Chenchen Cake | 2019-03-04 | 30,000

A must-read for beginners! Thailand's four dream diving islands: transportation and local attractions.

Preface

Some say diving is like blue opium; once you get into it, you're hooked. My experience with diving is just like a line from an ancient poem: "Love comes from nowhere, yet it's deep and lasting."

Why do I love diving? Because it's another world, a world completely different from the one around us. Living on land every day is already so magnificent and beautiful, and the mysterious ocean world that covers 70% of the Earth's surface is no less exciting.

In the deep, pitch-black sea, surrounded by colorful corals, swaying clownfish, and above the head are several beams of light from another world. At that moment, time is psychedelic and space and time are intertwined.

Official data from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) shows that more than one million diving certificates are issued each year. More and more island tourists are no longer satisfied with enjoying the clear water and white sand on the shore. Jumping into the deep blue of the seabed to explore the unknown has become a new trend.

What is diving?

What is diving? Diving is generally divided into three categories: snorkeling, deep diving (i.e. scuba diving) and free diving.

snorkeling

Wearing a mask and a snorkel, you can experience the joy of diving for the first time. Generally, you will choose a shallow sea with higher visibility.

Freediving

Diving without a breathing system relies on regulating lung capacity. However, freediving is a sport that severely tests physical fitness and professional knowledge. It is also the most difficult part of diving and is considered an extreme sport with a high degree of danger. It can only be attempted after systematic instruction and repeated training.

Deep Dive

Also known as scuba diving, it is diving with your own underwater breathing system. Unlike snorkeling near the water surface, deep diving generally requires descending to a depth of tens of meters.

Is certification required for diving?

Is diving certification required? Discovery diving is the uncertified option. It's perfect for those on a short trip or those unsure if they enjoy diving. It allows for a brief, intimate encounter with the ocean. This includes snorkeling or diving to a depth of no more than 12 meters under the guidance of a diving instructor. If you want to explore the waters in depth and delve deeper to feast your eyes, you'll need certification.

How are divers classified?

PADI stands for the Professional Association of Diver Instructors. Founded in 1966, PADI has 30,000 instructors worldwide and issues over 500,000 dive licenses annually, making it the world's largest dive training organization.

Faced with so many diving certifications, for most people, the most practical and easiest to obtain are OW and AOW.

OW

This is the first level course to obtain a diving certificate, the "Open Water Course", called the Junior Diver, or OW for short. After obtaining the diving certificate, you can dive in open water at a depth of 18m.

AOW

After completing the OW, you can progress to the Advanced Diver (AOW) program. This level allows divers to dive to depths of up to 30 meters. Following the AOW, there are also Rescue Diver, Divemaster, and other specialized courses. Each individual can choose the exam level based on their preference.

Is diving into the deep sea, exploring its mysteries, and earning a diving license on your list for this year? Across the world's four oceans and seven continents, which islands are best for beginner divers? Don't worry, we'll find them all.

How to choose an island for diving?

With so many islands around the world, which one is truly the best? I wouldn't jump to conclusions. Every person has their own Hamlet. Some prefer bustle, others quiet. Some hold tight to their wallets and budget carefully, while others spend lavishly and simply find happiness.

When choosing an island, you should consider time and transportation costs, travel budget, diving experience, language conditions, etc. It is most important to have more expectations for the trip and enjoy the fun brought by the trip.

After comprehensive evaluation and comparison, we have finally summarized the following 5 Southeast Asian islands suitable for diving novices. These are mainly for scuba diving, and friends who want to snorkel can also refer to them.

Recommended diving islands in Southeast Asia

The quality of diving waters is primarily determined by species diversityβ€”simply put, the amount of marine life you see. Corals thrive in warm waters, and fish need food to survive. Ocean currents bring plankton, which nourishes organisms lower down the food chain and also attracts top predators like sharks, creating a complete food chain.

Southeast Asia is cost-effective. There are direct flights from China to Southeast Asia. The transportation is developed and the supporting facilities are complete. We may encounter many problems in the process of learning diving. At this time, effective communication is particularly important. Many diving schools in Southeast Asia provide Chinese coaches, and there are no obstacles in communication throughout the process, which will further protect your diving learning.

Romance and wildness coexist - Koh Samui, Thailand

Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand with an area of ​​228.7 square kilometers. It is 84 kilometers away from Surat Thani Province and belongs to the true island group.

