Country Guide

Best Scuba Diving in Thailand

8 dive sites in Thailand, ranked by our data-driven Score across 12 categories including marine life, coral health, visibility, operator quality, and value. Average score: 67.6/100.

Thailand's Andaman Sea offers dramatic limestone karst walls, whale shark encounters, and the wreck of the HTMS Chang — all within a well-developed dive infrastructure that suits every budget. The Gulf of Thailand side adds colorful reef dives at Koh Tao, one of the world's most popular places to earn an Open Water certification. With liveaboards departing for the remote Similan and Surin islands, Thailand punches well above its weight for an accessible destination.

Best For
BeginnersWhale SharksWreck DivingReef DivingCertification Courses
Best Months
November to April (Andaman); March to October (Gulf of Thailand)
US Visa
US passport holders receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival, extendable once for 30 days at an immigration office.
  1. #1 · Southeast Asia
    Khao Lak
    Score 76.2 · Phang Nga Province
  2. #2 · Southeast Asia
    Phuket
    Score 74.9 · Phuket Province
  3. #3 · Southeast Asia
    Koh Lipe
    Score 69.7 · Satun Province
  4. #4 · Southeast Asia
    Koh Phi Phi
    Score 68.9 · Krabi Province
  5. #5 · Asia-Pacific
    Hin Daeng & Hin Muang
    Score 64.3 · Krabi
  6. #6 · Asia-Pacific
    Similan Islands
    Score 64.2 · Phang Nga
  7. #7 · Asia-Pacific
    Richelieu Rock
    Score 61.6 · Surin Islands
  8. #8 · Asia-Pacific
    Koh Tao
    Score 61.2 · Surat Thani