Thale Noi means the small sea and indeed, travelling by long-tail boat on this vast freshwater lagoon gives you the feeling that you are on an amazingly calm sea. The Lake is located in the Phatthalung province of southern Thailand, covers an area of 28 square kilometres, and forms the northernmost portion of the Great Songkhla Lake. The wetland area was declared a Ramsar site, which recognizes its international importance under the criteria of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for containing representative, rare or unique wetland types or for their importance in conserving biological diversity.
When to go?
The lotuses and water lilies are in full bloom from January to March/April and this time of the year corresponds with the largest number of migrating birds. I visited the place exactly on the first day of April and the scenery was amazing with a minimal number of tourists. In general, November is the wettest month of the year and July is the driest.
Morning activities on the lakeFisherman in the “office”Seems like floating on a carpet made from lotus flowers
How to get there?
The easiest way is to fly from Bangkok to Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat or Trang and arrange a further trip from one of these. The southern railway connects Phatthalung with Hat Yai and Nakhon Si Thammarat, but you can easily get mini-buses or buses too.
Where to stay?
As long as you are planning to take a sunrise boat trip, you should stay overnight somewhere around the lake. I recommend Chuanchom Resort. It’s basically just opposite the area where the boatmen hang out in the morning. The room is simple but perfectly fine for a short stay. I paid around 700 THB for one night.
How long to stay?
One day is enough to explore the area. After the sunrise trip, you may want to check out Thale Noi Viewpoint Tower and then make a stop in Phatthalung, before heading further.
Lotus flower
Sunrise boat trip
Boat trips can be arranged around the big parking, opposite the road next to Chuanchom Resort. Just go there in the morning and speak directly with the boatmen. I highly recommend starting around sunrise time, as it’s purely magical to see how the wetlands spring to life. The prices vary depending on the duration of the trip. The 1-hour trip will cost about 550 THB while the longer one, which is over 2 hours, will cost about 900 THB or more. I took the longer one and totally loved it. It was even more than 2 hours as the boatman didn’t have a watch and I didn’t control the time either. After a while, he just asked me what time it is and then we turned back. Perfect cooperation 🙂 Long-tail boats can carry up to 7 people.
It’s worth waking up early!Sunrise is the best time for a boat trip on the lake
Thale Noi is an important habitat for various wildlife, particularly waterfowl. January to April is the time of the year with the largest number of migrating birds and the sunrise hours are best for observation. Besides that, you will certainly spot water buffaloes. Local fishermen can be spotted too, checking their fish traps and nets but also unknowingly posing for photos. The long-tail boat glides across the water strewn with lotus flowers like a carpet. And when there are no plants on the surface, it acts as a mirror, reflecting incredible formations of clouds.
There are many photo spots when the boatman switches off the engine so you can take in all that view in silence.
Water buffaloes marching through the lakeWater buffaloesSeems like they really enjoy the water!Fisherman preparing fish traps
Other interesting places
Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge
Spanning 5.5 kilometres, it is the longest bridge in Thailand. There are some rest stops so you can pull over and take your photos if you are driving. When you enter the bridge from the Gulf of Thailand side, you may spot giant square-shaped nets which are mounted on a wooden frame named ‘yo‘ in Thai. The nets are dipped into the water and then raised to catch the fish which can then be sold at local markets. The very picturesque Twin House is located more or less about halfway along the bridge, on its left side.
Amazing cloud formations above the bridge5,5 km – the longest bridge in ThailandIt is possible to safely stop at the bridge and take photosBe careful with your drone as there are many birds aroundAerial view of Thale Noi Twin House is located more or less about halfway along the bridgeGiant nets used for fishing The nets are dipped into the water and then raised to catch the fishTop-down view of the fisherman housePanorama with fishermen spots
Thale Noi Viewpoint Tower
Walk up the stairs to admire the panorama of Thale Noi Lake.
Phatthalung
There are no must-see places in town, however, some are worth the visit if you have time to spare.
Phatthalung Museum is a former residence of the Governor of Phatthalung. Beautiful, Thai-style houses are now accessible to the public. When it comes to temples, I would recommend visiting Wat Khuha Sawan, with a cave full of Buddha statues and Wat Khao Chiak with 800+ steps uphill and beautiful panoramic views as a reward. To finish the day, Saen Suk Lampam Beach is a good spot for enjoying lakeside views, especially during sunset.
Phang Nga Bay with its 42 islands is located in the northern part of the Malacca Strait between Phuket and the provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi on the mainland of southern Thailand. A large part of it is protected by the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The landscape attracts tourists with huge limestone karsts that seem to grow out of the calm waters of the Andaman Sea. It’s something that just can’t be missed when travelling in that region.
This article describes a tour around the bay, with an overnight stay on Panyee Island. There are two big islands in that area, but I believe that they deserve a longer visit on their own, as otherwise, you would feel too rushed. The two islands are Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi and you can read about them in my previous posts.
Where to find a boat trip?
Prior to the trip, I did my research on Google Maps and found a place with quite many positive reviews: Service Tour Boat Friendly Price. Yes I know, the name sounds catchy 🙂 They are located next to Pracharat Pier and parking shouldn’t be a problem. Hanah, who is the owner, can be easily contacted by phone (+66933906568) and is really friendly.
They offer two kinds of tours. Tour A includes James Bond Island, Lod Cave, Saokadong Cave and Panyee Island. Tour B includes James Bon Island, Hong Island, Nok Krariang Cave and Panak Island. Each tour costs around 2,000 THB. If you want to combine two tours and additionally stay overnight at Panyee Island as I did, you may need to negotiate your price. It will be higher as after the night on the island, someone has to come and pick you up the following morning, so expect to pay around 3,000 – 3,300 THB. Of course, if you travel with a group of friends, the price per person becomes more affordable.
The easiest to get to Pracharat Pier is from Phuket or Krabi. I went there on a rented motorbike from Krabi and it took me about 2 hours.
Of course, Phang Nga Bay can be reached by speedboat directly from Phuket and it’s way easier to organize. It’s up to you to decide what kind of experience you want. Speedboat with lots of other people or private long-tail boat which allows you to go at your own pace. Another good option could be arranging a long-tail boat at Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao YaiIslands.
Drone shot taken around Panyee Island
When to go?
The best time to visit Phang Nga Bay is from November to May, outside of the rainy season. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional. In other months, accommodation may be cheaper but organizing a boat may be way more difficult and the whole experience won’t be as pleasing as it could be.
