The small island of Lao Lading (Ko Lao Lading), located near Ao Nang in Krabi Province, is a true gem of the Andaman Sea. It is part of the popular "Three Islands" tour (Hong, Lao Lading, and Phakbia), but unlike its neighbors, it has a special atmosphere of coziness and seclusion.
The main treasure of Lao Lading is its tiny beach, seemingly hidden between towering karst cliffs. The turquoise water here is so clear that you can see every grain of sand on the seabed, and the soft white sand feels wonderful under bare feet.
But the most amazing feature is the coconut palms growing right on the shore. Their tall trunks and sprawling leaves provide natural shade, making it incredibly pleasant to relax beneath them while listening to the gentle sound of waves. The cliffs surrounding the beach give the place a sense of a secluded grotto, as if you’ve stumbled upon a secret corner of nature.
The island is popular among tourists, and in the morning, group tour boats arrive, crowding the small beach and diminishing its charm. However, if you come on your own boat in the afternoon, once most tourists have left, Lao Lading transforms into a paradise—peaceful, quiet, and unbelievably beautiful.
How to Get There & What to Bring to Lao Lading
• Joining a tour (as part of the Three Islands trip). The journey from Ao Nang takes about 30 minutes by speedboat or over 50 minutes by traditional longtail boat, depending on sea conditions.
• Renting a private boat from Ao Nang. This is the best option if you want privacy, but keep travel time in mind.
• There is no infrastructure on the island—no restaurants, sunbeds, or toilets. Therefore, you should bring food and water (perfect for a picnic under the palms), a towel or beach mat and snorkeling gear—there are small corals and fish around the island.
Lao Lading is one of those rare places where nature remains untouched. There are no noisy bars or crowds of tourists—just the rustling of palm trees, azure sea, and majestic cliffs. If you dream of a quiet beach where you can feel completely disconnected from civilization, this island is the perfect choice.
Come in the afternoon, when the tourist rush subsides, and enjoy a true Thai paradise. The tide starts to recede after lunch, but this does not affect the enjoyment of Lao Lading’s beautiful beach.
