Swedish Last modified: May 31 2008.Khao Lak has more to dive than just the Similan Islands. While the Similans are listed as one of the “top ten dive sites” in the world, we also some incredible local dive sites around the Khaolak area including Bon Soong Wreck, Premchai Wreck, Khao Nayak and the Thai Muang reef. The most famous, and we think the best, is Bon Soong wreck. Rather than using speedboats we visit these sites via traditional longtail. This means smaller groups and empty dive sites! These trips are shorter days (less transit time) and you are usually back in your resort by 2 or 3 O’clock.
The reason Bon Soong is so exciting is the sheer magnitude of fish life. With very few other places to for the fish to go in the area, they all hide at the shipwreck. You will usually see 100,000 plus fish. Bon soong Dive Site Description .Small fish of such amazing diversity - schools of Puffers, all manner of Eels in the nooks, Lionfish by the dozen, Sharks lurking in the background, hundreds of Shrimps and plenty more. This is a photographer’s paradise.
Another tin dredger (suction style) that ended her days working for the Premchai Tin Mining company off the west side of Phang Nga province.
After sinking in September 2000, a few hundred meters offshore beach, Premchai rests on her side at a depth of 20 meters. The wreck is in excellent condition with the most amazing soft corals and has attracted large numbers of Honeycomb & White-eyed moray eels, lionfish & all types of scorpion fish. It is also possible to spot Ornate ghost pipe fish here. While it is possible to penetrate this wreck, it is not that great due to the EXTREME amount of silt inside.
2900 Baht
Closer to home, Khao Na Yak is the house reef for Khao Lak. Only 45 minutes away by local boat, and with a maximum depth of only 12 meters, this is a most relaxing dive and an excellent site for new divers or for those of you who haven't dived for a while.
Khao Na Yak Reef also appeals to experienced divers who would like to see a different ecosystem than the Similans. The water here is murkier, but vibrant with life. Scores of beautiful nudibranchs can be found here - and see if you can find the ghost pipefish!
Another interesting, but shallow reef close to Khao Lak. This site was “discovered” after the tsunami by researchers looking for reef damage.
It has been dived on and off for years, but never achieved the fame or stature of the Similan Islands. Of course if the researchers had actually talked to any dive shop in Khao Lak they would have known. It is, like Khao Nayak, a very good site, an entirely different ecosystem than the Simlans and shallow. But it’s huge.
All trips are two tank days. Included is all transportation, meals and equipment. We do need a minimum of 2 people to run these trips. And take a maximum of 8 with 2 guides. This is a great addition to any visit to the region
These are also great opportunities to enhance your training with specialties like Wreck Diving and Photography! Ask us how
We will pick you up at your Khao Lak area resort, stop by our shop for a quick coffee or tea. Double check equipment and off we go to the beach. Longtails are the traditional transportation and we will climb on one of these. Into the water by 9.00. Up by 10.00 and we have a buffet/brunch of traditional Thai foods. After a long surface interval we go back in back 12.00. We then head back to the shop for an extensive debriefing and dive logging session and we’ll have you back to your resort by 14.00 and a relaxed afternoon snooze or sunbathing session. (for the Thai Muang Trip, add about 1 hour to the total time)