How long to stay?
Most people just do a day tour but I wanted to feel Phang Nga Bay after all the tours and noisy speedboats come back to the mainland. Therefore, I stayed 1 night on Panyee Island which was an excellent choice. If you have the time, I really recommend you do the same.
Where to stay?
I booked a room atJamesbond Bungalow Ko Panyeewhich was an excellent choice. The view from the terrace was amazing and there were nice chairs to lie down on. The host was very friendly and the internet connection was fast. I paid 850 THB for 1 night’s stay.
What to take with you?
You won’t need much, but make sure these items find a place in your bag:
Rain jacket
Sports shoes or trekking sandals (may be useful in the caves)
Flip flops
Swimsuit (you may get wet on the kayaks)
Insect repellant
Sunglasses
Hat
Day 1
The trip started with a visit to the faraway spot: Phanak Island. Normally you can do a short kayak trip here to enter the lagoon which is possible at low tide only. If you don’t want to do that the boatsman can pull over next to the rocks and let you get off the boat to have a short walk and have a look at the lagoon. It was a really good start to the tour and the island also looks amazing while you are approaching it. There is also Ice Cram Cave in the other corner of the island. Nothing spectacular but if you are already around…
Approaching Phanak IslandRide in a long-tail boatThe visibility wasn’t perfect on that dayAround the caves
The next stop was at the Birds Cave on Ko Sa Ang Yai Island. It was the most adventurous cave as to get into, you need to climb the wooden ladder. It’s a small place but very atmospheric and well worth the visit. From there, we went to one of the biggest attractions in this area: Hong Island. Again, there is an option for a short kayak trip at the additional fee of 300 THB, and this time I decided to go for it. In fact, it’s a guided trip so actually you don’t paddle yourself but just sit as a passenger. A bit strange 🙂 Some passes are really low so the guide will ask you to lie down and watch out for your head. It was really fun, even though it was raining. You feel so small being surrounded by these towering limestone walls.
Kayaking around Hong IslandVarious small islands in Phang Nga BayImpressive walls growing out from the sea
Then, it was time to move on to Ko Tapu, also known as James Bond Island. Very tourist place, which suddenly might get super crowded as many boats arrive at the same time. However, it’s good to see it once in a lifetime. The place appeared in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. There is a national park fee of 300 THB per person paid upon arrival.
The famous rock as seen from the James Bond Island
The last stop before arriving at Panyee Islands for chilling was Thalu Mountain and Lot Cave. It’s another kayaking stop and again paid 300 THB extra. For me, it was even better than Hong Island so I can highly recommend it. The same as before, you go with the guide who does the paddling job and just enjoy the scenery. You will see impressive rocks, mangroves and most probably some “walking fish” so the mudskipper which is a half-fish half-reptile. The only thing that influenced negatively my experience here was the guide who was all the time talking about his family and how poor he is, kind of forcing the tip in an unpleasant way.
Finally, we arrived on Panyee Island and I agreed with the boatsman to pick me up the next day at 10 AM. I left my things in the room and went for a walk. Panyee Island is a fishing village built on stilts by Malay fishermen from Kedah state. It was very peaceful in the afternoon when all the tours already left and only local people remained. And me, probably the only tourist staying overnight 🙂 The scenery around was truly fantastic, as you can see in the drone shots below. For the dinner, you may find some cheap bites in the market area close to the mosque.
Seems like a nice place to play football!Panyee Island, what a location!Calm afternoon at Panyee IslandUnbelievable scenery!
Day 2
I was picked up according to schedule and I was really glad that it seemed to be a sunny day. That’s why, on the way back to the pier, I could see the scenery of Phang Nga Bay once again, in different conditions. We made one more stop to visit the cave of the name that I don’t even remember anymore 🙂 But the highlight was just a relaxing boat ride in the morning sunshine. Hanah greeted me upon arrival and I jumped on my motorbike to check some other points in the area, before coming back to Krabi.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Being so close, you can’t miss the visit to this amazing place. The view is good at any time of the day but of course, it’s absolutely breathtaking during sunrise and sunset. You need to park at the bottom and use their 4X4 taxi to go up. It costs 90 THB per person for a return ticket. There is a restaurant at the top but it may get very busy.
What a view from Samet Nangshe Viewpoint!
Benyaran Museum and Waterfall
A private collection of all kinds of things in aspects of culture, traditions, living conditions, occupations, etc. The entrance fee is 150 THB for foreigners and I personally think that it isn’t worth it. There is a small waterfall, a few minutes’ drive beyond the museum which can be visited free of charge. Follow the signs.
Phang Nga
Phang Nga is also the name of the city, the capital of Phang Nga Province. A rather compact place, just for a quick stopover. You can have a look at Tham Sam, a nice limestone cave with wall paintings from as early as 1850. It is located next to a beautiful lake and limestone cliffs. Free to visit.
Another cave nearby is Tham Phung Chang. The price (500 THB) includes canoeing, bamboo rafting, and walking. I had enough caves that weekend so I left it for the next time.
Phang Nga is a small and sleepy townThe landscape around Phang Nga
Summary
Overall, it was an excellent and unforgettable time, even though the weather was far from perfect, especially on the first day. It’s not cheap, but if you travel with a group of friends, then it definitely makes more sense than an organized speedboat tour from Phuket. Overnight stay on Panyee Island gave me the chance to see the quiet side of Phang Nga Bay, almost without any other tourists around. Well worth it!
It’s a popular tourist destination as it’s conveniently located between Phuket and Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. The main attractions of Khao Sok are Cheow Lan Lake, wildlife, iconic limestone hills, waterfalls, raft houses spread over the lake, trails, caves and rivers. It’s a real paradise for nature lovers and be sure that some time here will stay in your memories forever.
The park covers 739 square kilometres and was officially established on the 22nd of December 1980. Luckily, in the 1970s, Thai students, who had joined communist insurgency groups, set up a stronghold in Khao Sok, as it provided ideal conditions to hide and operate guerilla warfare. They managed to keep at a distance not only the Thai Army but also loggers, miners and hunters. Who knows what the rainforest would look like now if not for coincidences like this one?
In 1982 Rajjaprabha Dam was built, closing off the Pasaeng river and creating 165 km2 of the Cheow Larn Lake. This dam was built to provide a source of electricity to southern Thailand, which by now had become a major tourist destination.
