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Diving and snorkeling
Thailand has plenty of snorkeling and diving sites, which belongs to the most beautiful in the world. Where coral reefs or large granite stones build the coastal structure of the islands, the water is crystal clear and the marine fauna and flora is very impressive: whale sharks, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, a variety of tropical marine fish, as well as very well-preserved soft and hard corals. Visibility under water is at least 20, in some places up to 40m during the dry season.
Among the islands, the best diving places with the most beautiful scenerie are Koh Mak, Koh Tao, Koh Surin, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and of course the granite islands of the Similan group. Because even the best snorkeling areas are not directly on the beaches, you should join a diving school or take a long boat ride lead by local Thais.
On almost all the islands there are diving schools and shops. Dive courses can be done at low prices, often in combination with cheap accommodation. Most schools operate according to international standards (eg PADI).
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This table shows the best diving spots in Thailand:
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Island
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Spot
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Location
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Water depth
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Quality
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Koh Chang
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Koh Wai west coast
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south of Koh Chang
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16m
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**
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Koh Mak
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Ao Suan Yai
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west of Koh Mak
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16m
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**
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Koh Rang
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west of Koh Mak
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8-18m
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**
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Koh Tao
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under water rock
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around the island
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20-30m
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***
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Koh Phangan
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under water rock, Koh Tunggu
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west and north
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25m
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***
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Koh Similan
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all islands
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whole region
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up to 70m
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****
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Koh Surin
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both islands
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whole region
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30-40m
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****
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Koh Phuket
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Shark Point
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west coast
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25m
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**
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Koh Racha
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south of Phuket
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up to 30m
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***
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Koh Phi Phi
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Don
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south coast
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up to 30m
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**
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Leh
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around the island
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up to 25m
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***
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Koh Lanta
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Koh Ha
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all islands
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26m
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***
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Koh Rok
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west coast
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26m
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****
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Hin Muang/Hin Daeng
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under water rock
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up to 40m
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****
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Koh Tarutao
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Koh Lipe/Koh Adang/Koh Rawang
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whole region
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30-40m
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***
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