Koh Rok and Koh Haa are two small, secluded islands in the Andaman Sea, offering two very different experiences. Koh Rok boasts some of Thailand's most pristine beaches, while Koh Haa is a snorkeler's paradise. Both islands are often combined on speedboat tours from Koh Lanta.

We didn't know these islands at all until a friend of Kat's recommended snorkeling in Koh Haa. Since we were going to Koh Lanta anyway as part of our island-hopping tour, we decided to check them out. The absolute highlight was Koh Rok – such a beautiful place that we're surprised it hasn't gone viral yet (hopefully it stays that way for a long time).

Koh Rok lies nestled within the Mu Ko Lanta National Park and consists of the two small islands of Koh Rok Noi and Koh Rok Yai. Koh Haa, on the other hand, comprises five limestone islands surrounded by a turquoise lagoon – hence the name "Five Islands". Koh Haa is well-known among divers, but is still considered a hidden gem for the average traveler and tourist.

How to book a tour to Koh Rok & Koh Haa

Koh Lanta is definitely the best base for trips to Koh Rok and Koh Haa. You can simply go there and book a tour at a travel agency in Klong Dao, Long Beach, or Klong Nin. Alternatively, you can book online through GetYourGuide – a safe option, especially during the busy Christmas or Songkran season. We booked our tour through our hotel, the Andawa Lanta Resort, which organized everything for us, including hotel transfers.

For a small group tour, you can expect to pay around 1,600 THB; there are discounted prices for children (800 THB). The national park fee of an additional 400 THB may not be included. This fee contributes to the protection of the Koh Rok and Koh Haa ecosystem and is therefore money well spent.

In our opinion, this tour offers excellent value for money and is significantly cheaper than other boat tours in Thailand. The price includes speedboat transfers, lunch on Koh Rok, and fruit and drinks throughout the day. Both islands are easily accessible by speedboat: Koh Haa is reached in 45 minutes, and from there the journey to Koh Rok takes another 30 minutes – considerably faster than by longtail boat.

The tour typically lasts from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes several snorkeling stops as well as plenty of time on the beach. It's a full day, but you'll still be back in Koh Lanta in time for dinner. The journey and the entire tour are much more relaxed than other boat tours in Thailand, such as our Surin Islands tour, which took four hours each way.

The snorkeling paradise of Koh Haa

We've snorkeled in some incredible places in Thailand, and Koh Haa is definitely one of the best. While it's not the biggest reef, it's certainly impressive. The reef is healthy and teeming with life – you can see fluorescent purple coral, colorful fish, and (with a bit of luck) turtles from 20 or 30 meters deep. The lagoon is also calm, making it ideal for casual snorkelers like us. We snorkeled for about an hour and then swam to the small beach nestled beneath craggy limestone cliffs.

The pristine beaches of Koh Rok

When we arrived at Koh Rok Yai beach – which, by the way, is also one of our top beaches in Thailand – we were overwhelmed. The water was even clearer than in the Koh Haa lagoon and had a magnificent, light green color that sparkled in the sun. The sand was fine and powdery, and huge pieces of driftwood transformed the beach into a true work of natural art.

We had lunch here – a simple buffet with Thai dishes – and afterwards had free time to relax on the beach, swim, take photos and enjoy the scenery. A few other boats arrived, but Koh Rok still didn't feel crowded and remained completely untouched – a place that, to be honest, looks even more beautiful than in the brochures.

After lunch, we went snorkeling again. The quality was similar to Koh Haa (only the area is larger). We saw schools of fish, branching coral, and bright blue starfish. Suddenly, we were startled when a sea snake appeared. Kat shouted "Nguu" (snake) in Thai, and our guide advised us to swim to the edge. Sea snakes in Thailand can be venomous, but they are peaceful and rarely bite unless provoked. Apart from that, we had a wonderful time snorkeling in Koh Rok.

Frequently asked questions about Koh Rok & Koh Haa

Is it possible to travel from Phuket or Ao Nang?

Koh Rok and Koh Haa are best visited from Koh Lanta, as they are closer. Alternatively, you can take a tour from Phuket or Ao Nang. However, keep in mind that the speedboat journey takes significantly longer (up to two hours each way) and requires an earlier pick-up and later drop-off. We've also heard that due to time constraints, the snorkeling stops are sometimes a bit short, so you might feel shortchanged.

How hot does it get on the islands during the dry season?

We were there in February, and it was particularly scorching hot on Koh Rok after lunch. While you can find shade under trees all along the beach, you should still definitely bring things like a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and sunglasses. It's also very important to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Is it possible to stay overnight on Koh Rok?

Koh Rok isn't a resort island, but a protected marine park. However, overnight stays are possible; wooden bungalows and tents are available. To arrange this, it's best to inquire at local travel agencies on Koh Lanta, as they can book accommodations through the national park administration. Camping here and having the island entirely to yourself after the afternoon excursion boats depart would be an unforgettable experience.