Pattaya has been a world-famous seaside resort for more than 40 years, and has a well-developed tourism industry. So visitors can choose from food and accommodation in a wide range of styles and prices to suit every budget. It is said that diving in Pattaya is the most enexpensive in Thailand or even the world.
Dive sites in Pattaya fall into one of 3 groups.
- Near-shore islands such as Koh Lan and Koh Sak. Visibility is not that good but the sites are accessible within 20-40 min., and at low cost. The coral reefs are also not that diverse but by following the sandy floor you may encounter strange animals such as the Sea Horse, Sea Moth, Indian Walkman, and Crocodile Fish.
- Offshore islands such as Koh Rin. Altough costing more in terms of time and money, this site has the best visibility in the area.
- This area has 3 shipwrechs. The most famous is the Hardeep, a ship bombed during World War II. Another is the H.M.S. Kram, a Royal Thai Navy Warship that was intentionally sunk in order to create a new dive site in the area.
Pattaya diving sites summary
Beauty
**
Fauna
***
Depth
6-30m
Visibility
5-20m
Duration
1day
Time to Visit
Year-round, though best from March to September
Cost
1,200-2,500Baht/day
Service Style
Day trip
Types of Dive
Reef dive and wreck dive
Special Features:
The convenience of the city
Access
- 2hrs.20min. by car from Bangkok
- By bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal
- By plane to U-taphao Airport
