Thailand has two distinct dive areas, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.

The Andaman Sea offers the amazing Hin Daeng and Hin Muang dive sites and the fantastic Similan Islands. The west coast of Thailand provides diving around Phi Phi Islands and further south to Hin Daeng and Hin Muang and of course the Similan Islands. The Similan Islands are reached both from liveaboards or speedboats operating out of various areas including Phuket.

The areas of the Similan, comprised of 9 islands, and Surin comprised of a further 5 islands, Richelieu Rock and further north to Burma banks are synonymous with whale sharks, manta rays as well as all number of smaller favourites. Richelieu Rock is renowned worldwide as being one of the worlds best dive sites.

Many of the liveaboard boats include both Koh Bon and Koh Tachai as well as the Surin Islands, and some operators include in their schedules a venture further north to Burma/Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks.

On the Eastern side you have Koh Samui, one of the spectacular spots to visit there being Sail Rock. Here you may also get the chance to spot the amazing mantas and whale sharks, however the chance is much higher on the western side.

Diving in Thailand is therefore on offer at all times of the year, with variations in visibility according to the seasons, however the best time for the Andaman Sea, including Similan, Richelieu Rock and further north is from October to April. For the Eastern Coast, or Gulf of Thailand, the season is May to September. The average water temperature is a balmy 28 degrees with generally good visibility.