Diving at the Andaman Coast
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For Europeans and North Americans who like to escape winter and enjoy diving, we recommend visiting the Andaman Coast in Thailand. The Andaman Sea is probably among the top five dive destinations for everyone who has ever visited this area. This is the place to view manta rays, whale sharks (from February to May), reef sharks, and an overwhelming diversity of marine life.
From November to May, you can enjoy the tropical climate and fantastic diving on this side of Thailand. The water is clear, and the weather is perfect. The monsoon period usually lasts from June to October, making some dive sites inaccessible. You can dive at the tropical islands of Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, and the Phi Phi islands. From Khao Lak and Krabi on the mainland, you can also visit some of those breathtaking dive sites.
Thailand is known for its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, often referred to as the land of a thousand smiles. The Andaman Coast, in particular, offers not just amazing diving opportunities but also a chance to explore beautiful landscapes. From green mountainous areas to tropical rainforests full with wildlife. The region is culturally rich with ancient Buddhist temples, hidden monasteries, and idyllic virgin white sand beaches. This makes it a perfect destination for both adventure and relaxation.
Where to stay
We visited this area in 2008, and we recommend staying at the Dusit Thani Krabi Beach Resort (if you have the budget). From start to end, the experience was fantastic. This resort has all the world-class amenities you are looking for, and the staff was always willing to serve with a smile. Our room was very clean and had an excellent view of the ocean from the balcony. It is a nice location perfect for peace and quiet. The hotel is set in acres of gardens, which are beautifully maintained, and has two great pools in front of the beach. They get an average rating of 8.9 on booking.com.
Best time to visit
When winter arrives in the US and in Europe, you will find great weather conditions on the Andaman Coast. The high season falls from November to April. Since November is the end of the rainy season and May is the start, it is best to visit the coast during this period. For those who want to be sure of perfect weather, the best travel time is December to March.