The Hidden Jewel Of The Andaman

Tucked between the better-known islands of Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe, Koh Kradan is Trang Province’s best-kept secret. This tiny, jungle-clad island (just 2.5 sq km!) is a vision of untouched beauty: powder-white beaches, translucent turquoise waters, and coral reefs teeming with neon fish. With no roads, no nightlife, and barely a handful of rustic beachfront resorts, Krabi’s quieter cousin is where you go to truly disconnect.

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park, famed for its underwater wedding ceremonies (yes, couples say vows beneath the sea here!). The island’s protected status ensures its coral reefs—some of the healthiest in Trang—remain vibrant, while its lack of mass tourism preserves a castaway vibe. By day, the soundtrack is waves and rustling palms; by night, bioluminescent plankton lights up the shore like scattered stars.

Accommodation ranges from National Park bungalows to eco-friendly resorts with toes-in-the-sand dining. Don’t expect ATMs or 7-Elevens—this is cash-only, solar-powered, "what’s WiFi?" simplicity at its finest.

Best Beaches: Where to Unwind

1. Paradise Beach (Kradan Beach)

   The main hub, with resorts and waist-deep shallows that drop into coral gardens.

   Snorkel tip: Swim 20m out to spot clownfish and brain coral.

2. Ao Nieng Beach

   Our top pick! Secluded and pristine, reachable by a scenic (but wet!) low-tide walk from Paradise Beach.

3. Sunset Beach

   Hike 10 mins through jungle for fiery skies. Note: Occasional ocean debris washes ashore.

4. Ao Pai Beach

   Remote northeast cove; kayak here for solitary swims.

4. Ewu Beach

   • Lesser-visited, with a jungle trail from Mali Resort.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry Season (Nov–Apr): Ideal for snorkeling, with glassy seas and sunny skies.

• Monsoon (May–Oct): Rough seas limit transport; some resorts close.

Pro tip: Visit in February for the underwater Valentine’s Day wedding festival!

How to Get There

From Mainland Thailand:

1. Fly to Trang (1hr from Bangkok) → Take a 1hr ferry from Pak Meng Pier or Khuan Tung Ku Pier (closer, used by resorts).

   • Ferry hack: Book through your resort—many include speedboat transfers.

2. From Phuket/Koh Lanta:

   • Tigerline Ferry (3.5hrs from Phuket; tickets online).

Notes:

• No pier! Ferries anchor offshore; small boats shuttle you to shore (200฿ cash each way).

• Pack cash: No ATMs on the island.

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.