Are you looking for long dream beaches and turquoise blue water in Thailand? Then you should not miss this island: Koh Kradan is a true paradise! In this article I will tell you how to get to Koh Kradan and what you can experience there!
Koh Kradan, like Koh Mook, is part of the Had Chao Mai National Park in the Andaman Sea and is a mere two and a half square kilometers in size. The island is located only 10 kilometers as the crow flies from the mainland in the south of Thailand and is also a popular destination for locals.
Koh Kradan: One of the most beautiful beaches in the world
You read that right: Koh Kradan is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! In any case, in 2016, the British daily newspaper “The Guardian” voted Koh Kradan one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world – and this has really raised Koh Kradan’s profile.
By the way, Koh Kradan is also known for its underwater weddings on Valentine’s Day, for which people willing to get married travel from all over Thailand.
Paradise Beach on Koh Kradan.
Beaches on Koh Kradan
The famous Paradise Beach is located on the east coast of the island; this is also where most of the resorts are located. Here you can snorkel directly and explore the underwater world.
You will also find other good snorkeling opportunities in the southeast of the island. Just walk south along Paradise Beach, past the ferry dock and the national park ranger base: Ao Nieng Beach doesn’t have as many tour boats and resorts as Paradise Beach.
A jungle path leads to Sunset Beach through the middle of the island to the west coast. It is said that you can experience a great sunset here. Unfortunately, the beach itself is a bit littered. Along the way, you’ll also pass Paradise Lost Bungalows*, the island’s only low-budget resort.
On Koh Kradan you will find only a handful of accommodations. This is also reflected in the prices: in general, everything here is much more expensive than in other vacation regions of Thailand and the price-performance ratio for accommodation is also rather poor.
Koh Kradan Beach Resort
If you are looking for something solid, I can recommend Koh Kradan Beach Resort . The bungalows have mostly beach or sea view, solidly built and for those who need it, also equipped with air conditioning.
The Koh Kradan Beach Resort is located directly on Paradise Beach in Koh Kradan.
Unfortunately, the associated restaurant is not special; the included breakfast is Western-oriented and rather uncharitable. But these are fundamental compromises that you have to make on the very touristy island of Koh Kradan.
Bungalows with sea view: At Koh Kradan Beach Resort, you fall asleep to the gentle sound of the sea.
Kalume’ Eco Boutique Resort
Very popular is Kalume’ Eco Boutique Resort*, a small resort run by Italians. The resort also has an Italian restaurant that offers really good Italian cuisine, from pizza to homemade pasta.
Whether that really has to be on a remote little island in Thailand is probably a matter of taste. Anyway, given the otherwise lousy food situation on the island (most restaurants are not special), it’s a good alternative. The facility is very beautiful, and certainly you have a good time here if you are one of the friends of the house, whose memories adorn the very nicely decorated bar. Unfortunately, everyone else has a bit of a hard time and has to fight for the favor of the service.
Koh Kradan is truly beautiful, but unfortunately it’s no longer a hidden gem. Sometimes the atmosphere at the resort gets a little out of hand, and surrounded by so many Western tourists, you can sometimes forget that you’re actually in Thailand. If you love Koh Samui or similar places in Thailand, you’ll still enjoy it; for others, one or two nights will be enough. (I’m in the latter group.)
However, there is another island among the Trang Islands that is very similar to Koh Kradan and where you can spend a few relaxing days.
Koh Ngai is also a small island paradise: Car- and scooter-free, quiet and perfect for snorkeling and relaxing.
Tip: You will also find beautiful beaches on Koh Ngai.
If you don’t have much time and would prefer to choose an island, I would recommend Koh Ngai. Koh Ngai is somewhat less visited by day trippers than Koh Kradan and is therefore quieter.
In addition, there is a really great boutique accommodation here, the Coco Cottage*, which I liked much better than the similar Kalumé Beach Resort on Koh Kradan. Since there isn’t really much to do on either island, you do spend a fair amount of time in and around your resort, so it’s an advantage to find something pretty right away.
Koh Ngai: The alternative to Koh Kradan
Journey to Koh Kradan
The nearest port on the mainland is Pak Meng Pier. From here boats depart regularly to Koh Kradan. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
In the high season from November to April, Koh Kradan is also on the speedboat route of all the major ferry operators, which connects many islands in the Andaman Sea from Phuket via Koh Lanta down to Koh Lipe. The speedboats are often very crowded, noisy and relatively expensive, but also a good way to hop from island to island.
As on many small islands, you should have some cash with you. Credit cards are often accepted only with difficulty or not at all. ATMs and the ubiquitous 7Eleven stores in Thailand are not to be found here. Some resorts have small stores where you can stock up on necessities. But it’s best if you bring everything with you.
In any case, Koh Kradan will suit you well if you long for relaxation and tranquility!
