Explore Khao Lak

Nestled in southern Thailand's Phang-nga province, Khao Lak offers an idyllic diving experience with its serene beaches and vibrant underwater landscapes. This tranquil coastal town, away from the bustling crowds of nearby Phuket, is a paradise for divers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. With over 12 miles (20 km) of pristine white sandy beaches and lush tropical forests, Khao Lak presents a perfect blend of natural beauty and aquatic adventure.

One of the highlights of diving in Khao Lak is the access to the world-renowned Similan and Surin Islands. These islands, considered among the top diving destinations globally, boast stunning coral reefs, submerged rock formations, and intriguing wrecks. The Similan Islands, with visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters (65–98 feet), are known for their dramatic underwater scenery and rich marine biodiversity, making them a must-visit for any diving enthusiast. Liveaboards offer the best way to explore these islands, providing an immersive experience where divers can encounter whale sharks at Richelieu Rock or marvel at the vibrant coral gardens of Koh Torinla.

Back in Khao Lak, divers can explore a variety of dive sites, including four fascinating wrecks and colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. The waters are typically clear and warm, with mild currents that accommodate divers of all skill levels. Whether embarking on a day trip or a longer liveaboard safari, Khao Lak promises an unforgettable diving experience filled with enchanting marine encounters and breathtaking underwater vistas.

Places to explore

Tap Lamu, Khao Lak and Bang Niang

3 Divesites 11 Centers

Around Khao Lak there are some great local dive sites revealing fascinating wrecks that divers of every ability can enjoy.

Surin Islands

18 Divesites

To the north of the Similan Islands you will find the Surin Islands, famous for their spectacular reefs and popular with professional divers.

Similan Islands

35 Divesites

If you like your dive sites dramatic, head to the Similan Islands, where manta ray feeding stations meet soaring pinnacles and whale sharks like to pass through

Dive Sites Show on map

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Elephant Head Rock (★4.3)

Located in the middle of the sea between islands 7 and 8 in the Similan Islands, this reef dive site stands out in the middle of the sea. It was named after the shape of the rock sticking out of the water, which resembles the head of an elephant. The point is made up of huge layers of granite, dotted with numerous channels and swim-throughs that create a mystical landscape. The tide is good, and you can expect the feeding scene of the crabs, sharks and big fish in the early morning. In the shallow water, you can often find oversized trevally targeting small fish. This is one of the most dynamic dive sites in the Similan Islands.

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Three Trees (★4.3)

This point is located northeast of the 9th island in the Similan Islands. It is named after the three large trees that are used to mark the entry, from a shallow depth of about 5 meters to a reef slope of about 18 meters, beyond which there is a pure white sandy area dotted with isolated roots. Offshore, there are beautiful rocky areas with schools of soft corals, where you can see large fish. Because the tide splits on the island, the tide is clear and you can enjoy drift dives when the tide is strong.

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

North Point (★4.2)

As the name suggests, North Point is the northernmost dive site in the Similan Islands, located on the north side of Island 9. The terrain is varied, with massive granite overlaps forming large walls, channels, and swim-throughs.

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Koh Bon, West Ridge (★4.2)

Bon Island, about 50 km west of Khao Lak, is an uplifted limestone island about 20 km north of the Similan Islands. This is a long and narrow ridge point on the west side of the island.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Koh Bon Pinnacle (★4.3)

Not for beginners! Koh Bon Pinnacle starts at 22m and ends at 45m or deeper. Beautiful vegetation with lots of yellow soft corals are here. There are no descent ropes available. Doing a negative entry is an advantage!

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Koh Tachai Pinnacle/The Dome (★4.4)

The Dome is a hidden reef point located about 500m south of Tachai Island. A large dome-shaped bedrock shaped like an upturned plate is dotted around a large granite boulder. The top of is at 12 meters and the current can be the strongest in the area depending on the conditions. As a result, there are many large predatory fish such as blue and white trevally, bluefin tuna, barracudas, manta rays, and whale bays.