Twenty years ago, Koh Samui lay largely untouched by the world. It wasn't until Western tourists arrived aboard wooden boats carrying coconuts that its beauty began to surface. With its long, clean, white-sand beaches and crystal-clear, azure waters, Koh Samui is the tropical island wonderland of everyone's dreams.

Diving difficulty: πŸ‘πŸ‘

There are more than 20 diving spots on the islands near Koh Samui, all of which are accessible by boat within 20 minutes, and the surrounding sea depth does not exceed 60 meters.

The diving environment is much safer than the sea conditions in Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. There are no complex ocean currents, typhoons are rare, and the climate is stable all year round. This avoids the potential risks for beginners in complex sea conditions and is very suitable for diving teaching.

Marine life richness: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

The rocky reef that dominates the seabed attracts all marine life seeking shelter, making it a prime diving spot. Hungry schools of trevally often lurk behind schools of small tropical fish, seizing the perfect opportunity to feed. A vibrant array of coral reef fish swarms around.

Here, you'll find a wide variety of angelfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, dragonhead fish, surgeonfish, triggerfish, trumpetfish, stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish (you can search Baidu for their specific appearances), as well as terrifying sea snakes and moray eels. Diving underwater, you'll often witness barracuda, tuna, black trevally, and even sailfish performing their hunting feats right before your eyes. These marine creatures are truly fearless.

Remember Nemo, the clownfish from "Finding Nemo"? Look! Here he comes! Nemo the clownfish and the sea anemone are a perfect match. The anemone provides the clownfish with a unique natural shield, ensuring its safety, while the clownfish's activities provide the anemone with a variety of microbial food.

Swimming with the world's largest fish is a thrilling experience. Luckily, the islands surrounding Koh Samui are popular with whale sharks, so if you visit during the right season, you might have the chance to swim with them. However, please remember to maintain a safe distance from these giants.

The whale shark, a species of shark in the order Whale Shark, is currently the largest fish in the world and is listed in the appendix to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). As large as some whales, whale sharks are filter feeders found in tropical and temperate waters, approximately within 30 degrees north and south latitude.

Transportation: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

The most common ways to get there:

β€’ Bangkok to Koh Samui

Direct flights: Take a flight from China to Bangkok, then transfer in Bangkok. Bangkok to Koh Samui has frequent flights, primarily operated by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. The flight takes about 80 minutes and is relatively convenient, though the cost is relatively high.

Bus and boat transport: Take a bus from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and then take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Samui.

Tips:

You can book your trip with Lomprayah Bangkok, a ferry company on Khaosan Road. You can book directly on the official website or through an agent in advance. Most ferry trips to Koh Samui include hotel transfers. Purchase your ticket directly at the Lomprayah Bangkok office or, if you've booked far enough in advance, exchange your ticket with your confirmation.

It's generally cheaper to buy tickets through an agent in China than to buy them in person. You can also buy and book your tickets yourself at Bangkok Station, but be sure to specify that you're arriving in Koh Samui, not Surat Thani.

β€’Surat Thani (Bandung Airport) to Samui

Combined air and ship transport: that is, plane + boat ride to the island. Generally, Air Asia uses combined air and ship transport.

This route is more circuitous than a direct flight to Koh Samui, but it's also cheaper. Koh Samui is part of Surat Thani Province. After arriving at Surat Thani Airport by plane, exchange your bus and ferry ticket at the airport counter. The staff will provide you with the boarding location and time based on your ticket. Then, take a bus to Donsak Pier (approximately 1.5 minutes). Present your bus and ferry confirmation in exchange for your ferry ticket and board the ferry to Koh Samui.

Each boat company has different boat sizes and arrival times, so please purchase according to your needs. The journey is long, but the scenery is breathtaking, so enjoy the experience. Upon arrival in Koh Samui, a private car will take you to your hotel. The driver is very friendly and will help with your luggage. Tipping is optional. The combined bus and boat journey is affordable, and takes approximately five hours.

Tips:

Surat Thani - Koh Samui: The last boat departure time is 18:00 (may vary depending on the season). Please arrange your trip according to the flight schedule.

