The very name of Thailand is a call for an amazing beach holiday. And while in Southeast Asia, snorkeling in Thailand is a must. It’s absolutely blissful and breathtaking! Just try out as many as you can, you can never have a bad experience there. Explore the amazing world that is hidden beneath the emerald green waters. It’s a whole universe out there and the design is beyond magnificent.
There are costs involved and then there are gears and guides and everything else you are yet to be accustomed to. But when there is a will, there’s a way, and the best way to go for a cheaper snorkeling session is to choose wisely. Here is a list of places where you can go for snorkeling at a reasonable price.
Top 8 places to go snorkeling in Thailand!
1. Ao Mae Yai Bay, Koh Surin Nuea
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Your best bid has to be these five spectacular islands that form the Surin Nuea that are best-known snorkeling sites in the Andaman Sea. It makes as one of the best places to snorkel in the seven seas. These islands fall under the protection of the Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park, hence, the beaches, as well as the surrounding coastlines, are pristine and crystal clear. The geography is blessed with an abundance of wildlife both in and out of the water.
You can go for snorkeling in any of the bays in the Surin Islands, they won’t disappoint you but the one that is most revered of all is Ao Mae Yai Bay which is located on the island of Koh Surin Nuea. This one offers one of the most striking varieties of corals and also happens to be the home to a diverse range of marine life and this includes the notorious clownfish (otherwise known as Nemo).
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2. Koh Nang Yuan, Koh Tao
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The second one in the list is Koh Nang Yuan, formed out of three different islands, just off the northeast tip of Koh Tao. These islands are interconnected with an equally exotic gleaming white sandbar. Not to forget the intricate formation of the coral reefs in and around the island-shaped out of both soft and hard corals. The corallines are protected and relatively shallow. Hence, this makes for a perfect place to snorkel.
The island is however privately owned and you have to pay a very little amount of entrance fee compared to the treasure you get to explore.
3. Aow Leuk Beach, Koh Tao
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Here, again, another magnificent snorkeling spot lies in Koh Tao, the Turtle Island otherwise known as Aow Leuk is the place. The location is on the southwest coast. Snorkelers go about diving grabbing their gears right off the beach and explore the amazing underwater biodiversity. The relatively shallow coral reefs are perfect for snorkeling and swimmers don’t need to wander far off the beach to explore the amazing wilderness lying beneath the crystal clear waters.
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4. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi
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The name of this island shot to an international fame after Leonardo DiCaprio put Maya Bay on the maps featuring it in the film “The Beach”. Soon after, tourists all over the world started flocking around. The movie was filmed back in 1999 and since then the place has risen to all its glory becoming the snorkeling Mecca.
If you want to relive “The Beach” experience and check out the original spot that you have seen in the movie, and also snorkel, go for it. The beach is almost entirely made of coral reefs and the central stretch of beach spans around 200 meters. Surrounded by the towering cliffs from the three sides this place makes for a beautiful snorkeling site.
5. Ao Niang Bay, Koh Kradan
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You can also try out the little island by southeast of Koh Lanta, called, “Koh Kradan.” It’s an absolute spectacle, wherever your eyes might wonder. Beneath the water, you can explore the splendor of marine life. The island falls under Hat Chao Mai National Park, spanning the 89-square miles. And that’s how the nearby coral reefs here are almost unhampered by the visitors. Experience silence in the serenity of the island, the place happens to be one of the quietest islands in Thailand.
If you want to be alone while you unwind, this is the place. Tourists are less and the vegetation is in abundance. You can get the absolute seclusion you desired while you were planning for a beach holiday. Ao Niang, situated on the southeast part of the island, also makes for the best bay for snorkelers with marine life and the coral galore.
6. Kata Beach, Phuket
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If snorkeling is at the focal point of your Phuket trip then not Patong Beach, Kata Beach is your go-to place. The views underwater are exasperating. And what’s more, is that you don’t need to crack your bank for a dive certificate. The beach is made of pristine white sands and along the slope, the palm trees will evoke a calm and peace. It’s a smaller one spanning only a mile long yet it’s absolutely secluded and not raved by the touristic crowd.
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7. Ko Lan
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Venture out for one of the offshore islands near the sketchy shores of Pattaya. Here you will find an absolutely blissful snorkeling area in Koh Lan. The island has another name, Coral Island. The coral reefs here are the largest and arguably the most stunning one. You have to ride a little under an hour to get to the spot.
8. Koh Ngam Yai
The last but not the least is Koh Ngam Yai, the bay that is located off the quiet town of Chumphon. It’s generally treated as a stop-gap between two destinations and for the same reason the spot is secluded and makes for a peaceful snorkeling destination. Koh Ngam Yai, off Thung Wua Laen Beach, is a blissful destination with quiet and seclusion and the shallow waters are full of and colorful corals.
The pristine beaches of Thailand are calling out to you! Are you going to respond?
Further Read: 10 Best Thailand Island Resorts That Look Like A Dreamy Paradise
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