GUIDE TO
WRECK DIVING
PATTAYA THAILAND
PATTAYA WRECK DIVING THAILAND GUIDE
DISCOVER WRECK DIVING IN PATTAYA THAILAND
Pattaya’s wreck diving stands out as a prime attraction in scuba diving here. For many, becoming a wreck diver serves as a key motivation to explore scuba diving and remains an exhilarating experience.
If you haven’t dived on a wreck before, it’s a must-do. Witnessing the sea life thriving amidst these former naval ships while contemplating their historical past is truly captivating.
Every day, advanced divers have the opportunity to explore one of Pattaya’s shipwrecks. The area boasts five wreck dive sites situated near the local islands.
With an abundance of wrecks, Pattaya is the top spot in Thailand to pursue the PADI wreck diver course
HTMS KHRAM (FORMER USS LSM-469) WRECK
ABOUT THE KHRAM SHIPWRECK
- Far Islands
- 28m
- Engine Room Swim Through
The HTMS Khram, a renowned wreck among Pattaya divers, sank in 2003, roughly 300 meters east of Ko Phai in the far islands of Pattaya. This 56-meter-long navy vessel now rests at a depth of 28 meters, with its deck situated at 24 meters, featuring two 20mm gun towers and a 40mm gun tower.
Initially the USS LSM-469 of the U.S., it became a part of the Thai navy in 1962, serving the purpose of transporting tanks, troops, and equipment to shore.
Even after 16 years submerged, the wreck remains in excellent condition, attracting tech divers and ship penetration specialists. Its rich marine life and flourishing coral formations make it a top choice for Pattaya wreck diving excursions.
HTMS KUT (FORMER USS LSM-333) WRECK
ABOUT THE KUT SHIPWRECK
- Near Islands
- 30m
- Engine Room Swim Through
The ‘HTMS Kut,’ also known as Khood, is the sister ship of the HTMS Khram and is a prominent addition to Pattaya’s wreck diving spots. This former USS LSM-333 was sunk near Koh Sak, becoming the closest shipwreck to Pattaya Beach. Resting at a depth of 30 meters and measuring 56 meters in length, it was gifted to the Thai navy in 1962 and served as LSM-731 until its sinking on September 17, 2006.
The wreck attracts various macro life like Nudibranch and shrimp. Additionally, exotic sea life like stonefish and dolphins can be spotted around the wreck while diving.
HTMS MATAPHON (FORMER LCT MK6 761) WRECK
ABOUT MATAPHON SHIPWRECK
- Near Islands
- 23m
- Surrounded by cube city
HTMS “Mataphon,” formerly known as USS LCT-1260, is a Mark VI Landing Craft Tank sunk near Koh Larn on October 20th, 2012.
Resting upright in sand under 23 meters of seawater, this wreck is smaller and shallower compared to others, allowing for extended exploration with the deck positioned at 18-19 meters. Although less deep than other sites, it’s recommended for divers to have sufficient experience before diving here. Measuring 36 meters in length, this wreck offers longer bottom times, making it an excellent dive site.
Originally a transport ship, it features spacious areas on the deck floor once used for tanks, supplies, and troops. Its depth attracts a variety of fish, both small and large, creating a comfortable habitat for shallow-water species on this vessel.
THE BREMEN WRECK (KAEO SAMUD) FAR ISLAND WRECK
ABOUT THE BREMEN SHIPWRECK
- Far Islands
- 24m
- Historical Wreck
The Petchburi Bremen Wreck, among the earliest Pattaya wreck dive sites, rests in a channel between Koh Khram Yai and Koh Era.
However, due to its distance from Pattaya Harbour, challenging conditions, and strong currents, this wreck sees fewer visitors nowadays, usually only during planned Pattaya wreck diving trips.
Originally the Siamese steamship co vessel ‘Kaeo Samud,’ this German vessel found its way to Thailand during WWI. While navigating, it struck an uncharted rock, breaching the hull. Despite attempts to reach shore, the ship ultimately succumbed, with an engine room explosion leading to its sinking in 1920.
THE HARDEEP (S.S. SUDDHADIB) WRECK
ABOUT HARDEEP SHIPWRECK
- Samae San
- 28m
- Historical Wreck
The Hardeep wreck, formerly known as the Steam Ship SUDDHADIB, has an interesting backstory. Foreign interpretations of the wreck’s name might have led to the misconception. In Thai, the ‘b’ sounds similar to ‘p,’ resulting in ‘Hardeep’ instead of the original ‘Hadib,’ named after Princess Suddhadib.
During World War II, the ship was en route to Bangkok when it was bombed by a passing RAF B-24 Liberator. Interestingly, the bomb that sank the ship didn’t detonate upon impact but pierced through the hull. The ship and bomb lay undisturbed since June 1st, 1945.