Supporting facilities: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

A favorite destination for celebrities like Faye Wong, Jimmy Lin, and Sun Li, Koh Samui is a popular holiday destination, boasting a wide range of hotels and resorts at all price points, all easily bookable online. Koh Samui is a place brimming with natural beauty, inviting travelers to explore.

For a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bophut Beach in the north of the island is a great choice, offering a glimpse into the laid-back lifestyle of Thailand. For those who enjoy authentic markets, Nathorn Beach's long street is packed with hawker stalls every Saturday night, offering an unexpected variety of goods. This area is now relatively deserted, making it a great place to glimpse authentic life on Samui Island.

At the end of a wonderful day, you can sit on a lounge chair by the beach, sip fine wine, and watch the 360-degree charming sunset of Samui, enjoying a comfortable experience of physical and mental relaxation.

Every full-moon night, Koh Phangan, near Koh Samui, hosts an electronic music rave, also known as the "Full Moon Party." Enjoy a carefree island getaway by day on this "paradise" of Koh Samui, and party at night in this expansive, open-air beach club. The alcohol and salty seawater mix with the hormones of youth, fermenting under the moonlight, creating a wild and romantic atmosphere.

Local entertainment: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Many of Samui Island’s tourist facilities cannot be called first-class, but the natural, casual and considerate atmosphere created from the details, coupled with the tropical scenery of coconut trees, clear water and white sand, easily conquers everyone’s heart.

Cha Weng Beach

Located on the east coast of Koh Samui, this crescent-shaped beach stretches 7 kilometers. It is the longest, busiest, and most famous beach on Koh Samui, with its fine, soft white sand and the azure sea.

There are abundant marine entertainment facilities everywhere, including parasailing, banana boats, and various activities full of adventure and excitement. Every night, this place becomes a gathering place for tourists and a center of nightlife. You will have a very pleasant holiday here.

La Mai Beach

Although its coastline is short, it remains a popular beach for tourists. The crystal-clear waters and the vibrant banana and coconut trees create a striking contrast, and the sunrises and sunsets are so stunning that holidaymakers often walk to the beach to watch the sunrise, or even take a nap. During the day, the area is quiet and undeveloped, preserving its pristine scenery. At night, the bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues light up, attracting many visitors.

The most cost-effective diving factory-Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is a small island in southern Thailand, part of Surat Thani Province. Located 80 kilometers from Koh Samui, it's also known as "Turtle Island" because it was once a turtle habitat and resembles a turtle when viewed from Koh Phangan.

Diving difficulty: πŸ‘

No one can tell exactly how many diving schools there are on Koh Tao, how many diving instructors there are, and how many students get their diving certificates here each year, so it can only be given a resounding name: "Diving Factory".

Backpackers from all over the world flock here every day to learn how to dive, and all the facilities on the island are designed for diving. There are more than 30 warm water dive sites with gentle currents near Koh Tao, which are perfect for learning to dive.

Marine life richness: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Many of the dive sites near Koh Tao are shore dives, ranging from 5 to 14 meters in depth. These dive sites typically feature large, flat sandy areas and are located within bays. Even in the rare event of rough waves, the bays act as a natural barrier, keeping the dive sites calm. Despite their proximity to the shore, these dive sites are still home to a rich variety of marine life, including corals and fish.

Mango Bay, Light House, Twins, Aow Leuk, Japanese Garden, these spots are all shore diving spots with a depth of about 5 to 14 meters. They usually have large flat sandy areas and are basically located in the bay. Even if there are rare bad waves, the bay can act as a natural barrier and the dive site will remain calm.

Although these dive sites are closer to shore, they still boast a rich variety of marine life, including corals and fish. Most notably, schools of barracuda (fish) frequently appear at Mango Bay, Japanese Garden, Light House, and Twins. In April and May, schools of baby sharks can be seen in the shallow sands of Aow Leuk. Whale sharks and whales can also be seen occasionally at Mango Bay and Twins.

Transportation: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

β€’ Koh Samui to Koh Tao

It takes about 2 hours to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by boat. There are two companies operating the boat: Lomprayah and Seatran. The sailing time is roughly the same, but the price may differ by 50-100B.

Official websites of the two shipping companies:

L Company (Lomprayah Company) Website: http://www.lomprayah.com

Company S (Seatran) Website: http://www.seatrandiscovery.com

β€’ Bangkok to Koh Tao

Well-known companies offering this combined bus and boat transport include Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery. Typically, you'll take a sleeper bus from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani, which takes about 11 hours. From there, you'll take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Tao.

