KRUNGKAO - Gulf of Thailand

Krungkao is a quiet contender in the Gulf of Thailand, often overshadowed, but we always enjoy a visit. This old motor vessel, sunk in a storm back in '82, sits upright at 36 metres. It’s a proper penetration dive if you’re comfortable, with some accessible holds that still feel remarkably intact. We love how the light filters through the upper deck, illuminating schools of snapper that have made the wreck their permanent home. The sheer volume of resident fish life is what truly sets Krungkao apart. Giant groupers eye you from shadowy corners, while barracuda often cruise the deck, their silver bodies glinting. Look closely in the deeper recesses for banded sea snakes winding their way through the corroded metal. Visibility here can be variable, so aim for slack tide if you want to explore the superstructure without fighting a current. It’s a deep dive, making it more suited for advanced open water divers looking for a genuine wreck experience without the crowds you find elsewhere.

Location
Gulf of Thailand, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
9.901834, 100.097000
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
36m

Marine Protected Area: Suratthani Environmental Protected Area

Best Time to Dive in Gulf of Thailand

The warmest water temperatures in Gulf of Thailand occur in January, averaging 28.2°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 28.2°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.2°C (air: 26.9°C)
  • February: 28.2°C (air: 27.3°C)
  • March: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • April: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • May: 28.2°C (air: 29.1°C)
  • June: 28.2°C (air: 28.6°C)
  • July: 28.2°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • August: 28.2°C (air: 28.2°C)
  • September: 28.2°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • October: 28.2°C (air: 27.2°C)
  • November: 28.2°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • December: 28.2°C (air: 26.8°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Gulf of Thailand

Nearest Dive Centres to KRUNGKAO

Marine Life in Gulf of Thailand

Home to 167 recorded species including 126 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 6 seagrass & algae, 2 sea cucumbers, 2 clams & mussels.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for KRUNGKAO

Based on average water temperature of 28.2°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°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