How to get to Khao Sok?
It’s a popular place so arranging transportation from other spots in Thailand will be rather easy. The most convenient way is to start the trip from Krabi, Phuket, Khao Lak or Surat Thani with a minivan. Just ask the travel agent or the receptionist at your hotel and I’m sure they will guide you through the options.
I started from Krabi but in this section of my travel, I had a rental car for about two weeks, so it was really easy to get around. I took a white Toyota Yaris ATIV from PURE Krabi Car Rental and it was easily the best and the most worry-free rental experience that I have ever had. Easy contact through Whatsapp with the owner, no deposit needed, the low maximum liability of 5,000 THB and there was even a free WiFi device on board. Perfect!
Surrounded by limestone mountainsThe boat ride is incredibly scenic
When to go?
It’s a humid jungle environment with high temperatures and heavy rains year-round. The rain intensifies during the months of June through November but it shouldn’t discourage you from visiting this beautiful place. Just be prepared to get wet at any time of the year. Tropical downpours can be strong but usually, they don’t last for long. After all, it’s a rainforest!
If you really hate rain, February is the driest month on average with 30mm of rainfall, so plan your trip at this time.
Low clouds in the morning hoursMorning hours are the most photogenic so have your camera ready!
How long to stay?
At least 3 days should be counted to fully enjoy the visit to Khao Sok. I spent 2 days on the trip to Cheow Larn Lake and 1 additional day hanging around the village and enjoying a guided night jungle walk. Anything shorter would have felt rushed.
Where to stay?
I booked a room atKhao Sok Jungle Huts Resortwhich was an excellent choice. Free parking, mosquito net, great restaurant and unbelievably friendly host. I arranged all my trips here. The place is very green with easy access to the river and you can occasionally spot some monkeys.
This huge insect just landed at the reception while I was checking in
What to take with you?
You won’t need much, but make sure these items find a place in your bag:
Rain jacket
Sports shoes or trekking sandals that can get wet (for the cave tour)
Long trousers and long socks
Swimsuit
Insect repellant with DEET (there will be leeches)
Sunglasses
Hat
National Park fees and opening hours
According to the official website, as of June 2022, the entrance fees for foreigners are 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children 3-14 years old. Thai citizens pay 40 Baht for adults and 20 Baht for children. The entrance fees are valid for multiple days only if staying inside the park, either when camping or staying at raft houses on the lake. In other cases, you will have to buy a new ticket every day, which I find a bit ridiculous. After coming back from the tour of raft houses, I still wanted to do the guided night walk and I had to pay again for the new entrance ticket.
Luckily, it seems that the prices went down because when I was visiting in March 2022, the entrance ticket was 300 THB.
The park is open from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, all year round. Entering after 6 PM is possible if you do a night walk with a guide.
Cheow Lan Lake
What to do in Khao Sok?
The park can be split into two popular areas, which are 67 km apart. The first one is around the national park headquarters and Khao Sok Village, where it is possible to hike a number of trails, join guided night walks, visit waterfalls or take part in activities on the river. The second one is around Cheow Lan Lake and is popular for boat trips, raft houses, caves and limestone mountains.
source: www.thainationalparks.com
Overnight trip to Cheow Lan Lake
I booked a 2D 1N trip at my hotel one day in advance. The cost should be around 2,500 THB but ask if the entrance ticket to the national park is included.
The minibus picked me and some other guests up and we were taken to Cheow Lan Lake Pier where we bought national park tickets and boarded a long tail boat. The ride on the lake was extremely fun. Interestingly, the lake was created in 1982 as part of a damming project to provide hydroelectricity to the south of Thailand. It stretches over an area of 165 km2. We were surrounded by limestone hills and it all felt like going deeper into some unknown Jurrasic Park.
There are many raft houses spread all over the lake, from which it is possible to visit caves, viewpoints, limestone hills and get to some exciting trails. The one I stayed at was called the Smiley Lakehouse. Very pleasant place with simple rooms and private bathrooms. As I was travelling alone, I was asked to share a room with another solo traveller. Of course, I agreed and ended up with a new friend from Germany.
Raft houses on the lakeImagine waking up in these surroundings!Kayaks are available and paddling around is a great way to kill some time
We had a bit over one hour to chill out, swim in the lake or use one of many available kayaks. I decided to paddle around a bit but it was really tough in that sunny weather!
Then, it was time to return to the boat and head to Nam Thalu Cave. For me, it was the most adventurous part of visiting Khao Sok National Park. Once inside the cave, you wade or maybe even have to swim through the water. Keep all your valuables in a waterproof bag or ask your guide to store them for you. Due to the weather forecast for the afternoon which included rain, we were a bit hurried. Apparently, it may be extremely dangerous if you get caught inside the cave in heavy rain as the water level rises very fast.
We saw plenty of bats and spiders that can be recognized by their eyes reflecting the light. There could be also some snakes around but we didn’t see any. It is definitely not a place to go with small kids and you should wear proper shoes, not flip-flops.
As soon as we exited the cave, the heavy rain started so we were really just in time! It was raining the whole way back to the boat. Rain in the jungle means one thing. Be careful of leeches! A few people in our group were affected so it’s best to stop from time to time and check your body and the body of your buddy. They can move really fast so pay attention to the area around your ankles but also under your armpits.
We went back to the raft house where we had time to relax while waiting for dinner. It was really amazing to see when the rain stopped and clouds were rolling over the massive limestone hills.
Limestone hills after the rain
The night was calm and in the early morning, we boarded the boat again, this time looking for wildlife. We saw a lot of monkeys and some hornbills, but unfortunately no elephants.
Hornbills were seen in the early morningMisty rainforest
After breakfast, it was time to pack the bags and go back to the pier, with two more stops on the way: Khao Sam Kloe, which is a group of 3 beautiful rocks, and Pra Kie Phet Cave, a small and this time without water but with bats and some huge spiders which scared the shit out of me, even though they are harmless for humans.
Khao Sam KloeIt used to be a snake…Plenty of spiders inside Pra Kie Phet Cave
In the end, the minibus transported us back to Khao Sok Village with a short lunch stop at Ratchaprapha Dam Scenic Viewpoint. All in all, it was a wonderful trip, absolutely worth the price. I highly recommend spending the night at the lake instead of doing only a day trip. It will add so much more to the experience!
