Ko Lao Liang

Travel guide

If you're looking for isolation, you'll find it on Ko Lao Liang -- little more than a limestone boulder surrounded by teal Andaman waters. It's a tiny island -- in fact you can easily kayak around it in just over half an hour -- and there's a single white sand beach, set below a cliffside draped in tropical vegetation.

If that sounds pretty good, that's because it is. With just the one place to stay -- there's literally not room for anything else -- you needn't worry about overcrowded shores. And while it takes a little more planning and effort to reach Lao Liang, it's well worth the trip. You'll be rewarded with a deserted beach, a welcoming atmosphere, and an unforgettable experience unlike anything else you can find in Thailand.

There's only one place to stay on Lao Liang island, and that's something to be thankful for. All accommodation is set right on the beach, under the shade of a naturally growing forest. You'll be sleeping in a nylon tent, but you won't exactly be roughing it. The tents are roomy (as far as tents go, anyway) with a divided bedroom, bamboo mats on the floors, and thick mattresses dressed in white sheets and comfy blankets.

Bathrooms are shared, and are located in an attractively thatched building with numerous restroom stalls and cold-water showers. Most people staying at Laoliang come on a multi-day activity tour, which combines a stay on the island with days out snorkelling, scuba diving, or rock-climbing. Lone travellers can still book rooms out here, and are charged a reasonable per person rate (1,200B -- see their website for details on available packages) including three generous meals, and free use of kayaks and snorkelling equipment. Open high season only. Highly recommended.

Laoliang Island Ko Lao Liang. T: (089) 815 4571, (02) 730 0935. http://www.laoliangisland.com/

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Ko Lao Liang reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Beautiful..................but
By garynield (dabbler - 1 review)
Written on 23rd February, 2010 after a visit to Ko Lao Liang in December, 2009
Beautiful island, perfect get away from it all location. Has the potential to be fantastic with a bit more investment and more interest from the staff.

Tents are basic,some new, some quite worn. The place has a slightly grubby feel, if you want clean tables, etc, this may not be the place. Kept running out of basic provisions, eg, coke, tea, milk. If you come with a baby try to bring everything with you. Had to pester guy for 3 days to get on snorkel trip, didn't want to take single person along with other groups? By the way despite assurances otherwise, there is no diving in December, didn't even have dive gear on island till after christmas. Staff told me they never dive till Jan because sea too rough, which it was.

This resort caters mainly to Thais, which is great to meet people, but not many concessions are offered to others as regards menu. Fine for adults, not so easy for kids. Food of mixed quality, mainly average.

Don't get me wrong this place has charm and the most beautiful, quiet setting, but you have to be prepared to compromise on cleanliness, food quality and be prepared to run out of things. That said when the kids are bit older, we travelled with toddler needing milk which ran out, we would return.

Sights & activities   History & culture   Scenery & environment   Eat & drink

Traveller's scene   Romance   Value for money   I'll be back (or not)

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