Lak Rad Island is a small limestone island located within the jurisdiction of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. Its primary physical distinction, which has made it an iconic landmark of the Chumphon sea, is its unique shape. When viewed from a distance, the island remarkably resembles a crouching rhinoceros, complete with a distinct head and horn. Adjacent to the main island, three prominent rock pillars rise above the water’s surface, locally known as "Lak Rad" (Rhino Pillars). The island lacks any sandy beaches or flat terrain for landing; instead, it is characterized by steep limestone cliffs and rugged rock formations eroded by centuries of wave action, making it exclusively a site for snorkeling and scuba diving from boats.

In terms of marine ecology, Koh Lak Rad is considered one of the most biodiverse sites in the upper Gulf of Thailand. The underwater terrain, particularly around the northern and eastern sides, is home to expansive colonies of Cabbage Coral (Leaf Coral), which spread across the seabed in a rare state of preservation. In addition to these, the site features dense staghorn corals, massive pore corals, and the spectacular "Anemone Fields" that carpet the submerged rocks. These anemones provide a vital habitat for Skunk Clownfish and various other anemonefish species, as well as Parrotfish, Angelfish, and vast schools of Yellowstripe Scad that frequently swirl around the reef structures.

A remarkable feature of Koh Lak Rad is its underwater visibility and consistent depth profile. The diving areas around the island range from 5 to 10 meters in depth, allowing snorkelers to observe the intricate details of the reef clearly under favorable weather conditions. Beyond the vibrant corals and reef fish, divers may encounter colorful Nudibranchs nestled within rock crevices and Blue-spotted Ribbontail Rays camouflaged on the sandy outskirts of the reef. The preservation of these natural resources is largely due to the strict management by National Park authorities, including the installation of permanent mooring buoys to prevent anchor damage. Consequently, Koh Lak Rad remains the most pristine underwater classroom in Chumphon province.

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How to Get There

• Visitors can charter a long-tail boat or speedboat from Hat Sai Ri Pier. Alternatively, join a one-day tour from Chumphon city, which typically includes stops at Koh Mattra and Koh Lawa. The boat ride from the shore takes about 20-30 minutes.

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Travel Tips

• Always check weather and sea conditions before departure for maximum safety.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the fragile marine ecosystem.

• Bring an underwater camera to capture the stunning sea anemone fields.

• Wear a life jacket at all times while snorkeling, even in calm waters.

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Admission Fees:

• Thai Citizens: Adults 40 THB / Children (ages 3-14) 20 THB

• Foreigners: Adults 200 THB / Children (ages 3-14) 100 THB

• Vehicle Fee (if applicable): 30 THB per car

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:00 AM – 04:30 PM.

• Seasonal Closure: The park typically restricts maritime tourism for safety and ecological recovery during the monsoon season (usually from November 1st to December 31st annually). It is recommended to check the latest National Park announcements before visiting.