Koh Rok & Koh Haa: Thailand’s Hidden Snorkeling Paradise
Hidden away in the Andaman Sea, south of Koh Lanta, lie two of Thailand’s most breathtaking island destinations: Koh Rok and Koh Haa. Although they sit close to each other, these islands offer two distinct experiences - both unforgettable in their own way.
Koh Rok, part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, is made up of two islands separated by a narrow channel: Koh Rok Nok and Koh Rok Nai. Together, they form a postcard-worthy duo known for blindingly white sand, emerald water, and beaches so soft they feel like flour beneath your feet. It’s also one of the most famous snorkeling stops in Southern Thailand, attracting travelers looking for healthy coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and a peaceful slice of nature.
Koh Haa, literally meaning “Five Islands” in Thai, is a small cluster of limestone islets surrounded by a turquoise lagoon. Here, snorkeling is the main attraction. The lagoon is calm and incredibly clear, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers. The Koh Haa dive site is particularly well-known amongst the diving community, but day trips from Koh Lanta have made it a crowd favorite for regular tourists too.
Both islands are best visited on a full-day tour from Koh Lanta, the nearest major hub and the easiest place to arrange fast, reliable trips. These tours get you out to Koh Haa in roughly 30 minutes, and onwards to Koh Rok shortly after - giving you a full day of snorkeling, swimming, relaxing, and exploring two of Thailand’s most pristine marine environments.
If your idea of a perfect day in Thailand includes coral gardens, crystal lagoons, powdery sand, warm water, and an easy adventure, Koh Rok and Koh Haa will check every box.
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
Koh Haa
How to Book a Tour to Koh Rok & Koh Haa
The easiest way to experience Koh Rok and Koh Haa is by joining a full-day speedboat tour from Koh Lanta. These tours depart daily during high season (roughly November to April) and are simple to arrange - whether you prefer booking online through platforms like GetYourGuide, through your accommodation, or by visiting a local travel agency.
We booked our trip directly from our hotel at Andawa Lanta Resort, which arranged everything for us. Many accommodations on Koh Lanta work with a rotation of trusted tour companies, and staff can secure your spots with just a quick call. You can also walk into tour shops in Klong Dao, Long Beach or Klong Nin - there are dozens of agencies offering similar packages.
Read more about Koh Lanta here: 15 Things to Do in Koh Lanta: Enjoy a Perfect Island Escape
Koh Rok
Koh Haa
Typical Prices
A standard tour costs 1,600 to 2,000 THB per adult, depending on the provider and season. This usually does not include the national marine park fee, which is paid separately upon arrival or added to the tour price. The fee helps preserve the fragile ecosystem at both Koh Rok and Koh Haa, so it’s money well spent.
What’s Included
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Speedboat transportation
Snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins)
Life jackets
Buffet lunch on Koh Rok
Drinking water and soft drinks
Fruit platters
Guided snorkeling at multiple sites
Koh Haa
Example Itinerary (Typical Schedule)
While itineraries can change due to tides and weather, most tours follow a similar structure:
8:00–9:00 AM: Hotel pick-up from Koh Lanta
9:30 AM: Arrive at Koh Haa
9:30–11:45 AM: Snorkeling in the turquoise lagoon, free time to swim to the beach
11:45–1:30 PM: Travel to Koh Rok + buffet lunch on the island + beach relaxation
1:30–2:45 PM: Snorkeling at two different sites around Koh Rok
4:00–5:00 PM: Arrive back at your hotel on Koh Lanta
This schedule makes for a full but comfortable day. Compared to other long-distance tours in Thailand, like trips to the Surin Islands, this one has reasonable travel times, giving you more energy to enjoy the evening.
Itinerary
Koh Haa
Koh Rok
Overview of Koh Haa
If there’s a place that captures the magic of Thailand’s underwater world in a single frame, it’s Koh Haa. As you approach the cluster of limestone islets, the sea shifts from deep cobalt to electric turquoise, forming a natural lagoon that feels hidden from the rest of the world.
Snorkeling at Koh Haa
Once the speedboat anchors, the crew hands out snorkeling gear and life jackets. From there, you jump into the water and drift above coral gardens that look like they belong in a marine documentary. On our visit, we were struck by how clear and healthy the reef was - arguably some of the best coral we’ve seen in Thailand. Expect to see:
Branching corals
Fluorescent blue and purple hard corals
Schools of reef fish
Butterflyfish, parrotfish, and angelfish
Occasional turtles
The lagoon is calm, making it ideal for beginners or travelers who don’t snorkel often. The clarity is astonishing, often 20 to 30 meters of visibility, depending on the day.