Useful are:
Mosquito repellent with DEET (you live here in the middle of nature, so to speak, with correspondingly many little animals), alternatively natural means such as citronella oil
own snorkeling equipment (depending on the accommodation you can borrow goggles and snorkel for free, but own is of course more comfortable)
Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (look for a coral-friendly product)
a good book (here you’ll definitely have the leisure to finally start that one book you’ve always wanted to read!)
Are you looking for a relaxed island in Thailand with long beaches and chilled village life? Koh Jum (or Ko Jum, sometimes also called Ko Pu) is located south of the provincial capital of Krabi and could be the perfect island for you! Find out what you can do on Koh Jum in this article.
➜ Quick tip: Where to stay on Koh Jum? On Koh Jum, you will mainly find small bungalow resorts. Perfect for individual travelers if you want to fully enjoy island life with the great nature! Here you’ll find the best places to stay on Koh Jum
Relaxed island life: There are almost no cars on Koh Jum.
Koh Jum: A backpackers’ island?
Originally, it was classic backpackers who found their way to Koh Jum. Tourism was not particularly developed, amenities such as a developed electricity network did not exist and accommodation was limited to a few simple bungalows.
Those days are long gone; even the mainstream has discovered Koh Jum—and yet the island’s simple backpacker charm has been preserved. The former gravel road, which serves as the main thoroughfare across the island, has now been paved. The bungalow resorts are a bit larger and more comfortable, but you can still experience an authentic island vibe here. The atmosphere is generally very laid-back, and the people are exceptionally warm and friendly.
A bungalow in the green: no problem on Koh Jum.
Beaches on Koh Jum
If you love beaches as much as I do, you’ll get your money’s worth on Koh Jum. After my stay on the neighboring island of Ko Siboya, which I otherwise liked but doesn’t have particularly nice beaches, I was in heaven on Koh Jum. The Golden Pearl Beach, for example, is several kilometers long and partly deserted!
Golden Pearl Beach on Koh Jum
All beaches are located on the west coast of the island and therefore offer the most fantastic sunsets over the sea overlooking Koh Phi Phi.
At first glance, you might think that Koh Jum is a charming, yet somewhat sleepy island that doesn’t have any special hotspots. And yet I discovered one or two highlights that absolutely thrilled me!
Luboa Café
Formerly located in the village, the Luboa Café has since moved a bit further out into the countryside. The entrance is right on the street, but once you walk through the large wooden gate, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a jungle paradise! The Luboa Café serves the best coffee and an absolute rarity—freshly baked rolls made in-house every morning! So if you’re ever in the mood for a more Western-style breakfast, this is the place to be. But be warned: the rolls are very popular and sell out quickly. It’s worth arriving early.
If you can’t shake the jungle vibe with all the plants and butterflies buzzing around, you can also stay overnight on the premises (and then secure your rolls each morning) – owner Frank and his wife have tastefully built a small, sugary Tiny House in the garden! Definitely an exceptional accommodation!
Would you like to fish for your own dinner? That’s no problem at Mr. Boy: you can catch your squid from the pier on which the location is located and then have it freshly caught and prepared at Mr. Boy. I’m not so keen on squid and I also have my problems with fishing.
Absolute highlight: The atmospheric café of Mr. Boy on Koh Jum.
But the extraordinary vibe at Mr. Boy makes up for all that: the café on the wooden pier is a conglomeration of art gallery, restaurant, organic garden and hostel! Like everywhere else on Koh Jum, the atmosphere is absolutely chilled and the view of the calm water and the surrounding karst rocks does the rest.
From Mr. Boy Café you have a great view over the water.
Koh Jum: Relaxed evenings with panoramic view
If you are looking for excessive raves on the beach, the nightlife on Koh Jum will rather disappoint you. But with the Rock Bar at the end of Golden Pearl Beach, there is another extraordinary location on the island that will provide you with unforgettable evenings.
Quite hidden: The adventurous way to the Rock Bar on Koh Jum. Creatively designed: The Rock Bar is made of washed up driftwood.
Thailand is such a great destination! Click through my Thailand articles and get even more inspiration for your next trip!
On the one hand you can enjoy the free view of the most impressive sunsets, on the other hand the hidden spot between the rocks is unique. A cosy bar has been created from driftwood on several levels, where you’ll feel like you’re in a huge, cozy nest. The one or other cocktail in addition – and the vacation feeling is perfect!
Pure village life on Ko Jum
There are three villages on Koh Jum: Ban Ko Pu in the north, Ban Ting Rai in the middle and Ban Koh Jum in the south of the island. Koh Jum has a total of only 1000 inhabitants, the villages are correspondingly small. You won’t find big stores here, even ATMs are not available.
Life is simple, the people are all the more cordial and you quickly get into conversation, even if there are sometimes language barriers. Once a cab driver on his scooter overtook me, waved wildly and then almost slowed me down – only to show me the huge group of monkeys on the other side of the road, which was gyrating up and down the tree. And which, admittedly, were really cute. As a city kid who knows all the tricks of the trade, I immediately suspected some kind of scam, but it was actually just pure niceness.
