Islands around Koh Lanta

Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan & Koh Muk

South of Koh Lanta, close to the coast of Trang Province are a number of smaller islands with great beaches, coral reefs and solitude.

Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai (Hai) is a tiny island measuring 4 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. Mountainous and covered by tropical forest, much of the coastline is indented with rocky headlands, while the eastern part has some beautiful sand beaches, backed by coconut plantations.

Don't be surprised to see crab-eating monkeys and monitor lizards coming down from the mountains. In the uninhabited western and northern parts of the island, bird watchers should have a field day looking out for migrating birds. Snorkeling is easy along the western and southern coast, where some reefs can be accessed directly from the beach.

Accommodation

Accommodation on Koh Ngai is limited to a few resorts which offer a choice of fan cooled huts to deluxe air-conditioned bungalows. Bungalows are charmingly constructed to blend in with the natural surroundings.

How to Get There

From Pak Meng, located 15 kilometres away on the mainland opposite, in Trang Province. Standard ferry takes about one hour. A faster speedboat connection from Pak Meng Pier is also available, departing around the same time. It takes just 20 minutes.

From Koh Lanta there is no scheduled ferry service from Lanta Island to Ngai Island although it is possible to rent a private longtail from Saladan (Koh Lanta Island) during high season (Nov - April).

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan plays host to the annual underwater wedding ceremony that draws many partipating couples, hundreds of spectators and takes place each Valentines day.

Also known as Koh Ha by the locals, Koh Kradan Island lies south of Lanta and belongs to the neighbouring Haad Chao Mai National Park. Named after the oblong shape of the island, Koh Kradan covers 4 square kilometres and is considered one of the most beautiful islands off the Trang coastline.

It offers seclusion, dazzling white beaches and easy snorkeling in clear water off the eastern coast, where reefs containing coral gardens, lie close to the beach.

Accommodation

Koh Kradan offers a few private bungalow developments, with both fan cooled and air-con bungalows. Accommodation in tents can also be booked with the National Park Office. Electricity is available from 18:00-20:00 during weekdays and until 22:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Getting There

There is no scheduled ferry service from Lanta Island to the islands of Ngai, Muk or Kradan. You can, however, rent a private longtail boat in Saladan (Lanta Island) or join a snorkeling excursion from Lanta Island and get off the boat at your preferred island. Check the snorkeling destinations first to ensure you go to the right island before booking!!

Koh Muk

Most of the island of Koh Muk is mountainous apart from a small sandy peninsula to the east which is the main (and only) village area - home to about 300 Muslim fishing families. Tourist accommodation is limited to a couple of small resorts located on Ao Makham Beach - located around the other side of the village, where the water is very shallow exposing corals during low tide.

The Emerald Cave - one of Muk Island's main attractions, lies on the west coast and can be reached only by boat. The narrow entrance at the bottom of high-rising cliffs, is wide enough for boats to pass through at low tide. Although many visitors prefer to swim into the darkness and through the winding cave, a distance of around 80 metres.

The reflection of the sun in the water creates a beautiful spectrum of green, emerald and turquoise shades at the entrance, (which gives the cave its name) The end of the cave leads to a kind of hidden Shangri-La - an interior shady valley located between steep cliffs complete with white sand beach. Visitors should go with a guide or note the tide tables as exiting the cave is dependent on the tides.