DIVING TH LAND OF SMILES D
iving in Thailand is diverse, catering to divers of all levels of experience. From the wonderful dive training centres at Koh Tao, to the pelagic action and vibrant reefs of the Surin and Similan Islands, there is something for everyone. Some of the best diving in Thailand is on the more-remote northern reefs and islands of the Andaman Sea accessible by liveaboard, with many other great sites in the southern Andaman Sea accessible on day trips from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. On the other side of the Thai Peninsula, there is also great diving to be found in the Gulf of Thailand, accessible from Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Thailand has two dozen official Marine National Parks (MNP) in the Andaman Sea, and several distinct dive areas, the pinnacle of which, Richelieu Rock, is considered one of the best dive sites in the world. Richelieu Rock is in the Surin Islands MNP, in the northern Andaman Sea, north of the well-known Similan Islands MNP, and south of another great dive area – the Mergui Archipelago – within Myanmar’s waters, but accessed by Thailand liveaboards based in Ranong, north of Phuket.
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