Just like on Ko Siboya, locals wave to you on the street, ask where you’re from or are simply well-disposed. This also makes tourist life relatively carefree. In any case, I have always felt somehow in good hands.
While you have to worry less about things like pickpocketing in the rest of Thailand, my carelessness on Koh Jum has reached unimagined dimensions: While waiting for the next boat at the pier, I simply left my entire luggage including camera equipment at the roadside at a cookshop of an elderly lady on the day of departure and went to eat three houses away, because she unfortunately had nothing left and recommended me another stand. On Koh Jum everything no problem.
What I would also definitely recommend is to start your day with breakfast at one of these cookshops. Breakfast is not particularly worth mentioning in many simpler accommodations. Mostly they try to offer something western. This is often sweetly meant, but personally I can do without tasteless toast and prefer to stick to the local cuisine; and there’s plenty of options on Koh Jum.
Right next to my resort, for example, there was a really great street stall with all kinds of delicacies. Communication was a bit hands-on, but the warmth there blew me away again and I wondered why the site wasn’t full of tourists. If you also often have reservations about street food, just dare and trust your good sense! There, for example, they worked with the simplest of means, and yet everything was super clean and tidy.
What else you can do on Ko Jum
Koh Jum is not very big and with a scooter you can easily explore the island in one day. Most of the roads and paths are asphalted and the traffic is relaxed. If you prefer, you can also rent bikes from some roadside stores. Or you can take one of the scooter cabs. These are not really marked, but it is usually enough to stand on the side of the road and you will be approached as you drive past.
In the middle of the island there is also a viewpoint on the highest mountain of the island, Mount Pu, 422 meters high. If you don’t want to go it alone, you can also join a guided tour with a local guide.
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The best accommodations on Koh Jum
I stayed at the Golden Pearl Beach Resort*. It was okay, but not very charming. Maybe you’ll be lucky and get one of the few bungalows right on the beach! Waking up in the morning and dipping your bare foot into the warm fine sand with your first step is unique. However, most of the bungalows are across the street and the scooter traffic makes it not quite as idyllic as it could be.
The OonLee Bungalows* are a bit more comfortable and closer to nature.
Arrival to Koh Jum
Koh Jum isn’t quite on the tourist radar yet, but getting there isn’t that complicated. There are several options from Krabi:
You can take a cab or songthaew or bus to the more distant Laem Kruad Pier to catch a boat to Mu Tu Pier on Koh Jum. This boat connection is used more by locals and for transporting goods, is cheap (120 baht) and personally I found the trips with it much more pleasant than on a packed speedboat.
From the more easily accessible Chao Fah Pier in the center of Krabi, you can take one of the speedboats that operate in the Andaman Sea during the high season from November to April. A ticket costs about 1500 baht.
There are also connections to Koh Jum from Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi or Phuket.
Tip: On 12go.asia* you can book not only boat tickets, but also complete connections with bus transfers to the nearest pier on the mainland!
Koh Jum Pier: Speedboats depart from here to many neighboring islands.
When is the best time to travel to Koh Jum?
The best time to visit Koh Jum is from November to April. Outside of these months, the weather is sometimes worse and the boat connections are fewer, or are sometimes suspended due to the weather conditions. December and January are the peak season, popular accommodations can be fully booked. Therefore, early booking is worthwhile!
What do I need to consider when traveling to Koh Jum?
Koh Jum is truly a sleepy, laid-back island with a fairly basic infrastructure. You can, however, find everyday essentials in small shops. If you’re looking for accommodations close to nature and you love animals as much as I do, it’s a good idea to have DEET-based insect repellent on hand from the start. There are no ATMs on the island, and credit cards aren’t accepted at many accommodations either.
However, there are some stores that exchange Euros or Dollars; in the village of Ban Koh Jum there are also a few small travel agencies that will easily pay you cash for a fee of about 4% cash and charge your credit card; higher amounts are also possible. If necessary, you can also get cash on Koh Jum, contrary to the information in many travel guides.
Who is Koh Jum suitable for?
Partygoers will likely find Koh Jum a bit boring; you won’t find any clubs or all-night dance parties here. But if you’re looking for relaxation, friendly people, endless beaches, and a laid-back island lifestyle, you won’t want to leave! Families with children are also very welcome here.
Looking for a pristine island in Thailand? Then you should definitely visit Ko Siboya ! The island is part of the Ko Siboya Tambon archipelago off Krabi, which also includes Ko Jum. In contrast to Koh Jum, Ko Siboya is almost completely undeveloped by tourists and perfect if you are looking for a few days of relaxation in absolute nature!
