Aerial view of a tropical beach in Phuket with turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Koh Rok

The Koh Rok Islands are a paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature, snorkelling and beach holidays. They are located in the Andaman Sea, about 30 kilometres off the coast of Krabi Province and Phuket. Ko Rock is two neighbouring islands, Ko Rock Nok and Ko Rock Nai, which are part of Mu Ko Lanta National Park.

Aerial view of turquoise waters and rocky islands near a sandy beach in Phuket. The main thing that attracts tourists here is the crystal clear water, white sand and rich underwater world. Thanks to its protected status, the islands remain untouched by mass tourism and the water is so clear that you can watch the marine life from a boat. Snorkelling and diving here is some of the best in Thailand: colourful coral, a variety of fish and even the chance to encounter sea turtles make Ko Rock an ideal diving destination.

Apart from beach holidays, tourists can explore the rainforests, meet varanas and exotic birds, and admire the picturesque cliffs and azure lagoons. There are no hotels or restaurants on the islands, so travelling here is only possible as a day trip. This makes Koh Rok ideal for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty.

Secluded beach in Phuket with turquoise water, sandy shore, and lush green trees.

Aerial view of a tropical island in Phuket with clear turquoise waters and sandy beach.

Tropical beach in Phuket with clear turquoise water, rocky cliffs, and lush greenery.

Tropical beach in Phuket with a thatched hut, palm trees, and clear turquoise water.

Tropical beach in Phuket with cliffs and clear turquoise waters on a sunny day.

Luxury cruise ship docked near the scenic coast of Phuket under a bright blue sky.

The Koh Rok Islands are the hidden gem of Thailand, which surprises with its natural beauty. This archipelago consists of two islands - Ko Rock Nok (outer island) and Ko Rock Nai (inner island). They are protected by the Mu Koh Lanta National Park and are famous for their white-sand beaches, stunning underwater life and lack of mass tourism.

Koh Rok beaches are some of the best in Thailand

The Koh Rok Islands are famous for their beaches, often referred to as Thailand's Maldives. The white sand, turquoise water and lack of crowds of tourists make them the perfect place for a secluded holiday. Koh Rok Nai has the most popular beach with a long coastline where you can enjoy the sun and tranquillity.

The islands have no infrastructure, hotels or cafes, making them a destination for day trips. This preserves their pristine nature and purity.

A woman in a red bikini relaxes on a sandy beach in Phuket.

Best snorkelling and diving

Koh Rok is one of the best snorkelling destinations in Thailand. Here you can see:

Colourful coral reefs
A variety of tropical fish species
Sea turtles
Small reef sharks (safe for humans)

Thanks to the clear waters, visibility underwater reaches up to 30 metres. Snorkelling around the islands is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique underwater world without having to be a professional diver.

Island walks and wildlife

As well as beaches and snorkelling, Koh Rok offers the chance to explore the dense rainforest. It is home to:

Varanas
Exotic birds
A variety of butterfly species

On Koh Rok Nai, there is a small trail leading to a viewing platform that offers stunning views of the archipelago.

How to get to Koh Rok?

You can only get to the islands on organised tours. Tours most often depart from:

Phuket
Krabi
Koh Lanta

Excursions include speedboat transfers, lunch, snorkelling equipment and a guide. Due to the reserve status, overnight stays are prohibited on the islands, making them particularly attractive to those seeking seclusion and a break from the hustle and bustle.