Diving Thailand

Koh Ha and Koh Rok

This Thailand diving region is located in the southern Andaman Sea between the Phi Phi Islands and Hin Daeng - Hin Muang. Mostly, the area is visited by liveaboard cruises.

Koh Ha, which means '5 islands' in the Thai language, are tiny islets located 25 km west of Koh Lanta Island. The channels that separate the islands are over 50 metres deep and the water is usually clear with good visibility.

25 kilometres south of Koh Ha is Koh Rok, which are twin islands known as Koh Rok Nai and Koh Rok Nok and are separated by a thin 15 metre deep channel. All these islands are situated within the Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park and are uninhabited, boasting stunning unspoiled beaches. The diving at Koh Rok is on a coral reef, one of the prettiest and well-preserved for diving in Thailand.

Highlights

Undoubtedly, the diving highlight at Koh Ha is the series of fascinating caverns which are located at Koh Ha Yai, the largest of the group of islands. The caverns have large entrances and are safe to enter. You can surface inside and see the ancient stalactites which hang from the cave ceiling. Sunrise is a magical time to dive here as the sunlight creates a gorgeous emerald colour.

Another big attraction here are the swim-throughs. You can access the main cave by entering the swim-through to the right of the main cavern entrance. Once through the entranceway, drop down a little and then make a sharp left to squeeze out through the exit point. You'll find yourself back in the main cavern's chamber!

Koh Rok's west side is comprised of a hard coral reef that slopes gently downwards. There is an abundance of colourful reef fish here as well as plenty of moray eels and octopus. Look closely for the numerous different nudibranchs. Blacktip reef sharks can be seen in the early morning and again at dusk. Watch out for Kuhl's blue-spotted stingrays partially hidden in the sand on the sea bed, the most common type of ray found at Thailand's dive sites.

On the eastern side of Koh Rok you'll find lots of soft corals with large Gorgonian fans and sponges. This attracts plenty of turtles and you can get quite close to them, especially while they're feeding. The point of the island has fairly strong current so pelagic fish are often seen here including mackerels and cobias.

Enquire Now

How to Dive Koh Rok - Koh Ha

Koh Ha can be visited by some of the Thailand liveaboard safaris on their way to Hin Daeng. It is also possible to take a speedboat trips from Phi Phi which is 80 km away. These trips run daily.

Koh Rok can only be visited by liveaboard boat.

Got a question?
Have a look through our Frequently asked questions

Diving Season

The dive season for both Koh Rok and Koh Ha is from November and April when the weather is at its best and the seas are usually calm.

Reef Summary

Good for: Reef life and health, underwater photography and advanced divers
Not so good for: Wrecks, drift dives, snorkelling and non-diving activities
Depth: 5 - 20m
Visibility: 10 - 30m
Currents: Gentle
Surface conditions: Can be choppy
Water temperature: 27 - 30°C
Experience level: Beginner - intermediate
Number of dive sites: 6
Distance: ~80-110 km southeast of Phuket (4-6 hours), 35-65 km southeast of Phi Phi (1-2 hours)
Access: Thailand liveaboards or day trips from Phi Phi
Recommended length of stay: 2 days

View a map of:
• Thailand

Enquire Now

Back to diving in Thailand index