ANG LEE

Why dive here

With 177+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, giant moray eels, whale sharks, clownfish and pufferfish - ANG LEE offers some of Koh Lanta & Phi Phi's richest wreck diving.

Marine lifeBarracuda, Giant Moray Eels, Whale Sharks, Clownfish and Pufferfish · 177+ species recorded

CharacterWreck dive · max 2m

StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

Ang Lee isn’t deep, not at all, which makes it a unique wreck dive in the Lanta and Phi Phi area. At a maximum of two metres, this isn’t about going low, it’s about slow exploration. The old motor vessel, originally the Kobe Maru No. 3, was deliberately sunk and now rests upright, broken into two main sections. We love the way the light filters down, even on cloudy days, making the bow and stern sections easy to navigate. Visibility here can be stellar, often 20 metres or more, giving you a clear view of the ship’s length. You’ll find schools of yellowtail barracuda hanging around the superstructure, and if you’re patient, a few resident moray eels peeking from beneath corroded plating. Our favourite part? The sheer scale of the Ang Lee at such shallow depths. It’s a photographer’s dream, letting you capture wide shots of the entire wreck without worrying about light or deco limits. It suits divers who appreciate detailed wreck exploration and those who love long bottom times. Just be mindful of local boat traffic, as it’s a popular spot for snorkelers and dive boats alike.

Typical ANG LEE Dive Profile

Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

Safety Notes

Wreck site - avoid penetration without wreck diving certification. Watch for sharp metal and entanglement hazards.

Today06:1218:3012h 18m daylightGolden hour 18:02

ANG LEE Wreck History

Vessel Type

cargo ship

Cause

grounding

This 83-meter vessel had a long and varied career navigating the waters of Asia. Built in Japan in 1964 as the Kobe Maru No. 3, she was a typical freighter of her time. Over nearly three decades, she changed hands and names multiple times, sailing as the Kobe Maru No. 7, Cheing Fong, Sitthichokchai, and finally, the Ang Lee. This journey reflects the bustling and ever-changing nature of regional maritime trade.

The final chapter of the Ang Lee is not officially documented, but it's believed she ran aground in a storm while transporting a cargo of timber. Her position near the popular tourist islands of Koh Lanta and Phi Phi left her exposed to the elements, where the relentless sea broke the vessel apart over time.

Today, the remains of the Ang Lee rest in a mere 2 meters of water, making it a fantastic site for snorkelers and divers doing their first wreck exploration. The wreckage is scattered, offering a safe, open environment to explore the skeleton of a large ship. The shallow, clear waters are often filled with sunlight, illuminating the new coral growth and the schools of juvenile fish that have made the wreck their home. It's an ideal spot for underwater photography and appreciating how nature quickly reclaims man-made structures.