Lomprayah company, 2 buses depart from Khao San Road daily.

Morning bus: departs at 6:00 AM and arrives at Koh Tao at 2:45 PM

Late bus: departs at 9pm and arrives at Koh Tao at 8:45am the next day

Songserm Company has one bus per day, departing from Khao San Road at 6:00 pm and arriving in Koh Tao at 9:30 am the next day.

Supporting facilities: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Koh Tao has nearly 300 hotels, and your choice will depend on your budget, your transportation options, your preferences, and your location. Koh Tao is small, so the main modes of transportation are pickup trucks, motorcycles, and walking.

Further afield can be reached in about two hours. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from the pier to the banks of diving in the center of Sairee Beach. If you walk from the pier towards Chalock, it's about 20-30 minutes.

Local entertainment: πŸ‘πŸ‘

For those who like lively bars and a variety of food, Sairee Beach is the first choice, and hotels near Mae Haad (pier) are another option.

Over 70% of Koh Tao's dining and entertainment options are concentrated in this area. Along Sairee Beach, there are numerous excellent sea-view restaurants. In the evening, you can relax on a large mat by the beach, admire the beautiful sunset, listen to the crashing waves, and enjoy a drink or a glass of wine while dining.

Known as the Oriental Maldives - Lipe Island, Thailand

Enjoy delicious food at a clifftop restaurant, watch the sunset over the sea, walk barefoot along the fine white sand beach, stay in the hotel and listen to the waves and the breeze, cool off in the resort pool, enjoy a skewers at the night market, and gaze at the stars from a beach bench. This is Kho Lipe, hidden in the southernmost tip of Thailand. It is the only island in Thailand's Ko Tarutao National Marine Park that allows private development. As it has not been developed for a long time, it still retains its precious original appearance.

Diving difficulty: πŸ‘πŸ‘

The open waters surrounding Koh Lipe offer over 30 dive sites, perfect for both beginners and seasoned divers. The unique topography of the waters has fostered the growth of diverse hard coral reefs, making them a truly remarkable sight.

Marine life richness: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Koh Lipe is known as Thailand's "macro paradise." Marine life once only visible on television now comes alive before your eyes. Coral reefs are within reach, and Nemo clownfish swim around you.

Here, you'll find abundant marine life and beautiful, intact coral reefs, with exceptional underwater visibility. Unlike the Similan Islands, where access to these sights is limited by the AOW (Adventure Waters) or the hassle of a liveaboard, you won't need to embark on a cruise. Simply dive into the deep blue and you'll encounter a dazzling array of colorful reef fish, parrot fish sleeping in the coral reefs, or tiny, bizarrely colored squid darting among the crinoids.

How can we miss our adorable sea turtles when we're surrounded by beautiful underwater creatures? Koh Lipe boasts some of the most beautiful and pristine dive sites, with hard and soft coral gardens displayed like a parade, teeming with parrotfish, flag snappers, groupers, barracudas, and sea turtles.

Transportation: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Transportation to and from Koh Lipe is divided into peak season (November-April) and off-season (May-October). During the peak season, there will be more ships traveling between Koh Lipe and various cities and islands in Thailand.

β€’Hat Yai-Koh Lipe

Hat Yai (Airport/Downtown/Train Station) - Packbara Pier - Koh Lipe: Bus and ferry services are available year-round. AirAsia offers a one-stop service from the moment you land, directly arriving in Lipe the same day. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Hat Yai and book your ferry tickets locally (for online agents, see http://www.tigerlinetravel.com/).

Take a bus from Hat Yai Airport to Hat Yai Pak Bara Pier (approximately 2 hours), and then take a boat to Koh Lipe (approximately 2 hours).

Tips: The waves are high during the rainy season (June-October), and there is a risk that the boat may not be able to depart on the same day, so please be prepared.

β€’ Bangkok-Koh Lipe

Book the off-island transfer service on AirAsia's official website and you'll be taken directly to Koh Lipe. The service includes flight (about 1 hour from Bangkok to Hat Yai) + car (about 2 hours from Hat Yai Airport to Pak Bara Pier) + boat (about 2 hours from Pak Bara Pier to Koh Lipe Pier). Just follow the instructions of the AirAsia staff throughout the journey, commonly known as the foolproof method. AirAsia will help you calculate the transfer time, so you don't have to worry about it at all (you can find a booking service on TB).