You can also arrange your trip independently, by arriving at Cheow Lan Lake Pier and getting a boat from there to the floating house that you booked before or simply arranging the boat trip for a few hours. However, to see all the other attractions around, I believe it’s better to go for an organized trip with a guide, which includes an overnight stay in a raft house.
Night jungle walk
It’s actually a really fun experience, even though you don’t go deep in the jungle but rather follow the dirt road, around the park’s headquarters. We saw some frogs, snakes, spiders, and lizards as well as stick insects.
Wildlife seen in the night
Rafflesia flower hike
Rafflesia is a parasitic plant with no leaves or roots on its own. It invades the liana vines and like a parasite, it absorbs all the vine’s nutrients. Once a year small buds begin to develop beneath the root bark of the vine. As they mature, they swell, breaking through the bark. They then burst open revealing the massive flower, which can be up to 80 cm! I haven’t done this hike but it’s definitely on my list, even in other places in South East Asia!
Ton Kloi Waterfall
One of the hikes that starts at the national park headquarters. It is 7 km long and runs along the Sok River. The first 2.9 km of the trail, until a checkpoint guarded by rangers, doesn’t require any guide to walk. However, if you want to continue all the way to the end, the guide is obligatory. There are many other, smaller waterfalls along that trail.
Sip Et Chan Falls
This 11-tiered waterfall is accessible by a nearly 4 km long trail starting from the north side of the campground next to the park’s headquarters. You can walk the first 400-50 meters on a wooden boardwalk freely, but a guide is required for the remaining distance.
Mae Yai Waterfall
It’s outside of the national park and you can just see it from the road while driving from Khao Lak. Otherwise, I wouldn’t say that it’s worth a dedicated trip.
Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary
It’s one of the sanctuaries with really good comments from visitors. You may be able to make food for the elephants, feed and walk with them, but riding or bathing is absolutely forbidden.
River tubing or bamboo rafting
Both activities are especially fun in wet months when the water level in the river is high. It’s best to arrange it directly at your hotel or at street agencies.
Off the beaten trail – Khlong Phanom National Park
Rarely visited park, with a very nice loop hiking trail which should take you under 2 hours. You have a couple of viewpoints along the way until you finally arrive at the big tree. The entrance fee is quite cheap at 100 THB.
Around Khlong Phanom National Park
Summary
It was a magical time in nature and if you are looking for something else than Thai islands, look no further. There are plenty of activities to do both for very active people and also for those lazier ones. Spend the night in a raft house, waking up early to admire the morning mist and listen to the sounds of the jungle. This is one of these experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. I am a big nature enthusiast and I had 3 days of an absolute blast.
“Similan” is a Yawi (a Malayan dialect) word which means nine. The park had originally nine islands numbered 1 to 9 but expanded to include two more remote islands back in 1998: Ko Tachai and Ko Bon.
Crystal clear waters filled with marine life, white sand beaches and tropical forest. All of these made Similan Islands incredibly popular and unfortunately, overcrowded. National Park authorities have been constantly reducing the number of tourists allowed to visit the islands and as of today, it’s not possible anymore to stay overnight at any of the islands in the archipelago.
Similan Islands have rocky shores
The islands are located about 70 km off the coast in Phang Nga Province and the nearest popular towns on the mainland are Khao Lak and Phuket.
How to get to Similan Islands?
The Similans can be reached only by tour company-operated speedboats. The best is to base yourself in Khao Lak and ask around at travel agents or your accommodation.
If you are into diving, you may want to check out the offers of liveaboard dive boats which are ideal for multiple days adventures.
Thap Lamu Pier is the main pier for boats operating to the islands but there are several others in the area, used by various tour operators so make sure you check where to check in for the tour if pick-up from the hotel isn’t included.
You can also book your tour in Phuket but that will significantly extend the duration of the trip as you have to add a few hours in a minibus, which means super early departure and late arrival back to the hotel. I wouldn’t recommend that, as you will also miss the chance to explore Khao Lak, which is a nice place itself.
After doing my research, I decided to book the tour online via Klook.com. The price was significantly cheaper compared to the official one on the website of Love Andaman.
Sailboat Rock on Koh Similan
Price and entrance fees
The prices of one day trip should vary between 2,000 – 3,500 THB, depending on what is included. Back in March 2022, the trip cost me 2.200 THB and the National Park entrance fee was included. Always make sure that it’s the same in your case, to avoid any surprises at the pier or upon arrival to the islands. Especially as this is one of the most expensive national parks in Thailand.
As of June 2022, the entrance fees for Similan Islands are 500 THB for adults and 250 THB for children 3-14 years old. These are the prices for foreign tourists. As usual in Thailand, local citizens will pay significantly less: 100 THB for adults and 50 THB for children.
One of the views from Sailboat Rock on Koh Similan
When to go?
The best time to visit Similan Islands is from December to April, outside of the rainy season. The waters are clear, making it the best time for scuba diving and snorkelling. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional.
The park is usually closed for visitors from the 15th of May until the 15th of October but it may close even earlier if the weather is terrible. The daily opening hours are from 8 AM to 4 PM.
The beach on Koh Miang An Island The beach on Koh Miang An Island
How long to stay?
Camping or any other kind of accommodation is not available on the islands. Therefore, if you don’t join liveaboard diving boats, one day trip will be your only choice to discover that area.
The trip plan
The boat operated by Love Andaman is leaving Thap Lamu Pier at about 8:30 AM but you certainly should arrive earlier to check in and to have enough time to enjoy the breakfast! Yes, breakfast is included in the price and it’s actually a really good one, with a wide selection of snacks and drinks. After checking in, you will receive a colourful wristband corresponding to the group that you have been assigned to. The guide will call your number and give you safety instructions as well as general talk about the plan for the day.
The first stop is at Island No. 8, also called Koh Similan. That’s the most popular spot with iconic Sail Boat Rock and the viewpoint up there. The panorama over the turquoise-blue shallow waters of Donald Duck Bay is indeed spectacular. A path through the rocks leads to the top but isn’t too difficult. You will also get enough time to have a walk, swim or just sit on the beach.
Next, the boat stops around Island No. 9, also called Koh Ba Ngu for snorkelling. Of course, it’s an optional activity but highly recommended as you will see plenty of fish or even a turtle if you are lucky.
At about 12:00, there it’s time for Thai buffet lunch. After a nice surprise in the morning with a quality breakfast, the lunch was delicious too. I have done several boat trips during my 5-month stay in Thailand and the food delivered by Love Andaman was definitely the best.