Koh Haa
Koh Haa
Relaxing on Koh Haa’s Tiny Beach
After snorkeling, you can swim to the little white sand beach tucked between small limestone cliffs. It's a tiny beach (barely big enough for a handful of people) but walking onshore gives you a moment to appreciate the geology up close. Jagged limestone rises dramatically around you, creating one of the most atmospheric rest spots in Thailand.
This beach is usually quiet since tours prioritize snorkeling. So if you love peaceful, dramatic landscapes, make sure to swim over. It’s also the perfect place to float in shallow water and simply enjoy the calm of the lagoon.
Koh Haa
Overview of Koh Rok
After Koh Haa, the boat continues south to Koh Rok, where everything feels brighter, softer, and even more tropical. If Koh Haa is dramatic, Koh Rok is the very definition of paradise.
Koh Rok’s Pristine, Powder-Soft Beaches
The moment you arrive in Koh Rok, you’re greeted by emerald water so bright it almost glows, contrasted against stretches of white-sand beach. When we first stepped onto the beach, we were genuinely stunned. The sand was so soft it felt like walking on flour. It’s one of those rare places that looks exactly like the brochures, if not better. The beaches here have a signature charm, with:
Scattered pieces of large driftwood
Small rocks arranged naturally like sculptures
Dense jungle just beyond the beach
Crystal-clear shallows stretching far into the sea
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
Lunch & Relaxation
Tours usually serve a buffet lunch under the shade of trees. After eating, you get time to lie on the beach, take photos, go for a swim, or simply enjoy the view. Even with a few more boats arriving, Koh Rok rarely feels crowded thanks to its long beach and wide-open spaces.
Koh Rok
Snorkeling at Koh Rok
Just like Koh Haa, the snorkeling here is excellent, sometimes even better. The reefs are large, colorful, and teeming with marine life. On our snorkel, we saw:
Massive schools of fish
Swirling clouds of neon-colored wrasse
Bright blue starfish
Branching and plate coral formations
At one point, we had a little fright when we saw a sea snake drifting out of the corals. It kept its distance, but it certainly added a rush of adrenaline. Sea snakes in places like Koh Rok are highly venomous, but they’re also extremely docile and rarely bite unless provoked. Our tour guide advised us to swim to a different area where, luckily, we didn’t see another sea snake.
Overall, the snorkeling at Koh Rok is incredibly rewarding. Many travelers say it’s just as impressive, if not more impressive, than popular places like the Similan Islands, especially when the visibility is good.
Koh Rok
Tips for Visiting Koh Rok & Koh Haa
Choose Koh Lanta as Your Base
Koh Rok and Koh Haa are best visited from Koh Lanta. Travel times are reasonable, seas are generally calmer, and tours return early enough that you can shower and head out for dinner without feeling exhausted. It’s much easier than some other long-distance day trips in Thailand.
No Need to Book in Advance
This is one of the most popular day trips from Koh Lanta, so organising a tour is effortless and there’s no need to book in advance. You can either book through your hotel, visit a local travel agency or find a trusted provider online. Koh Lanta isn’t a super touristy island, so tours here never get booked out for days/weeks in advance. The only exception might be during Christmas or New Year.
Prepare for the Heat
We visited in February, and Koh Rok in particular was extremely hot during the early afternoon. There’s shade available, but you’ll appreciate bringing: sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a couple of reusable water bottles. Hydration is key, especially if you’re snorkeling for hours.
Consider Staying Overnight on Koh Rok
It is possible to stay the night on Koh Rok, but accommodation is extremely limited and very basic. The national park occasionally offers simple wooden bungalows or tents, depending on the season and availability. Facilities are minimal, and bookings can be inconsistent, so most travelers need to inquire through local agencies on Koh Lanta to see what’s currently offered.
For many visitors, a day trip is more than enough. Koh Rok is spectacular during the day, but it isn’t a resort island, it's a protected marine sanctuary, and tourism is tightly managed. Staying overnight suits travelers who want a very rustic, nature-focused experience, while most people prefer returning to the comfort of Koh Lanta after the tour.
Bring Underwater Gear if You Have It
Tour companies provide masks and snorkels, but bringing your own equipment can make the experience even better. If you travel with a GoPro, dome lens, or your own snorkel set, Koh Rok and Koh Haa are the perfect places to use them. The water clarity is incredible, the marine life is vibrant, and the conditions are ideal for capturing high-quality underwater photos and videos.
Respect the Marine Environment
Both islands are heavily protected for good reason, and preserving them starts with small, conscious actions. Avoid stepping on coral, use reef-safe sunscreen, and keep a respectful distance from marine life while snorkeling. It’s also important not to take shells, sand, or any natural materials from the beaches or reefs. These simple choices help protect the fragile ecosystem and ensure that future travelers can experience the same unspoiled beauty that makes Koh Rok and Koh Haa so special.
Koh Rok
Koh Rok
