This dive site, Koh Ngam Noi, is a charming reef located approximately 600 meters from Koh Ngam Yai and 2 kilometers from Hin Phae, in the waters of Thailand's Chumphon Archipelago. It is frequently combined with a dive to the nearby MTMS Prab 741 wreck, allowing divers to explore both a vibrant natural reef and an artificial structure in a single outing. The dive typically begins at the wreck before transitioning to the shallower reef of Koh Ngam Noi, offering diverse underwater topography.
The marine life at Koh Ngam Noi is rich and varied, suitable for both wide-angle and macro enthusiasts. Divers can encounter a plethora of reef fish including Trigger Fishes, Barracuda, bat fish, parrot fish, butterfly fish, angelfish, clown fish, grouper, and black-spotted sea bass. For those with an eye for smaller wonders, the site hosts stingrays, pipe fish, cuttlefish, and various species of nudibranchs, making it a rewarding spot for macro photography.
The best time to visit Koh Ngam Noi, like much of the Gulf of Thailand, is generally during the dry season from November to April, when visibility is often at its peak and sea conditions are calm. With a maximum depth of 16 meters and an average depth of 8 meters, Koh Ngam Noi is an excellent site for beginners, open water divers, snorkelers, and freedivers alike, offering ample bottom time and a relaxed diving experience.
