Koh Rok

Koh Rok is a pair of twin islands south of Lanta in the southern Andaman, far enough from Phuket that only the longer speedboat tours make it out. The reward is one of the least-crowded snorkelling experiences left in Thailand — the reef is healthy, the water is almost unreal in its clarity, and you can walk the sandbar between the two islands at low tide. The surrounding coral gardens are home to fusiliers, sea turtles, reef sharks and triggerfish. Because of the distance from land, you only see a handful of boats here on the same day, and the beaches stay pristine. Koh Rok is a National Park — swim with care and take only photos.