It is possible to dive almost anywhere along Thailand’s coast, but the areas around the outflow of Chao Phraya River, including the resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin southwest west of the river, and Pattaya to the east are not recommended due to their diminished visibility.
Almost everywhere else, dive schools abound, and the waters are warm, clear and brimming with fantastic marine life, including its most famous oceanic celebrity, the Whale Shark.
The top dive spots in the Gulf of Thailand are Ko Chang in the north and the eastern island chain of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan, with the latter two the best locations. Although diving in the Gulf is possible all year round, the period from September to November is typically a time of reduced visibility and poor weather.
The Andaman Sea islands off the west coast offer Thailand’s very best diving, the most popular destinations in which to be based being Phuket, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta, where the local diving is excellent. Diving is possible all year round but is less satisfactory between April and October due to choppier waters and reduced visibility.
Further offshore, the remarkable dives of the Similan and Surin archipelagos regularly feature in lists of the World’s top dive sites and offer stunning underwater experiences. However, it should be noted that a few of the dives can be challenging and are therefore best suited to experienced divers.
Whilst day trips can be arranged from the mainland departing from Khao Lak, by far the best way to visit these islands and enjoy the superb diving is on a liveaboard cruise, leaving from Phuket or Khao Lak. A range of cruises from 4-14 days are available. The islands are managed as a National Park, which is open only from November 16 until May 15 annually, with the best conditions usually occurring in March.
Another great diving opportunity from Phuket is to travel the liveaboard trips to the fabulous Mergui (Meiyk) archepelago of Myanmar, a virtually uninhabited collection of pristine underwater heavens, comprised of over 800 islands.
OTHER Thailand TOURS
Thailand Sonata 14 Days
This 14 day comprehensive tour visits the Capital Bangkok and the nearby ruins of the World Heritage site at Ayutthaya, before travelling north for an in-depth exploration of the cultural nuances of northern Thailand, with visits to Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle, Chiang Mai, Pai and Mae Hong Son, featuring an elephant ride, bamboo rafting and meeting the ethnic minorities of the northern lands. The tour concludes with a spell of relaxation on the delightful beaches of Krabi in southern Thailand, which can be easily extended to visit other southern resorts.
Thailand Overview 7 days
A Twin destination tour of central and northern Thailand, visiting the country’s bustling modern capital and the contrastingly ancient former capital of Siam’s Ayuthaya, before heading to the quieter, cooler and greener mountain scenery of Thailand’s northern city, Chiang Mai, with its own cultural legacy. You’ll also have a chance to impress the locals with your elephant riding skills.
Thailand Adventure Holiday 12 Days
This interesting tour of northern Thailand, begins with an exploration of the Thai Capital and surroundings, visiting ancient Ayutthaya and the bridge on the River Kwai, before heading north to the fabled ‘Golden Triangle’, and the northern cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. You’ll then travel to the hilltribe village of Lisu for an introduction to its culture, and enjoying the surrounding countryside while trying out some water rafting, cycling, elephant riding, water buffalo riding and learning the culinary arts of both Lanna and Thai cookery.
Bangkok Stopover 4 Days
In
Thailand’s brash, sprawling capital city Bangkok, enjoy the majestic Royal
Palace, the sights and scents of the flower market, and take a tuk tuk around
the city centre. Enjoy a free day in the city, or take an excursion to the
ancient capital Ayutthaya or Damernsaduak floating market.
Thailand Family and Fun 12 Days
This delightful 12 day family holiday in
Thailand will be an inspirational adventure for kids and adults alike, visiting
the splendid golden temples of Bangkok, before heading to Chiang Mai for some
fun with elephants, Pandas, Batik making and a spot of Bamboo rafting in the
beautiful historic northern city. You’ll then travel to the southern peninsula
to explore the fabulous islands and beaches of Phang Na Bay and Krabi.
Thailand Old Kingdoms 14 Days
This tour of the ancient lands of northern Thailand visits the Historic places of Thailand’s modern capital, together with visits to the impressive historic remains of two former Siamese capitals, Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, both once towering monuments to the elevated culture of southeast Asia, along with the northern Lanna kingdom centred around modern day Chiang Mai. The tour then explores the northern countryside, visiting the area of Golden Triangle and its tribal inhabitants.
Thailand Honeymoon Vacation 12 Days
This
12 day honeymoon in Thailand begins with a relaxing spa treatment to fully
unwind from your journey and free your minds for an exploration of your new
togetherness in this wonderful land. After a sightseeing tour of the capital
and fine dining in the world’s tallest open air restaurant, you’ll have a
luxury cruise to ancient Ayutthaya before heading up north to ‘rough it’ a
little in the northern highlands, enjoying an elephant ride and a Thai cooking
class, before heading south to your
tropical beach resort overlooking Phang Nha Bay and the Indian Ocean.
