHDVDZRQGHUIXO
VLWHIRUVQRUNHOOLQJDFWLYLWLHV

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 103


Ko Tao
Ko Tao in Surat Thani province is not only famous for being where countless
people come to learn to dive, but the island is also popular among divers
and snorkellers who seek the sight of a variety of marine creatures. Ao Muang,
located to the north of the island, is a popular site to learn to dive as well as for
snorkelling, whereas Ao Hin Wong or Hin Wong Pinnacle on the northeast is full
of corals, sea whips, and sea combs. Situated on the southeast of the island,
Ao Luek is a beautiful bay with shallow coral reefs and an average depth
between 4-8 metres. This area is where small reef fish as well as colourful
Christmas tree worms growing on hump corals can
be spotted. Snorkellers who visit the coral reefs
around Ko Nang Yuan, which is located
to the northwest of Ko Tao, get the
opportunity to immerse in the crystal
clear water full of adorable clownfish.
Apart from discovering the
beauty of Ko Tao’s underwater world,
there are several attractions on land
where visitors can explore. Situated to
the west of the island on Hat Sai Ri,
Cho Po Ro Rock Garden features a
rock with King Rama V the Great's
engraved initials to mark his royal visit.
Another remarkable place is the
John-Suwan Viewpoint, which is located
on the mountain to the south of the island.
The mesmerising scenery of the two beaches
curving towards one another will surely make the 20-minute walk to the
Viewpoint worthwhile.

104 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Muko Lanta National Park
 7KH VQRUNHOOLQJ VSRWV ZLWK VKDOORZ ZDWHUV
RI0XNR/DQWD1DWLRQDO3DUNLQ.UDELSURYLQFH
DUH .R 5RN 1RN DQG .R 5RN 1DL 7KHVH WZR
islands are only 100 metres apart, where
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RI WKHVH VLWHV DUH ZKLWH VDQG\ EHDFKHV
with crystal clear water, an abundance
RI FORZQÀVK DV ZHOO DV VWXQQLQJ DQG
healthy shallow corals, which are mostly
hump corals and sea anemones.
 0XNR /DQWD 1DWLRQDO 3DUN LV DOVR
endowed with several land attractions in
which visitors can spend time exploring. Ban
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.R/DQWDDQGDSLFWXUHVTXHEHDFKDWWKHEDFN

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 105


Tarutao National Park
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1DWLRQDO 3DUN FRQVLVWV RI  LVODQGV ZKLFK DUH GLYLGHG LQWR  DUFKLSHODJRHV
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double star coral, orange cup coral, barrel
VSRQJHDQGIHDWKHUVWDU$WULSWR.R<DQJDQG
Ko Hin Ngam allows snorkellers to marvel
at the gorgeous staghorn corals, lettuce
FRUDOVVHDDQHPRQHVDQGFORZQÀVK
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W K H  À V K H U P D Q · V  Z D \  R I  O L I H  R I  W K H
indigenous sea gypsies, whose important
WUDGLWLRQ LV WKH /RL 5XHD %RDW )ORDWLQJ 
Festival that is held in May and November.

106 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


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ZDONLQJ RQ WKH SDWK WKDW IROORZV WKH ROG SULVRQHU·V
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scenery would not want to miss the
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long cave with hypnotising stalactites and
stalagmites.

Trang Archipelago
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the island where visitors can take a boat ride or swim through the cave
FDOOHG´7KDP0RUDNRWµRUWKH´(PHUDOG&DYHµGXULQJORZWLGH2QFHH[LWLQJ
the cave, visitors are welcomed with the white sandy beach with an
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Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 107


VKDOORZ FRUDO UHHIV
$ VPDOO URFN\ LVOHW
with no beach, Ko
Chueak is endowed
with splendid corals
DQG ODUJH VHD IDQV
but snorkellers are
recommended to
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currents can be strong
KHUH /RFDWHG QHDUE\
are Ko Waen, Ko Ma,
and Ko Ngai, the
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beaches, coupled with clear seawater and
DQ DEXQGDQFH RI VRIW DQG KDUG FRUDOV
P D N H  0 X N R  / D R  / L D Q J  D  Z R Q G H U I X O
snorkelling destination.

