Hin Raab

Hin Raab is an intermediate dive site near Koh Chang in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, a submerged rocky reef that reaches a maximum depth of twenty-two meters and provides some of the most engaging reef diving in this less-visited corner of the Thai diving scene. The site's name refers to the flat rocky formations that characterize its underwater landscape, and the reef supports a marine community that benefits from relatively low diving pressure. The underwater terrain at Hin Raab features low-profile rock formations scattered across the sandy seabed, creating a series of habitat islands that concentrate marine life. While the topography lacks the dramatic verticality of Andaman Sea walls or the towering pinnacles of more famous sites, the reef's complexity at a modest scale provides excellent habitat for a diverse community of organisms. Coral growth on the rocky substrate is healthy and varied, with both hard and soft corals adapted to the Gulf conditions. The reef sections support dense fish populations, with schools of snappers and fusiliers providing mid-water movement while territorial reef species animate the coral-covered rocks. The sandy areas between formations are productive hunting grounds for those searching for rays, flatfish, and burrowing creatures. The intermediate rating reflects the potential for current at the site and the twenty-two meter depth that demands proper dive planning. The currents bring nutrients that sustain the reef's productivity, and diving during periods of moderate flow often provides the best marine encounters as fish activity increases. Visibility varies with Gulf conditions but can be reasonable, particularly during the dry season. Hin Raab is part of the diving portfolio available around Koh Chang, Thailand's second-largest island and a destination that offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to the developed tourism centers of Phuket and Koh Samui. The diving here may lack the headline appeal of the Andaman coast, but the honest quality of the reef systems and the relaxed atmosphere create a genuinely enjoyable experience. Hin Raab rewards intermediate divers with authentic Gulf of Thailand reef diving in an area that remains relatively undiscovered by the wider diving community. The combination of healthy marine life, manageable conditions, and the uncrowded charm of the Koh Chang area makes it a worthwhile destination for divers seeking genuine exploration.