After lunch, there is another stop for snorkelling at Island No. 7, also called Bayu Island. Some people spot a turtle here but unfortunately, I wasn’t so lucky.
The last stop is at Island No. 4, also called Koh Miang An Island. There is a nice path through the forest connecting two beautiful beaches where you can enjoy water activities or simply chill on the sand. Don’t forget to look up as you might be able to see a lot of bats, hanging on the branches and resting before an evening meal.
Plenty of bats up in the trees!
The boat leaves Similan Islands at about 15:15 and arrives back at the pier at about 16:30. Needless to say, above mentioned program is the general one and it can be changed depending on the weather and sea conditions.
Summary
All in all, it was a day well spent. Everything was on an excellent level: food quality, attention of guides, snorkelling spots, and comfort on the boat. And if you get a good promo on Klook.com, the value is amazing. I would definitely go again!
Koh Yao Yai (South Island) is the bigger sister of Koh Yao Noi (North Island), located in the middle of the spectacular Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea, between Krabi and Phuket. It’s much less developed than touristy Phuket, which makes it an ideal place to experience a more real and rural Thai island atmosphere.The majority of the population is Muslim so don’t be surprised to see mosques and hear calls for prayer.
It’s an excellent place to be if you love relaxing rather than hardcore parties which you may find in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. Let me suggest to you how to organize a trip there and what is worth visiting!
How to get to Koh Yao Yai?
The island can be reached only by sea from several places, but the easiest would be to start in Phuket or in Krabi. You could also look for speedboat connections from Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe. I decided to take a speedboat from Krabi and the experience was very smooth.
When to go?
The best time to visit Koh Yao Yai is the same as for all the other islands in that area, from November to May, outside of the rainy season. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional. In other months, accommodation may be cheaper but it’s better to check the boat schedule well in advance as may get wet frequently.
How long to stay?
Koh Yao Yai is quite a small island but you should consider the possibilities of several day trips: Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi or Hong Island are just some of the most popular ones. I would say that at least 3 – 4 full days would be needed to fully discover the region if you decide to base yourself here and not on Koh Yao Noi.
Low tide hoursSwimming might be tough or impossible in some places during low tide
Where to stay?
Hotels, bungalows and resorts, all of these are available on the island at various prices. I stayed in KLONGBON GARDEN HOME for about 750 THB per night. It was located in the south of Chong Lard Pier so you will need a motorbike taxi to get there. It’s more like a budget option but the room was clean and it was really cool to sit and chill on the small terrace. You can easily make a reservation on booking.com or agoda.com.
Klongbon Garden Home is a great place to stay on Koh Yao Yai Island
Getting around the island
The easiest would be to rent a motorbike and move around the island at your own pace. If you don’t want to ride it, you should consider tuk-tuks, bicycles or long-tail boats.
There are guys offering motorbikes already at the Chong Lard Pier, but I usually prefer renting from a place with trustworthy reviews, therefore, I just did it at my guesthouse.
Beaches
Lam Haed Beach
One of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in Thailand. It’s pretty long, with many coconut palm trees in the background, but what makes it absolutely amazing is the northern tip that turns into a sandbar that goes far into the sea and is perfectly walkable.
Lam Haed Beach with coconut palms in the backgroundAerial view of Lam Haed BeachThe tip of the beach turns into an amazing sandbarWhat scenery for beach walks!
Son Bay Beach
Great beach, almost deserted. It is long but narrow so in high tide, there is not a lot of space. It is surrounded by a big bay, which gives it an additional plus.
Loh PARed Beach
Decent place for swimming with lots of restaurants and small shops nearby. Perfect spot to catch the sunset.
Loh Had Beach
Another white sandy beach that is quiet and suitable for relaxing with local restaurants nearby.
Ao Muong Beach
Located a bit more south of Loh Had Beach. Unfortunately, there is a lot of trash around.
Ao Sai Beach
The pleasant beach down a bumpy track. If you feel unsure about riding a bike, just park and walk the remaining distance. You can see hermit crabs scuttling around and simply enjoy the beautiful views. It’s worth visiting the fishing village too, to have a closer look at how locals spend their days.
Fisherman preparing the boatLocals spend their days catching seafood
Nok Ok Cape
An adventurous journey, the last piece leads partly through dense jungle and a creek. Better just to park your motorbike and walk. Nevertheless, the beach is completely deserted and absolutely worth a visit.
Other attractions around Koh Yao Yai
Viewpoint
It is located very close to Klongbon Garden Home if you decide to stay there. Climb the stairs and enjoy the spot overlooking the north of Koh Yao Yai island as well as Hong Island and other smaller islands around.
Chong Lard Pier
Arrival and departure point from Koh Yao Yai. You may get a longtail boat to the sister island of Koh Yao Noi and other more distant places too.
Day trips from Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi (North Island) is the quieter and smaller sister of Koh Yao Yai (South Island). It can be easily accessed in a few minutes by boat from Chong Lard Pier. It doesn’t make sense to transport your motorbike, just rent one on the other side and explore the most interesting places: Klong Jark Beach, Tha Khao Beach or Mankei Bay. Read more about exploring the island in one of my previous posts here.
Amazing Mankei Bay on Koh Yao Noi Island
Koh Hong, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lao Lading
It’s a popular day trip from Krabi, but a long-tail boat trip can be easily arranged from Koh Yao Yai too and in fact, the islands are even closer. There will be plenty of snorkelling opportunities in the clear waters of Lading Island, Pakbia Island, and Hong Lagoon. The best beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs is on Hong Island, where most likely you will enjoy your lunch. Don’t forget to visit the viewpoint! More about Hong Island and Lading Island can be read in my previous post here.
Perfect beach on Koh Hong Island
Phang-Nga Bay
The boat trip here is one of the best that can be done in Thailand. The whole area is characterized by limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and many small islands. There are many popular places to stop by and explore further. Koh Tapu is known as James Bond Island for its appearance in a Bond film. Koh Phanak Island attracts tourists with its caves and lagoons and at Ko Hong, you have the chance to do an awesome kayak trip.
Summary
I have definitely enjoyed my stay on Koh Yao Yai and there are enough attractions, not only on the island but in the close surroundings, to justify a few days stay. It’s a much calmer place than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, but still in the middle of beautiful Phan-Nga Bay.