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Christmas Point (★4.3)

Christmas Point is located on the western corner of Island 9 in the Similan Islands. It is named after the root of the thornbeam (English name: Christmas tree worm) that grows in clusters. Intricate rock formations eroded by tidal currents create channels and swim-throughs that provide dynamic terrain. Be careful out in the deep area along the rocks, as the tide is fast in some conditions.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Boulder City (★4.1)

Huge, bizarre boulders underwater that make it look like a city. You can easily find stream shadows if you want to. It leads a mouring-line down to 18m.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Honeymoon Bay (★4.2)

Totally shallow dive site if you stay on the island. Afterwards it is a steep sloping reef down to 30m depth. There can be a current. The shallow area is good for snorkeling, training courses, and night dives.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Barracuda Point/Batfish Bend (★4.1)

This is a reef dive at the southern tip of Similan Island 5. There may be some current, making this a drift dive. This dive goes between rocks and also come to a small overhang.

Hobo-Ya Similan, 83120 Phuket

Anita’s Reef (★4.0)

A soothing dive site on the east side of islands 5 and 6 in the Similan Islands. This site is a rolling reef slope along the edge of the island from a shallow depth of 5-6m to around 25m.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Princess Bay (★4.3)

Princess Bay is an easy bay dive. The reef edge is very beautiful. This site is good for beginners, courses, and snorkelers. This is a slightly sloping reef with a max depth of approx. 20m.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

Stonehenge (★4.4)

This dive site is located at the northernmost tip of island 4. Many big rocks (boulders) where you can dive in between. Please note that there is almost always a current running at this dive site.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

West of Eden (★4.3)

A topographic dive site on the west side of Island 7 in the Similan Islands. It is centered around three huge rocks that are the highlight of the dive with coral slopes on either side. Soft corals, such as sea fans and sea hawks, are growing in the wall and in the deep area off the rocky coast. These areas are home to hard corals such as Hanaya rhinoceros and a wide variety of other creatures.

Sea Turtle Divers, 82220 Phang Nga

East of Eden (★4.2)

East of Eden is on the east side of island 7. This dive site was closed by the administration of the national park to be able to regenerate. Very beautiful coral landscapes are found here. Check from time to time to see when the dive site will be opened again.

Diving in Khao Lak

Reef diving is common practice in Khao Lak, due to its abundant, thriving reefs that host a ton of tropical marine species. The Similan Islands are the most visited in the area, and are protected marine reserves. As a result, the reef dive sites here are phenomenally healthy and appear to be thriving, so it’s really no surprise that divers flock from around the world to experience the underwater wonderlands that are submerged around these islands.

Wreck diving is also very popular in and around Khao Lak, where seasoned divers come to marvel at encrusted shipwrecks that serve as artificial reefs, hosting tons of life, from macro all the way up to larger creatures. Must-see wreck sites include the Bunsoong Wreck, which is the most famous. It’s an old tin ore processor that sank in 1984, and has since been completely taken over by mother nature. The Sea Chart I Wreck is an 84-meter long ship that’s only young, as it sank in 2009. There’s also the Premchai Wreck, which was a tin dredger that sank in 2001, and remains mostly intact. Finally, there’s the T13, which sank in 2014 outside Khao Lak Beach.

The best Months to dive in Khao Lak

As Khao Lak enjoys a stunning tropical climate, the diving is great all year round. The three seasons include the slightly cooler season that runs from November to March, which is also the high tourist season; a very hot season that lasts from April to May; and finally the monsoon season that typically starts in June and ends in October, which is the lowest season in terms of tourism.

The best time to visit, particularly for divers, is often said to be the cooler peak season, between November and March, as the weather is usually warm and sunny, and much less humid. Ocean conditions are similarly welcoming during this time, with calmer waters and better visibility.

No matter the season, the Andaman sea normally fluctuates between 28°C-31°C (82°F-88°F), meaning diving is comfortable all year round. February and March can experience slightly cooler temperatures in some areas, due to nutrient-rich currents bringing in colder waters. But this isn’t a bad thing, as these waters attract large pelagics to the dive sites.

While diving is possible throughout the year, it’s important to be aware that the most popular attractions, the Similan and Surin Islands, are closed from May to October.