Scuba Diving in Thailand – Koh Phangan is an Excellent Place to Dive

The Gulf of Thailand is considered to be an excellent diving area, due to its clear lucid water and the huge variety of underwater life. In the past, there was a consensus that the neighboring Koh Tao is the only (or at least the best) place for “real” scuba divers in the Gulf of Thailand. Still, most scuba divers prefer to go straight to Koh Tao for the best diving sites, some of us had already realized, that Koh Phangan enables us to expand the choice.

Diving and snorkeling in Koh Phangan, as well as in Koh Tao, is possible around the year. There are also a generous variety of diving - related services, such as the dive courses. If you reminisced that you don’t know how to dive only after arriving in Koh Phangan - don’t be discouraged. Diving isn’t an ethnic origin or eye color, it can be easily learned. In Koh Phangan you can find diving schools in many places: Chaloklum, Haad Yao, Haad Chao Pao, Thong Nai Pan and Haad Rin. The quickest courses last 2 days (2 dives each) and cost about 8000 – 9500 baht, whereas real diving enthusiasts have an opportunity to learn diving at a professional level.

The list of the best diving sites in Koh Phangan includes:

1. Koh Ma a small island connected to the northern part of Koh Phangan by a sand bar near Haad Mae Haad (maximum depth 24 m).

2. Haad Salad, Haad Yao & Haad Chaophao – three neighboring beaches with a big variety of tropical fish and coral reefs (maximum depth 24 m).

3. Ang Thong National Marine Park - is a group of 42 islands, protected as a National Park. The diving in Ang Thong National Marine Park is not only possible but also enjoyable, since it offers unique opportunity to see some fascinating marine animals, such as sea turtles, sea snakes and huge corals (maximum depth 24 m).

Apart from diving, in Koh Phangan you can also make snorkeling tours. The best snorkeling sites in Koh Phangan are Koh Ma, Haad Mae Haad, Haad Salad, Haad Yao & Haad Chaophao.

If you prefer an organized snorkeling tour - both the Boat Trip and the Eco Nature Tour include snorkeling in Koh Ma area.

Useful Information
Rin Beach Tours - Trip to Ang Thong Marine Park
Haad Rin, tel. 077-375385