Less than two hours from the capital, Pattaya is a popular diving destination with sites that suit all levels of experience. Other fantastic locations are accessible from Bangkok, such as the islands in the Gulf of Thailand, like Koh Samui, Tao and Phangan, and those in the Andaman Sea, such as Phuket, the Phi Phi, Surin and Similan Islands. Operators organise trips to destinations all over Thailand, so everywhere is accessible.

Liveaboard companies often have offices in Bangkok province, allowing city-dwelling divers to book safaris to virtually anywhere within the nation. Dive courses are just as readily available at any of the many dive centers in the area, ranging from open water up to a professional level. Diving is good all year, with water temperatures staying around 27°C-30°C. The best time is from November to April, which is the dry season.
 

Within Bangkok province, the Pattaya Far Islands are a must. The main islands include Koh Phai, Koh Man Wichai, Koh Rin, Koh Klueng Badan, Koh Hoo Chang and Koh Luem. The HTMS Khram shipwreck also rests here.

The Pattaya Near Islands are similarly worth visiting and include Koh Sak, Koh Larn and Koh Khrok, and also some wrecks, which are the HTMS Kut and HTMS Mataphon. The nearby Samae San Islands are also wonderful, and boast lots of sites with of abundant marine life, in addition to the S.S Suddhadib, AKA The Hardeep Wreck.

Notable sites further afield in the Andaman Sea are the Similan and Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock, Hin Daeng and Muang, the Phi Phi Islands, and King Cruiser, Shark Point and Anemone Reef. In the Gulf of Thailand, awesome sites in Surat Thani around Koh Tao, Samui and Phangan, are also worth visiting.