Koh Chang
Koh Chang, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is a premier diving destination renowned for its vibrant marine ecosystems and the spectacular HTMS Chang shipwreck. As Thailand's largest artificial reef, this former US Navy vessel attracts a vast array of marine life and offers thrilling penetration opportunities for advanced divers. The surrounding archipelago also boasts numerous shallower reefs with healthy hard and soft corals, making it an ideal location for both novice divers completing their certifications and experienced divers looking for diverse underwater topography.
Diving conditions are generally favorable with warm waters year-round and typically gentle currents. Visibility can vary, but it's often best during the dry season, offering clear views of the bustling reefs and historic wreck. Divers should visit Koh Chang for its accessible dive sites, affordable prices, and the chance to combine excellent underwater adventures with a laid-back tropical island experience. The destination provides a perfect balance of exciting dives, like the HTMS Chang, and relaxed reef exploration suitable for every level of diver.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Koh Chang, Thailand?
The HTMS Chang wreck is undoubtedly the most popular dive site in Koh Chang, Thailand. It's a massive, 100-meter-long former US Navy ship intentionally sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef. Its size, multiple decks, and easy penetration points make it a thrilling playground for advanced divers. The wreck is teeming with marine life, including large schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and groupers, making it a must-see for any certified diver visiting the area.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Koh Chang, Thailand?
Well-known sites in Koh Chang, Thailand, besides the HTMS Chang, include Hin Luk Bat and Hin Rap, which feature impressive rock pinnacles covered in corals and teeming with reef fish. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting Blueberry Hill, known for its beautiful soft corals, or the Koh Rang National Park sites like Hin Ga Daeng (Red Rock). These hidden gems offer serene dives with healthy marine ecosystems and fewer divers, providing a more intimate underwater experience.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Koh Chang, Thailand?
The water temperature when diving in Koh Chang, Thailand, is warm and tropical all year. It typically ranges from 28°C to 31°C (82°F to 88°F). During the cooler dry season (November to April), temperatures might dip to the lower end of this range, around 28-29°C. In the warmer, wetter season (May to October), you can expect the water to be consistently above 30°C. These consistently warm temperatures make for very comfortable diving conditions throughout the year.
When is the best time to visit Koh Chang, Thailand?
The best time for diving in Koh Chang, Thailand, is during the dry season, from November to April. During these months, you can expect the calmest seas, the best underwater visibility, and sunny, dry weather. The peak season is December to February. While diving is possible year-round, the rainy season (May to October) can bring rougher surface conditions and reduced visibility due to runoff from the island, though dive sites often remain accessible.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Koh Chang, Thailand?
During the prime dive season (November to April) in Koh Chang, Thailand, underwater visibility is generally good, typically ranging from 10 to 25 meters (30 to 80 feet). Visibility can be excellent around the offshore pinnacles and the HTMS Chang wreck. However, it can be affected by plankton blooms or weather patterns. In the rainy season (May to October), visibility often decreases to 5-15 meters due to freshwater runoff from the mainland and island, especially at sites closer to shore.
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Koh Chang, Thailand?
While Koh Chang, Thailand, isn't a primary destination for large pelagic migrations, whale shark sightings are possible, though rare. They are most likely to be spotted between February and May when plankton blooms attract them. There are no guaranteed seasonal events like manta ray gatherings. The main attraction is the consistent and diverse reef life found year-round, particularly around the thriving artificial reef of the HTMS Chang. Always keep an eye out in the blue, just in case!
What marine life can I expect to see in Koh Chang, Thailand?
In Koh Chang, Thailand, you can expect to see a rich variety of tropical marine life. Common sightings include large schools of barracuda, fusiliers, and trevally, especially around the HTMS Chang wreck. The reefs are home to moray eels, stingrays, pufferfish, angelfish, and scorpionfish. Macro life is also abundant, with various nudibranchs, shrimps, and crabs hiding in the corals. Turtles are occasionally spotted, and lucky divers might even see a whale shark during the plankton-rich season.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Koh Chang, Thailand?
Given the warm water temperatures in Koh Chang, Thailand, which stay between 28-31°C (82-88°F) year-round, a full wetsuit is often not necessary. Many divers are comfortable in just a rash guard and board shorts. For those who get cold easily or want extra protection from scrapes and jellyfish, a 3mm shorty or a thin 1.5mm to 3mm full-length wetsuit is more than sufficient for comfort on multiple dives.
How do I get to Koh Chang, Thailand?
To get to Koh Chang, Thailand, you first fly into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). From Bangkok, you can take a 4-5 hour bus or private taxi to the ferry piers in Trat province. Alternatively, you can take a one-hour flight from Bangkok to Trat Airport (TDX), which is closer to the piers. From the Ao Thammachat or Centrepoint ferry piers, it's a 30-45 minute ferry ride to the island of Koh Chang itself.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Koh Chang, Thailand?
Staying on shore is the standard and recommended way to dive in Koh Chang, Thailand. All dive sites, including the HTMS Chang wreck and the Koh Rang National Park, are easily accessible via day trips from the island. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating exclusively within the Koh Chang archipelago. Shore-based diving offers greater flexibility, access to island amenities, and is more cost-effective, making it the ideal choice for exploring the area's underwater attractions.