HTMS Chang Wreck - Koh Rong Archipelago

The HTMS Chang, a former Thai naval vessel, sits upright in about 24 metres of water, making it one of our favourite wreck dives in Southeast Asia. It’s an intermediate dive, straightforward enough for confident newer wreck divers, but with plenty to explore for those with more experience. As you descend, the sheer size of the ship starts to reveal itself, looming out of the blue. We love the swim-throughs here, particularly navigating the cargo holds and engine room, where light shafts pierce the gloom, illuminating schools of fusiliers. She’s absolutely covered in life now. Look closely and you’ll spot pipefish clinging to the railings, and we often find cuttlefish camouflaged against the hull. The bridge is a tangled mass of soft corals, often swaying with the gentle surge. Our tip: go early in the morning for the best chance of spotting Jenkins' whiprays cruising around the deck. The visibility can vary, but even on an average day, the scale of the Chang makes it a truly impressive dive.

Location
Koh Rong Archipelago, Cambodia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.894100, 102.258100
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
24m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Best Time to Dive in Koh Rong Archipelago

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Rong Archipelago occur in January, averaging 29.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 29.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 29.1°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • February: 29.1°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • March: 29.1°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • April: 29.1°C (air: 28.8°C)
  • May: 29.1°C (air: 29.0°C)
  • June: 29.1°C (air: 28.4°C)
  • July: 29.1°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • August: 29.1°C (air: 27.8°C)
  • September: 29.1°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • October: 29.1°C (air: 27.4°C)
  • November: 29.1°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • December: 29.1°C (air: 27.6°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Rong Archipelago

Nearest Dive Centres to HTMS Chang Wreck

Marine Life in Koh Rong Archipelago

Home to 24 recorded species including 18 reef fish, 3 seagrass & algae, 2 other, 1 crabs & lobsters.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HTMS Chang Wreck

Based on average water temperature of 29.1°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories