Thailand has it all. And that’s no exaggeration. Really—where else can you find a place with stunning beaches, marine life-packed waters, year-round good weather, a cosmopolitan vibe, affordable prices, and a diving culture that’s practically a national passion?
It’s the perfect destination whether you want to learn to dive, sharpen your skills, or even take the leap and turn your hobby into a career.
There are plenty of well-equipped dive schools and certified dive centers here. But if you’re going to do it, do it right: dive with experienced professionals. And if you can combine that with great vibes and a dream location… even better 😏.
Example? With DPM Diving, you can dive in Koh Tao and the Phi Phi Islands, two of the most iconic spots in the country. But we’ll get to that—keep reading 👇.
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The 7 best diving destinations in Thailand
1. Koh Tao
The mecca of international diving. Since the late 20th century, hundreds of thousands of divers have passed through here, making it one of the world’s top places to learn to dive. It’s safe, beautiful, and affordable—what more could you want?
Koh Tao certifies more divers each year than almost anywhere else on the planet. Why? Calm waters, great visibility, countless schools, a backpacker-friendly atmosphere, and a seabed that—despite the crowds—remains full of tropical fish, turtles, and, with luck, the occasional shark.
👉 Fun fact: DPM Diving’s oldest dive center is Koh Tao, with top-notch instructors, a relaxed atmosphere, and courses for every level—from your very first Open Water to advanced specialties.
2. Phi Phi Islands
Famous for their movie-like landscapes (literally—The Beach was filmed here, starring Leonardo DiCaprio in his teenage heartthrob era), the Phi Phi Islands are just as impressive below the surface.
Expect spectacular coral walls, tunnels, caves, and an abundance of marine life: moray eels, lionfish, nudibranchs, turtles… and even reef sharks!
👉 And yes, you guessed it—you can also dive in Phi Phi Islands with DPM Diving, at one of the best locations on the island. Quality training, personalized service, and a breathtaking marine environment. What’s not to love?
3. Similan Islands
Considered by many the best diving spot in Thailand—and one of the best in Asia—the Similans offer a wilder, more technical diving experience.
Here, you’ll find drift dives, manta and shark encounters, massive granite formations, and jaw-dropping visibility. Ideal for liveaboards and divers with some experience under their belts.
Note: They’re only open from November to May, so plan accordingly.
4. Phuket
Better known for its nightlife and mass tourism, Phuket still offers interesting diving—especially if you head south or take day trips to sites like Racha Yai or the King Cruiser Wreck.
Perfect if you’re already in the area (it’s one of the most connected destinations in Thailand) and want a couple of easy, fun dives.
5. Krabi
Close to the Phi Phi Islands but with fewer people, Krabi offers diving similar to its famous neighbors. A great choice for those looking for a relaxed vibe and calm diving.
It’s also a good base for trips to top destinations like Phi Phi or even the Similans.
6. Khao Lak
The perfect starting point for diving in the Similan and Surin Islands. If your plan is a liveaboard, this is where your adventure begins.
Khao Lak itself has coastal diving, but the real magic is in the longer boat trips. If you’re into more technical, deeper dives, you’ll love it here.
7. Koh Lanta
Less famous than other destinations but full of charm, Koh Lanta offers quality diving with fewer tourists and a laid-back vibe.
From here, you can access spectacular sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang—famous for their big marine life (think sharks and mantas).
Perfect for those who want top-tier diving + relaxation + fewer crowds.
When is the best time to dive in Thailand?
This is the big question—and it’s tricky to answer. The short version: any time of year is good, but here’s the breakdown:
- Gulf of Thailand (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, etc.): Best from May to October
- Andaman Sea (Phi Phi, Similan, Phuket, etc.): Best from November to April
The main difference between “best” and “less ideal” is rain probability—temperatures are pretty much the same year-round. In most places, rain comes as short afternoon showers and won’t ruin your dive.
In the Similans, though, timing is important, as monsoons can be a serious factor.
Do I need experience? Can I get certified there?
Not at all—you don’t need prior experience to start diving in Thailand. In fact, it’s one of the best countries in the world to get certified.
You can start with an Open Water Diver course, giving you the theory and skills to dive up to 18 meters anywhere in the world.
If you’re already certified, you can level up with the Advanced Open Water, or try specialties like Nitrox, night diving, or underwater photography.
In both Koh Tao and Phi Phi, DPM Diving offers courses for all levels, taught by professional instructors, with materials in multiple languages, and a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel like family from day one.
In Summary: If you’re thinking about diving in Thailand, here’s our advice: go for it. There’s a spot for every taste and skill level—and if you do it with professionals who love the ocean as much as you do (cough, DPM Diving, cough), the experience will be unforgettable.
Scuba Instructor in DPM Diving Koh Tao.
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