Plongée à Khao Lak — Thailand

Khao Lak is the closest land base to Thailand's crown jewels — the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. Liveaboards depart from nearby Tab Lamu pier for multi-day trips through crystal-clear waters harboring manta rays and whale sharks. The quiet beach town offers a relaxed alternative to Phuket's bustle, with lower prices and a diver-focused atmosphere.

Score
76.2
Visibilité
15–40m
Température
27–30°C
Meilleurs mois
November, December, January
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World Class
Intermediate
Khao Lak
ThailandSoutheast Asia
76.2

SCORE

8.6500°N

98.2400°E

Khao Lak is the closest land base to Thailand's crown jewels — the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock. Liveaboards depart from nearby Tab Lamu pier for multi-day trips through crystal-clear waters harboring manta rays and whale sharks. The quiet beach town offers a relaxed alternative to Phuket's bustle, with lower prices and a diver-focused atmosphere.

Gateway to the Similan Islands

Visibility15–40 m
Temperature27–30°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$100
Best MonthsNovember, December, January, February
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML82.0CH78.0VIS82.0SV78.0TMP88.0DA72.0OP82.0TS62.0GT72.0VAL75.0CRD65.0SP78.0

Marine Life

82.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
80
Megafauna Encounters
78
Reef Fish Abundance
85
Macro Life
78
Endemic Species
65
Marine Life Diversity
82.0
Coral & Reef Health
78.0
Visibility & Conditions
82.0
Dive Site Variety
78.0
Water Temperature
88.0
Depth & Access
72.0
Operator Quality
82.0
Topside Experience
62.0
Getting There
72.0
Value & Cost
75.0
Crowding
65.0
Social Proof
78.0

Dive Types

reefwalldriftpinnacle

Traveling with Non-Divers?

This destination is primarily accessed by liveaboard — not ideal for non-diving partners. Consider planning separate shore-based activities before or after your liveaboard trip.

Activities for Non-Divers

Khao Sok National Parkwaterfall trekkingTsunami Memorialmangrove kayaking

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • International Tsunami Museum
  • Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifebasic

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber80 km — Bangkok Hospital Phuket Hyperbaric Centre
Nearest Hospital15 km

Nearest chamber in Phuket (80 km); local hospital in Takua Pa for first response

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Wicked Diving

PADI

4.8
400 reviewsNITROX

Sea Dragon Dive Center

PADI

4.7
350 reviewsNITROX