HTMS Chang Koh Chang

Unveiling HTMS Chang, Koh Chang: Thailand's Largest Wreck Dive & Your 2026 Adventure

Embark on an extraordinary underwater journey to the HTMS Chang, nestled off the tranquil shores of Koh Chang, Trat province. This colossal vessel isn't just Thailand's largest shipwreck; it's a vibrant artificial reef and a premier destination for advanced divers seeking history, colossal structures, and an abundance of marine life. Prepare to discover why a dive into the depths of the HTMS Chang in 2026 promises an unforgettable adventure.

A Legacy Beneath the Waves: The History of HTMS Chang

The HTMS Chang (LPD-792) holds a fascinating past, dating back to its origins as the USS Lincoln County (LST-898). Built by the United States Navy, this robust vessel played a crucial role in both World War II and the Korean War. After distinguished service to the U.S., it was sold to the Royal Thai Navy in 1962, where it continued its legacy, serving Thailand's maritime protection missions for an impressive 43 years. Decommissioned on October 14, 2005, the HTMS Chang found its new purpose. On November 22, 2012, it was intentionally sunk off the coast of Koh Chang, behind Koh Khum, to create an expansive artificial reef and become Thailand's largest deep-water dive site – a monument reborn to foster marine biodiversity.

The Giant's Dimensions: Technical Specifications of HTMS Chang

Diving the HTMS Chang truly puts its sheer scale into perspective. This leviathan of the deep boasts formidable dimensions:

• Length: 213 meters (approximately 699 feet)
• Width: 28 meters (approximately 92 feet)
• Draft: 6.8 meters (approximately 22 feet)
• Displacement: A massive 25,000 tons

Its immense size makes it a truly unique wreck to explore, offering endless pathways and vast open spaces for divers to navigate.

Diving the HTMS Chang: An Underwater Metropolis

The HTMS Chang stands proudly upright on the seabed at a depth of 30 meters (100 feet), making it an ideal site for advanced certified divers. Its main deck is accessible at around 23 meters (75 feet), allowing for extensive exploration. Over the years, this intentionally sunk warship has transformed into a thriving underwater metropolis. Its upright structure provides a magnificent canvas for coral growth, creating intricate habitats that attract a diverse array of marine life. The wreck's integrity and impressive scale offer an unparalleled experience, guiding divers through its bridge, cargo holds, and other accessible compartments, each telling a silent story of its past life.

Encountering Marine Life at HTMS Chang

The HTMS Chang is more than just a historical relic; it's a bustling ecosystem. The structure acts as a magnet for pelagic and reef species alike, making every dive a vibrant encounter. Divers frequently spot:

• Schools of powerful Barracuda patrolling the upper decks.
• Giant Groupers lurking in shadowy crevices.
• Playful Batfish circling curious divers.
• Venomous yet elegant Lionfish nestled amongst the coral growth.
• Elusive Moray Eels peering from their hidden homes.

The ship's surface is now adorned with soft corals, anemones, and a myriad of smaller reef fish, creating a spectacular display of color and life against the steel backdrop.

Why 2026 is Your Year to Dive HTMS Chang

As the years pass, the HTMS Chang continues to evolve, becoming an even richer and more established artificial reef. The coral growth becomes denser, the marine ecosystem more complex, and the wreck's transformation more complete. Planning your dive adventure to the HTMS Chang in 2026 means experiencing a mature, thriving underwater environment that offers even more to discover. Whether you're a seasoned wreck diver or an advanced diver looking to expand your horizons, the constantly developing beauty and historical significance of this site promise an extraordinary experience.

Ready to explore Thailand's largest shipwreck? SiamDive invites you to discover the majestic HTMS Chang. Contact us today to plan your advanced diving adventure to this incredible underwater landmark off Koh Chang, and witness the fusion of history and nature firsthand!