Koh Lading, The Best Snorkeling in the Group
Koh Lading sits just east of Koh Hong and is consistently rated as having the best snorkeling in the island group. The soft coral here is incredible, vivid colours, healthy formations and a surprising variety of fish considering how close it is to the mainland.
What to See & Do
The snorkeling on Koh Lading's eastern reef is genuinely special. You'll find sea fans, brain coral, clownfish in their anemones and, if you're lucky, a reef shark patrolling the deeper edge. The water visibility here regularly exceeds 15 metres during the dry season.
The beach is quieter than Koh Hong and the shallows are perfect for children. A good second stop after the lagoon.
Questions People Ask
Which tours visit Koh Lading?
Koh Lading is included on the speedboat tour and the private tour. The longtail day trip focuses on Koh Hong and the lagoon. If snorkeling the reef at Koh Lading is a priority, the speedboat tour is the right choice as it visits all four islands in the group.
What makes the snorkeling at Koh Lading different?
Most snorkeling sites in Krabi are over sandy bottoms. Koh Lading's eastern reef is a proper wall reef, meaning coral starts at the surface and drops down. You're surrounded by it rather than looking down at it from above. Fish variety here is higher than most other stops, and the hard coral formations are unusually intact.
How deep is the water on the reef?
The main snorkeling area runs from 1 to 6 metres. The wall drops deeper on the outer edge, down to around 12 metres, where reef sharks are more likely. You don't need to dive to see most of the reef. The first 4 or 5 metres are the most colourful and active.
Is Koh Lading beach suitable for children?
Yes. The beach on the western side has very calm, shallow water and a gentle slope into the sea. It's one of the better spots in the group for younger children. The sand is clean and there's shade from the tree line. It's typically the quietest beach on a day trip.
Are there turtles at Koh Lading?
Hawksbill turtles have been spotted around Koh Lading, though they're more commonly seen around Koh Rai. Your guide will know if there's been a recent sighting. The outer reef edge is the most likely spot. They tend to appear in the early morning when the water is calmer and fewer boats are around.