You may ask, which of the two islands is better to base yourself on, Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi? In my opinion, Koh Yao Noi is a nicer and more charming place so I would recommend booking your accommodation there and simply doing a full-day trip to Koh Yao Yai.
Koh Yao Noi (North Island) is the quieter and smaller sister of Koh Yao Yai (South Island), located in the middle of the spectacular Phang Nga Bay, between Krabi and Phuket. The majority of about 4.000 inhabitants are Muslim.
It’s an excellent place to be if you love relaxing rather than hardcore parties which you may find in Phuket or Koh Phi Phi. Let me suggest to you how to organize a trip there and what is worth visiting!
How to get to Koh Yao Noi?
The island can be reached only by sea from several places, but the easiest would be to start in Phuket or in Krabi. You could also look for speedboat connections from Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe. I decided to take a speedboat from Krabi and the experience was very smooth.
When to go?
The best time to visit Koh Yao Noi is the same as for all the other islands in that area, from November to May, outside of the rainy season. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional. In other months, accommodation may be cheaper but it’s better to check the boat schedule well in advance.
How long to stay?
Koh Yao Noi is quite a small island but you should take into consideration the possibilities of several day trips: Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Yai or Hong Island are just some of the most popular ones. I would say that at least 3 – 4 full days would be needed to fully discover the region.
Where to stay?
Hotels, bungalows and resorts, all of these are available on the island at various prices. I stayed in Mookdaman Bungalow for about 800 THB per night. It was located within walking distance of Klong Jark Beach and there were some restaurants nearby too. The room was clean and it was really cool to sit and chill on the small terrace. You can easily make a reservation on booking.com or agoda.com.
Koi Roi Island can be seen from An Pao Pier
Getting around the island
The easiest would be to rent a motorbike and move around the island at your own pace. If you don’t want to ride it, you should consider tuk-tuks, bicycles or long-tail boats.
There are guys offering motorbikes already at the Manoh Pier, but I usually prefer renting from a place with trustworthy reviews, therefore, I walked for about 15 minutes to Fortune Travel, which I can totally recommend.
Beaches
Klong Jark Beach
One of the best, if not the best beach on the island. It’s quite narrow but with such great views. Little beach bars are very nice too and you can feel so relaxed!
Small islands seen from the eastern coast
Tha Khao Beach
Great beach at high tide. At low tide you have to walk through wet sand for a while and even when you arrive at the water, it looks sandy and is still shallow. Countless crabs scurry across the ocean floor, so don’t forget your shoes.
The aerial view of Tha Khao BeachThe village near Tha Khao Beach
Little Long Beach
Not so easy to get to and the road can get quite muddy but most likely you will have the beach for yourself.
Long Beach
A little out of the way but a nice beach to relax at. No vendors at this place so bring your own drink and food.
Mankei Bay
Secluded beach surrounded by high cliffs on the northern tip of the island. The way there is a bit tricky though. Continue past Paradise Hotel / Tree House Villas on a dirt forest road or park your motorbike on the side and walk the rest of the distance (500-700 meters). There are some weird abandoned constructions but just ignore them and head down towards the beach.
The aerial views of Mankey BayThe northern tip of the island is very scenic from the air!
An alternative way is to rent a kayak at Tree House Villas and paddle there for about 15 minutes.
An Pao Beach
Suitable for watching the sunset, but the beach is just average.
The Hideout Beach
Another decent place for sunset but that’s pretty much it. Too muddy for chilling or swimming in the sea and quite tricky to reach on a motorbike so be careful.
Small islands around The Hideout Beach at low tide
Other attractions around Koh Yao Noi
Ko Kudu Yai
Beautiful private island where the chances of being alone are very high. You can rent a kayak at Paradise Ko Yao Resort for about 200 THB and then paddle to the island or ask around for a long-tail boat taxi.
The aerial view of Ko Kudu
Ko Nok
For a taste of a little adventure, I recommend renting a kayak (about 300 THB for 4 hours) and paddling for 30 minutes to reach the island. Once there, you can enjoy the beach and hike to the viewpoint. Alternatively, you can find a boat to take you there at Laem Sai Pier.
Day trips from Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Yai
The bigger sister of Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Yai literally means ‘long and large island’, and indeed it is one of the largest in Thailand, with a length of about 30 km. It can be easily accessed in a few minutes by boat from Mahon Pier. It doesn’t make sense to transport your motorbike, just rent one on the other side and explore the most interesting places: Lam Haed Beach, Loh Had Beach, Loh Pared Bay Beach or the viewpoint.
Aerial View of Lam Haed Beach on Koh Yao Yai Island
Koh Hong, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lao Lading
It’s a popular day trip from Krabi, but a long-tail boat trip can be easily arranged from Koh Yao Noi too and in fact, the islands are even closer. There will be plenty of snorkelling opportunities in the clear waters of Lading Island, Pakbia Island, and Hong Lagoon. The best beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs is on Hong Island, where most likely you will enjoy your lunch. Don’t forget to visit the viewpoint! More about Hong Island and Lading Island can be read in my previous post here.
Small islands around Koh Yao NoiThe islands can be easily explored on a long-tail boatKoh Hong Island, Thailand
Phang-Nga Bay
The boat trip here is one of the best that can be done in Thailand. The whole area is characterized by limestone cliffs and rock formations, as well as mangrove forests and many small islands. There are many popular places to stop by and explore further. Koh Tapu is known as James Bond Island for its appearance in a Bond film. Koh Phanak Island attracts tourists with its caves and lagoons and at Ko Hong you have the chance to do an awesome kayak trip.
Summary
I have definitely enjoyed my stay on Koh Yao Noi and there are enough attractions, not only on the island but in the close surroundings, to justify a few days’ stay. It’s a much calmer place than Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, but still in the middle of beautiful Phan-Nga Bay.
You may ask, which of the two islands is better to base yourself on, Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi? In my opinion, Koh Yao Noi is a nicer and more charming place so I would recommend booking your accommodation there and simply doing a full-day trip to Koh Yao Yai.
Phi Phi Islands are one of the most famous islands off the Andaman Coast of Thailand.The archipelago consists of two islands: Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Only the first one is inhabited and all tourist amenities are there. It’s a vehicle-free island so prepare for a walk with your luggage. Alternatively, some hotel workers can move your luggage in a cart.
