So, you want to become a wreck diver and explore the wreck diving in Pattaya? After you’ve experienced coral diving in Thailand for a while now, did you know that there is a plethora of shipwrecks to dive in Pattaya?
Why not visit Pattaya and come wrecking in the wreck diver capital of Thailand! Plunge deeper than before and explore warships underwater!
Wreck dives are an exciting way of discovering the depths of Thailand. You get to explore the sea life, learn a bit of history exploring shipwrecks, and maybe become a speciality wreck diver.
As of September 2024, there are 7 Wrecks in Pattaya (actually 9 if you count the less-visited Sarasin technical wreck and the sunken barge). Some of the wrecks are retired army ships with tons of history in the Thai Navy, while others are cargo ships that sunk way back in the 1920s. If you are wondering where to start, the following are some exciting shipwrecks you should check out next time you go wreck diving in Pattaya and Samae San.
The T94 and T95 wrecks are the latest edition to the Wreck Diving Pattaya scene. Located in Samae San, just a short distance from the Pattaya Islands, have a storied history tied to the vision of King Rama IX (King Bhumibol Adulyadej) of Thailand. These vessels were part of the T.91 series of near-shore patrol boats, constructed as a result of His Majesty’s initiative to foster naval self-reliance and reduce dependency on foreign procurement.
Both vessels were intentionally sunk on September 3, 2024 marking a continuation of Thailand’s commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism, providing new sites for divers and promoting marine biodiversity.
Both T94 T95 Wrecks were put down next to each other in a channel between Koh Chuang and Koh Chan, Samae san, Gulf of Thailand, approximately 30 meters apart.
Wreck GPS Location:- 12°31’36.9″N 100°57’34.6″E Near Koh Chuang, Gulf of Siam
The T-Wrecks both wrecks lie at approximately 25-28 meters, suitable for advanced divers due to the depth and potential currents.
November to April for calmer seas and improved visibility.
Aim for </ dropping 20 – slack high tides. Avoid rising tides.
SS Suddhadib or The Hardeep as it is known in the Wreck Diving Pattaya community, is a cargo and passenger ship that was sunk during World War II by British Allied Forces. During the war, she was taken over by the Japanese as a supply ship to Thailand. The Japanese were at that time building a railway line linking Japan to Thailand.
At 64 meters beneath the sea, it is an exciting piece of history that you can explore close to Koh Chang. The ship lies on her starboard side with access to her engine room. Although the superstructure has become a bit flimsy, you can dive the cargo hold and deck. Penetration is risky but possible. Lots of deep-sea fish that have made it home.
HTMS Kood is a Thai Navy ship that was retired 40 mins from Pattaya. Originally a US World War Two landing ship, it is an excellent wreck diving training ship. The Thai Navy has ensured the vessel is safe for wreck diving by removing all armaments. There are plenty of holes for penetration.
The ship is at a depth of thirty meters during high tides and between twenty to twenty-five during low tides. This makes it a bit challenging for beginner divers. If you are an open water certified diver, you can make use of an instructor.
Thai Navy Vessel 731 HTMS Kut (Former USS LSM-333) Lays Off the coast of Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Sak Island.
Wreck GPS Location:- 12°56’57.3″N 100°47’56.8″E Near Koh Sak, Gulf of Siam
The Kut (Khood) Rests at a depth of approximately 30 meters, challenging but rewarding for advanced divers.
November to March, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is optimal. Aim for </ dropping 20 – slack high tides. Avoid rising tides.
The HTMS Khram is the first Navy ship that was sunk by the Thai Navy to form an artificial reef for Wreck Diving in Pattaya. It was sunk to commemorate the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th birthday. The decommissioned ship forms an artificial reef and a haven for marine life off Koh Phai.
Just like the HTMS Kut, getting to the HTMS Khram requires you to have advanced level diver training or dive with an instructor if you’re a certified open water diver. Being a decommissioned navy ship, it is very secure for penetration. It has a different configuration of penetration holes for wreck exploration compared to the HTMS Kut. On its belly, you will find a selection of stingrays, scorpionfish, among other sea life. The ship lies at a max depth of 28 meters.
Thai Navy Vessel 732 HTMS Khram (Former USS LSM-469) Lays Off the coast of Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Phai Island.
Wreck GPS Location:- 12°56’03.7″N 100°41’20.3″E Near Koh Sak, Gulf of Siam
The Khram Wreck Rests at a depth of approximately 28 meters, challenging but rewarding for advanced divers.
November to March, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is optimal. Aim for </ dropping 20 – slack high tides. Avoid rising tides.
The HTMS Mattaphon is a shallow wreck dive site with a maximum depth of around 21 meters. It is a Mark VI Landing Craft that is situated south of Koh Larn island and near the bay of Hat Nuan. As with the other shipwrecks in the area, The Thai navy had the vessel prepared to make it safe for scuba divers before being lowered to the seabed.
Thai Navy Vessel 761 HTMS Mataphon (Former USS LCT-1260) Lays Off the coast of Pattaya, Gulf of Thailand, near Koh Larn Island.
Wreck GPS Location:- 12°53’53.5″N 100°46’49.4″E Near Koh Lan, Gulf of Siam
Sources: The Royal Ship Matphon (1st ship) – Seafarer Library
The Mataphon Wreck Rests at a depth of approximately 23 meters, a fairly easy wreck dive for advanced divers.
Short boat ride from Pattaya’s coastline; commonly included in local dive itineraries.
November to March, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is optimal. Aim for </ dropping 20 – slack high tides.
The Petchaburi Bremen, later renamed the Kaeo Samud, is a historically significant Pattaya wreck located in the Gulf of Thailand near Ko Kram Yai. At over 100 years old this wreck is a legend for Pattaya Wreck divers so don’t miss out on special trips and wreck dive events that visit her.
Petchaburi Bremen / Kaeo Samud Wreck Lays Off the coast of Pattaya in the Gulf of Thailand near Ko Kram Yai, not far from Sattahib.
Wreck GPS Location:- 12°40’19.2″N 100°49’10.9″E Near Koh Era, Gulf of Siam
The “Bremen” Kaeo Samud steamship is resting on a sandy seabed at 24 meters, the wreck is suited for advanced divers due to depth and challenging conditions.
November to March, when sea conditions are calm and visibility is optimal. Aim for 3-hour slack high tides. The tidal turn is fast and hard in this channel.
Certified divers can go wreck diving in Pattaya around 28m to 30m deep. An Advanced diver qualification depth. However, Openwater level divers can also dive the wrecks whilst training during their advanced training and of course wreck diver speciality and advanced courses.
