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HTMS Thonburi Wreck

The HTMS Thonburi is not your typical Koh Tao dive. This isn't a purpose-sunk artificial reef; it's a genuine piece of history, albeit a somewhat mangled one. She was scuttled after battle in 1941 and then moved here, settling on her starboard side in about 18 meters of water. We love that you can still make out the superstructure, the ghostly remnants of her deck guns, and even peek into some of the open hatches. It’s a site that feels a bit more serious, a little less 'fun dive' than some of the other spots around the island. The wreck itself isn't massive, but there’s enough here to spend a good 30-40 minutes poking around. Look for the schools of yellowtail barracuda that often hang lazily above the hull and the resident lionfish tucked into crevices. Inside, you might spot a moray eel or a few nurse sharks napping under the protection of the steel. Our favourite time to dive it is early morning, before the dive boats clog the surface. The visibility can be a bit variable here, so pick a calm day for the best experience. It's a solid dive for anyone who appreciates the character of a real wreck and the history behind it.