Manta Rays, Limestone Karsts, and Pristine Andaman Reefs
If Phuket is the hub of Andaman diving, Krabi and Koh Lanta are the soul. The region receives far fewer tourists than its northern neighbour, giving diving here a more relaxed, intimate feel — and the underwater world is every bit as spectacular.
These twin pinnacles, roughly 45 minutes from southern Koh Lanta, are Thailand’s best sites for manta ray encounters. Hin Daeng (Red Rock) is a dramatic wall dive that plunges to 60 metres, its shallower sections carpeted in soft red and purple corals. Hin Muang (Purple Rock) drops even deeper — to over 70 metres — and is particularly famous for its oceanic manta ray aggregations. Whale sharks are also regularly seen here between February and April. Both sites demand good buoyancy control due to potentially strong currents.
Five uninhabited islands surrounded by gentle reefs and caverns, Koh Ha is a paradise for beginner and intermediate divers. Koh Ha Lagoon is particularly magical — a flooded cavern system where light filters through the surface above, illuminating pristine coral walls.
Just south of Koh Phi Phi, the twin islands of Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai are justifiably famous for their dramatic cliff walls underwater, resident leopard sharks, and healthy reef systems. Leopard shark sightings are near-guaranteed, and the hard coral coverage is among the best in the region.
Fly into Krabi Airport (KBV) with direct connections from Bangkok (1h 15min). Koh Lanta is reached by ferry from Krabi town or Ao Nang (1.5–2h). Bus services connect Krabi with Phuket (2.5h).
All reviewed and ranked by our experts
Courses from
$475 USD
Fun dives from
$46 USD
Courses from
$320 USD
Fun dives from
$50 USD
Courses from
$310 USD
Fun dives from
$48 USD