2025 Guide to Diving in Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia

Southeast Asia is a true paradise for divers, offering exceptional and diverse sites. Thailand is renowned for its world-class spots and well-developed infrastructure, while Vietnam captivates with its diverse sites and affordable prices. Cambodia, on the other hand, reveals sites that are still preserved and secluded, for a unique diving experience.

► Have a look to the Vietnam's best diving spots in 2024
 

Thailand is a true paradise for divers - Mr Linh's Adventures

♦ Andaman Sea (West): November to April
♦ Gulf of Thailand (East): May to September

♦ Central: March to September
♦ South: January to May
♦ North: May to October

♦ Optimal Season: November to May
♦ Avoid: June to October (monsoon)

✓ Peak Season: Book at least 3 months in advance
✓ Live-aboard: 6 months recommended
✓ Domestic Flights: Best prices 2-3 months prior

✓ Passport valid for 6 months
✓ Visas as required by country
✓ Diving certification
✓ Vaccination record
 

Phu Quoc Island is well-known for its diving spots - Mr Linh's Adventures

Southeast Asia is full of opportunities to explore the seabed without breaking the bank.
Let's start with Thailand, a sure bet for diving destinations: expect to pay between 25 and 80 euros for a session, which is more than reasonable. And if you want to go all out, a diving cruise starts at 100 euros per day per person. In Vietnam, it's even more affordable: 20 dollars for snorkeling, 65 dollars for scuba diving. And if you want to train, a 4-day PADI course is about 340 dollars, enough to turn you into a deep-sea ace.
As for Cambodia, expect to pay 25 dollars for snorkeling, 65 dollars for guided diving, and up to 75 dollars for a night session - a unique experience! And for the more adventurous, liveaboard cruises start at 295 dollars for 1 night and 4 dives.
It is important to note that these prices may vary depending on the dive center, the season, and the specific inclusions of each offer.

► Vietnam 2025 - New Entry Regulations into Vietnamese Territory
 

Surreal beauty of the seabed - Mr Linh's Adventures

Thailand, with its two coasts (Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand) and more than 500 islands, is a must-visit destination for divers. Koh Phi Phi is certainly popular, but don't miss the many other exceptional sites the country has to offer.

► Tropical nature Thailand 10 days

This gem, ranked among the 10 best dive sites in the world, offers crystal-clear waters, exceptional visibility (20-40 meters), granite formations, colorful coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life (whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, etc.) marked by large pelagics. Access is only by boat cruise from Phuket or Khao Lak.
Emblematic Sites: Elephant Head Rock and Christmas Point.

Fly to Phuket or Khao Lak
From Phuket: 3 hours by speedboat
From Khao Lak: 1.5 hours by boat
Options:
Day trip (depart 6am, return 6pm)
Cruise (3-7 days)
Hotel transfers included with dive centers
 

Sunset on Koh Tao - Source : Collected

Nicknamed the "PADI training capital of Asia," Koh Tao is ideal for diving certifications. It offers sites for all levels, from shallow coral reefs to the impressive Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle. Access is by ferry from Koh Samui or Chumphon. Ideal temperature year-round.
Major Sites: Chumphon Pinnacle, Sail Rock

How to Get There
Fly Bangkok-Koh Samui
Ferry Koh Samui-Koh Tao (2 hours)
OR
Bus/train Bangkok-Chumphon
Ferry Chumphon-Koh Tao (2 hours)
Many daily departures
 

Blue Sea Star (Linckia Laevigata) - Mr Linh's Adventures

These iconic islands of the Andaman Sea combine tropical beauty and exceptional diving. The varied sites are suitable for all levels, and marine life is rich (reef sharks, turtles, multicolored fish). Access is by ferry or speedboat from Phuket or Krabi.

How to Get There
Fly to Phuket or Krabi
Ferry from Phuket (2 hours) or Krabi (1.5 hours)
Speedboat available (45 minutes-1 hour)
Possible day trips from Phuket
 

Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam - Mr Linh's Adventures

Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a popular diving destination, with Nha Trang as its main spot.

► Vietnam’s Southern Escape 15 days 14 nights

Located in the Hon Mun Marine Park, Nha Trang offers diverse sites, including wreck dives, coral reefs, and opportunities for macrophotography. Visibility is optimal from March to September (15-30 m), and the waters are full of colorful nudibranchs, stonefish, and moray eels, with temperatures of 26-29°C. Wreck diving available.

How to Get There
Direct flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Train from Ho Chi Minh City (7 hours)
Dive sites: 30-45 minutes by boat
Centers in the city
 

Diving in Phu Quoc - Mr Linh's Adventures

This tropical island is ideal for beginners and snorkeling enthusiasts. Its preserved coral reefs and pelagic life make it an exciting destination. Visibility is excellent from January to May. Access is by direct flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City. Ideal for beginners.
Iconic Spot: An Thoi Islands (experienced divers)

► Phu Quoc:Vietnam's Tropical Jewel

How to Get There
Direct flights from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City
Ferry from Ha Tien (2.5 hours)
Dive centers:
North: Duong Dong
South: An Thoi
20-40 minutes by boat to sites
 

Con Dao Island - Source : Internet

This wild archipelago offers technical dives in preserved waters. The sites are renowned for observing sea turtles (March-September) and reef sharks. Drift dives and deep walls for experienced divers. Popular, exclusive atmosphere and unspoiled nature.

► Have a look to our Con Dao travel guide

How to Get There
Flights from Ho Chi Minh City or Can Tho or by sea (with travel time ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours) from Soc Trang or Vung Tau or - depending on the season - from HCM City by speedboat
Limited: book in advance
Accommodation on Con Son
Sites: 15-45 minutes by boat

Koh Rong beach - Source : Collected

Cambodia, a rising star in the diving scene, offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.

► Adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia 15 days

These islands are home to the country's main dive spots, with pristine coral reefs, bioluminescent plankton, and the possibility of spotting turtles and rays. Access is by ferry or speedboat from Sihanoukville.
Iconic Site: Japanese Garden (beginners)

How to Get There
Fly to Sihanoukville
Ferry from Sihanoukville:
Koh Rong: 45 minutes
Koh Rong Samloem: 1 hour
Speedboat available (25-40 minutes)

Accessible only by boat cruise, these islands are a paradise for experienced divers seeking adventure. The deep sites, strong currents, and abundance of marine life - including reef sharks and eagle rays - make it an exciting destination. Departure is only from Sihanoukville.

How to Get There
Departure only from Sihanoukville
Live-aboard required (2-5 days)
Advance booking required
4-5 hours of navigation
 

Diving in Cambodia - Source : Internet

This little-known gem of the Gulf of Thailand seduces with its intact corals and abundant marine life. Frequent sightings of clownfish, moray eels, and nudibranchs in calm waters. It is still a confidential spot, ideal for divers seeking authenticity and tranquility.

How to Get There
Bus Phnom Penh-Koh Kong (6 hours)
Local boat from Koh Kong

Southeast Asia is also a hotspot for other water sports such as kitesurfing, surfing, and kayaking. From Mui Ne in Vietnam to Phuket in Thailand, the possibilities are numerous.

Stay informed of the latest developments in the Southeast Asian diving scene:
✓ Thailand: Quotas for the Similan Islands, new marine park in Koh Chang.
✓ Vietnam: Development of technical diving in Con Dao.
✓ Cambodia: Reef protection project, creation of a new marine park.