Thailand is not on many seasoned dive travelers bucket list, but here are a few reasons why it should be:
- world class dive sites like Richelieu Rock in the Similan Islands, King Cruiser wreck in Koh Phi Phi, and the pinnacles of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang
- go in the right season (Dec to Mar) and you should see a ton of marine life including big schools of jack and barracuda, whale sharks, mantas and many more
- good for macro and wide angle
- really friendly people and amazing thai food
- great beaches, isolated islands, and fun cities to visit before or after scuba diving
- very affordable and easy on the pocket
I was on a liveaboard trip and that is the best way to dive Thailand as most of the thai best dive sites are a long commute from land.

Wow! I've been to many dive resorts all around the world, and Volivoli Beach Resort is one of my favorite!
Diving
If you love colorful soft coral reefs supporting thousands of tropical fish, there is no better than the Vatu-I-Ra passage in the Bligh Water. Ra Divers have really stable dive boats that can move fast. It still takes about 45 minutes to get to the Vatu-I-Ra passage, but the diving is well worth the long ride. Diving on the reefs closer to the resort are also really good, but Vatu-I-Ra passage is the main event of a dive trip here. There is a house reef, but it is mainly muck diving, although I saw a couple of giant frogfish and seahorses.
Resort
The resort is located on a hill, so there are a lot of stairs, especially if you are in a standard or deluxe room. Walking from the dive shop located at the beach level all the way up requires a few stops along the way. Luckily there are at least 3 bars on the way up with at least one of them hosting a happy hour at any one time. Half way up is also the pool, but it large for a dive resort, and also has a swim up bar. The recreation room is next to the pool. There are multiple activities throughout the week like a kava ceremony and traditional dances from the village nearby.
Accommodation
All rooms come with a view which is one of the benefits of being on a hill. Some have an ocean view, and some have a view of the mountains and bay. Both views are amazing. If you are a couple, upgrade to a premium oceanview room. These are a lot more spacious than the standard and deluxe rooms, come with a lot more privacy and are half way up to the top of the hill.
Food
Meal time is one of the most exciting times at Volivoli. The menu is extensive so you can try something different every day. Dishes are extremely tasty and well presented. I am not one that usually go for dessert, but their Volivoli Reef Shark dessert is out of this world. The diving area was recently remodeled and it is very fancy for a dive resort (in a good way). It is open and very breezy. The restaurant is indoors but let's in a lot of light during the day, and the mood lighting at night is perfect. There is also a large bar in the restaurant, and a lounge area as you enter the complex.

The combination of excellent diving, good dive boat, excellent food and nice accommodations makes Volivoli a real treat.

Hotel Maitai is a really good affordable accommodation option in Rangiroa. The rooms are simple and built in traditional style, but they are large and spacious. AC is available which is a plus. Each rooms have a nice patio with chairs and a table. The infinity pool is located right on the ocean and offers amazing views. Next to the pool is a bar and restaurant with the same great views. The restaurant food is decent. Wfi is a little spotty, but you're on vacation so unplugging is refreshing.

Hotel Kaveka is perfect if you do not need luxury accommodations. Rooms are simple but very spacious and affordable. They are located right on the water with a long private dock. There is also a small beach with a couple of beach chairs to lay out in the sun.
The restaurant is large and right on the water. Dining with a view. The restaurant food is ok, and there are plenty of food options within walking distance including a great pizza stand, a fancy French restaurant, a BBQ joint, a burger stand and an oceanfront bar and restaurant.