Diving in Thailand's crystal seas

Chumphon - Koh Tao

The Kingdom of Thailand, often known as the "Land of Smiles" is also a land of fabulous diversity, and nowhere is this more evident than in its crystal seas. With 2,600 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of idyllic islands, Thailand's waters harbour a mes-merising menagerie of life, from vast coral reefs, to shoals of brilliantly-coloured fish, to such breathtaking and exotic visitors as manta rays, turtles, sharks and dolphins.
The seas around Thailand are unusually calm and clear, and at a temperature of around 28 degrees, perfect habitat fo, more than 200 species of coral and the tens of thousands of different types of organism they support. But a large part of the reason for Thailand's marine bio-diversity lies in the fact it comprises two distinct

ecosystems.
To the west is the Andaman Sea, part of the Indian Ocean, home to the internationally-renowned resorts of Phuket and Phi Phi and the world-class diving sites of the Similan and Surin islands. To the east stretches the Gulf of Thailand, famed for its laid-hack diving havens of Ko Samui and Ko Tao, and biggest marine national park of the region, Mu Ko Ang Thong. One benefit of these two systems is that together, unlike other tropical locations, they offer ideal snorkelling and diving conditions all year round. The Gulf of Thailand is perfect between May and September, with the Andaman clearest between October and April. As well as crystal seas teeming with life, Thailand offers laid-back beach life on golden, palm-fringed shores, all the sports and leisure activities you could desire and a famously friendly and welcoming people. It's no wonder that every year more and more visitors come back to marvel at the Land of Smiles.

Andaman Sea || Gulf of Thailand

Diving - the most popular water sport Scuba diving is Thailand's most popular water sport, and it's an experience you cannot fotget. With magical appatatus allowing you to breathe

underwater, a whole new universe opens up to you. Some of the most extravagantly beautiful creatures in creation await you in this weightless, watery world. Explore brilliantly-coloured coral reefs and be dazzled by fish of a thousand hues. Expect close encounters with giant barracuda, manta rays, sea cows and even sharks! Thailand is the central focus for scuba diving in Southeast Asia. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and become avid divers for life. There are world-class locations for everyone.