β€’ Phuket-Koh Lipe

Phuket is about a two-hour drive from Krabi Town, so a combined bus and ferry ticket won't allow you to reach Koh Lipe on the same day during the off-season. Normally, you'll need to spend the night in Hat Yai. You can take a bus or a minivan from Phuket to Hat Yai, but the journey is quite long, expected to take 7-8 hours.

Supporting facilities: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

If you want a lively place, stay at Pattaya Beach, where the water is clear, the sand is soft, and there are many coconut trees. It is a good place for taking photos, snorkeling, and watching the sunset. The sunset is beautiful.

As night falls, small stalls line the streets, offering authentic Thai snacks and seafood, as well as unique Thai goods, while enjoying the beautiful scenery. As a popular holiday destination, Koh Lipe is dotted with hotels and resorts of all price ranges, all of which can be booked online.

Local entertainment: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Koh Lipe may be small, but it has everything you need for a vacation, with modern resorts, original retro cabins, and private and luxurious pool villas to meet all your vacation needs.

The most lively beach is Pattaya Beach, located on the west side of Koh Lipe. Its crescent-shaped beach boasts the finest sand of the three and is a great spot for watching the sunset. As evening falls, the nightlife becomes vibrant, and the night market and pedestrian street bustle with people.

Sunset Beach, located in the north of Koh Lipe, is the most secluded beach on the island. Although it has few hotels, it's the perfect spot for watching the sunset. It also has the fewest boats moored here, making it the most private beach, less damaged by human activity and preserving its pristine beauty.

The most relaxing - Sunrise Beach (SUNRISE BEACH) Sunrise Beach of Koh Lipe is located on the east side of Koh Lipe. The long coastline is like the white hem of a bride's wedding dress. The white sand beach is matched with the Tiffany blue sea. It is not excessive to lie on a chair for a whole day.

In the wee hours of the morning, let's rub our hazy eyes and go searching for the mysterious blue tears! Blue tears are microscopic creatures that live on the ocean floor. Because they're as tiny as grains of sand, they're called blue sand in English.

Washed ashore by waves, blue tears survive for only 100 seconds, a fleeting existence. When they appear, the entire coastal waters turn blue, and walking on the beach leaves blue footprints, creating a magical experience. Over time, blue tears lose their original brilliance, and their lifespan ends.

The twinkling lights resemble the galaxy that twinkles in the sky. The blue tears glow as a way for shrimp to find a mate. Male shrimps systematically flash blue light as they swim in the ocean to attract females. Amazing, isn't it? This is unique to Koh Lipe Beach; whether you can see it depends on your luck.

The Forgotten Paradise - Koh Kood Island, Thailand

The Huffington Post in the United States once listed the 10 most romantic places in the world, and Koh Kood Island in Thailand was one of them. It was also the only island in Thailand selected that year.

Koh Kood, also known as Koh Kood, Dog Bone Island, or Koh Gu Island, is a popular tourist destination. Even a devoted Thai fan who has been to Thailand three or four times may not have visited it, and may not even have heard of it.

Diving difficulty: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

The best time to dive at Koh Kood is from November to mid-May. During this period, the dive site boasts stable currents and excellent visibility. In early November, just after the rainy season, visibility can reach 25 meters. Later in the year, visibility drops to around 10-15 meters. This means your underwater view is comparable to that of land.

Marine Life: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

The waters surrounding Koh Kood Island are a haven for marine life. Lucky divers may encounter whale sharks and sea turtles. Warm ocean currents bring a vibrant variety of creatures to the area.

The shallow reef, approximately 7 to 12 meters deep, is covered in a variety of soft corals, including leather corals, elephant ear sponges, and sea whips. Giant anemones and clownfish also roam the reef. Within a depth of no more than 10 meters, a wide variety of flora and fauna awaits. Beautiful and diverse soft and hard corals thrive here, and the anemones and their symbiotic clownfish are incredibly numerous. Bubble corals, staghorn corals, and clownfish also coexist in this area. Underwater, you'll often encounter dense schools of fish, a vibrant and exciting sight.

