On my most recent trip to Richelieu Rock, my guide told me that he commonly sees schools of great barracuda and jacks, pharaoh cuttlefish, harlequin shrimp, and ornate ghost pipefish. I was pretty stoked when the dive site delivered on the promise. I literally saw every species that my guide had mentioned.

Yellow spotted nudibranch

Besides being known as the best dive site in Thailand, Richelieu Rock also has the reputation of being one of the most crowded dive sites. Sometimes dozens of dive boats can be moored around the small pinnacle at the same time, making for a cramped experience. Despite the crowds, the marine life seems to be healthy, and this site still manages to deliver a great experience to divers day after day.

Zebra Moray Eel

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands get their name from the Malay word “sembilan” meaning nine. The island chain consists of nine white granite islands which provide a stunning backdrop for some of Thailand’s best dive sites. There is a ton of marine life to be seen in the Similans, including healthy corals, reef sharks, a huge array of tropical fish, and even a pretty diverse array of nudibranchs. Whale sharks are spotted at the Similans pretty regularly. In my opinion it’s the granite that makes the Similan Islands truly unique. The huge sloping white rocks offer a dive environment that is unlike any other Southeast Asia dive site.

Tomato Anemonefish

Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are located just north of Richelieu Rock, not far from the Myanmar border. The island chain is made up of two large islands and three smaller islets. The reefs surrounding the Surin Islands are healthy, and are largely made up of thick encrusting hard corals. The visibility is typically excellent, and the diving is pleasant. On my most recent trip, I saw a lot of the usual species of tropical fish that are common to Southeast Asia, especially huge numbers of tiny colorful damselfish.

Lionfish

Koh Bon

Located just north of the Similan Islands, Koh Bon is features stunning underwater pinnacles where oceanic manta rays can frequently be spotted. I have been lucky to see the large manta rays every time that I have been diving at Koh Bon, but the surrounding reefs are full of life, making this a pretty decent dive site even if the mantas don’t show up when you are there.

Manta Ray

Getting there

The best way to reach the Similan and Surin Islands is via Phuket. Phuket International airport is fast and modern, and offers daily flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and many other Southeast Asia air hubs.