Hiking to Laem Thien
Hiking to Laem Thien
Koh Tao, Thailand, is famous for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and abundant marine life, making it a go-to destination for divers. However, for those looking to experience more than just its underwater wonders, hiking to Laem Thien on Koh Tao offers an incredible opportunity to explore the island’s rugged, jungle-covered landscape. This hidden gem on the eastern coast promises adventure, scenic beauty, and serene isolation.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hiking to Laem Thien, why it’s worth the effort, what to expect along the way, and practical tips for making the most of your trek.
What is Laem Thien?
Laem Thien is a remote cape on Koh Tao’s eastern shore, renowned for its untouched beauty, stunning sea views, and historical charm. Once home to a small resort, it has since been abandoned, leaving behind decaying bungalows and other remnants of a bygone era. But the real appeal of Laem Thien lies in its tranquility, isolated beaches, rocky cliffs, and fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
For adventure seekers, hiking to Laem Thien on Koh Tao is a rewarding escape from the busier tourist spots. The trail takes you through jungle pathways, leads to breathtaking viewpoints, and ends at a peaceful cove where you can relax, snorkel, or explore the abandoned structures.
Why Choose Hiking to Laem Thien?
1. A Challenging Adventure
For those craving adventure, hiking to Laem Thien offers a moderately challenging trail, with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The hike provides a great workout and a chance to explore Koh Tao’s lesser-known natural beauty. It’s a fantastic way to get off the beaten path and discover a wilder side of the island.
2. Stunning Scenic Views
The hike rewards you with panoramic views of Koh Tao’s eastern coastline, where you’ll see lush green hills cascading into the ocean. As you make your way through the jungle, you’ll be treated to breathtaking viewpoints, where the turquoise waters below and the clear blue sky above create picture-perfect moments.
3. A Secluded Beach
The ultimate destination of hiking to Laem Thien is a secluded beach cove, surrounded by large boulders and crystal-clear water. This spot is often quiet and peaceful, offering a serene contrast to the busier beaches on the western side of Koh Tao. It’s the perfect place to unwind after your hike, with excellent snorkeling and plenty of space to relax.
The Hiking Trail to Laem Thien
1. Starting the Hike Just up from Tarna Align Resort
To skip the first hill I like to start the hike to Laem Thien just up the road from Tarna Align Resort. I park my scooter here at the end of the steep concrete path which is right at the start of the trail. It’s a peaceful way to begin your trek, and you’ll be surrounded by nature from the very beginning. From this point, the trail initially ascends up to a bungalow with some farmland. After the bungalow the trail gradually descends down to Laem Thien. The hike takes around 45 minutes each way. I recommend that you download the free map app called mapy.cz. This app has most if not all of the popular hiking trails on Koh Tao. I customized the screenshot above from mapy.cz.
2. Jungle Hiking on Koh Tao
As you progress, the trail becomes steeper, rockier, and more challenging. You’ll need to navigate uneven paths, tree roots, and large boulders, so it’s a good idea to wear sturdy footwear. The dense jungle provides good shade, and the sounds of tropical birds and insects accompany you along the way.
This part of the trail offers a true jungle hiking experience on Koh Tao, far removed from the island’s busier tourist spots. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including monitor lizards and colorful butterflies, which are often seen along the trail.
3. Breathtaking Viewpoints
After the halfway mark, you can enjoy a few viewpoints to your left that offer sweeping panoramas of Koh Tao’s eastern coastline. These spots are ideal for taking a break, snapping some photos, and appreciating the island’s stunning landscape.
The viewpoints along the Laem Thien hike are a highlight for many adventurers, providing uninterrupted views of the coastline, the jungle canopy, and the expansive ocean beyond.
4. Reaching Laem Thien
After about 40 minutes of hiking, you’ll begin the final descent to Laem Thien. This part of the trail can be steep, so take your time navigating the rocks. As you approach the coast, the remains of the old Laem Thien Resort come into view, giving the area an otherworldly, almost forgotten atmosphere.
Things to Do at Laem Thien
1. Explore the Abandoned Resort
The abandoned resort at Laem Thien adds a unique charm to the area. Overgrown with vegetation and weathered by the elements, the decaying buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into Koh Tao’s past. For photographers and explorers, it’s a great opportunity to capture some striking images of these forgotten structures.
A brief history: This family run resort originally opened around 1991 with eight simple bungalows, a wooden cafe, no road & a generator for part-time electricity. The owner had a longtail boat and would make the trip to Mae Haad twice weekly to pick up / drop off guests and buy supplies. The resort didn’t have email / internet so no-one could book in advance. Guests would often stay weeks at a time once they arrived. During the late 90’s a road was cut through the jungle & the current concrete structure was built. The road was badly damaged in July 2011 by the landfall of Tropical Storm Nock-Ten. Sadly, the resort closed soon after this because it couldn’t continue to run without access by road.
2. Snorkeling at Laem Thien
The waters around Laem Thien are crystal clear and teeming with marine life. If you’re into snorkeling, don’t forget to bring your gear. The coral formations here are impressive, and you’ll likely encounter schools of tropical fish. It’s one of the quietest spots on Koh Tao for snorkeling, making it ideal for those who prefer to explore without the crowds.
3. Relax on the Secluded Beach
After a challenging hike, there’s nothing better than relaxing on the secluded beach at Laem Thien. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming, and the surrounding boulders provide shade. It’s a peaceful haven where you can recharge before making the return trek.
4. Explore The Pinnacle
Locals tip: I’m sure many visitors miss this part out. At the far side of the beach you’ll see some old steps. They lead to the top of the pinnacle which is a very cool spot with cactus plants, pine trees and many beautiful flowers. You can also venture out onto the giant boulders. Check this out, you won’t be disapointed.
5. Boulder Across To Tanote Bay
Whilst I haven’t personally done this I know that it’s entirely possible. Tanote Bay is the next bay south. You can easily see the green roofed Family Tanote Bay Resort accross the bay.