Best Dives
Best Dives
May 8th, 2008Lonely Planet Thailand recommends top dive spots where beautiful reefs and an unspoilt underwater world await.
Hin Luk Bat and Hin Lap, rocky, coral-encruseted seamounts with depths of around 18 to 20 meters, are havens for schooling fish.
Both Hin Phrai Nam and Hin Gadeng (between Koh Wai and Koh Rang) are formed by spectacular rock pinnacles and have coral visible to around 28 meters.
But by far the best diving is around Koh Rang. Protected from fishing by its marine park status, this place has some of the most pristine coral in Thailand. In the area, Ko Yak and Ko Laun are both shallow dives perfect for beginners and advanced divers.
Hin Kuak Maa (also known as Three Finger Reef) is home to a coral-encrusted wall sloping from 2 to 14 meters and attracting swarms of marine life.
Diving trips typically include two dives with all guiding, transport, equipment and food, and cost around B3,500. The following are some of the popular dive shops: BB Divers (16/2 Bang Bao Pier, Koh Chang, Trat, 039-558-040. www.bbdivers.com.) and Ploy Scuba Diving (Bang Bao Pier, Koh Chang, Trat, 039-558-033. www.ployscuba.com).
Lonely Planet Thailand (B975) is available at Kinokuniya (try 3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama1 Rd., 02-610-9500, BTS Siam) and Asia Books (try 3/F, The Emporium, 02-664-8545/6. BTS Phrom Pong).
.jpg "Escape Routes: Nov14, 2008")
