The Legend Awakens: Diving Phuket’s New Underwater Hanuman Museum

THE DIVE JOURNEY
Apr 21
3 min read

Hanuman Nimitkai. Underwater Hanuman statue at Siam Bay, Racha Yai Island.

For years, Racha Yai has been famous for its underwater elephants

and temple gates. But as of April 15, 2026, there is a new reason to descend into the crystal-clear waters of Siam Bay: the Hanuman Nimitkai project.

This isn't just a dive; it’s an immersive journey into Thai mythology and a bold step forward for marine conservation.

What is Hanuman Nimitkai?

The Hanuman Nimitkai (Magical of Save Underwater World) installation is a massive project featuring 73 individual structures designed to act as an artificial reef. The centerpiece is the Hindu deity Hanuman, the monkey god known for his strength and loyalty.

This initiative is the first phase of the ambitious "RAYA" Underwater Art Museum project. The project is a collaboration between the Rotary Foundation (Districts 3330 Thailand and 3600 South Korea), the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), and the Phuket Craft Association, with technical support from SCG. This museum aims to showcase the Ramayana (Ramakien) epic, with future phases planned to include figures like Phra Ram (Rama), Thotsakan (Ravana), and Suvannamaccha.

In this underwater museum, you’ll find:

47 Hanuman-themed sculptures in various poses.
11 artificial reef modules and 15 3D-printed "fences" specifically designed to encourage coral growth.

Experience Levels & Depth

Located on the northwest side of Koh Racha Yai, the statues are strategically placed at depths between 12 and 19 meters.

Scuba Diving: This site is ideal for Open Water divers and above.
Freediving: This site offers something for every level.

Freedivers
can stay at shallower depths to get incredible photos on top of the statues.

Freediver on top of underwater Hanuman statue at Siam Bay, Racha Yai island

Advanced Freedivers
can take it a step further—the main Hanuman statue features a mouth that you can comfortably swim through, located at

approximately 15 meters. It is a must-do for those with the training and breath-hold to manage it safely.

The "Dive Journey" Difference: Skip the Crowds

Most people visit Racha Yai on large, crowded scuba boats that follow a rigid schedule. At The Dive Journey, we do things differently.

We offer trips on our very own small boat, specifically tailored for those who want a more intimate experience. This gives us the flexibility to:

Custom Routes: We aren't stuck following the "big boat" schedules. We go to the dive sites we want, when we want.
Tailored for Freedivers: We understand the needs of freedivers. Our small boat allows us to find the best conditions without being tethered to a large group of scuba divers.
No Scuba Bubbles: We can time our sessions to ensure the water is quiet and clear of bubbles from large groups, giving you the peaceful, silent experience that freediving is all about.

Why It Matters: Conservation Meets Culture

This project serves as a "diversionary" reef to reduce traffic on natural, fragile coral ecosystems nearby. Over the next few months, these statues will transform into a bustling metropolis for reef fish and vibrant soft corals. Because the installation was completed just last week, now is the time to see the intricate carvings in their most pristine state!

Book Your Journey

Ready to explore Phuket’s newest landmark without the crowds? Join us at The Dive Journey for a specialized small-boat trip. Explore the depths, swim through the legend, and experience Racha Yai like never before.