Koh Haa, meaning five islands in Thai, is a group of small uninhabited islands located 18 kilometres west of Lanta's southernmost tip, approximately 27 km southeast of Baan Saladan Pier. Well known to divers as one of the best dive spots around Koh Lanta, the small archipelago is under the supervision of Mu Koh Lanta National Marine Park. Admission Park fee is 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children, free under three years. The archipelago name is slightly misleading, in fact, the group consists of three main islands and three other smaller limestone outcrops. With a shape that resembles a bean, Koh Haa Yai is the southernmost and largest island of group. It is home to a small bay surrounded by cliffs overlooking a stunning white sand beach. Formerly known as Tuk Narima, a name of Malaysian origin, the island was a sheltered harbour for Sea Gypsies and local fishermen by the big storms that hit the Andaman Sea. In the depths of its surrounding waters is located "The Cathedral", the Koh Haa's most famous dive spot. The site consists by a superb underwater cavern with limestone stalactites, which give to the cave the appearance of a cathedral. The entrance of the underwater cave is at about 20 metres deep; due to strong currents the site is suitable only for experienced divers. Few hundred meters north of main insland lies Koh Haa Sam, the middle size of group and the archipelago's main attraction. Together with two other small limestone islets placed in front, the island encircles a shallow bay of breathtaking beauty. Known as the "Secret Lagoon", it has shallow crystal waters of an incredible turquoise colour, ideal for snorkelling, beginner divers and fanatics of underwater photography. Directly from the white sandy bay you can reach the nearby reef, which gently descends from the 3 meters depth in the centre up to the 25 meters depth outside of lagoon, allowing also to the beginners to get used gradually to the depth. Teeming with marine life, the coral reef is mostly covered with large table corals and characterized by many caves and natural fireplaces. Koh Haa Neung is the northernmost island and has no beaches, however, it hosts "The Chimney", one of the most interesting dive sites of the small archipelago. The spot is characterized, as well as the name suggests, by a vertical cave with the entrance at about 5 metres deep and is suitable for all level of divers. There is no accommodation of any kind on the islands, the small archipelago it’s just a place to enjoy wonderful one-day trips, or diving tours, from Koh Lanta and Krabi.
Getting there - To get to Haa Islands individually you can hire a speedboat, or split the cost with other tourists, from the Baan Salad Pier on Koh Lanta, the one-way trip will last about 35 minutes. The cost will not be less than 10,000-12,000 THB for the whole day, for a boat that can carry up to 10-12 people. Alternatively, to reach the islands you can take advantage of an all-inclusive day tour organized by the various agencies of Koh Lanta, Ao Nang and Krabi. Most of these tours include the transfer by song-thaew from your hotel in Krabi or Koh Lanta to the piers, Nopparat Thara Pier if you're in Krabi area or Baan Saladan Pier if you're staying in Lanta, the round trip by speedboat, the visit to the two main islands of the group for swimming and snorkelling, lunch buffet, tropical fruit, drinking water, snorkelling equipment, life jacket, tour guide and insurance. Price of one-day tour ranges from 1,800 to 2,400 THB for departure from Koh Lanta and between 2,200 and 3,000 THB from Ao Nang, depending on the tour operator. There is also, in some cases, to pay a supplement of THB 100 per person for who stay in hotels and resorts in Klong Muang, Tubkaek and Krabi Town. Normally the full-day tour includes the National Park fee entrance, 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children. Pick up from your hotel in Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Koh Lanta is at around 07:30-07:45; the return to Koh Lanta is at around 17:45, 18:15 for boats returning to Ao Nang.Read More
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