Scuba Diving In Thailand

By Pauline Go

The diving possibilities in Thailand are nearly endless. Thailand is listed as one of the top ten sites for scuba diving and it is not surprising why when one sees the world class scuba diving sites, clean white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. In fact, Thailand is the perfect place for it.

This beautiful country is full of history and culture. The Thais are friendly and hospitable while accommodation possibilities vary from budget to luxurious. There over 50 scuba diving centers located in towns and islands along the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea.

Thailand offers a varied diving environment which ranges from deep underwater mountains to sheer rock formations rising above the sea, from coral gardens located in shallow warm waters to undersea formations created by granite boulders; and from limestone walls plunging deep into the sea to numerous dark caverns.

Thailand is blessed with both hard and soft corals. While diving one can often see large pelagic fish, whale sharks, silver tip sharks and manta rays. Thailand's scuba diving sites never fail to impress the most seasoned diver with its variety and species of tropical fish.

Scuba diving in Thailand takes place all year round. However, the best time of the year for diving in Andaman Sea and other diving sites is from October to June. During this period, the sea is calm and one can travel quite far into the sea in boats to enjoy the unique diving experience that Thailand has to offer.

Diving usually takes place in three areas across Thailand. One is Pattaya, which is quite close to Bangkok; the second place is the islands off the Gulf of Thailand. This includes the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao. The last place popular with scuba divers is the west coast of Thailand. Here Phuket, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi offer the best experience in the Andaman Sea.

Travel to Krabi and Phi Phi Islands - Amazing Thailand Attractions

By Siripong T

Krabi is a province of Thailand located in the southern area and has fantastic beaches along the shore plus many wonderful islands. You just can't imagine how beautiful they are. Phi Phi Islands is one of the very famous spots in Krabi that travelers can't miss.

About the weather in Krabi province, there are only two seasons in this region, which is different from other parts of Thailand. The summer season lasts from January to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to December. The temperature is between 16.9 and 37.3 degree Celsius throughout the year.

You can get to Krabi by car or by plane. If you drive there from Bangkok, you go along the highway number 4 through many provinces. The overall distance is approximately 946 kilometers. If you go to Krabi from Phuket, you can use highway number 402 connected to highway number 4 through Pangnga province and Krabi province. The total distance is approximately 185 kilometers. Also, the public transportation companies provide air-conditioned buses for people everyday from Bangkok and Phuket. If you decide to go there by plane from Bangkok airport, it takes about 1 hour and a half to Krabi province.

Diving at Krabi Sea is a very exciting activity that you can't miss. Scuba diving is very popular there. Many diving service companies provide the travelers boat services from Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island. Some famous diving spots are around Phi Phi Islands and King Cruiser shipwreck. Around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le Islands, there are many diving spots such as Nui beach, Maya beach, and sea caves. You may rent a small boat called Rue Hang Yao from Phi Phi Don Island to these spots. Bidah Islands and Ha Islands (Ha means five) are also popular diving spots.

Phi Phi Islands is one of the famous islands in Thailand located in Krabi province. The word "Phi Phi" comes from a tree named "Pi-a-pee." In 1983, the government of Thailand announced that Phi Phi Islands became a member of Nopparatthara - Phi Phi Islands national park. This park includes six islands which are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai, Yung and Phai Islands. The distance between Krabi beach and Phi Phi Islands is approximately 42 kilometers.

Lanta Islands is one of the most amazing spots in Krabi. It is located in the far south of the province. In the past, villagers called this islands "Poo-Lao-Sa-Tak" which means the islands with long beaches. Some famous islands are Lanta Yai Islands, Ngai Island, Rok Nai Island and Rok Nok Island. There are a lot of resorts and hotels on the islands. You can go to Lanta Islands from Krabi beach or Phi Phi Islands.

Ao Nang is a place that has wonderful scenario with beautiful beaches such as Rai Le Beach, Tam Pra Nang Beach and Nam Mao Beach. These three beaches cannot be reached by car because they are surrounded by mountains. You can go there by boat from Ao Nang.