Home › Top Dive Spots › Asia › Thailand › Pattaya › Koh Chang › HTMS Chang Wreck

Tips for Scuba Diving HTMS Chang Shipwreck

Powerful tug boats scuttled the biggest shipwreck in Thailand and sank it around five kilometres southwest of the holiday island of Koh Chang on the 22nd of November 2012.

The intentional sinking of the huge rusty ruins sit upright on the seabed in thirty (30) metres of water and create one of the deepest wrecks for recreational divers and a haven for marine life.

Brief History on the Sinking of HMTS Chang

The American navy tank landing ship the USS Lincoln County (LST-898) was originally launched in 1944 and more recently used by the Royal Thai Navy.

The last time a defeated Thai naval vessel went down near Koh Chang was during the Franco-Thai War in 1941.

During World War II the ship was mainly used to supply troops and it saw action again in the Korean War, providing shelling assistance and as medical support for wounded marines.

Following more overseas operations in Alaska and the Pacific US, the vessel was decommissioned in 1961 and presented to Thailand the following year.

For almost half a century the craft served as a transporter vessel for troops and machinery under her new name of 712 HTMS CHANG.

The final resting place of the ageing landing craft was a fierce debate for many months. But the decision was made and the winner is its namesake - the popular holiday destination of Koh Chang.

Here's the thing:

Several tugboats towed in the 100-metre long HTMS Chang Navy vessel from a dockyard located near the capital city of Thailand (Bangkok).

The Royal Thai Navy intentionally sank the ship close to the island on the 22nd November in 2012. HTMS Chang now rests in 30 metres of water with the crow's nest sitting barely a few metres below the surface.

It has three main decks and several other sub decks where you will find the military cabins and corridors, briefing rooms, and the engine room.

This man-made artificial reef is officially the longest underwater wreck in Thailand, and quite simply an awesome diving experience for almost all scuba certification levels.

Best Months for Scuba Diving in Koh Chang

It's fair to say that most scuba divers want to explore top diving destinations that have calm conditions underwater with lots of sunny and dry weather above the waterline.

In fact, Trat province has over 300 days of year-round sunshine and the water temperature rarely drops below 29° Celsius (84° Fahrenheit).

As a result, the white sand beaches and clear blue water at Koh Chang Island have transformed this area into one of the top places for a memorable diving holiday in Thailand.

Here's the thing:

Scuba diving in Koh Chang tends to be a year-round activity. Still, divers need to be mindful that southwest storms usually arrive towards the end of October and may last for several weeks.

At certain times of the year, the north eastern gulf can have twenty (20) metres of visibility underwater. Thus, the best months for scuba diving and snorkeling trips are from the beginning of September through to the latter part of February.

Pro Tip: Check our sea life section for fun facts about whale sharks and rays that often make an appearance at the outer islands.

Marine Life at HTMS Chang Dive Site

Divers should expect to see big fishes (e.g. pelagics) and catch sightings of common marine life that is native to the northern Gulf of Thailand, especially during the plankton blooms in March and April, such as:

Pro Tip: Having some training or certification in specialty diving is useful before you dive the HTMS Chang wreck in Koh Chang. For instance, consider becoming an Advanced Open Water Diver, Deep Diver, or a Wreck Diver to maximise the experience.

Related Information and Help Guides

Divers also enjoyed reading about...