Koh Phi Phi Don was seriously damaged in the 2004 tsunami, where hundreds of people on the island lost their lives. Roughly 70% of the island’s infrastructure was destroyed. Before the great tsunami, it was a quiet and elegant resort. After the cataclysm, Thailand urgently needed money, so the tourist infrastructure of the island was quickly rebuilt, but it was done without any reasonable planning. Currently, Phi Phi Don has a reputation as a big, noisy party place. Then, is it still worth visiting? Let’s find out.
Phi Phi Leh visible at the distancePanorama of Koh Phi Phi Leh
How to get to Koh Phi Phi?
The island can be reached only by sea from several places, such as Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe. You can choose between buying a one-day trip around the archipelago or using ferry/speedboat connections and deciding by yourself how long you want to stay. I decided to take a speedboat from Krabi with Bundhaya and the experience was very smooth. All the boats depart and arrive at Tonsai Pier.
When to go?
The best time to visit Koh Phi Phi is the same as for all the other islands in that area, from November to May, outside of the rainy season. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional. In other months, accommodation may be cheaper but it’s better to check the boat schedule well in advance.
How long to stay?
Koh Phi Phi Don is a small island but you shouldn’t miss a day trip by long-tail boat around the archipelago, including Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Phi Phi Leh with the famous Maya Bay. I would say that 2 full days should be enough for all sights and some relaxing time at the beach.
Day trippers seem to be a bit in a rush, so I was very glad that I took my time and spent two nights on the island.
If you are a party type, consider staying longer as Koh Phi Phi Don is one of the biggest party hot spots in Thailand.
Where to stay?
Hotels, bungalows and resorts, all of these are available on the island at various prices. I stayed in Dee Dee Sea Front for about 1200 THB per night. It was located a bit further from all the noisy bars and the room was very comfortable. You can easily make a reservation on booking.com or agoda.com.
Dee Dee Sea Front Address: 211 Moo 7, Phi Phi Island, Ao Nang, Amphoe Muang, Phi Phi Island, 81210, Thailand Phone: +66 62 426 2265 GPS coordinates: N 007° 44.651, E 98° 46.462
Lots of boat all around the islands
Getting around the island
Options are limited to walking, riding a bicycle or renting a long-tail boat. Motorbikes are not available for tourists.
One day trip around the archipelago
I booked a tour with Visa Travel Team Phi Phi, just contacting them on Line. It was called One Day Tour By Longtail Boat With Sunset & Plankton and the cost was 850 THB (not including the 400 THB national park fee). Snorkel, mask, life jacket, water and lunch box were provided.
After meeting the staff in front of McDonald’s in Tonsai Bay, we boarded our long-tail boat and departed towards Shark Point for the first snorkelling stop. It’s just in front of Long Beach. We didn’t see any blacktip reef sharks but there were other colourful fish. The waters were a bit rough so it wasn’t very easy to swim around.
Next, we got our picnic lunch (fried rice) and continued to Bamboo Island for a bit longer stop. It’s a wonderful circular island filled with wild bamboo. The powdery white sand and clear water were really great for chilling. I did a short drone flight, ate lunch and then dipped once more in the sea.
Aerial view of Bamboo Island
The way to Monkey Beach was incredibly scenic. We passed by Mosquito Island, which is completely uninhabited and rarely visited by tourists, as well as Nui Beach. I have to admit that I really don’t like and don’t trust macaques but the ones on Monkey Beach were not too interested in the presence of people who were taking photos of them from every angle. Anyway, better watch out for your bag and don’t leave it unattended, especially with food inside. The beach is nice and it is a great place to swim and snorkel, but a bit too busy for my taste.
Monkey BeachSpectacular coast of Koh Phi Phi DonOn the way from Bamboo Island to Monkey BeachThe weather was just perfect!
Soon, it was time to move to another island in the archipelago – Phi Phi Leh. First, we passed by the Viking Cave. It is famous for apparently prehistoric paintings of a Viking boat on its wall. It is home to thousands of swift bird nests, which build nests using their saliva. Locals go here to harvest these nests as the saliva of these birds is an excellent source of protein and it is a thriving industry, especially in Chinese culture. It is sold at a premium price and is listed as one of the most expensive animal product foods to be consumed by man. Tourists are not allowed to go inside.
Passing by the Vikings Cave
From the Viking Cave, we continued to one of the most beautiful places I have seen on several islands on the Andaman Sea. The first one was Pi Leh Lagoon, with incredibly beautiful turquoise water enclosed by towering limestone cliffs. It’s the Thailand that you see on postcards.
Entering Phi Leh Lagoon
The second incredible spot is Maya Bay. It was made famous when it appeared in the movie “The Beach”, with Leonardo Di Caprio. Unfortunately, it was also the beginning of its problems. The bay got closed for over three years in 2018 due to the damage caused by hundreds of boats with visitors coming every day. Nowadays, the beach stays off-limits for all vessels and people have to disembark at Loh Samah Bay at the other side of the island and walk through the interior.
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is declared as a National Park and every foreigner has to pay the entry fee of 400 THB. The beach is really beautiful with crystal clear sea and white sand. It is allowed to enter the sea but only to your ankles and any kind of swimming is strictly forbidden. In theory, there is a limit of 300 visitors in one hour, but I hardly doubt that it’s monitored.
On the way back, we did one more snorkelling stop, just next to the rocks in front of Maya Bay but of course without entering it. Meanwhile, it got pretty cloudy so visibility underwater was not the best. After that, we continued very slowly to Tonsai Pier, enjoying the nice sunset. For those who want, there is also an option for a night swimming with bioluminescence plankton, of course depending on weather conditions.
Overall, it was one of the best boat tours I have done in Thailand and I was extremely satisfied with it. All the places can be also visited independently with privately hired long-tail boats, and not on an organized group trip. If you opted for that, I would advise visiting Phi Phi Leh first, early in the morning before it gets crowded.
Sunset on the way back
Other attractions on Koh Phi Phi Don
Loh Dalum Beach
Probably the most accessible and popular beach on the island. Nice white sand and calm water with almost no waves but pretty shallow water. Kayak rental and taxi boats to various locations are available. At night, there are bars with parties and fire shows.
Calm waters of Loh Dalum Beach Loh Dalum Beach at low tide
Viewpoints
Viewpoint 1 is a bit kitschy but continues for another 10 minutes and you will reach much better spots. Viewpoint 2 is the most popular one but you may continue even a bit higher to viewpoint 3. Bring water and repellent as mosquitos can get crazy around sunset.
