You don't have to travel far. Right here in Asia, countries very close to Vietnam boast some of the world's top diving paradises waiting for you to explore.
The vast ocean is always a unique underwater universe, full of mysterious wonders waiting for us to discover. This summer, you don't have to go too far to Mykonos, Greece or Hawaii in the US. Right in Asia, countries very close to Vietnam also have heavenly islands, home to some of the most spectacular diving spots in the world.
Asia boasts some truly beautiful diving paradises. Photo: Time Out.
Below is a list of 7 top diving paradises in Asia for swimming enthusiasts and explorers. Your trip here is sure to make your summer unforgettable.
Komodo Island, Indonesia
Indonesia is not only famous for the paradise island of Bali. This country also has Komodo - the 'kingdom of dragons', the only island in the world where you can see giant Komodo dragons up close. Not only that, this pristine island is also a diving paradise for swimming enthusiasts and explorers.
Komodo Island, a pristine paradise for diving. Photo: European Tour.
Flores Beach, stunning with its crystal-clear azure and emerald waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. This place is known as one of the best diving spots in the world, home to many rare marine creatures.
Experience the thrill of swimming with Manta Rays. Photo: Journey Era.
Travelers will have the opportunity to admire colorful and exotic coral species, and experience swimming alongside Manta Rays. At dusk, you will see thousands of birds leaving the island to forage and return the next morning.
Raja Ampat Archipelago, Indonesia
Raja Ampat is an archipelago consisting of 4 large islands and over 1,500 small islands located near the coast of New Guinea to the northwest. With its pristine natural landscape, Raja Ampat archipelago is the Coral Triangle area considered one of the most surreal places in Asia.
Raja Ampat archipelago is a place of surreal beauty in Asia. Photo: Journey Era.
The small islands with incredibly rich vegetation are the most astonishing on earth, with 537 coral species and 1,074 species of tropical fish (according to The Conservancy). Thanks to nature's favor, Raja Ampat becomes an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts.
Raja Ampat an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. Photo: Girls that Scuba.
Due to its remote location and limited tourism development, Raja Ampat always gives travelers the feeling that they are the first to explore this diving paradise. You can easily encounter whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish with incredibly impressive shapes and colors.
Pulau Sipadan, Malaysia
Pulau Sipadan is Malaysia's only volcanic island, located in the Celebes Sea off the coast of Sabah. The island is formed from coral reefs growing on top of a dormant volcano that has been inactive for thousands of years. Sipadan is one of the most ecologically rich marine areas in the world with over 3,000 fish species and hundreds of coral species.
Sipadan is one of the most ecologically rich marine areas in the world. Photo: Sipadanborneo.
That's why Pulau Sipadan is rated as one of the top diving destinations in the world. Travelers will have the chance to witness schools of barracudas, sea turtles, giant groupers, and even whale sharks and hammerhead sharks when diving at one of the 40 sites around Sipadan Island.
Shark Point, Thailand
As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket attracts millions of visitors each year. Famous for its stunning beaches, scuba diving with tanks in Phuket is rated as one of the top 10 diving paradises in the world.
Phuket is rated as one of the top 10 diving experiences in the world. Photo: Phuket Dive Center.
Among them, Shark Point is one of the most popular diving spots in Phuket. The diving service here is suitable for all levels, especially for those with adventurous tendencies.
This is the gathering place of leopard sharks. Photo: Phuket Dive Center.
It's named Shark Point because it's the gathering place of leopard sharks. Although these sharks are 'gentle as kittens,' it's still an experience not for the faint-hearted. Besides, you will encounter many tropical fish species and colorful coral reefs.
Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
Mergui Archipelago is one of the few pristine tourist destinations that few travelers know about. Mergui boasts around 800 small and large islands, considered the hidden gems of the world.
Mergui boasts around 800 small and large islands. Photo: SilverKris.
Most travelers come here to conquer the top diving spots in Asia located on this archipelago. However, Mergui is suitable for experienced adventurers due to its challenging marine terrain with steep coastlines, large rocks, and caves.
The island is home to a rich vegetation. Photo: Myanmar Tours.
This archipelago also boasts rich vegetation, home to sharks, rays, barracudas, tunas, and lionfish as well as diverse coral ecosystems. Not to mention the pristine beaches that are like paintings.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Diving to admire corals or swimming with sharks are luxurious experiences you should try in the island paradise of Maldives. If you're looking for a luxury diving holiday, the private island of Soneva Fushi is the ideal destination.
Diving at the private island of Soneva Fushi. Photo: Soneva.
This marine area is home to yellowtail amberjacks, mantis shrimps, pink groupers, and oceanic bonitos, while honeycomb morays, goblin sharks, and occasional rays pay a visit.
Kerama Islands, Japan
When it comes to Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido may be the first things that come to mind, but few know that there's a destination in Japan that makes it to the list of the world's best diving spots.
Kerama Islands is home to over 70 diving sites. Photo: Janine Photography.
Kerama Islands, located in the southwest of Okinawa, is home to over 70 diving sites. Most of them are managed by local residents, who respect and protect the natural ocean ecosystem while promoting tourism.
Explore the majestic underwater life of Okinawa. Photo: Web Magazine.
Here, travelers will immerse themselves in crystal-clear waters and experience scuba diving to explore the majestic underwater life of Okinawa. This is the habitat of cuttlefish - also known as sea chameleons, as well as larger marine creatures like humpback whales and rays.
Hang Do
As reported by Sports Vietnam
Posted by: Hai Hoang
Keywords: 7 top diving paradises in Asia that will leave you longing for more