Koh Phangan Thailand

Operational Safety

• Choose reputable operators that brief currents, entry/exit procedures, and lost-buddy protocol.
• Offshore sites like Sail Rock can require blue-water ascents. Carry and know how to deploy an SMB.
• If you are prone to seasickness, treat proactively for full-day boats.

Environmental Conditions

• In late-year monsoon months, rough seas can cancel trips and reduce visibility. Do not push marginal crossings.
• Use conservative depth and gas plans when current is running and exertion is higher.

Jellyfish Awareness

• If beaches post jellyfish warnings, consider skipping the swim or using protective swimwear.
• For suspected box-jellyfish stings, seek urgent medical help. Vinegar is commonly recommended for box-jellyfish stings, and CPR may be needed in severe cases.

On-island and Regional Care

• Koh Phangan has hospital services on the island, and Koh Samui has larger hospitals.
• Recompression (hyperbaric) support for diving injuries is available via the Samui-based chamber network serving Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan.

What to Carry

• Dive insurance (DAN or equivalent).
• Your dive certification card and recent dive history.
• Any prescription medications in original packaging.

How to Dive and Snorkel Lightly

• Maintain buoyancy and trim, and keep fins away from coral heads, especially in shallow Koh Ma areas.
• Do not feed fish or chase wildlife. Give turtles and sharks space and let them pass.
• Use mooring buoys where provided and avoid operators that anchor on reefs.

National Park Rules

• Pay the required entrance fees when entering Mu Ko Ang Thong or Than Sadet protected areas.
• Follow ranger instructions, stay on marked trails, and pack out all trash.

Support Local Protection

• Join beach cleanups when available and favor refill water stations over single-use plastic.