Picture-perfect Thailand Honeymoon 12 Days
This relaxing honeymoon itinerary glows with the splendour of Thailand’s natural treasures and first class services. Take in the glittering capital city Bangkok, then head for a floating resort to enjoy boating and elephant riding along the lush banks of the River Kwai. Fly seaward for a few days of beachfront pampering on Phuket Island, and then off to the secluded Naka Island for additional star treatment. This itinerary delivers all the details for your trip of a lifetime.
Thailand Culinary Journey 8 Days
Nowadays, almost everyone has tried Thai cuisine in their home locality, but there’s nothing like authenticity when it comes to your taste buds. This tour takes your palate upon a journey through Thailand’s distinctive flavours, from the legendary street food of the nation’s capital, through the subtle notes of northern Lanna Cuisine in Chiang Mai, and the dining style of Thai Royalty at the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, while your eyes enjoy the feast of sights these locations also have to offer
Thailand Discovery 15 Days
Begin your discovery of Thailand in the forests and mountains around Chiang Mai, exploring by mountain bike and white water raft, astride an elephant, and flying on zip-lines through the jungle canopy. Stroll historic Chiang Mai and enjoy a cooking class before heading to Bangkok for a long-tail boat adventure to a floating market and a chance to view Kanchanaburi’s Bridge over the River Kwai. Hit the sand at Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand for some time to relax in the sun, and join the infamous Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan. This package, combining some of the most exciting activities in Thailand, is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Thailand Family Adventure 16 Days
A wide-ranging exploration of Thailand’s most engaging sites and activities, this tour has something for everyone. From long-tail boat rides to bamboo river rafts, from cycling through rural fields to an elephant trek through the jungle, from a zip-line in the rainforest canopy to snorkelling in sun-kissed Phang Nga Bay, there is no danger of anyone lagging behind for lack of excitement! From the gilded wonders of Thai temples to colourful hill-tribe villages, your family will get a broad view of Thailand’s brilliant diversity, and have time to soak it all up, along with some sun, at one of the country’s famous beaches.
Thailand Luxury Hideway 12 Days
This 12 day luxury sojourn begins in Thailand’s capital. Bangkok, with a tour of its iconic sights and is followed by luxury stays on two of Thailand’s most beautiful islands in the area around Phang Nha Bay on the west coast peninsula, together with a stay at the mainland beach resort of Krabi and an island hopping day in the bay.
The delightful climate, splendid beaches, endless islands, dramatic scenery and delicious waters of this area are preludes to deep civilised relaxation and some of the superb leisure activities on offer, and is a template easily adapted into to a longer beach and island holiday or inclusion within a wider exploration of Thailand.
Bird Watching in Thailand 12 Days
While
better known for its temples and beaches, Thailand is also a spectacular bird
watching destination with a wide range of species accessible to the dedicated
observer. This tour brings you to several amazing national parks to browse the
habitat of all kinds of birds, from backyard regulars to reclusive exotics. You’ll
enjoy full days of bird watching amidst some of Thailand’s wildest and most untouched
areas. This tour is ideal for those passionate about nature and observing the
beauty of life in its feathered form.
Thailand Cultural Overture 12 Days
On
this cultural extravaganza through the Land of Smiles, wander ancient monuments
and temples from the Lanna kingdom in the north, view the historical royal
capital of Sukhothai, and take in the shining sights of Bangkok. Explore the
Bridge over the River Kwai, and see local artisans working with textiles and
ceramics. Interact with elephants, practically the nation’s mascot, and all
along the way enjoy world-famous Thai cuisine. An experience not to be
forgotten, this is Thailand in all its richly colourful variety.
Cycling South Thailand 11 Days
Covering
an incredible variety of landscapes, this cycling tour begins in Bangkok with
an engaging evening cycling jaunt around the city centre. With a flexible mix
of van transfers and rides tailored to your taste, your route roughly follows
the Gulf of Thailand coast, covering plenty of long quiet beach roads and visiting
several splendid national parks. Spend the final days of the tour exploring the
Koh Yao Islands, brilliant cycling territory of quiet beaches and rural tracks.
There’s no downside to this ride, so let’s get to it!
Summer holiday in Asia 12 Days
Spanning
the width of Mainland Southeast Asia, this tour takes you from burgeoning urban
centres to ancient monuments to quiet rural retreats. In Thailand, take in the
gilded sights of Bangkok, visit the famed ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ and
enjoy the company of gentle giants at an elephant nature park. View the
architectural wonders of Angkor Wat and other ancient Khmer temples near Siem
Reap, Cambodia. In Vietnam, take a day to cruise the Mekong River and
experience life on the delta, including a short cycling excursion and a rowing
boat tour of the area’s labyrinthine canals. In the picturesque Central Vietnam
town of Hoi An, enjoy the beach, join a cooking class or simply sit back and
take it all in.