Ko Ngam Yai and


Ko Ngam Noi
Ko Ngam Yai and Ko
1JDP 1RL RI WKH 0XNR
Chumphon National Park
in Chumphon province are not only an ideal
scuba diving destination, but these islands also
SURYLGH JUHDW VQRUNHOOLQJ RSSRUWXQLWLHV 7KH WZR
swallow’s nest concession islands are located
near each other and are surrounded by rock
IRUPDWLRQV 7KH VKDOORZ FRUDO UHHIV DUH HQGRZHG
ZLWK ERXQWLIXO FRUDOV VXFK DV ]RDQWKLG VHD ZKLS
staghorn coral, orange cup coral, barrel sponge,
VHD IDQ DQG VHD DQHPRQHV ([DPSOHV RI GLYHUVH
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turtle, sawblade shrimp, nudibranch, sea urchin, and giant clam.

108 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Ko He
 .R +H LV D SRSXODU GHVWLQDWLRQ IRU
a one-day trip amongst divers and
snorkellers because this small island is
VLWXDWHG RQO\ DURXQG  NLORPHWUHV RII
WKH VRXWKHUQ VKRUH RI 3KXNHW SURYLQFH
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by healthy biodiversity have earned Ko
+ H  W K H  Q L F N Q D P H  ´ & R U D O  , V O D Q G µ 
6QRUNHOOHUV FDQ HQMR\ H[SORULQJ WKH
VKDOORZ FRUDO UHHIV RQ WKH ZHVW RI WKH
LVODQGDQGPDUYHODWWKHYDULHW\RIFRUDOV
such as, brain coral, lettuce coral, staghorn
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DOVR KRPH WR D FROOHFWLRQ RI FRORXUIXO
UHHI ÀVK UDQJLQJ IURP EXWWHUÁ\ÀVK WR
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world, visitors can enjoy relaxing on the
WUDQTXLO EHDFK ZLWK SRZGHU\ VRIW ZKLWH
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island.

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 109


Ko Thalu
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ORFDWHG DQ DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PLQXWHERDWULGH DZD\ IURP WKH VKRUH RI
$PSKRH %DQJ 6DSKDQ 1RL LQ 3UDFKXDS .KLUL .KDQ SURYLQFH ´.R 7KDOXµ
which means the island with a hole, has got its name
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LVODQG 7KH QDWXUDO HURVLRQ RI WKH FOLII DOORZV
YLVLWRUV WR VHH WKURXJK WR WKH RWKHU HQG RI
the island, making this site uniquely
scenic. Beneath the crystal clear water
LV IXOO RI D IDVFLQDWLQJ DUUD\ RI ÀVK DV
ZHOO DV DQ DEXQGDQFH RI FRUDOV VXFK
DV VWDJKRUQ FRUDO EUDLQ FRUDO ÁRZHU
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ZKRVHHNDSHDFHIXOVSRWIRUUHOD[DWLRQ

Muko Phai and Ko Lan


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Pattaya in Chon Buri province, Muko Phai is
DQ DUFKLSHODJR WKDW FRQVLVWV RI .R 3KDL
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is popular amongst underwater
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corals, table corals, sea whips, barrel
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H[DPSOHV RI WKH GLYHUVLW\ RI DTXDWLF
WUHDVXUHVIRXQGDW.R3KDL
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.R /DQ DUH .R .KURN DQG .R 6DN ZKHUH YLVLWRUV FDQ OHDUQ WR GLYH RU HQMR\
snorkelling and scuba diving amidst the astonishing natural wonders.