For the fact that the beaches on Ko Siboya are not supposed to be that inviting, it is quite pretty there! 🙂
The authentic Thailand on Ko Siboya
Already on the way to the only resort on the island, heads are stretching on the roadside at the simple snack stands, children are waving cheerfully, and somehow everyone is curious about who has just strayed onto the island. Very few people speak English here, so when visiting the village you have to rely on Google Translate or just try with your hands and feet. As a rule, the predominantly Muslim population does not live from tourism, but from work on the rubber plantations, which are spread over the entire island.
Looking for a place to stay on Ko Siboya? No need to spend a lot of time comparing options! There’s only one resort, and it’s really beautiful: SiBoya Bungalows
In the Siboya Bungalows you sleep in the middle of nature
Many families keep chickens, goats, cats and much more; most of the time all the animals run around freely and together with the wild animals like monkeys and iguanas you get the full program of nature here.
Tourism on Ko Siboya
Tourism plays virtually no role on Ko Siboya. The SiBoya Bungalows are frequented by long-term travelers or Thailand veterans who discovered the island for themselves at some point and have mostly been spending the winter here ever since. Some have even built their own bungalows on the resort grounds.
At first glance, this sounds a bit like a close-knit community, especially since there are not many external influences due to the isolated location. However, I have to say that the atmosphere was very positive and open. Even newcomers and first-time visitors like me are warmly welcomed not only by the resort owner Mr.Chung and his team, but also by the other guests, so that one quickly finds connection and immediately feels at home.
What you can do on Ko Siboya
The beaches are probably the main reason why Ko Siboya has not yet been stormed by crowds of tourists. There are certainly islands with more beautiful beaches such as Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai. Due to the strong tides, swimming is only possible at high tide and you won’t find powder-sugar white beaches. There are also more interesting spots for snorkeling.
At low tide you can’t swim so well on Ko Siboya. At high tide all the better for it!
But in the evening you will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunsets over the Andaman Sea.
Otherwise, there is not much to do on Ko Siboya except relax and enjoy the nature around. In the very small, but very well-kept, simple bungalows you live in the middle of the jungle, without having to do without worldly things like electricity or mobile phone network. On many small islands this is a problem, but not on Ko Siboya, which may make the island interesting for those who need a little internet in between.
However, you can also use the time here to lie down in one of the numerous hammocks and pick up the book you’ve always wanted to read.
Food & Drink on Ko Siboya
For the physical well-being one has to fall back on the resort’s own restaurant relatively often due to the lack of alternatives. They offer the usual Western food tourist menus there (not great), but the Thai options are really, really good, and definitely worth the higher price. Here I sipped the best Khao Tom (rice soup) ever and with luck Mr. Chung also organizes specialties out of the line, like Hor Mok with Barracuda, a fish curry pie cooked in banana leaves.
Not only to eat but also worth a trip with the scooter over the island. Officially, the resort does not rent bikes or scooters, but somehow you could always borrow the resort’s very good scooter for a small fee. The whole island can be circumnavigated in about 15 to 20 minutes; the roads are usually well paved.
On the roadside you will find here and there small, simple restaurants where you can eat for little money and still make contact with the absolutely warm locals. The curiosity and effort to show visitors a good time is omnipresent and truly heartwarming. If you are up early in the morning, you can have a delicious breakfast in the main village from six or seven o’clock.
No wonder that many travelers just get stuck here or keep coming back – Ko Siboya is a real insider tip and simply a beautiful, relaxing place!
Travel to Ko Siboya from Krabi
To get to Ko Siboya, you first have to go to Krabi. In Krabi there are popular places like Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach; furthermore you can easily get to famous islands like Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi from there. Krabi is only a good hour’s flight from Bangkok.
Unlike other islands, getting from Krabi to Ko Siboya is a bit more complicated, but not completely impossible. Ko Siboya is simply not one of the islands and destinations that any of the numerous travel agencies in the area have on offer. To Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi, for example, you will find offers on every corner with pick-up at your accommodation and seamless transportation to your destination (as is so often the case in Thailand), so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Ko Siboya requires a little initiative.
By cab to Laem Kruat
The best boat connection to Ko Siboya departs from Laem Kruat Pier. This is located just outside of Krabi and the travel time from Krabi Town to there is about an hour. The easiest solution is to go there by cab. In Krabi there is also Grab, the Asian equivalent of Uber, but the likelihood of your ride being accepted is quite low due to the distance.
It is cheaper to get to Laem Kruat by public transport. To do this, take a songthaew (one of the Thai shared cabs) from Krabi Town to the bus station, which is just outside the town in the direction of the airport. From there there are buses or shared cabs to Laem Kruat Pier.
By boat to Ko Siboya
From Laem Kruat you simply take one of the boats to Ko Siboya. Just make sure to be at the pier by 4pm, after that there is no boat to Siboya. Not many tourists leave here, you’ll probably have a little trouble orienting yourself as to which boat is the right one. Just ask around, people are very helpful and you will end up on the right boat. The ride itself takes about 20 minutes and costs 70 baht.