From shallow to deep, you can see corals of various shapes, anemones, sponges, and huge schools of fish consisting of thousands of whitefish and other fish. This underwater diving paradise is also a hotbed for the inhabitation and breeding of green and hawksbill turtles. Divers can join the huge group of turtles at any time and explore the underwater world under their guidance.

When you put on your gear and dive into the water, the whole world becomes quiet except for the sound of bubbles and your own breathing. In the clear water, looking at the beautiful corals and colorful fish, life becomes beautiful.

Transportation: πŸ‘πŸ‘

β€’ Bangkok-Koh Kood

By bus or boat: Meet at Boonsiri SpeedBoat at Khaosan Road Station. Take a bus from Bangkok (approximately 4-5 hours) to Leamsobpier Pier in Lat Pantai. After lunch, take a luxury ferry from Leamsobpier Pier, stopping briefly at Koh Mak. From there, you'll reach Koh Kood and be transferred to your hotel in approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Peak season (October 16-May 15)

Bangkok-Koh Kood 05:00-12:00 /07:30-14:00

Off-season (May 16-October 15)

Bangkok-Koh Kood 07:00-14:30

Charter car + ferry (preferred): If you don't want to share a bus to Khao San Road, you can also choose to book a charter car in advance to go to Leamsobpier Pier. You can pick up at the airport or hotel in Bangkok. The car type can be arranged according to the number of people, which is very convenient.

Private plane: If you have booked a hotel at the Soneva Kiri Eco Resort, a super five-star hotel, congratulations, there will be a private plane to pick you up in Suvarnabhumi.

Supporting facilities: πŸ‘πŸ‘

Agoda lists 90 hotels on Koh Kood, ranging from six-star hotels costing tens of thousands of yuan to guesthouses costing around a hundred yuan. All the beachfront hotels are located on the west side, and every beachfront hotel on Koh Kood offers a great view of the sunset.

Koh Kood was developed relatively late, and most of the seaside hotels cover a large area, have standardized facilities, and are comfortable and hygienic.

Hidden at the easternmost edge of the border, facing Cambodia, this is Thailand's fourth-largest island. There are no 7-11 convenience stores, no go-go bars, and no free Wi-Fi. If you want to be closer to your fellow travelers, closer to nature, and further away from the schizophrenic modern civilization, Koh Kood will be another reason for you to queue up at Suvarnabhumi Airport to apply for a visa on arrival.

Local entertainment: πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Klong Chao Beach boasts the finest white sand on Koh Kood, with one side gradually fading into the sea, perfect for swimming. On the other side lies a pristine lake, nurturing a forest and nourishing life. It's also a picturesque sunset beach, creating a magical half-lake, half-seascape scene. It's also perfect for kayaking, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding area.

Ao Prao Beach, approximately 800 meters long and fringed with coconut trees, is one of the island's most picturesque spots. Not far from the beach stands a statue dedicated to the father of the Thai Navy, a symbol of respect for the people of Koh Kood.

In addition to numerous beaches, Koh Kood Island offers a variety of natural resources, including the sea, waterfalls, mangroves, canals, and forests.

Zhaoyunhe Waterfall is known as the island's lifeblood. Located in the south-central part of the island, it's a 20-30 minute walk through the jungle to the falls. Be aware of the steep terrain. The water cascades down into a natural pond nestled in the jungle. Here, you can put on your swimsuit and swim in the pond, experiencing the most intimate connection with nature.

A small fishing village in the south of Koh Kood

Here you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ao Yai. Most villagers are fishermen, simple and honest. Small shops along the street sell freshly caught seafood, which looks incredibly fresh. The fishing industry thrives here, making it a relatively small village. Currently, Ao Yai is a tourist community that supports marine conservation and regularly organizes coral planting activities.

Conclusion

Diving is a romantic way to uncover the mysteries of the ocean. Wander beneath the sea, explore the depths, and feel as carefree as a fish.

If land represents stability and certainty, then the ocean represents the unknown and possibility. This is why people who love freedom often love the ocean and diving.

Dive into the sea, feel your heartbeat, and wash away your worries at the distant islands. In my dreams, the sound of waves is faint, and I swim side by side with turtles on the seabed. The sunlight is gentler than on the way to work, and I enjoy the freedom of the moment underwater.