Diving and snorkeling in Thailand in July-August

Hello,

We’re planning a trip to Thailand for next summer. It’s the rainy season, but that’ll let us explore forest parks (Khao Yai and Khao Sok, most likely) in full bloom and teeming with wildlife. We’d also like to spend a few days on beaches with nearby coral reefs during this trip. That’s where we’re hitting a snag—I’m struggling to find an island or region with favorable weather. I’ve gone through quite a few threads on this forum, but most are pretty old and mention a few names (Tao, Phaluai, Ma, or Phang Nga), though with doubts about visibility or overall appeal. Crowds also seemed like a bit of an issue. Just to clarify, our family has mixed interests when it comes to fish-related activities—some are Level 1 divers, while others are snorkelers only.

Are there any good options in July-August for great experiences in the area? Thanks for your tips!

Hello,

In the summer (...) It's the rainy season, but that’ll let us explore forest parks (Khao Yai

Some years it’s closed during this season.

thanks for the info, I’m in touch with a provider at this park—I’ll check it out

I’m in touch with a provider from this park, I’ll check

Does he have psychic powers? This park doesn’t close according to a long-term fixed schedule but based on the intensity of rainfall in the region for that particular year. And even if it stays open, trekking through the jungle when the trails and vegetation are soaked quickly becomes a real slog. Some other parks are even systematically closed from May to October. I doubt a provider who makes a living from the park is the best person to ask for an objective answer on this.

A word of caution about wearing swimsuits from a certain brand when swimming in Khao Yai National Park:

My tip: prioritize July over August.

At Khao Yai, one trail and viewpoint are still closed in July, but this doesn’t stop you from discovering the other main attractions. Other than that, if you’re unlucky, you might hit a period of heavy rainfall where everything closes from one day to the next, but statistically, you’re not taking too much of a risk.

Khao Sok is in the rainiest region of Thailand, so let’s hope you get some calm days.

This season, it’s tricky for the islands, especially since the sea is quite rough. Only Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao generally have milder weather.

Just a quick note about scuba diving (tanks) and, secondarily, snorkeling. Make Koh Tao your top priority. I imagine things have changed a lot since I was there (1977), but the reefs were much better than on Phangan... as for Koh Samui, it was already degraded and polluted by the mid-80s. I’d avoid that heavily concreted and polluted island. Also avoid the Andaman Sea (Phuket) due to the less favorable weather in July/August.

hi there, Khao Yai Park was my first jungle experience. I stayed there a few days a long time ago and got lost, which meant I ended up sleeping under the stars in the vegetation 🙂. But it's obviously better to hire a guide. As for animals, you don't always see them, but the guide will definitely show you animal tracks. Don't forget that most animals are nocturnal!

We’d love to spend a short stay on beaches with coral reefs nearby during this trip. That’s where the problem lies—I’m struggling to find an island or region with suitable weather. I’ve gone through quite a few threads on this forum, but most are pretty old and only mention a few names (Tao

Replies from Jojoone and Djalma, plus a timely report on diving in Koh Tao from today’s 1 PM news on France 2: you shouldn’t have any more doubts about your destination for this activity.

I lost the trail, so I ended up sleeping under the stars in the vegetation 🙂.

The important thing is to sleep in good company.

I immediately thought that in the middle of the night, a near-sighted elephant could’ve tripped and fallen on him...😉

@Songsam thanks for the photos. Is that a bamboo pit viper? @Jojoone: we laugh about it, but I saw a report that a tourist got trampled in Thailand. So it's definitely important to be careful where you set up 😉

@Songsam thanks for the photos. Is that a bamboo pit viper?

Looks like it: https://voyageforum.com/forum/promenades-royaume-siam-d9119276-8/

Is this a bamboo pit viper?

Yes. Without certainty, everything suggests it's a female, while Jojoone's seems to be a male.

I'm not the one who'd go check it out...

If, as I have no doubt, you’ve also brought the little critter home with you, next spring we’ll introduce them and see if anything happens...

... and since we're on the topic of animals, Zigomar shared a travel journal in the South America section that’s absolutely fascinating (same for the landscapes) and really deserves more views: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=11476554;page=last;#last

I just found the closure dates for 2025 and 2026, released in mid-August 2025. We can assume the 2027 dates will be released around the same time, so I’ll keep an eye out. For Khao Yai, there were partial closures this year.

Thanks for the info—I’ve actually been wondering a lot about Khao Sok!

Thanks for sharing! I know that in forests, you never really know what kind of wildlife or plants you might come across. Otherwise, you’d just go to a zoo or a botanical garden. That’s also what makes the forest so charming!

I just saw this documentary—it really makes you want to go!

Otherwise, we go to a zoo or a botanical garden. That’s also what makes the forest so charming!

Nothing beats a walk in the forest... to write a cliché, it’s a veritable green cathedral. There are beautiful waterfalls in Khao Yai Park. If you want to see reptiles or insects, the best thing is to hire a guide for a night walk. As I wrote, many living species are nocturnal.