Diving at Hin Daeng and Hin Muang

Red Rock and Purple Rock

Diving in Hin Daeng and Hin Muang is for many divers familiar with Thailand the best there is outside of the Similan Islands. Mostly these two huge, remote, deep water rocks are discussed in terms of the frequency of sightings of manta rays and whale sharks but they promise a lot more besides.

With exceptionally colourful soft corals, vast schools of trevally, as well as barracuda, sharks and countless species of reef fish Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two sites which provide an excellent and convenient option for shorter liveaboard trips.

Highlights

Hin Daeng - This is a submerged pinnacle where one of the most impressive sights is that of a silver wall of trevally cruising past. Healthy soft corals in various shades of red are all around here and plenty of small scale action goes on. However diving at Hin Daeng is not always about paying attention to the foreground since there are frequent sightings of graceful mantas swooping by and overhead. There will be no mistaking the presence of a whale shark should you be lucky enough to be there at the right time since the tank banging and mood of excitement will alert you to the arrival of this most awesome fish.

Hin Muang - Here you will find Thailand's highest vertical wall, bejewelled with vibrant purple soft corals. One side of the submerged rock levels out at around 60 metres and the other disappears into the abyss. Vast carpets of anemones cover shallower sections of the reef while around you there are always plenty of fish to keep you amused, from tiny, numerous glassfish to patrolling grey reef sharks.

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How to Dive Hin Daeng - Muang

Hin Daeng and Hin Muang diving trips are available in several ways:

One option is to take a longer liveaboard safari (7 to 9 nights) covering all the best of Thailand's west coast which also includes sites in the Similans and Richelieu Rock.

Alternatively you can take a shorter liveaboard trip (2, 3 or 4 nights) which focuses on this southern area and includes the best diving around Phi Phi.

Daily speedboat trips from Phi Phi can also whisk you down the 90 km or so to visit these sites.

Diving Season

Diving in Hin Daeng and Hin Muang is between November and April when the weather is at its most stable.

Reef Summary

Great for: Large animals, reef life and health, underwater photography, visibility and advanced divers
Not so great for: Wrecks, beginner divers, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - >40m
Visibility: 15 - 40m
Currents: Can be strong
Surface Conditions: Can be rough
Water Temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience Level: Intermediate - advanced
Number of dive sites: 2
Diving Season: November to April
Access: Liveaboards from Phuket, and day trips from Phi Phi
Recommended length of stay: 1 - 2 days

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