Koh Rok is a small archipelago in southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It is located close to Koh Lanta island and is a top-rated snorkeling destination for a day trip from there. Being part of the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park, the Koh Rok islands promise a thriving underwater ecosystem. Vibrant marine life is an unbeatable highlight of the Koh Rok tour from Koh Lanta island, where waters are not as pristine.
Koh Rok consists of two islands, always included in the Koh Rok tour. The first island is Koh Rok Yai, with a long stretch of white powder beach, considered among the top ten most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The second island, Koh Rok Noi, features an impressive snorkeling area, a pole mark that points to the end of Thailand, and a sublime Koh Rok Waterfall for diving. Both islands can be visited from Koh Lanta from November till May. There are no accommodation options in Koh Rok islands.
Koh Rok Yai
Koh Rok Yai welcomes visitors with a long stretch of white powder beach. It is among the top ten most beautiful beaches in Thailand, which might be the only reason why Koh Rok tours are so popular. Walk from Man Sai Beach into a rainforest of massive banyan trees before reaching Ao Tha Lu Beach, overlooking a bay surrounded by black limestone cliffs. Koh Rok Yai is located south of Koh Lanta and boasts of being one of the twin islands of the Koh Rok archipelago to be kept in its most natural state.
You will discover an iconic stretch of white powder-soft sands at Ao Man Sai and Ao Tha Lu beach, serving home to hermit crabs. An interesting thing about the Koh Rok Yai beaches is the implementation of the Land Hermit Crab’s Home, which encourages visitors to play a part in helping to protect the creatures. All they need to do is leave empty cans, which will then become the hermit crabs’ homes. Behind Ao Man Sai beach, you can also encounter the monitor lizards in the jungle, or laze around in the crystal clear shallow waters. A stop at this island during your Koh Rok tour will leave an everlasting impression.
Koh Rok Noi
Koh Rok Noi is the sister island of Koh Rok Yai and often included in the list of those going on a Koh Rok snorkeling tour. Located very near to Koh Rok Yai, the crescent-shaped bay of Koh Rok Noi is the main attraction of the island. Snorkeling in the water surrounding Koh Rok Noi makes for a beautiful experience with the sightings of various species of fish such as the barracudas and tunas. Among its vibrant coral gardens, there are also giant clams that attract snorkelers of all ages.
On land, Koh Rok Noi features a pole mark that points to the end of Thailand. There is also a sublime Koh Rok Waterfall hidden in its interior. The Koh Rok Waterfall is unique in that it is visible only during the rainy season. Ao Sarn Chao Beach on Koh Rok Noi gained fame due to fishermen who came here to build shrines. The shrines protect their ships from harm when they go out to the sea for fishing. However, most visitors would probably choose to travel to Koh Rok Noi for snorkeling or diving only. Luckily, snorkeling conditions in Koh Rok Noi bay are favorable most of the year.
Koh Rok tour from Koh Lanta
Koh Rok snorkeling tour is a top-rated day trip from Koh Lanta. This small and pristine archipelago is only 40 minutes by boat from Koh Lanta, attracting snorkelers and divers alike. The Koh Rok tour usually covers the best of two main islands – Koh Rok Yai and Koh Rok Noi. Although further exploration of the remote Koh Haa archipelago is also possible when visiting Koh Rok from Koh Lanta.
There are two ways to get to Koh Rok islands from Koh Lanta. The most popular choice is to join a day trip by speedboat alongside other vacationers. Such day trips proceed on a fixed itinerary and include a bit of snorkeling, sightseeing, and beachcombing. However, if you wish to experience the most of this remarkable destination at your own pace, we recommend taking a private boat tour with Islander.
Koh Rok and Koh Haa island day tour
The five Koh Haa islands, often included in the Koh Rok tour, are known as mini paradise, which offers a rugged and untouched atmosphere. Few islands as pristine as Koh Haa remain in Thailand, where you can enjoy the secluded beaches, unspoiled coral reefs, and iconic diving. Both archipelagos of Koh Rok and Koh Haa are part of the Mu Koh Lanta Marine National Park, which is best to visit between November and May.