110 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 111
Marine Life
 %HQHDWK WKH FU\VWDO FOHDU ZDWHUV RI 7KDLODQG LV WKH VSHFWDFXODU ZRUOG
IXOO RI KHDOWK\ DQG LQFUHGLEO\ GLYHUVH DTXDWLF HFRV\VWHP ([DPSOHV RI
WKH VWXQQLQJ YDULHW\ RI PDULQH OLIH WKDW FDQ EH IRXQG ZKLOH H[SORULQJ
WKH XQGHUZDWHU ZRUOG RI WKH $QGDPDQ 6HD DQG WKH *XOI RI 7KDLODQG
are listed below.

:KDOH6KDUN /HRSDUG6KDUN

0DQWD5D\

%OXHVSRWWHG6WLQJUD\

6HD7XUWOH

112 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


%DWÀVK
Barracuda

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/LRQÀVK 5KLQRSLDV6FRUSLRQÀVK

%DQQHUÀVK

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 113


&ORZQÀVK
0RUD\(HO

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)URJÀVK
6HDKRUVH

*KRVW3LSHÀVK

114 Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand


+DUOHTXLQ6KULPS 'DQFLQJ6KULPS

Nudibranch &K
&KULVWPDV7UHH:RUP

Cuttle Fish
Xeno Crab
7LJHU&RZULH

Explore The Famous Dive Sites in Thailand 115


Diving Schools and Dive Operators

Bangkok Satun
• /HLVXULRXV • .R/LSH'LYLQJ
 7HO  7HO
www.leisurious.com www.kolipediving.com
• 6SRUW7LPH'LYH&HQWHU • 2FHDQ3UR'LYHUV
 7HO   7HO
www.sporttime.co.th www.oceanprodivers.net
• 7DSDQD7UDYHO
 7HO  East Coast
www.tapanaliveaboard.com (The Gulf of Thailand)
• Venus Marina Surat Thani
 7HO 
www.venusmarina.com • %DQ·V'LYLQJ5HVRUW
 7HO
www.bansdivingresort.com
West Coast
(The Andaman Sea) • %LJ%OXH'LYLQJ5HVRUW
 7HO
Phuket www.bigbluediving.com
• $OO'LYLQJ • %XGGKD9LHZ'LYH5HVRUW
 7HO  7HO
www.all4diving.com www.buddhaview-diving.com
• 6RXWK6LDP'LYHUV • &RUDO*UDQG'LYHUV
 7HO  7HO
www.southsiamdivers.com www.coralgranddivers.com
• 6XQULVH'LYHUV • &U\VWDO'LYH5HVRUW
 7HO  7HO
www.sunrise-divers.com www.crystaldive.com
• 7KDLODQG$JJUHVVRU • (DV\'LYHUV
 7HO  7HO
 ZZZDJJUHVVRUFRPWKDLODQGSKS www.kohtaoeasydivers.com
• 0DVWHU'LYHUV
Krabi  7HO
• $QWL*UDYLW\'LYHUV www.master-divers.com
 7HO • 3ODQHW6FXED
www.antigravitydivers.com  7HO
• *R'LYH/DQWD www.planetscuba.net
 7HO
Chumphon
www.godive-lanta.com
• +LSSR'LYHUV • &KXPSKRQ&DEDQD5HVRUWDQG 
 7HO   'LYLQJ&HQWHU
www.hippodivers-phiphi.com  7HO
 
• 0RVNLWR'LYLQJ&HQWHU www.cabana.co.th
 7HO
www.moskitodiving.com Chon Buri
• 9LVD'LYLQJ&HQWHU • $GYHQWXUH'LYHUV
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www.visadiving.com www.pattayadivers.com
Produced by
Attractions Promotion Division
Product Promotion Department
Tourism Authority of Thailand

1600 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan,


Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand
Tel. : +66 (2) 250 5500 (120 automatic lines)
Fax. : +66 (2) 250 5511 (2 automatic lines)
Email : center@tat.or.th
Website : www.tourismthailand.org

Underwater Photographed
by : Suriya Nuntasukhon

For free distribution


Copyright © 2014 by Tourism Authority of Thailand
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced in any form without prior written
permission from Tourism Authority of Thailand.
E x p l o r e T h e F a m o u s
Div e Sites in Th a i l a n d

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