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Top 10 Diving Spots in Khao Lak That Will Blow Your Fins Off!
I just finished watching The Meg, and honestly, all I could think of was, how did they miss that massive shark swimming around? I mean, yeah, the ocean’s massive, but still. It’s wild and kind of terrifying.
Makes you think we should be putting more money into exploring the oceans like we do with space. Anyway, my next mission became finding a safe and fun way to dive into the depths.
A friend of mine—an advanced open water diver—was all in, so together, we rounded up the best diving spots in Khao Lak. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to dive into the deep, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.
Beginner-Friendly Diving Spots in Khao Lak
Similan Islands
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Address: Lam Kaen, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
You’ll probably hear about Similan Islands if we’re talking about diving spots in Khao Lak, since it’s one of the top destinations in Thailand. The water here is typically clear, with visibility often reaching 15-30 meters, depending on the time of year.
We also fell in love with marine biodiversity. Imagine encountering schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and sometimes the majestic manta rays and whale sharks. Plus, the reefs are filled with colorful and soft corals, and tons of macro critters like nudibranchs and shrimps.
Many of the diving sites in Similans are relatively shallow, making them ideal for beginners. And the islands are pretty accessible by boat from Khao Lak, with most dive trips being either day trips or liveaboard excursions.
Pro tip:
Book your trip in advance, especially during the high season (November to April). Also, the islands are protected, so they’re only accessible by authorized dive operators.
Surin Islands
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Address: Ko Phra Thong, Khura Buri District, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
What we like about the Surin Islands is that they’re less crowded, less commercialized, and feel far more peaceful than popular sites. You won’t be bumping into boats at every surface interval, and the dive sites are usually quiet.
The best part? You’ll find a good mix of reef life here—schools of snapper, parrotfish, sweetlips, and angelfish, along with moray eels, stingrays, and the occasional reef shark. The hard and soft corals are in great shape.
And maybe this is one of the reasons why it’s less crowded—the islands are a bit further out, so they’re typically reached via overnight liveaboards or longer day trips. You can find some operators running snorkel/dive combo trips, too.
Pro tip:
Bring insect repellent if you’re planning to stay overnight—the Surin Islands are stunning, but the sandflies and mosquitoes can be relentless.
Premchai Wreck
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Address: Thap Lamu Pier
Contact details: +66 076 485 602
Opening hours: N/A
If you’re a beginner and want to try a wreck dive, Premchai Wreck might be the one, especially since it’s accessible. Unlike many sites that require lengthy travels, this one’s a breeze with dive boats reaching the site under an hour from the pier.
Resting at a depth of around 20 meters (it’s relatively shallow), the wreck is great for Open Water divers or those new to wreck diving. Though it’s man-made, it’s become an artificial reef, and you’ll see snappers, lionfish, and scorpionfish.
It’s also worth noting that there’s no penetration involved—this is straightforward, easy diving with good visibility and minimal current most of the time. Visibility usually ranges from 10-20 meters, and conditions are generally mild.
Pro tip:
Don’t rush to the bottom—spend a bit of time hovering above the wreck. Many of the schools of fish tend to hang out higher in the water column, and you’ll get a better view of the wreck’s full structure from above.
Bonsung Wreck
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Address: P5WJ+GHC Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
Bonsung Wreck might as well be a new living complex for fish or marine life since it’s fish-packed. You’ll probably find thick schools of snapper, and fusiliers— a closer look will let you see stonefish, moray eels, and even a Jenkins’ whipray.
It sits at a depth of about 18 to 20 meters, and is well within recreational dive limits and accessible to Open Water divers. Also, the site might have mild to moderate currents and visibility that ranges from 10 to 20 meters, depending on the season.
And the charm about this site is that, unlike other wrecks that feel orderly and preserved, this one feels like nature has taken over (sort of apocalyptic, even). Coral growth, soft sponges, and sea fans now coat much of the structure.
Pro tip:
Bring a torch or dive light. The nooks and overhangs of the wreck are full of hidden creatures that are easy to miss without a bit of illumination. That said, keep your eyes on the sand around the wreck—you might spot a stingray and flatfish.
Intermediate Diving Spots in Khao Lak
Tor13
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Address: J6R4+2VJ Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
Tor13 is a lesser-known but surprisingly rewarding dive site. You see, it’s an artificial reef project, concrete blocks, large cubes, and sunken structures were intentionally placed there—and there’s already significant coral growth.
We’re guessing it’s become a hit since it attracts huge schools of snapper, juvenile barracuda, and fusiliers. Because of the artificial structure, there are a lot of ledges and crevices to check out.
This can also be a comfortable dive for most levels, given that it has a depth of about 15-20 meters and typically has a mild current. Not to mention, it’s also used frequently for training dives due to the simple layout and calm water.
