Following on from Marc’s recent write up on the stunning Koh Kradan here’s a post on the equally beautiful, and even more pristine, neighbouring island of Koh Rok, Thailand. This stunning spot, off Southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea coast, is another superb option for our snorkelling and island boat tours featured on both the South Thai ‘Jungles and Islands‘ and ‘Reefs and Rainforests‘ tours and further proof that Thai beaches are not only about banana pancakes, buckets of vodka Red Bull, full-moon parties and overcrowded beaches!
The two small islets that comprise Koh Rok are the jewel in the crown of Krabi’s Koh Lanta National Marine Park and as such well protected by the park authorities. Private accommodation is not allowed on the islands themselves so no resorts or chalets and if you do wish to stay overnight the only options are national park chalets or camping.
A giant monitor lizard – one of the island’s only permanent residents Well, for reasons explained in an earlier post on ‘pristine tropical islands‘, we don’t overnight here but it certainly makes for an awesome day out! Lying south of the larger island of Koh Lanta on the border of Trang Province, Koh Rok is accessible, weather permitting, from many of both Trang and Krabi Provinces’ islands such as Koh Libong, Koh Jum and of course Koh Lanta itself.
Man Friday we presume? Being located some way off the coast the water here is particularly clear and the sheltered channel between the two islands, in particular, is home to bountiful, well preserved and lively coral reefs and with its shallow warm waters and proximity to the beach is a perfect snorkelling spot even for the inexperienced or complete beginners.
Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches We admit some of these scenes do look almost too good to be true but they’re not TAT, Tourism Authority of Thailand tarted up publicity shots honest – they were all taken by Wi on various recent All Points East trips to the islands.
Koh Rok, beach Note, if you are tempted places are still available on the 24th Dec. Reefs and Rainforest tour which would actually have you snorkelling on one of these fantastic islands on New Year’s Day itself! Thanks for the great photos Wi, cheers.
