Lading Island: Is It Worth Visiting In 2026?
Practical Information About Lading Island
Koh Lao Lading is the kind of island that looks fake in photos, and then you get there and realise it’s somehow even better in person.
It sits just off Krabi, tucked into the Hong Island archipelago, and it’s one of the few places in Thailand that actually lives up to the hype on Instagram. I fell down a Google rabbit hole trying to work out if it was even real before I booked the tour.
Here’s the quick answer for anyone in a rush. You reach it by boat, usually from Ao Nang or Krabi town, as part of a day tour that also stops at Koh Hong and Koh Pak Bia. Most people give it thirty minutes to an hour, and honestly, that’s about right. It’s tiny. You’re not spending a week there.
The question everyone actually wants answered is whether it beats Phi Phi. I’ll be honest, for me it’s not close. Phi Phi is beautiful, but it’s also rammed with boats, noise and people who never stop taking selfies. Lao Lading, even with a tour boat parked on the sand, still feels like somewhere the crowds haven’t fully found yet.
I spent over six months travelling around Thailand and hopped between more islands than I can count on both hands. This one stuck with me more than almost any of them, and I still think about it more than places that get ten times the attention.
There’s a swing on the beach, right where the boats pull in. I sat on it for longer than I probably should have, just watching the longtails come and go against that ridiculous blue water. It’s exactly the feeling I used to picture on the couch back home, scrolling through pictures of places like this and wondering if they were too good to be true. They’re not.
If clear water, soft white sand and an island that still feels a bit undiscovered sound like your thing, this is one you’ll want on the list.
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission. See my Privacy Policy.
Where Is Koh Lading?
Koh Lao Lading, aka Paradise Island, is located in the Andaman Sea and is part of the Hong Archipelago of islands.
The best thing about it is the easy access. Fast boats and slower long-tail boats venture out each day and allow people to soak up all the beauty they offer. When I arrived on the white sandy beach at Koh Lao Lading in April 2023, I instantly had to pinch myself.
Thankfully, yes, it was real.
Opening Hours And Entrance Fee
The island can be visited between 08.00 AM and 05.00 PM.
If you’re going by private boat, don’t arrive outside these hours. You will need to pay 300 THB ($9.13/€7.77/£6.72) per person and it costs half price for kids. I paid this fee before I got off the boat. So make sure to bring cash with you.
It’s part of a national park, so strict opening hours apply.
How Do I Get To Koh Lading?
I got a 1-day tour to visit Koh Lading, the Hong Islands, and snorkel in the Andaman Sea.
And seriously, it was one of the best days exploring Thailand.
A common way tours are organised across Thailand includes a minivan. I was collected at the hotel and got off at Nang An Pier, a short drive from Ao Nang. You can purchase tickets to many of the islands at the piers in Krabi or Phuket, or arrange through your hotel directly.
It is very easy to reach Lading Island by boat.
So no need to worry about this. A private boat will cost much more, but you will have more time on the island. When I visited on the tour, I was there for maybe an hour.
The group boat tour to Koh Lao Lading typically costs THB 1,500 to THB 2,500 per person ($45.64 to $76.07/€38.87 to €64.78/£33.60 to £56.00), depending on whether you go by longtail or speedboat and what else is included in the itinerary.
What Is There To Do In Koh Lading?
Spoiler alert – don’t expect a crazy adventure at Lading Island.
It is rather a place to slow down, relax and escape from the craziness of the world.
Sure, you can do many interesting adventures close by, like reaching the 360-degree viewpoint on Hong Island or going party crazy in Koh Phi Phi, but after a while, it becomes exhausting.
If you’re more like me and appreciate the simple pleasure of soft white sand, perfect swimming water and impressive karst landscapes, then Lading Island is for you.
On Lading Island, you can swim in the most beautiful water, snorkel too, or have fun swinging in the huge swing found at one of the palm trees.
The Andaman Sea has clear water for snorkelling, so make the most of the opportunity when visiting Lading Island.
I have included some popular tours below which may be of interest.
Nearby Attractions
The Andaman Sea is vast but there are a few places to see close by.
Koh Pak Bia is a small, beautiful island, as are Koh Hong, Camel Island, and the mangrove forest. You will likely visit Koh Hong, Lading Island and Koh Pak Bia on the public group tour which is standard.
Lading Island Tours
- Ao Nang: Hong Islands Tour by Speedboat or Longtail Boat
- Krabi: Island Hopping Tour by Private Longtail Boat
- Krabi: Hong Islands Private Longtail Boat Tour
Final Thoughts On Koh Lading
Thailand’s islands are famous for their beauty, and places like Koh Samui, Koh Lipe and Koh Phi Phi are usually the most popular.
Skip visiting if you want a big, open beach to walk on.
However, most people should consider visiting Lading Island. It is worth every penny. That’s how I would describe it. I will revisit the island, that’s for sure.
With an island so small it may turn you off visiting, but honestly, it felt like a tropical haven. The water is crystal clear, the boat trip there is fun, and it doesn’t take forever.
The only difficult part was leaving.
Check out my packing list to bring exactly what you need.
Any questions, just ask.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
What Is Lading Island?
Lading Island is a magnificent, small island in the Andaman Sea, close to Krabi. It is part of the Hong Archipelago. Many people visit on day trips from Phuket and Krabi.
Are There Facilities On Lading Island?
There are toilets on the island, and apart from that, there is not much else. If you visit privately, you will have to prepare lunch to stay for a long time. If you visit on a tour, they will likely provide lunch, fresh fruit, and water.
Can I Stay Overnight On Lading Island?
There is no accommodation on Lading Island, so it will be impossible to stay overnight. The best plan is to visit on a tour or get a private boat and enjoy the day on the beach.
- Angkor Wat Sunrise Guide: What I Wish I’d Known Before The 03.30 AM Alarm
- Angkor Botanical Garden: Is Siem Reap’s Free Garden Worth It?
- Tomb Raider Temple (Ta Prohm): My Honest Guide From Angkor
- Things To Do In Cambodia (2026): My Honest Guide After Visiting
- My Two Weeks In Cambodia Itinerary (From Someone Who Spent Nearly A Month There)
