Lao Liang Islands

Koh Lao Liang Nong and Koh Lao Liang Phi are two breathtaking islands located halfway between Koh Libong and Koh Sukorn, roughly 13 km away from both, and 17 km from Trang's mainland. The amazing twin islands are under protection of Mu Ko Phetra National Park, which preserves their pristine beauty. Like the other Phetra's island there is a Park fee of 200 THB per adult and THB 100 per child to access, which surely every lucky visitor is happy to pay to stay one or more days in a true tropical paradise. There are no buildings on the islands, apart from the few facilities of Laoliang Island Resort, a pretentious name for few tents, but in truth very comfortable, and other few open-air bamboo structures. There are no permanent residents on Koh Lao Liang, apart the seasonal Rangers and the few campsite employees. WiFi is not available, but both islands have cell towers and the 3G signal worked well, and there is no electricity, a generator produces power only in the evenings, shutting down around midnight. There are no any kind of entertainment on the islands, except for aquatic activities and climbing on cliffs. Visitors on these heavenly islands spend their days swimming in turquoise crystal waters, sunbathing on white pristine beaches, snorkelling or scuba diving among an amazing underwater scenery, kayaking near vertical limestone cliffs and natural caves, and.....and what? What do you want more of this!!! Koh Lao Liang Nong, or “Little Brother Island”, is the northernmost and smaller among two islands. One kilometre in length and less than three hundred meters in its maximum width, it lies roughly 22 south of Hat Yao Pier which is the nearest access point, 80-minute boat trip. Surrounded by high limestone cliffs overlooking incredible turquoise clear waters, the island is unique in its shape and closely resembles the most famous Phi Phi Leh and Railay Bay, which are world-known for their rock climbing opportunity. A sporting experience that you can enjoy even here with training courses organized by Laoliang Resort, in fact many visitors come here specifically to climb. You won’t find nearly as many bolted routes here, but several of Lao Liang’s cliffs are set up for safe climbing and gear is available. From the cliffs top you can also better appreciate the amazing island's beach. Located on island's eastern coast, the relatively small white sandy beach is surrounded on three sides by high cliffs that enclose clear crystal waters and a shallow reef. Lao Liang's underwater world is even more amazing of island itself. Teeming with marine life, the reef is mostly covered with beautiful sea fan at the north end and soft corals at the south end, stunning coral formations that usually can be found only in deep water here are just 1-2 meters under sea surface. In addition to the Ranger station, Koh Lao Liang Nong hosts the only accommodation available of both islands. Laoliang Island Resort is managed by a private group of eco-friendly folks in association and under control of National Park authority. It is basically a comfortable camping where visitors can renting giant  nylon tents under the trees with two rooms, one living room and one bedroom. All necessary furniture is provided, including bed, pillows, blankets, electric fans or air-conditioning, and living room table. In the campsite there are shared cold-water bathrooms in partially open-air bamboo structures, a beachfront terrace in bamboo used as dining room, and a hut used as a beach bar. The overnight stay includes the use of snorkelling equipment and kayaks, and three meals served buffet-style, Western standards for breakfast, barbecued fish and Thai curries for dinner. The overnight price is 1,500 THB per person per night, but rises to 2,000 THB from middle December to middle January, prices are not negotiable. The tents can be booked in advance at the website: www.laoliangisland.com, highly recommended in peak season.  Camping, as the park, is closed from 1st May to 1st November. Koh Lao Liang Phi, or “Big Brother Island”, is just two hundred meters south of its smaller twin. The narrow channel between the islands is easily navigable with a kayak, just be careful of strong currents, and it is one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving on Lao Liand Islands. The beautiful seven-colour soft corals will be seen just 1-3 metres under surface, and the maximum depth is not more than 30-40 meters. The largest island has characteristics similar to the smaller, only bigger in size. It has taller limestone cliffs, the white sandy beach on the east side is longer and bigger, and it extends up to a charming cave in one corner. Koh Lao Liang Phi hosts a villa of local fishermen, the unique structure and the only seasonal residents.
Get to Koh Lao Liang - Due to the isolation and considerable distance from the mainland, there is no regular ferry service to reach the twin islands. Usually the overnight visitors contact the Laoliang Island Resort, which is able to arrange transfer from Trang town for 800 THB per person, is recommended contact a few days in advance. For all other tourists, it is possible to reach the island hiring a long-tail boat privately at Had Yao Pier, the Trang's main pier distant 23 km, or at closer Laem Tase Pier, only 18 km away, which is located just in front of Koh Sukorn. The cost of the boat is no less than 2,500 THB per one-way from the closer Laem Tase, and roughly 3,000 THB from Had Yao. Both piers are reachable by minibus or song-thaew from Trang. From bus station and train station in Trang, minibuses run direct to Had Yao Pier roughly every hour from 07:00 to 16:30 for 150-200 THB per person, a 45-minute ride to pier. The transfer with a shared minibus or song-thaew to Laem Tase Pier will cost 350-400 THB, a 80-minute trip to travel 82 km. Transfers to Koh Lao Liang can also be arranged from Koh Libong ang Koh Koh Sukorn, the cost is about 2,000 THB per one-way from both islands. The daily rental will not be less than 4.000 to 5.000 THB.Read More