Koh Wai

Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Chang, Ko Wai is the unspoiled island you’ve been dreaming of. With no roads, no crowds, and water so clear you can count the coral from shore, this tiny gem (just 5km long) is where tropical fantasies come to life. Think powdery beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and hammocks strung between coconut palms.

Ko Wai’s Untouched Magic

Unlike its more famous neighbors, Ko Wai has deliberately resisted modernization. With no 7-Elevens, no ATMs, and just a handful of family-run beach bars, the island operates on "island time." Electricity runs on solar power, fresh water is scarce (showers are often bucket-style), and the only "traffic" is the occasional longtail boat puttering between beaches. This intentional simplicity preserves what travelers cherish most: empty stretches of pearl-white sand like Ao Kham and Ao Yai, where the only footprints at dawn might be hermit crabs’. By day, the soundtrack is just waves and wind; by night, it’s the crackle of bonfires and the laughter of backpackers swapping stories.

A Marine Sanctuary

The island’s real wealth lies offshore. Ko Wai sits within the Koh Chang Marine Park, protecting its kaleidoscopic reefs. Snorkel straight from shore at Long Beach to spot ribbon eels and neon damselfish darting through brain corals. Conservation efforts mean fishing is limited, so the underwater world thrives—keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks at Ao Noi. Locals actively patrol for coral damage, and visitors are gently reminded to avoid sunscreen (bring a rash guard instead). It’s this delicate balance of tou

Why Ko Wai?

Ko Wai isn’t just another tropical island—it’s a deliberate step back into a simpler, slower way of life. Here’s why this tiny paradise stands out:

1. Unspoiled Nature, Untamed Beauty

• Beaches Without Crowds: Unlike tourist-heavy islands, Ko Wai’s shores (like Ao Kham and Ao Yai) remain blissfully empty, even in peak season. Picture powdery sand, swaying palms, and no beach vendors in sight.

• Marine Park Protection: As part of the Koh Chang Marine Park, the island’s coral reefs are healthier than most in Thailand. Snorkel straight from shore to spot parrotfish, moray eels, and even blacktip reef sharks.

• Zero Modern Clutter: No traffic, no neon signs, no chains—just solar-powered bungalows and the occasional reggae bar playing from a generator.

2. Adventure Meets Serenity

• Snorkeling & Kayaking: Paddle to Koh Klum, a micro-island 20 minutes away, or drift above coral gardens teeming with life.

• Hammock Culture: The only "schedule" here is the tide. Read, nap, repeat

How To Get To Ko Wai

From Bangkok to Trat (Gateway to Ko Wai)

• By Private Car: Drive (~5hrs) to Laem Ngop Pier (Krom Luang Chumphon Pier)—GPS coordinates available. Parking costs 50฿/day.

• By Bus/Van:

  • Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bangkok): Buses/vans depart hourly (~4-6hrs, 200–270฿).

  • Ekkamai Terminal: More frequent options (similar pricing).

2. From Trat to Ko Wai

• Speedboat (Fastest Option – 30 mins):

  • Departs Laem Ngop Pier 1–2x daily (last boat ~2:30 PM).

  • Cost: 450฿ one-way.

• Slow Boat (Budget Option – 2+ hrs):

  • Runs only Mon/Wed/Fri at 2:00 PM from Laem Ngop.

  • Cost: 300฿ one-way.

• Songthaew Tip: From Trat Bus Terminal, take a public songthaew (50฿) to Laem Ngop—specify "Ko Wai Pier" (not Koh Chang’s ferry pier).

3. From Nearby Islands (High Season Only – Nov–Apr)

• From Koh Chang:

  • Bangbao Boat’s wooden ferry (daily at 9:00 AM, stops at Ko Wai en route to Koh Mak).

  • Speedboats (9:00 AM & 12:30 PM) also stop at Ko Wai—book via Koh Chang tour agents.

• From Mainland (Laem Ngop):

  • Seatales Speedboat (2:30 PM) or Panan Speedboat (4:00 PM)—must request Ko Wai stop in advance.

Key Tips:

✔ Last Boat: Speedboats stop running by mid-afternoon—plan arrivals before 2:30 PM.
✔ Cash Only: Bring enough for tickets + island expenses (no ATMs on Ko Wai).
✔ Tide Check: Boat schedules can shift with tides—confirm a day ahead.

DID YOU KNOW?
You can get your Thai eSim card before you arrive…

Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices. You can grab your esim on the go before you arrive to Thailand to save expensive mistakes upon your arrival.