Information
Landmark: Laem ThianCity: Koh Tao
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Laem Thian, Koh Tao, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Laem Thian, tucked away on Koh Tao’s quiet east coast, is a hidden stretch of sand where clear turquoise water laps against jagged cliffs and vibrant reefs wait just beneath the surface.Once the site of a deserted seaside resort, it’s now a tucked-away haven where bold travelers come for quiet shores, turquoise water, and glimpses of darting fish.Location and overview: it’s on Koh Tao’s east coast, about a 45‑minute walk from Mae Haad Pier, past palm trees and winding hills.You can get there by hiking through the trails, paddling a kayak, or riding in a longtail boat with its engine chugging over the water.The best time to go is in the morning through early afternoon, when the water lies still and the beach stays quiet.Admission is free-just walk in and you’re in.So, why visit Laem Thian?Tucked away from it all-no crowds, just the quiet rustle of leaves-it's perfect for anyone craving peace and nature.Koh Tao offers some of its finest underwater adventures here, where bright coral fans sway in the current and schools of fish shimmer past.Towering boulders rise from the shore, perfect for snapping a striking photo or leaping into the cool, clear water.Getting to Laem Thian feels like uncovering a secret, with each bend in the winding road adding to the reward at the end.What to do at Laem Thian: snorkel in the clear blue water, hike the rocky trails, or just stretch out on the warm sand.Snorkeling near Laem Thian, you’ll find crystal-clear reefs teeming with darting parrotfish and other vibrant marine life.You might see parrotfish nibbling coral, bright angelfish drifting by, sleek triggerfish darting past, and moray eels peering from crevices-maybe even a reef shark gliding in the blue.The best snorkeling is along the rocky shoreline, where bright coral fans cluster in the clear, shallow water.Just south of the main beach lies a small cove, its waters glassy and still, with flashes of bright fish darting between the rocks.Bring your own snorkeling gear-there’s nowhere to rent one, not even a small mask from a beach stall.Number two.Along the coast, several granite boulders rise from the water-solid, sun-warmed ledges perfect for a bold cliff jump.The jumps soar anywhere from 3 to 6 meters, high enough to make your stomach dip as you land.Always check the water’s depth before you dive-make sure it’s deep enough to cover your toes when you stand.Number three.The water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom, and it’s perfect for a long, refreshing swim.Because it’s so remote, you won’t find any lifeguards-watch out for the strong currents that tug hard at your legs.Number four stood alone, a simple mark on the page like a single pebble on smooth sand.I wandered through Laem Thian, once a quiet beachfront resort where waves lapped at wooden steps, now left to crumble in silence.You can wander through the empty buildings, their cracked walls draped with ivy and moss.The ruins have a haunting charm, with shadows clinging to broken walls that beg to be photographed.Number five stood alone, a single mark on the page like a drop of ink in a blank field.Rent a kayak at Sairee Beach or Mae Haad, then push off and paddle along the quiet east coast, where the water glints in the sun.The best time is early morning, when the water lies still and glassy.The best time to go is in the morning, between 8 and 11, when the water lies flat and clear-perfect for snorkeling without a single wave to stir the sand.Afternoon, from noon to four, is just right for kicking back with a cold drink or wandering the quiet streets.Skip the stormy months from October to December, when the east coast pounds with heavy surf and fierce winds.Finding your way to Laem Thian starts with a short boat ride across clear, turquoise water.The boldest way to reach Laem Thian is to hike the jungle trail from Mae Haad, a 45–60 minute trek shaded by thick green leaves.Parts of the trail climb sharply and vanish under tangled weeds, so wear sturdy shoes and carry plenty of water.The trail ranges from moderate to tough, with steep climbs that make it best for seasoned hikers.Number two sat there, plain as chalk on a blackboard.Spend 30 to 45 minutes gliding in a rented kayak from Sairee Beach or Ao Leuk Bay, skimming past the palm-fringed east coast.Kayaking lets you slip into quiet coves and discover snorkeling spots where sunlight flickers through the water.Three.The quickest way is to hop on a longtail boat from Mae Haad or Sairee Beach-it’s a breezy 15-minute ride with salt spray on your face.It’ll cost about 300 to 500 THB for the round trip-roughly the price of a good street‑food dinner for two.Bring your own snorkeling gear-there’s nowhere to rent, not even a spare mask.Bring your own water and a few snacks-you won’t find a single shop or café out here.Wear good shoes-on a hike, the trail might be rocky underfoot.Bring sunscreen and a hat-there’s not a scrap of shade on that blazing beach.Tanote Bay lies just south of Laem Thian, with clear water and bright coral that make it a favorite spot for snorkeling.Ao Leuk Bay has soft, white sand and water so clear you can see the fish glide past your toes-perfect for a long, lazy swim.Hin Wong Bay, just north of Laem Thian, offers clear turquoise water perfect for snorkeling or drifting over coral reefs.Final thoughts: Laem Thian feels like a secret slice of Koh Tao, ideal for slipping away from the crowds and breathing in the salt-tinged air of wild, untouched coast.With vibrant reefs to snorkel, strange cliffs rising from the shore, and an old resort slowly crumbling in the sun, it’s easily one of the island’s most rewarding places to explore.Hike through jungle trails, paddle a kayak across glassy water, or ride a small boat in-however you arrive, Laem Thian greets you with a secluded tropical escape you won’t forget.
