Diving in Thailand is a hugely popular leisure activity, attracting a wide range of people. Whether you are a complete beginner, exploring the underwater for the first time, or perhaps an enthusiastic amateur or an experienced diver, Thailand can offer some of the most spectacular diving opportunities around. Furthermore, whether you are in a group, or a solo diver, or after a fantastic family excursion, there will be a dive that is right for you. Many companies will offer taster sessions, beginner courses and child friendly dives, so everyone can join in.

Thailand has some excellent diving, with the Andaman Sea off the western coast in particular being a popular spot, although there is also very good diving on the East coast, in the Gulf of Thailand. The best time to dive, when the water is most clear, is during the dry season which is between October and April. The crystal clear, warm, tropical waters are then perfect to see the natural beauty of Thai marine life. Some areas are natural feeding grounds for stunning and diverse species of aquatic life such as Angel and Clown fish, Barracuda, Octopus, Manta Rays, Grey or Whale Sharks, to name a few. Popular diving spots around Thailand include Hin Daeng (Red Rock) and Hin Mouang (Purple Rock). Carpets of anemone stretch into the distance, and coral reefs are an explosion of colour in this tranquil underwater world. Hin Daeng has an unusual underwater plant, the Bryazoan, which is a white, straw-like reed that grows upwards at eight metres long.

Other popular places to dive are around the Koh Kraden wreck, the remnants of a Japanese destroyer; Hin Nok, which is home to the unusual Ghost Pipefish; or Koh Dok Mai, which can be done at night. The diving around the Similan Islands is simply stunning, and a world class dive destination. Tranquil waters and white sands are the backdrop to a plethora of marine life. Various dives around these islands include the Breakfast Bend (so called because it is often the first dive one does on arrival, usually after breakfast), East of Eden, Turtle Reef and Sharkfin Reef (all self-explanatory although there are copious amounts of other fish and underwater plant life to be seen too!).

It is always wise to check the diving in the area of Thailand which you are planning to visit. Some are obviously better than others, but it stands to reason that those spots that are heavily populated by tourists will be less spectacular. For example, Pattaya advertises itself as a great place for families to learn, as the seas on the East coast are relatively unaffected by the sudden weather that can sometimes fall in on the West coast during the rainy season. While this may be true, there might not be the awe-inspiring diving of other locations such as the Similan Islands. However, if you want diving to be a part of your holiday, rather than the reason for your holiday, then this may not matter as much.

Buying property in Thailand is an increasingly popular move by foreigners. Whether it is as an investment in a holiday rental home, a place to retire to, or simply as a retreat as they look to escape the weather, the rat race or the high cost of living in the West, Thai property is becoming highly sought after.

Although subject to strict controls, it is relatively easy to buy property in Thailand, although as there are no mortgage deals for non Thai citizens you must be able to buy the property outright. Also, technically, it is not the land you will own but the property itself, although possession of the land is assured by virtue of the fact that the property obviously occupies the land. Furthermore, it is not impossible to own freehold land if you fall within certain conditions.

But what with the cheap cost of houses, stunning locations, tropical views, and wide range of property available, it is clear why buying property in Thailand is a popular idea.

Different locations are sought after for different reasons. For example Phuket, with its beautiful scenery and idyllic setting, is a popular place to buy for those looking for an investment within the tourism industry. The northern areas of Thailand are perhaps more popular with those buying to live, such as in beautiful Chaing Mai, as the climate can be a little cooler. Those preferring property in a more vibrant part of Thailand often choose Bangkok or Pattaya and use their homes for holidaying or as a festive retreat. And with the opening up of international airports at many of the established tourist resorts, such as Hua Hin for example, this has made property in Thailand even more desirable.

There are also various types of property one can buy; whether you want a six bedroom mansion complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and landscaped gardens, or perhaps a villa in the countryside, or a simple bungalow a stone’s throw from a white sandy beach, all can be found within Thailand. Condominiums are a popular property to buy in Thailand, and also the easiest and simplest to buy. Similarly, you can find a property with Western influences and all modern conveniences, or else perhaps a property with more traditional Thai architecture.

Thailand, with its diverse scenery and locations also enables you to choose whether you want to live within close proximity to shopping, public transport, sporting facilities and a thriving expatriate community, or perhaps somewhere a little more rural and remote. Whichever type of property in Thailand you are searching for, and for whatever budget or need, there are plenty of options to buy in this beautiful country.