Pro tip:
Take your time around the blocks since many critters blend in almost perfectly. And if you’re bringing a camera, a macro lens will be your best friend here.
Anita’s Reef (Hin Muan Deaw)
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Address: Around Similan Islands
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Opening hours: N/A
Located off the east coast of Koh Ha, aka Island No. 5 in the Similan Islands, Anita’s Reef (Hin Muan Daew) is one of the most vibrant dive sites in the Andaman Sea. The dive is manageable with mild currents and a max depth of about 20 meters.
It’s actually amazing to see how these complex reef structures serve as a nursery for many species. Expect to encounter clown triggerfish, glassfish, sweetlips, Diana’s hogfish, lionfish, and bluefin trevally.
You can also try heading south to reach a sandy stretch known as the Garden of Eels, where garden eels peek up from their burrows to feed. Stay still and they’ll rise from the sand, giving you a close view (like an underwater whack-a-mole).
Pro tip:
For those aiming to snap great photos, bring both a wide-angle and macro setup. There’s so much variety here—from large coral vistas to small critter interactions—that it’s hard to capture everything in one lens.
MV Seachart 1
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Address: Thap Lamu Pier
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Opening hours: N/A
The MV Seachart 1 wreck dive spot lies at a depth of 24 to 40 meters, which means it’s best suited for Advanced Open Water divers or those with deep dive experience. The wreck is largely intact, giving off that haunting cinematic quality.
What stood out to us the most was its original cargo of massive teak logs, still clearly visible, scattered across the seabed and inside the holds. And these sorts of structures are magnets to marine life like giant trevally, barracuda, and lionfish.
Certified wreck divers or those under the guidance of an experienced instructor can explore the cargo holds and passageways, which remain accessible. Also, visibility can drop fast if silt is kicked up—good buoyancy control is a must.
Pro tip:
Nitrox-certified? Use it here. The extra bottom time makes all the difference when exploring a large wreck like this. Also, don’t forget to bring a torch since parts of the wreck get quite dark.
Koh Bon
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Address: RRH2+292, Thai Mueang District, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
If you’re after a Finding Nemo moment that’s after the manta ray instead of the clownfish, Koh Bon is your guy. These gentle giants frequently visit here from December to April, often circling the cleaning station at the western ridge.
On that note, West Ridge is a sloping finger of reef that drops about 10 to over 30 meters and acts like a magnet for pelagics. Divers typically start at the shallows and drift down along the ridge, scanning for mantas or even whitetip reef sharks.
Now, this might not be best for beginners since you’ll encounter moderate to strong currents (a big part of what brings in the big marine life!). And while mantas are the star, you’ll also find blue-spotted stingrays, octopus, moray eels, and more.
Pro tip:
If you’re hoping to see the mantas, plan your trip around the full moon phase—stronger currents during that time increase the likelihood of manta sightings. And when they appear, stay calm, low, and let them approach.
Advanced Diving Spots in Khao Lak
Koh Tachai
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Address: Khura Buri District, Phang Nga, Thailand
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Opening hours: N/A
Koh Tachai is sandwiched between Similan and Surin Islands, and is probably one of the thrilling dive sites in Thailand. One of the reasons is that currents here can be very strong and unpredictable, suitable only for Advanced Open Water divers.
This dive site is a prime spot for manta rays and whale sharks, especially from January to April. Large giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, and barracuda are often seen hunting around the pinnacle, and eagle rays are occasional visitors, too.
Just a heads-up, day trips from Khao Lak don’t typically reach this far—liveaboards are the best and often the only way to dive Koh Tachai.
Pro tip:
Consider diving early in the day. The first morning dive is when big pelagics are most active, and the current tends to be more manageable.
Richelieu Rock
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Address: 9X7M+FC, Ko Phra Thong, Khura Buri District, Phang Nga, Thailand
Contact details: N/A
Opening hours: N/A
Richelieu Rock might be one of the most species-rich sites in Thailand. You won’t have any trouble finding everything from harlequin shrimp, seahorses, ghost pipefish, and frogfish to schools of snapper, barracuda, trevally, and giant groupers.
That said, the site is exposed and currents can range from gentle to quite strong depending on the tides. In other words, you’ll have to be a confident and experienced diver, ideally an Advanced Open Water diver, to explore here.
Beyond the fish, the site is visually stunning with purple soft corals blanketing the rock, giving it a surreal, alien look. Sea fans and sponges grow out of every crevice, too.
Pro tip:
Stay close to your guide and pace yourself. The site is packed with things to see, and it’s easy to rush through and miss the good stuff. Let your guide point out the hidden creatures—they know where the shy harlequin shrimp or tiny frogfish hang out.
