DIVING IN THAILAND - SIMILAN ISLANDS AND THE BURMA BANKSS
As far as diving is concerned, nothing has really changed after the tsunami. There was minimal damage to the coral reefs at the major dive areas around Thailand. Of course the damage on land in some places, particularly Phi Phi and Khao Lak were extensive and are still in shock. However, many coral reef survey's were conducted in the months after the waves, and very little damage occurred, and surprisingly enough, not much silting except in very inshore areas of Thailand which were not supporting much coral growth anyway.
Thailand offers the visiting diver diverse undersea experiences along with an unbelievable amount of topside recreation. It's the perfect place for a diving holiday. World-class diving, heavenly tropical islands and immaculate white sand beaches await. With water visibility often exceeding 30 meters, an average ocean temperature of around 28º C, and uncommonly calm sea conditions, Thailand has some of the most comfortable and safe diving environments found anywhere in the world.
The Similan Islands
The Similan Islands, situated approximately 100 km Northwest of Phuket, are comprised of nine granite islands surrounded by crystal clear tropical waters, and have some of the best beaches in the world. The name ‘Similan’ is comes from the Malaysian fishermen, who called the archipelago ‘the nine islands’ (Sembilan means nine in Malaysian). These islands are now a national park and are therefore fully protected by the Thai Government.
The islands boast some of the best diving in the whole of Thailand, and some of the best dive spots in the world. An interesting characteristic of these islands is the two completely different types of natural environment. The East coast, with its fine sandy coral beaches, has coral gardens which slope from the surface down to a depth of around 30-40 metres. Dives here usually follow the currents along the coral reef, with a chance to admire its inhabitants along the way. Dives off the West coast are more demanding and exhilarating, because the currents swirl in vortexes around enormous granite masses. Some of these masses are larger than houses, and form summits, caves and overhangs for the diver to explore. The thrill of looking up through the waters towards this unique display is like nothing else on earth. The rocks also boast some of the most fantastically coloured soft corals, which are so dense in some places that they completely hide the rock beneath. In some of the larger canals and passages between the rocks, algae often form thick bushes growing up to three metres in length.
Large rays and leopard sharks are quite common, and whale sharks, white tips and black tips can sometimes be seen. Over the years there have been sightings of killer whales but don’t expect to see these giants on every dive. Enjoy what Similan has to offer; untamed beaches, untouched corals, thriving sea life, crystal clear waters and sensational underwater rocks.
Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, Ko Surin and the Richelieu Rocks.
North of the Similan Islands lay the Bon, Tachai and Surin Islands and the Richelieu Rocks. Each offers excellent diving, and although in many ways different the Similan Islands, they must be included in any self-respecting dive itinerary.
The submerged rock found around 18 km East of Surin is possibly one of the best reasons to visit the area. The Richelieu Rocks might appear quite insignificant from the surface, but this is considered one of the best places on Earth for a possible meeting with the whale shark. In addition the area boasts highly coloured soft corals, large groups of pelagic fish and an infinite number of microscopic organisms attached to the rock.
The Burma Banks
The Burma Banks are a series of large underwater flat-topped sea-mounts that lie approximately 180 kilometres northwest of the Similan Islands. The banks' surrounding water is over 350 meters deep and large areas rise to within the depth limits of recreational scuba diving. The name derives from the fact that this 1,500 square kilometre area lies within the exclusive economic zone of Burma. The banks offer some exciting, stimulating diving, but since this is true open-ocean diving, they certainly are not for everyone. These mountains rise very gradually from the depths and are covered with hard coral growth and large patches of sand. Although the huge plate corals (some of these 'plates' could seat all the knights of the round table easily) are in many areas fantastic, that is not the reason for travelling so far out to sea. The reason is for different types of environments not found in Thailand. And, at the banks, you have a good chance of seeing sharks. Although not as common as in the past, chances are better here than they are in Thailand.
When you see sharks at the banks, the most common type of shark is the nurse shark that grows to over 3 meters in length, then the silver tip in addition, you'll see larger reef fish than in other areas of Thailand, such as huge sweet lips and the occasional grouper. The most common diving technique at the banks are large drift dives over the mountain flats.
The Doors to Thailand; the Mergui and Andaman Island Archipelago
The name of the Mergui Island Archipelago comes from a small city in Myanmar (Burma), which once belonged to Siam (as Thailand was called before the Second World War). The area has a long tradition of commercial trading in the Andaman Sea. During the 17th Century, cargo was shipped from Europe and from India to Mergui, and from here, through the mountains on the backs of elephants, to the then Capital of Siam, Ayutthaya.
At the beginning of the Second World War, this group of islands was cut off from the rest of the world, and almost became deserted. Only in 1997 were ships allowed to reach the area, and today many Phuket and Ranong tour operators accompany divers and birdwatchers for excursions and dives. Many of the over 800 islands in the archipelago are national parks, under the protection of Myanmar’s Government. |
Thailand's origin is traditionally tied to the short-lived kingdom of Sukhothai founded in 1238, after which the larger kingdom of Ayutthaya was established in the mid-14th century. Thai culture was greatly influenced by both China and India. Contact with various European powers began in the 16th century but, despite continued pressure, Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never to have been taken over by a European power. 
