
A freediver explores an underwater cavern
Nowadays, freediving is becoming a popular activity. It allows us to freely experience the world under the sea with minimal equipment, and also challenges our abilities and discipline.
Thailand is by far, one of the top freediving destinations in Southeast Asia. Not only are there plenty of sites abundant with marine life and corals, there is also no shortage of reputable schools.

Some tips on freediving
Popular Freediving Sites in Thailand

A freediver passes a huge table coral in Mo Ko Surin, Phang Nga Province
Mu Ko Surin, Phang Nga Province
Mu Ko Surin (Surin Archipelago) is a combination of two large islands, Ko Surin Neua (North Surin Island) and Ko Surin Tai (South Surin Island.) Both islands have multiple bays, and all of them are filled with rich, shallow-water corals, which are perfect for freediving.

A bed of lettuce coral mesmerises a snorkeler at Mu Ko Racha, Phuket Province
Mu Ko Racha (Racha Archipelago), Phuket Province
Mu Ko Racha (Racha Archipelago) has two islands, Ko Racha Yai (Racha Yai Island) and Ko Racha Noi (Racha Noi Island). These two essential islands among the smaller islands of Phuket Province have some of the most beautiful underwater scenery in the Thai sea. It is also easy to get to, which makes it a top destination for freedivers in Phuket.

A freediver being ‘one’ with the fish and the ocean
Ko Tao (Tao Island), Surat Thani Province
Ko Tao (Tao Island) is an island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand. This kingdom of corals is the center of the most vital dive site in the nation, which free divers worldwide are familiar with. Ko Tao (Tao Island) has many dive sites and is a base of many diving institutions. Many people travel here to get certified and log more dives as they enjoy the world under the sea.

An amazing underwater world awaits all ocean lovers at Ko Ran Pet-Ran Kai, Chumphon Province
Ko Ran Pet-Ran Kai (Ran Pet-Ran Kai Islands), Chumphon Province
Located in the north of Chumphon province, these twin islands aren’t far from the coast. It is a dive site favoured by many snorkellers, scuba and freedivers alike. The uniqueness of Ko Ran Pet-Ran Kai (Ran Pet-Ran Kai Islands) are the vast fields of sea anemones and skunk clownfish that swim near black coral, purple barrel sponges and red sea whips.

Freedivers utterly enjoy the vibrant corals in Ko Lipe, Satun Province
Ko Lipe (Lipe Island), Satun Province
Ko Lipe (Lipe Island) is one of the Mu Ko Adang-Rawi’s (Adang-Rawi Archipelago) Islands and part of Tarutao National Park. However, it is also the only island where fishing villages, Le-people communities, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and beach bars are situated. It has become a small island city surrounded by nature. Its white sand, pristine waters and many dive sites are always a big draw for tourists.

A freediver knows only calm and peace under the water in Samaesarn Bay, Chonburi Province
Samaesarn Bay, Chonburi Province
This is an archipelago with a bay that resembles the Thai alphabet “Ko Kai” (ก) in Thailand’s gulf. As it is on the edge of the Chonburi province, the bay and Samaesarn fishing village are under the protection of the Royal Thai navy, and the beginning of a journey to other dive sites across the archipelago.

The HTMS Chang is the largest, fully intact wreck in Thailand
HTMS Chang Wreck, Trat Province
HTMS Chang Wreck is located in Trat Province and has become a home to many sea creatures. It is the biggest wreck dive site in Thailand that is still intact. Divers can examine the hull, command bridge tower, mast and deck. Many sea creatures, especially batfish, live here.
Discover Special Offers & Discounts on Diving Packages in Thailand here:https://diving.tourismthailand.sg/packages
Photo Credits: Bunyarit Traisuthamporn and Pawarisa Machatikul