Transportation on Ko Siboya
Since Ko Siboya isn’t particularly touristy, there isn’t a fleet of taxis waiting at the pier there, as you might be used to seeing on other islands in Thailand. However, you can contact the staff at SiBoya Bungalows in advance and let them know when you’ll be in Laem Kruat. Then someone will come pick you up. I’ve experienced firsthand just how well this works: I didn’t even let them know in advance because I literally hopped on the boat at the last minute, and yet, miraculously, someone was already at the pier to pick me up.
Onward journey from Ko Siboya
If you want to travel on from Ko Siboya to another island, you’ll usually have to head back to the mainland to Laem Kruat Pier and then take another boat, for example, to Koh Jum. Alternatively, you can charter a longtail boat, which is worth it if you’re traveling with a group. Or you can simply join a day trip and stay on the island. You can arrange this at the resort—just ask around, and you might find like-minded people with whom you can split the cost.
Turquoise waters, pure nature and a snorkeling paradise literally on your doorstep: Koh Ngai (also called Koh Hai) is one of the most beautiful islands in the southern Andaman Sea in Thailand. If you are looking for peace and quiet and want to relax, then this is the right place for you!
Where is Koh Ngai located?
The small island of Koh Ngai is still a real natural paradise. It is only a cuddly 5 square kilometers in size and is located south of the island of Koh Lanta in the Andaman Sea. Here are some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand and Koh Ngai is definitely one of them! It is only 15 kilometers to the nearest pier on the mainland, Pak Meng Pier. The next largest city on the mainland is Trang.
It’s easy to list the activities on Koh Ngai. Snorkeling, sunbathing, relaxing, and unwinding: there isn’t much else to do. You can stroll up and down the beautiful beach or explore the underwater world. In fact, there are small coral reefs right off the beach. The water is crystal-clear and turquoise blue.
The impressive hornbills live right in the neighborhood
If you need some exercise, you can also rent a kayak almost anywhere. If the water is calm, you can also paddle to one of the small inhabitated islands nearby.
You can reach Paradise Beach on the other side of the island after a short hike through the jungle. There’s a small beach there. However, the only resort there is closed. So be sure to bring enough water and food with you. Sturdy shoes are helpful.
Day trip to Koh Ngai
If you’re short on time, you can also take a day trip to Koh Ngai. Tours are offered from several islands around Koh Ngai as well as from the mainland. These usually include additional stops. You can either book a spot on one of these tours or charter an entire boat once you’re there. However, this is usually only worth it if you’re in a larger group.
If you are accommodated on Koh Ngai, the excursions can sometimes spoil the paradisiacal atmosphere, depending on the day of the week. On weekends, several boats can dock one after the other. However, the main beach is very spacious, and there are always longtail boats carrying small groups heading to Koh Ngai. So the crowds are spread out quite well.
More annoying are the loud longtail boats crisscrossing the waters off the coast, which serve as a reminder that you’re still relatively close to civilization—the mainland is clearly visible from Koh Ngai.
Thailand really is a fantastic travel destination and incredibly diverse. Why not take a look at my other articles on Thailand and see for yourself!
How expensive is Koh Ngai?
Koh Ngai is one of the more expensive vacation destinations in Thailand. This gives the island a kind of exclusivity and Koh Ngai is still not overcrowded like many other islands. However, this exclusivity also has its price.
Prices are higher than elsewhere in Thailand (e.g., a serving of spring rolls costs 140 THB, approx. €, and a large bottle of water for the day costs 40 THB). Restaurants typically add a 10% service charge and a 7% tax to the final bill.
Where to stay on Koh Ngai
Since the island is relatively small, there aren’t many places to stay. Unlike on other islands, it’s best to decide in advance where you’d like to stay and book right away. For one thing, accommodations here fill up quickly during peak season; for another, when you arrive by boat, you’ll be dropped off right in front of your resort.
There is a pier, but if your resort is located a bit further up the beach, the only way to get there would be to walk along the beach with all your luggage. However, the more expensive resorts usually find a convenient way to pick you up from the boat, luggage and all. That’s because there are no roads, scooters, or any other means of transportation on Koh Ngai. It’s best to contact your resort again after making your reservation.
Koh Ngai Seafood
Koh Ngai Seafood consists of a few small bungalows on the beach. The bungalows are simple, but are all facing the sea and even from the two cabins located in the second row you’ll have a sea view. There is no hot water (but that is really not bad considering the tropical temperatures) and electricity is also only available from about 6pm until about 8am in the morning.
Just don’t get the very first bungalow next to the restaurant, it’s not quite as heavenly in terms of noise.
If I had seen Coco Cottage before, I would have booked right here! In person, I found the small plant much prettier and more atmospheric. I would even say I could have spent an entire 2-week vacation here without really doing much and recover like never before. The restaurant is expensive, but a pleasant change from the other locations, and the service so nice that I became a regular here pretty quickly, even though I lived two resorts away.
