Thailand’s premier dive locations are comparable to some of the
world class dive destinations. Its extensive coastlines fringe the
Andaman Sea to the west between Myanmar and Peninsular Malaysia and
the Gulf of Thailand between Kampuchea and Peninsular Malaysia to
the east. There are hundreds of islands and rock outcrops where
pioneering divers have charted as good dive sites and marked them on
dive maps for the benefit of the diving industry and visiting
divers.
A year round diving pleasure is the norm in Thailand, as
both seas share alternate good season. When the south-west monsoon
blows over the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand enjoys sunshine,
blue skies and calm waters and vice versa, when the north-east
monsoon affects the Gulf of Thailand. Hence, there will always be a
favorable dive destination at any chosen time when you visit
Thailand.
Thailand’s tropical climate keeps the sea relatively warm and
this factor, initiates one of the first comforts of diving. Its
myriad seabed configurations of cliff dives, caves, steep drop-offs,
“chimney” wrecks, grottos and the vast expanse of exotic coral
gardens, encompass the adventure and mysteries of diving. These
underwater architectures are the natural habitat to a world of
exotic marine creatures which divers wish to be acquainted with.
Thailand’s seas are plankton rich, attracting the awe inspiring
whale sharks, manta rays and a host of other pelagic fish. These
marine fantasies coupled with good visibility will delight
underwater photographers and marine naturalists.
The Andaman Sea dive destinations offer a pure diving pleasure
and live aboard dive expeditions to renowned premier dive sites in
the Similan Islands, Surin Islands and the Burma Banks. From Phuket,
there are equally exciting daily trips to popular dive site sites of
Pee Pee Islands, Racha Islands, Shark Points, Dok Mai and west coast
dive sites. Dive programs comes in variety and there is always one
to suit your ultimate desire.
In the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya the main dive base of the
eastern seaboard is also the take-off point to budding dive sites of
Koh Chang National Marine Park, which is near the Kampuchean border.
Wreck diving is popular in Pattaya besides dive sites off the inner
and outer islands. Chumphon and Koh Samui offer excellent dive sites
with adventurous dives through caves, gorges, “chimneys” and a maze
of pinnacles. Fish life in the surrounding waters is prolific and
amasses by shoals of plankton feeders, the sightings of whale sharks
and manta rays are on the records.
From Chumphon, other reputable dive sites are Hin Lak Ngam, Koh
Ngam Yai and Hin Pae. Those of Koh Samui reach out to the Ang Thong
National Marine Park, rock outcrop of Hin Bai, Koh Phangan and Koh
Tao.
As always mentioned, the efficient network of air, land and sea
transfers to all the popular dive locations and dive sites has
earned Thailand as one of the most popular diving holiday
destinations by globe trotting divers are fulfilled, you will be
equally pleased with the myriad choice of optional bonanza tours,
water sports, a feast of exotic local cuisines, a host of evening
entertainment, great shopping and a wide range of fine accommodation
to assure you a complete holiday.
