Located a short distance from Pattaya, Samaesan is recognized for providing the Gulf of Thailand's deepest and most advanced technical diving sites. Divers visiting this region benefit from a variety of deep, easily accessible locations ideal for technical dive training, including Trimix courses and challenging underwater explorations. The area is recognised for its unique underwater landscapes and thrilling dive adventures, making it a top destination for technical divers seeking memorable experiences.
Tec Diving in Pattaya
Pattaya is widely recognised as one of Thailand’s premier destinations for technical diving. Its strategic location near Koh Samaesan offers divers exceptional access to a range of the deepest and most challenging technical dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. In fact, within just a 30-minute boat journey from Chong Samaesan, there are six dive sites that reach depths greater than 50 metres, providing ample opportunities for advanced exploration and training. This is unrivalled by any other location in the Gulf of Thailand. The area’s underwater terrain and diverse marine life further enhance its reputation, attracting experienced divers from around the world seeking adventure and unique challenging experiences beneath the waves. Sites for tec diving in Pattaya include…
SAMAESAN HOLE – 100m
The world famous Samaesan Hole, often called “Silty Black Hole of Death”, is the deepest and most dangerous dive site in the the Gulf of Thailand. Located between Koh Samaesan and Koh Chuang, it drops down to 85m-100m. It is a former military ordnance dump site filled with unexploded ammunition, featuring extreme, unpredictable currents and poor visibility. To add to the fun, it is worth noting that it is in the middle of a busy commercial shipping lane. It features as one of Red Bulls most extreme dive sites in the world
SHARKFIN DEEP DROP – 85m
The Sharkfin Deep Drop, also referred to as the Samaesan Cliffs, is the second deepest dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated west of the Samaesan Hole, this location features significantly richer marine biodiversity. With depths reaching 85 meters, it serves as an excellent environment for advanced Trimix training. Any one tec diving in Pattaya should visit this site
1/4 MILE MOUTHPIECE DROP – 75m
The 1/4 Mile Mouthpiece Drop is an exciting new technical dive site discovered in 2026. Situated to the south of Koh Chuang, this site plunges to an impressive depth of 75 metres, making it the third deepest dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. As it easily accessible by boat it makes an ideal location for divers seeking advanced Trimix training. The seabed here is predominantly flat and sandy, adorned with soft corals that provide a vibrant habitat for shoals of fish. This combination of depth, unique marine life, and challenging conditions makes the 1/4 Mile Mouthpiece Drop a standout destination for experienced divers looking to expand their skills.
THUNDER BOWL – 65m
Introducing yet another exciting dive site for 2026! At 65m Thunder Bowl is the 7th deepest dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Situated to the west of Koh Samaesan and just north of Shark Fin Rock, this remarkable location is named after its distinctive ‘bowl’-shaped underwater terrain. Divers are often fascinated by the dramatic, booming noise that reverberates through the water when a commercial vessel passes overhead, giving the site its memorable name. Resting at a depth of 65 metres, it offers an excellent opportunity for Trimix divers who are eager to explore a bit deeper and experience a unique underwater environment, making it an ideal spot for those looking to broaden their diving horizons.
NARCOSIS COLOSSEUM – 50m
Another exciting addition to the list of technical dive sites Pattaya for 2026! This site is positioned just south of Koh Chuang, with 1/4 Mile Mouthpiece Drop located immediately to its north. The dive site derives its name from the dramatic, colosseum-like circular slope that encircles the area, presenting steep sides reminiscent of an ancient amphitheatre. With a depth reaching 50 metres it is 9th Deepest Dive Site in the Gulf of Thailand. It is ideally suited for extended range air diving and provides an excellent setting for narcosis management training, making it a prime spot for both adventure and skill development.
Tec Diving in Pattaya – Dive Shops
The site is only accessible by boat, which is roughly a 30min trip from Chong Samaesan. Considering how new this site is I would recommend reaching out to Tec Pattaya for experienced TDI, PSAI and PADI Tec Instructors who regularly dive in this area.
