The picturesque seaside city of Pattaya can be found just to the east of Bangkok and is a popular destination for those who want to take a break from Thailand's capital for a few days. While Pattaya is perhaps best known for its slightly sleazy nightlife scene, the waters here are cool, clear and teeming with a wide range of colourful marine life, making scuba diving Pattaya an excellent option.
A whole host of exciting scuba diving Pattaya sites can be reached in a mere matter of minutes from the mainland and the closest are the so-called Near Islands, which consists of the enchanting islands of Koh Krak and Koh Sak. Slightly further away but still within easy reach for those who embark on day diving trips are the Far Islands. The waters here are also full of a wide range of marine life and among the many tiny islands that make up this collection are Koh Rin, Koh Hua Chang, Koh Badan and Koh Man Wichai.
One of the best things about diving Pattaya is that even first time divers are welcome to join in the fun. All of the instructors that can be found in Pattaya are fully PADI certified and speak a good level of English. Those who are new to the wonderful world of diving Thailand will receive a training session before getting wet and most companies also show divers videos of what can be found in the watery underworld before they set out.
Most of the key diving sites around Pattaya can be found around 20-30 kilometres from the mainland and are controlled by the Royal Thai Navy. One of the most popular sites is the recently sunk HTMS Khram shipwreck, which is home to a large collection of marine life. Also of interest is the old freighter known as the Petchburi Bremen.
Those who have a love for marine life will really be in their element here, as visitors will have plenty of chances to spot colourful fish and other creatures as they explore. Schools of fish such as grouper, barracuda and jacks can be found swimming in and around major wreck sites, while enormous blue spotted stingray and porcupine puffer fish are also waiting to be spotted.
When its time to come up for air for a while, visitors to Pattaya will find plenty of other interesting things to do here. Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, to modestly priced guesthouses to world-class hotels, while the range of Western restaurants and bars that can be found close to Pattaya Beach is simply staggering.
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