TOP DIVING IN THAILAND
When you visit somewhere exotic like Thailand you want to try new things. From relaxing in your own private villa to trying out cuisine you could never have imagined, it’s the chance to do something completely out of the ordinary.
Thrill seekers especially can indulge in some fascinating sports and activities, with Thailand being a hot spot for scuba and deep sea diving. Below we’ve picked out three fantastic, atmospheric and awe-inspiring dive sites from across the country, blogs Mark Cox.
THE SIMILANS
The Similans has had National Marine Park since 1982 and is made up of nine granite islands covered in tropical jungle. The layout of the isles creates one of the most diverse and atmospheric dive destinations in Thailand. It is home to a vast range of tropical fish, probably more than any other area of Thailand with leopard and whitetip sharks seen regularly. There are also ghost pipe fish, turtles and giant humphead parrotfish to look out for. The clarity of the water makes it a wonderful option for a spot of underwater photography and there are diving opportunities for complete beginners as well as those with a little experience and experts.
HOBBITON WAS A SIGNIFICANT LOCATION IN LORD OF THE RINGS FILM TRILOGY. IT IS ON A FAMILY RUN FARM IN WAIKATO AND A PARK/ TOUR SITE FOR LORD OF THE RING FANS.
KOH SAMUI
A luxury spot since the 1970s Koh Samui remains the most popular tourist destination of Thailand’s east coast. It’s slightly more sheltered than the rest of Thailand due to its position on Gulf and the dive sites are great all year round. Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle are the most famous sites and they have become popular with both experienced and beginner divers. Snorkelers can enjoy the small caves and coves in the shallower water, whilst divers can throw themselves in amongst the schools of fusilier fish and large snappers. You may even spot angelfish, yellow-tailed barracuda and stingrays.
PHI PHI ISLANDS
The Phi Phi Islands comprise Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, two picturesque, stunning beautiful isles. They offer some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring dives you could imagine with unparalleled views and the chance to enjoy the beauty of underwater coral, soft to the touch and vibrantly colored.
There seems to be an endless array of coves and dive sites to enjoy with the scope to get stuck into a huge range of different diving adventures. Look out for sea snakes, green turtles, squid, crocodile long-toms and leopard sharks.
Diving is an excursion you can try in the UK and many other countries but the views in Thailand and the sheer range of experiences make it stand out from the crowd.