HTMS Chang (Wreck) - Scuba Diving - Koh Tao

The HTMS Chang is our favourite wreck in Koh Tao, a purpose-sunk former troop carrier that went down back in 2007. It’s big, lying upright on the seabed, running about 100 meters bow to stern. We like how the various decks and cargo holds offer plenty of swim-throughs, accessible for confident Open Water divers. Drop down to the main deck and you’ll often spot a few Blacktip Soldierfish tucked into the shadowed recesses. Below decks, the light filters in through various openings, casting shifting patterns on the corroded metal. Keep an eye out for Blennies peeking from small holes. The deeper parts, around 30 meters, often have Grey Sharpnose Sharks patrolling the perimeter, and we’ve seen the occasional Common Seahorse clinging to a railing, if you know where to look. We find the best time to dive the Chang is early morning before the crowds arrive, or late afternoon for that softer light. Currents can pick up, especially around the bow, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. It’s a dive that rewards multiple visits, each time revealing another corner or a new resident.

Location
Koh Tao, Thailand, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.894461, 102.257360
Type
wreck

Marine Protected Area: Mu ko Chang

Best Time to Dive in Koh Tao

The warmest water temperatures in Koh Tao occur in May, averaging 30.6°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.3°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.3°C
  • February: 28.6°C
  • March: 29.3°C
  • April: 30.2°C
  • May: 30.6°C
  • June: 30.2°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 29.7°C
  • September: 29.4°C
  • October: 29.2°C
  • November: 29.3°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Koh Tao

Nearest Dive Centres to HTMS Chang (Wreck) - Scuba Diving

Marine Life in Koh Tao

Home to 56 recorded species including 35 reef fish, 11 sharks & rays, 4 other, 2 hard corals, 1 clams & mussels, 1 sea urchins.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for HTMS Chang (Wreck) - Scuba Diving

Based on average water temperature of 29.5°C, currents 14 cm/s.

  • 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