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SITES
DIVE SITES IN KOH CHANG
Diving in Koh Chang exceeds expectations. The HTMS Chang wreck site is possibly the best wreck dive in SE Asia (some have said it's their best dive ever!). Coral and fish species and populations are healthy and wide-ranging. The dive sites are not crowded, unlike other popular dive locales in Thailand. All together, this ensures an exciting and memorable dive experience for you and your family and friends.
Take a moment to browse through our local dive sites.
WRECK SITES
HTMS Chang is a highlight of Koh Chang waters, one of the best wreck dive sites in SE Asia. The ship is fully intact and the fish life is outstanding. It's not to be missed for any serious diver!
Background
The HTMS Chang was entered service as the USS Lincoln County 898 in 1944. Designed as a tank landing craft, it saw service in the Pacific in WWII and during the Korean War. In 1962 , the ship joined the Royal Thai Navy, renamed HTMS Chang. In 2012 the Chang was intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. David from Koh Chang Divers participated in the project to sink the ship, and has a high level of expertise about the ship that resonates with our divers today.
The site
The 100m long ship sits facing North at 30m depth. The main deck is at 24 metres and the top of the tower at the stern at 7m. A standard dive involves a route around the entire ship and lasts about 35 minutes.
Requirements
Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) certified divers can dive the HTMS Chang at deck level. We also train AOW students at 30m on the site. Open Water-level divers can dive here, conditions permitting, maintaining shallower depths. The site is a haven for Wreck Speciality divers and Tech Divers. Snorkellers can see the tower and top of the wheelhouse of the ship when visibility is good.
Sealife
There are now very few places in the world where you will see so many fish in the same place, including large schools of Bigeye Trevally, Chevron Barracuda, Fusiliers, Batfish and other species of fish. Large Groupers, Snappers and Giant Barracuda are also regularly present. Occasionally, a Whaleshark joins the proceedings.
Sentiment
No diver comes away from the HTMS Chang without a great sense of wow. Many, including very experienced divers, claim that the HTMS Chang is the best dive they have ever done.
Level
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Advanced/Experienced/Challenging
More about the HTMS Chang
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In 1962 a 30 metre long Motor Patrol Gun Boat PGM - 64 was built in Tacoma WA and went into service in South Vietnam in September 1964. It’s history is then listed as unknown, but the Royal Thai Navy took possession of an identical vessel in the spring of 1965. A common occurrence during the Vietnam conflict.
Used for coastal patrol, it was eventually purposely sunk on 17th December 2013 near Koh Chang and now lies some 160 metres due North of Secret Reef and 200 metres East of Blueberry Hill at a depth of 16 metres.
The condition after sinking was excellent, the boat having ‘cleaned’ to remove any hazardous material and fittings for divers. A perfect site for Wreck Speciality training being able to traverse the whole length of the boat inside with plenty of easy exits on the way.
Sadly it did not remain that way and though there is a suggestion that there was an explosion. That was not the case. Not long after sinking one could see underneath both the stern and bow of the boat. The midship was on a harder bottom suggesting the water movement resulted in the boat breaking it’s ‘back’.
Having broken up it is worth a visit. There is a resident family of Clarkes Anemone fish nearby and there is always a chance of seeing sand rays or even a Jenkins Whipray near it. Sweetlips with the name 'Harry Hotlips' are often there. The dive is commonly used as a starting point for a navigation back to one of the two nearest reefs or a visit to another man made structure of hollow concrete cubes sunk a couple of decades ago to encourage coral growth in the area.
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Level: Moderate
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Snorkeling: Not a good site
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CORAL SITES
Hin Raab South is a highlight location with exceptional coral and fish life. It's a regular locale in our dive itinerary, one you do not want to miss in your Koh Chang dive experience.
The Site:
Hin Raab South is a small rocky island. The underwater topography is a steep wall that slopes gradually to a sandy bottom at around 12m. A typical dive here circles the entire island, maintains shallow depth and can easily last 60 minutes.
Sealife:
Hin Raab South features a multitude of outstanding hard and soft coral types, including staghorn coral, leather coral, whip coral, table coral, as well as vibrant barrel sponges, anemones, and other species. The fish population is abundant and diverse, including gropers, snapper, barracuda, and the odd Titan Triggerfish. Hawksbill turtles and various types of Nudibranche are common.
Requirements:
Open Water Diver or equivalent. Hin Raab South is also a regular location for training dives with our Discover Scuba Diver students. Snorkellers can enjoy one of the best locations in the Koh Chang area.
Level:
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Level: Easy/Moderate
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