Be sure to remember that you’re going to a nearly deserted island ! Here there is no 7Eleven like elsewhere in Thailand, which is open around the clock and which supplies you with everything. Some resorts have small “stores” where you can stock up on essentials, such as water for the day or if you run out of toothpaste. But it’s best if you bring everything with you beforehand.
Here’s a list of things you should pack:
Sunscreen (preferably coral friendly)
Mosquito repellent with DEET (you’re in the middle of the jungle, and there are already some pesky mosquitoes in the evening when there’s no wind).
Snorkeling equipment such as goggles and snorkels (the resorts also rent equipment, but it is usually only the simplest models, which are of course already very used. With the goggles you don’t necessarily have the best view).
How to get to Koh Ngai
Koh Ngai is connected to the speedboat network operated by the major ferry companies between Phuket and Ko Lipe. The boats run on this route between November and April and stop at just about every island along the way, such as Koh Kradan, Koh Jum, and Koh Mook. Operators on this route include Bundhaya, Tigerlinetravel, Phuketferry, and Satun Pakbara. As with all modes of transportation in Asia, you can easily book tickets in advance on 12go .
When I made my booking, I could still specify whether I wanted to book a transfer from the pier by longtail boat for an additional 100 baht, but in the end the speedboat itself docked on the beach in front of Koh Ngai Seafood. On departure, however, I was first taken to the speedboat by longtail boat. As always, the luggage is unloaded for you, you then simply hop off the boat into the sand and, if necessary, you also get help getting off.
If you are looking for parties and really want to party, Koh Ngai is not for you. You will also look in vain for milder forms of evening entertainment such as fire shows.
Nightlife on Koh Ngai
Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you want to explore and hike a lot, it will be difficult on Koh Ngai. Basically, there is only the main beach, where most of the resorts are located, and Paradise Beach in the south, which you can reach via a hiking trail. The only resort there, however, has closed since the pandemic.
The rest of the island is completely densely forested, completely undeveloped and partly mountainous. For this, Koh Ngai is the perfect island to relax and enjoy the nature all around. You can see hornbills, sea eagles and many other exotic birds.
Families with children
I wouldn’t recommend Koh Ngai to families with smaller children: Although the beach slopes relatively shallowly in most places, the coral reef starts relatively close to shore and it can be hard to find a spot without uneven ground. Also, glass shards keep washing up, some dull, but others still very sharp. But older children will certainly enjoy the fascinating underwater world.
Solo travelers
With all the paradise vibes, you might think that Koh Ngai is mainly for couples in love. But even as a solo traveler I felt very comfortable here and was not the only person traveling alone.
Koh Ngai is simply perfect if you need a few days’ rest from traveling and want to relax. But beware, one or two people stayed on this beautiful island longer than planned 🙂
Are you also dreaming of an island vacation with wide sandy beaches, turquoise blue water and exotic cocktails? I in any case in continuous loop! On my last trip, I more than fulfilled this dream by island hopping in Thailand through the southern Andaman Sea and the Trang Islands. I’ll tell you here which islands I particularly liked and which island is still a real insider tip.
Island hopping in Thailand: From Krabi from island to island
Krabi is the perfect starting point for island hopping. From Bangkok, a flight of just over an hour will take you to a fairly laid-back Thai coastal town that’s also worth a quick stop. Many vacationers even spend their entire stay in Thailand here, as the popular Ao Nang Beach —with its many hotels and tourist amenities—is located just outside the town. Partygoers tend to head to Railay Beach, a stretch of beach surrounded by towering karst cliffs with a small village that’s accessible only by boat.
Krabi Town, the city itself, is less crowded, but if you have to make a stopover here, e.g. because the plane has landed so late and the last boat has already left, you can pass the time in great cafés, with a climb up the Tiger Cave Temple or a stroll through the atmospheric night market.
Tip: Organize your own excursion to Tiger Cave Temple or join a tour*.
“How many times have you been to Siboya?” my cab driver asks me curiously, and it seems like this is the standard question for all tourists heading there. The island Ko Siboya is namely unbelievably still like a black spot on the tourist map around Krabi. Either you don’t know the island at all, or once you’ve discovered it for yourself, you’ll keep coming back.
The only resort on the island: Ko Siboya Bungalows.
And indeed, the only resort on the island with few visitors is home to almost only repeat offenders, from older Thailand veterans, some of whom have even built their own little house on the grounds of the resort, to individual tourists who have been stranded here at some point and succumbed to the charm of sweet idleness on the edge of civilization. In any case, I was very surprised that this insider tip in Thailand has not yet spread!
Must-do: plunge into the sea right in front of the resort at high tide at noon, explore the island by scooter or on foot, and sip iced tea with the locals at the roadside.
Koh Jum (also known as Ko Jum or Ko Pu) used to be known primarily as a backpacker’s island. Most visitors who remember the island from that time rave about the simplicity and authentic island life of back then, when there weren’t even paved roads. Things have changed a bit since then; the main road running across the entire island is now easily passable. There are also expensive resorts here now—but Koh Jum has still retained its village charm.
