Pattaya is the nearest and most convenient diving location from Bangkok. Although it may not be interesting enough to most advanced divers, it is a very suitable place for beginners. There are many scuba diving shops in Pattaya that offer PADI or NAUI certificate courses with competitive prices. And the trips are centred around Ko Lan, Ko Sak and Ko Khrok. One-day and half-day excursions to these islands are also available at quite reasonable prices.
For accomplished divers, the outer islands of Ko Man Wichai and Ko Rin which have better visibility are offered. Also worth visiting are the several wrecks off Pattaya′s shore, especially the Hardeep and the Bremen. The Hardeep, a 420-metre long ship that sank in 1942, is considered the most interesting dive site in this area.
