Best dive sites in Thailand
Asia · Southeast Asia · 4 dive sites reviewed · best Nov–Apr
Thailand offers two very different dive coasts: the Andaman Sea, home to the Similan Islands and the whale-shark magnet of Richelieu Rock, and the calmer Gulf of Thailand around Koh Tao. The country is one of the world's most popular places to learn to dive, with a huge, well-developed dive industry and abundant snorkeling and marine encounters. Liveaboards to the Similans are a signature experience.
Diving in Thailand: the essentials
We've ranked 4 dive sites in Thailand, averaging 3.8/5 across the set. Our top pick, Koh Bida Nok, scores 4.2/5 — Wall-and-reef diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers..
Conditions are strongest in Nov–Apr.
A realistic travel budget in Thailand works out to about $96/day per person — see the cost breakdown below for the full picture.
Local food
Pad thai, tom yum, green curry and mango sticky rice. Street food here is world-class and cheap.
Local culture
Buddhist and famously friendly. Learn the 'wai' greeting, dress respectfully at temples, and haggle lightly at markets. Hot and humid year-round.
Typical travel cost
Average daily cost per person
A one-week trip costs about $672 per person, based on real traveler spending.
Source: BudgetYourTrip — real traveler expenses, not a fixed rate.
Koh Bida Nok
Wall-and-reef diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Dive sites in this country
4 ranked
Koh Bida Nok
Wall-and-reef diving with 4 standout species — a great fit for most divers.
Koh Tao
Reef diving with a well-rounded site — ideal for newcomers.
Similan Islands
Reef diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, liveaboard access — a great fit for most divers.
Richelieu Rock
Diving with liveaboard access, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.