If you are interested in scuba diving or snorkeling but have never had the chance to do it, Thailand is for you. Renowned as one of the world's best beach destinations, Thailand offers an excellent wide range of water sports for travelers.
Discover the best places in Thailand for diving, snorkeling and other water sports below.
Highlights
- Unwind in Koh Phi Phi, where The Beach (1999) was filmed
- Have your first surfing lesson at Patong Beach
- Explore the beauty of Phang Nga Bay by kayak
- Raise your adrenalin by jet skiing at a beach in Phuket
- Spend a full day exploring marine life at a clear-water beach by the Andaman Sea
10-Day Island Hopping Tour around Eastern Thailand:
Diving in Thailand
Why dive in Thailand? Simple. Thailand has more than 349 named diving sites, great weather, warm water, and an astonishing 153 km2 of coral reefs. What to expect and where is the best place to dive?
What to expect
Thai coral reefs are breathtaking and intact, though some are still recovering from the 2004 tsunami. Its seas offer you the chance to dive with leopard sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, and other fascinating creatures.
Thailand has two diving zones with two different seasons: the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast and the Andaman Sea on the west coast. The water temperatures in both places hover between 27oC and 32oC year-round, depending on the season.
If you plan to dive in the Andaman Sea on the west coast (Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi) the hot, dry season from November to April is best, due to good water visibility.
On the east coast, the Gulf of Thailand (Ko Tao, Koh Samui), the best time is between May and September, when the weather is quite chilly, with fewer tourists.
Best places for diving
The Andaman Sea offers numerous diving spots all down the west coast of Thailand. Below we list the areas with the best coral reefs.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are often ranked among the world's premier diving sites. The best way to dive at the Islands is with a cruise, for between two days and two weeks. A day trip from Khao Lak is also possible, with an additional trip of 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi offer good places to dive with whale shark and manta ray. They are surrounded by 70 islands, among which are two world-class diving sites, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
Hin Daeng literally means 'red rock'. It is home to a variety of soft corals of red hue. Hin Muang means 'purple rock', and is also named after the color of the soft corals that cover the rock formations there.
Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Island is a popular dive destination in the Andaman Sea, accessible from Phuket, Koh Lanta or Krabi. The island is still recovering from the destruction of the 2014 Tsunami, but its marine life is thriving and strong.
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
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Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
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Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
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Jul 2023
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
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Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
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Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
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Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
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Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
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Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
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Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
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May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
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May 2023
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Snorkeling in Thailand
Snorkeling is perfect for exploring the underwater world, using simpler gear than diving.
What to expect
The crystal-clear water and friendly sea turtles are highlights of a snorkeling trip. The sunny and chilly weather from November to April at the Andaman Sea is best for exploring its underwater life. Expect to see an abundance of marine life.
Best Places for snorkeling
Snorkeling tours are available as day tours, overnight tours or live-aboard cruises from Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi, Koh Samui and Koh Lanta. On the Andaman seaside of Thailand, the best time to snorkel is from November to late April.
From May to September, when heavy rainfalls hit the west coast, the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast may be a better option.
Koh Hong
Koh Hong is part of Than Bok Khorani National Park. It opens only for day visits and no overnight stay is allowed. Koh Hong Islands consist of numerous islands with spectacular formations and breathtaking natural lagoons, surrounded by limestone formations.
Koh Phi Phi
Via the movie The Beach of 1999, Leonardo DiCaprio introduced Koh Phi Phi to the world. The 200-meter stretch of beach is surrounded by towering cliffs on three sides, and covered with foliage and greenery. It has a nice mix of hard and soft corals, anemone and sea fans, with opportunities to encounter black-tip sharks and leopard sharks.
Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are located close to the Similan Islands, less visited but with better reefs. Under protection of the Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park, the beaches and coastlines remain pristine.
One of the most visited snorkeling areas in Surin Island is Ao Mae Yai Bay, where the striking coral is home to notorious clownfish.