Meanwhile asphalted: The main road on Koh Jum
Must-Do: Get infected by Mr. Boy’s good humor at the quirky pier restaurant & lose yourself in a walk on the endless beaches
Tip: Luboa Hut*, a Tiny House in the middle of the jungle & cozy coffee shop right outside the door
Endless beach: There are no space problems on Koh Jum.
Koh Mook
On Koh Mook, you can still find the authentic, rural Thailand. Unlike Koh Jum, however, Koh Mook is a bit livelier and even has a small shopping area in the main village. Somehow the whole island is terribly charming and the locals are really warm. Although Western tourists are no longer a rarity here, you are greeted with a smile at almost every corner when you pass the simple residential houses or whiz along the partly still unpaved streets on a scooter cab.
On Koh Mook you can hike to a spectacular viewpoint.
Unfortunately, Koh Mook also has problems like many other islands: Waste and sewage are a problem that is noticeable once you turn your gaze in other directions. However, Koh Mook has one of the most impressive beaches in the region, Sivalai Beach, and if you want to take your mind off things, simply book a few nights at the Sivalai Beach Resort* in a cottage right on the white dream beach and let yourself be pampered.
On Koh Ngai I stayed longer than planned, because the island is just too beautiful! Apart from snorkeling and lazing around on the beach, there’s not really anything to do, but that’s exactly what makes Koh Ngai so special. Here you can really relax and just enjoy the nature around you.
Every evening hornbills gather in the high trees directly at the beach, cicadas screech and even a small gecko got lost in my toilet bag once. Not to mention the underwater world right on your doorstep: On Koh Ngai, you can snorkel right from the beach.
You can observe the exotic hornbills on Koh Ngai from very close.
Koh Kradan
Once voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand by the British newspaper “The Guardian“, the dream beach of Koh Kradan is an absolute island paradise. Similar to Koh Ngai, everything here is concentrated on one beach, and leisure activities are limited to snorkeling, basking in the sun, or simply staring at the unreal panorama.
The beach on Koh Kradan is one of the most beautiful in Thailand.
Unfortunately, the island experience is somewhat spoiled by the invasion of day tourists, whereby Koh Kradan is even more popular than Koh Ngai. In principle, I would also recommend spending at least one night on the island. However, if you have to choose between Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai, I would personally choose the quieter Koh Ngai.
If you are looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a bit of nature and reggae vibes, then you should check out Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is well connected to the nearby mainland with several ferry connections and is therefore a good option if you don’t want to do quite as much boating or have less time.
Koh Lanta is particularly popular with Swedish families, but curiously also with cannabis lovers, even before legalization in Thailand. The long beaches are dotted with laid-back reggae bars.
Long beaches: Koh Lanta is also very popular with families.
Koh Phi Phi
One of Thailand’s most popular islands should not go unmentioned here: Alongside Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi is one of the biggest tourist hotspots. Unfortunately, the island itself is all the smaller, and is overrun with tourists, especially after Maya Bay, located on the neighboring island of Ko Phi Phi Leh, rose to fame through the film adaptation of the novel “The Beach”.
I think Koh Phi Phi is beautiful, of course, but I personally don’t want to see the negative effects of the overflowing tourism on the island, so a short visit was enough for me. But if you’re in the area for the first time, you might want to take a side trip to Koh Phi Phi as well.
Don’t expect a lonely dream island though! The density of 7-Elevens (the almost ubiquitous chain of small convenience stores in Thailand is always a good indicator) is frighteningly high, and sometimes you can’t see the beach at night because of all the fire shows.
When is the best time to travel to Thailand’s islands?
The best time to travel to Thailand to hop from island to island depends mainly on which region you are staying in. You should avoid the rainy season with its monsoon-like rainfall. Ferry and boat connections are severely limited then anyway, and sitting on a small island in constant rain (if you can get there at all) is no fun. In the Gulf of Thailand, where the islands of Koh Phangan, Ko Tao and Koh Samui are located, for example, the rainy season is somewhat shorter and only lasts from around October to December.
The best time to visit the Andaman Sea on the west coast of Thailand is from around December to April, although it gets hotter from March/April onwards. In addition, the speedboats that connect most of the islands from Phuket through Koh Lanta down to Koh Lipe only operate from November to April due to weather conditions.
How do I get from island to island?
In the main tourist season, the best way to get from island to island is by speedboat, which generally only transport tourists. For less developed islands, such as Ko Siboya, you simply travel like the locals on longtail boats or slightly larger boats, which transport pretty much everything you need on the island. It’s much cheaper and also a little more exciting!
You can book tickets for the speedboats in advance on 12go.asia*(in which case I am delighted that you are supporting this blog with your booking! Most accommodations also sell tickets for ferries, speedboats, buses and intercity transfers. Also, on islands with a bit of tourist infrastructure like Koh Jum or Koh Mook, you can find small travel agencies where you can book everything.
