Outdoor Activities in Thailand: Water Sports and Entertainment
Investors and homeowners alike purchase real estate in Thailand, with the former seeking profit and the latter looking for permanent residences or seasonal getaways. While beach lounging was once the main activity for holidaymakers, there has been a growing trend toward more active pastimes.
Thailand’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which has led to the development of a robust entertainment infrastructure focused on visitors. In this article, we will explore the various water sports available in the kingdom.
CONTENT:
- Spearfishing
- Scuba Diving
- Windsurfing
- Regattas
- Diving
- Water Activities
- Buying or Renting Property in Thailand
SPEARFISHING
One of the main spots for spearfishing in Thailand is Bang Sare, a fishing community located along the Gulf of Thailand, south of the popular resort of Pattaya. It’s popular with those seeking to catch sharks, tuna, and marlin. You can also fish in the Indian Ocean from ports like Ranong and Phuket.
SCUBA DIVING
Thailand offers excellent opportunities for diving enthusiasts. Some of the world’s best dive sites, according to many divers, can be found in the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly in Sattahip, Pattaya, Rayong, Surat Thani, and on Koh Samui.
On the coast of the Indian Ocean, top dive spots include Similan and Phuket, as well as Koh Tarutao in Tarutao National Marine Park. All of these locations have specialized shops where visitors can buy modern diving equipment or take beginner diving courses.
WINDSURFING
Windsurfing fans will appreciate the windsurfing center in Pattaya, located on Jomtien Beach. Similar centers can be found on Phuket and Koh Samui, as well as smaller but well-equipped facilities in Cha-am on the Andaman Sea and Hua Hin in the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand.
REGATTAS
Annual sea and river boat races are held throughout Thailand, often as part of festivals celebrating the end of the rainy season. The most spectacular races take place in Ayutthaya, Surat Thani, Nan, and Pathum Thani, near Bangkok.
Foreigners are welcome to participate in regattas, such as The Bay Regatta, held annually in late January or early February in the bay between Phuket and Krabi. The regatta lasts five days, with races starting and finishing in Phuket. In 2023, the event was held from February 22 to 26, with the next scheduled for January 31 to February 4, 2024.
Additionally, the prestigious Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, organized under the patronage of the King of Thailand and the Royal Thai Navy, takes place in the first week of December along Phuket’s western coast.
DIVING
Diving is one of the most popular activities in Thailand. In the eastern part of the Gulf of Thailand, weather conditions make diving possible year-round, with the best visibility occurring from November to March, while in the west, it's from February to May. The diving season in the Andaman Sea begins in November and ends in May.
Around Phuket, divers can witness a wide variety of exotic marine life. From January to March, giant manta rays and whale sharks swim near Koh Racha. At Shark Point, you'll find moray eels, leopard sharks, and rays.
Diving centres are available at nearly every resort in Thailand, including independent operations and facilities at four- and five-star hotels. Most of these centres are concentrated in Phuket and Pattaya.
Koh Samui offers plenty of dive resorts, shops, and schools. The best dive spots are near Koh Tao, where divers can encounter barracudas, turtles, and reef sharks. Koh Surin National Marine Park, located 77 km west of Ranong Province, is regarded by many divers as the world's best spot to see whale sharks and one of Thailand's top dive destinations.
WATER ACTIVITIES
At nearly all resorts in Thailand, visitors can rent swimming and water sports equipment directly on the beach. Services include rentals of sailing and rowing boats, water bikes, parasailing boats, and other watercraft. Jomtien Beach and Phuket are among the most well-equipped locations for water activities.
BUYING OR RENTING PROPERTY IN THAILAND
To enjoy a perfect vacation in Thailand, it's important to prepare ahead of time. For years, the experts at Thailand-Real.Estate have been helping clients rent and purchase apartments in Thailand. Whether you're looking to buy an apartment or villa in Thailand, experience and professionalism are key. Our team will expertly guide you through each step of the transaction and provide after-sales services if you wish to rent out or resell the property.