9-Day Thailand East Coast Island Hopping Tour:
Other water sports in Thailand
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is a thrilling adventure. It is available at most of the beaches in Thailand, In Phuket, you can only legally rent and use a jet ski at five beaches, Karon, Patong, Kata, Kamala and Bangtao. Always put your safety first by renting from a licensed jet-ski operator.
If you plan to operate a jet ski, you need to have a 'Second Class Helmsman of Power-Driven Sea-Going Vessels' license on your pocket, since the risk of accident is quite high. Otherwise, you could face a 10,000 baht fine. The safest choice is to go as a passenger.
Paddleboarding
Paddle-boarding or stand-up paddle-boarding is a comparatively new beach activity in Thailand. It is easy and does not require special physical preparation. There are a few lessons to learn before entering the water, such as how to balance on the surfboard, how to use a long-handle paddle, and how to tame potential waves.
You can find paddle-boarding around Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Khao Sok and Khao Lak.
Surfing
The Andaman Sea has bigger and more powerful waves than others. Take your first surfing lessons at beaches with milder waves, like Patong and Kata Noi, and when you're confident enough, Kamala, Surin, Kata, Nai Harn, and Bang Tao have bigger waves to challenge you.
It is considerably safer to surf on the beaches mentioned above. They have sandy sea-beds, so injury from rock or reef can be avoided. Also the likelihood of meeting sharks, stingrays or jellyfish quite low. The best waves come between May and November.
Kayaking
With kayaking, the beauty of Thailand's shoreline and its natural splendors are intimately within reach. Pedal your kayak to breathtaking lagoons, alongside the limestone cliffs of Thailand's small islands such as in Phang Nga Bay, between Phuket and Krabi.
Kayaking is available all year round and runs on a daily basis, both on the west and on the east coast. Avoid the rainy season for a better experience.
10-Day Thailand Rain Forest and Beach Escape:
Useful tips for water sports in Thailand
Water sports are fun-packed activities, but they are also dangerous if you are not well prepared. Here are some useful tips to ensure you are ready for safe water sport in Thailand.
Choose the right time
Weather is the main key in planning your activities. Avoid the stormy rainy season if kayaking, snorkeling, or surfing. Having a good understanding of the differences in weather between Thailand's west and east coast can help you in choosing activities.
Decide on location and logistics
There are no such time restraints for your other leisure time, but good calculation of time and transportation needed to each site or each activity will help you manage your whole holiday better.
Consider your own physical strength
Some water sports such as kayaking and water-boarding need moderate physical preparation. No one knows better your physical strength than you yourself. If you want to do heavier activities, train accordingly.
Use proper gear
A life jacket is a must; being able to swim is not sufficient. Before you enter the water, make sure you are wearing a life jacket that fits you.
Book with a reliable agent
There are hundreds of agents offering similar packages with slight differences in price or detail. Always choose a reliable one. Find their information and review it online, check their license or certificate, and make sure your safety is their first priority.
Double check your travel insurance coverage
Protection is as important as prevention. Make sure you are protected by your insurance even for the smallest injuries.
Be aware of your surroundings and never go alone (especially kids)
Be aware of your surroundings under and outside the water. Shark attacks may be avoided if your trip brings you to safe areas, but it is important to take into account other factors such as weather or currents.
Be environmentally-sensitive
Be more than just a tourist, and give more than just a visitor.
Care more about the environment by doing simple things such as choosing less-hectic sports to reduce impact, not disturbing aquatic life while diving, not using sun-block while diving, collecting your own garbage, choosing reliable agents who use newer ships/boats/jets making less noise pollution.
You might like to read
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Diving with Asia Highlights
Bathing in the waters of the Andaman Sea, travelers with a brave heart for adventure will never become lukewarm or bored. Rather than scooping out the best possible activities yourself, why not let us do the job? Contact us now to kick-start your fun adventure in Thailand!
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