Which boat providers are safe?
Popular boat companies in the southern Andaman Sea are Bundhaya, Satun Pakbara, Phuketferry or Tigerlinetravel. Many ticket sellers don’t work with Tigerlinetravel because this provider probably has a very bad reputation when it comes to punctuality, but I didn’t notice any significant difference on my trip. Everyone was a bit unpunctual at times, whether due to the weather or unplanned stops along the way.
In any case, everything is well organized, even if it looks chaotic at first. Transferring to other boats always goes smoothly; Koh Lanta often serves as a sort of hub, and from some small islands, you first have to take a longtail boat to a speedboat and then make a somewhat adventurous transfer on the water. The crew always loads your luggage (as is often the case when traveling in Southeast Asia, backpacks are much more practical here) and unloads it again when you disembark. I also brought a small suitcase for my camera gear, which was always handled with extra care whenever I let them know—really great.
Speedboats are fast when island hopping in Thailand, but not always comfortable.
However, it is better not to insist on German safety standards. The speedboats are booked to the last seat in high season. Once I bought my ticket online and therefore didn’t have a paper ticket that I could exchange for the obligatory sticker with my destination on it at the pier. Nobody really checked this, and every time questions arose, I pointed out that I had bought my ticket online. Then everything was okay. I still had the impression that I was somehow a stowaway with the online ticket, as the speedboat was hopelessly overcrowded and other passengers and I had to stand on the narrow boat.
How to best survive the speedboat ride
Unfortunately, people often imagine island hopping in Thailand to be more romantic than it actually is. While the speedboats take you from one small island to another relatively quickly, the rides aren’t pleasant. For one thing, you’re seated so low that you can’t see the beautiful panorama outside with all the little islands and karst rocks jutting out of the water; for another, the noise from the engines is deafening. And the stench of diesel doesn’t help matters. When the sea gets a little rough, the boat can get quite rocky.
So if you get seasick quickly, it’s better to pack a few travel pills and a spit bag for the worst-case scenario (not available anywhere on board). Don’t travel with a hangover, an empty stomach or one that is too full. Luckily, I don’t get seasick quite that easily, but I’m pretty sensitive to noise—especially from engines—and I’ve been grateful more than once for my earplugs, which were always lying around somewhere in my purse. Listening to music is also helpful, so be sure to bring headphones and a charged cell phone (believe it or not, there’s cell service even out on the water—the coverage in Thailand is simply amazing. I recommend getting a SIM card for your stay in Thailand anyway!)
Looking for more tips for Thailand? Just browse through my Thailand articles
Alternative: charter longtail boat
One alternative might be to charter a smaller longtail boat yourself. This can be a good option for larger groups or families, especially since you’ll be able to decide for yourself when you want to go. You might even find other travelers who want to join you! Just talk to the people at your accommodation when you’re there , or ask at the pier or at travel agencies. By the way, you can also charter longtail boats for local excursions, such as to beautiful snorkeling spots. In popular areas, this can be an advantage if you want to avoid large tour groups!
Longtail boats you can also charter completely
What do I need to take with me
On some of the islands mentioned, such as Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan, there is really nothing except the resorts. Some facilities have small sales corners where you can find necessities like toothpaste, cookies or mosquito repellent. However, it’s better if you bring everything you need. Equipment for snorkeling can be rented everywhere. There are no ATMs even on larger islands like Koh Jum, but you can change money in many small stores or get cash on presentation of your credit card. However, you will be charged a fee of approximately 6% for this.
You won’t find stores like here on Koh Mook on the smaller islands like Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai: so stock up well!
In most resorts on the smaller islands such as Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan, you can also only pay with cash, even if you book online in advance. In exceptional cases, credit cards are also accepted, but this requires more effort and prior registration – someone has to come specially or be informed. Cash payment is simply no problem. So it’s best to remember to withdraw enough cash on the mainland. I always use my DKB credit card for this. It’s relatively cheap and easy to do at any ATM worldwide.
How much time do I have to plan for island hopping in Thailand?
In general, Thailand has an incredible number of beautiful islands. You will hardly be able to see them all on one trip. I would also advise you to concentrate on a single region. For example, if you want to see Koh Phi Phi and Koh Phangan at the same time, which is on the other side of the country, you will spend a lot of time on the bus, at best on a plane to Koh Samui, and on ferries. Especially if you only have 2-3 weeks, this is rather counterproductive.
You can also visit smaller islands such as Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan on a day trip. Of course, this has less of a Robinson Crusoe vibe in a large group, but it may be more practical to have a base on an island such as Koh Lanta for a few days longer.
However, two weeks is an absolute minimum – also because a direct long-haul flight to Bangkok or Phuket from Germany takes over 10 hours. And maybe you want to spend a few more days in Bangkok? In any case, the more time you have, the better!
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