Panorama from one of the viewpoints
Tonsai Village
Small but tightly packed heart of the island. You can find literally everything here: street food, restaurants, tourist offices, souvenirs, bars, tattoo studios, and massage salons. There are even McDonald’s and Burger Kings which is quite unusual on such a small island. Well, just another example that proves that Koh Phi Phi Don is a specific place.
Aerial view of Tonsai Village
Viking Beach
The beach is small but nice and it is a part of the Viking Resort. The big advantage is the location, away from the hustle and bustle of the Tonsai area.
Long Beach
If you continue further from Viking Beach, you will eventually reach this place. It’s a lovely beach which is great for snorkelling, with lots of fish to be seen around the rocks. On the negative side, there are noisy boats passing by all day en route to Tonsai Pier. But that’s just how it is on Phi Phi Islands.
Summary
Even though Koh Phi Phi is indeed a party place, I really enjoyed my time there and I am not a party enthusiast. I did my research so more or less I knew what to expect. Sure, it is overpriced, crowded and noisy. But you don’t have to stay there for several days and it’s possible to book your room in quieter parts of the island. The day trip around the archipelago was excellent and it was worth coming even only to do that.
After two days I moved to Trang Islands and which was an excellent choice. The archipelago is quiet and has a much more local vibe. Just like Koh Lanta, it’s a good counterweight to Phi Phi Islands.
Koh Sichang is a small picturesque island in the Gulf of Thailand and a good destination for those who want to escape the noise of Bangkok or Pattaya. It’s definitely not a party place and the island stays relatively quiet, even on weekends. If you are more after fun, then probably you should check Koh Samet instead.
How to get to Koh Sichang?
The island can be reached only by sea and you will need to get to Jarin Pear Ferry (next to Wat Koh Loy) in Si Racha in Chonburi Province. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs 50 THB for one way. The ferry arrives at Tha-Lang Pier on Sichang Island
Si Racha can be easily reached both from Bangkok and Pattaya.
Tha Lang Pier
When to go?
The best time to visit Koh Sichang is the same as for all the other islands in that area, from November to May, outside of the rainy season. The weather is stable and showers are rather occasional. In other months, it’s better to check the boat schedule and availability of accommodation well in advance.
Due to its location not being far from Bangkok and Pattaya, try to avoid coming here on the weekend as it can get more crowded than usual.
How long to stay?
It’s a small island so I would say that 1 full day should be enough to visit all the exciting places and enjoy beach time. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, do yourself a favour and stay for at least one night.
Laem Tham Phang
Where to stay?
Hotels, bungalows and resorts, all of these are available on the island at various prices. You can easily make a reservation on booking.com or agoda.com. I only made a day trip so I can’t recommend any particular place.
Getting around the island
Options are limited to tuk-tuks, bigger pick-up trucks, rental motorbikes or walking. I always opt for my own wheels and that time was no different. I got a classic Honda Click just next to Tha-Lang Pier, with a full tank and in excellent condition. The cost for 24 hours is around 300 THB, including fuel.
Beach
The island isn’t a paradise for beach lovers, but it’s definitely worth stopping by at Hat Tham Phang. There are places to eat and drink and also some deck chairs for chilling. You can also rent a banana boat, a kayak or an inflated tyre. There is a nice viewpoint at Laem Tham Phang, a bit more towards the north.
Hat Tham Phang Beach Hat Tham Phang Beach Hat Tham Phang Beach
Other places to visit
King Chulalongkorn’s Summer Palace
This is a former palace and garden which was built by King Chulalongkorn around 1890 as the summer residence for the Royal Family. It’s a great place for a walk and you shouldn’t miss the wooden pier, King Rama V Monument, the temple located on the hill as well as a nice viewpoint a bit further on.
Chonlathassathan Marine Museum
Apparently nice and free aquarium to visit, not far from King Chulalongkorn’s Summer Palace. Unfortunately, it was closed on the day of my visit.
Southern Tip
Small rocky beach with views of Ko Yai Thao and Ko Khang Khao. Not suitable for swimming.
Ko Khang Khao Ko Khang Khao
Wat Tham Yai Prig and Tham Chakkaphong Sangha Monastery
A stairway flanked by the mythological Naga serpent leads up to the ornate temple building. A little bit further north is a yellow statue of Buddha with great views of Koh Sichang and the surrounding islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Wat Tham Yai Prig
Chao Pho Khao Yai Shrine
It is believed that the shrine was founded by Chinese traders passing by the island by boat. If you want to get better views across the island climb more than 500 steps to reach a replica of a Buddha footprint and a viewpoint with a small golden pagoda even higher up.
Summary
Do I regret coming to Koh Sichang? Not really, it was a good day but there are so many other nicer destinations in Thailand that I don’t think I will ever be back. It’s a typical one-time visit destination so if you have time, give it a try but otherwise, you may want to try Koh Samet or Koh Larn instead.
Koh Tarutao is the largest island in the Tarutao National Park. The island is 11 kilometres wide, and 26 kilometres long and the highest point on the island is 700 meters high. The headquarters and visitor centre are located near the beach of Punte Malacca. Kayaks and bicycles can be rented there and a small shop offers snacks and drinks.
The island has an interesting, but dark history. In the late 1930s, political prisoners had been kept there with the total number reaching even 3.000 people in 1938. When The Second World War broke out, the supplies from the mainland to the island were cut off causing food shortages and the death of many prisoners. The guards and prisoners formed alliances in order to survive and started attacking ships passing by around the island. Around 130 ships were sunk before the British forces came to the rescue towards the end of the war. Until the prison was shut down, nearly a third of prisoners lost their lives due to cruelty from guards, starvation and malaria.
How to get to Ko Tarutao?
As of April 2022, the only option seemed to be taking a speedboat from Pakbara Pier which heads to Koh Lipe but stops on Tarutao Island for about half an hour to allow the passengers to have a short walk and take pictures on the beach. On the next day, you could continue your journey further and jump onto another speedboat heading to Ko Lipe.
Getting to Tarutao on the way back from Koh Lipe may be difficult as tour operators usually don’t make a stop there and go directly to Pakbara Pier. If you travel with a bigger group, it could be negotiable but otherwise, don’t consider that option.
The National Park entrance fee is payable at the ferry terminal, costs 200 THB for foreigners and is valid for 5 days.
When to go?
The island is open for tourists from October to May. From June to September, the visit is impossible and you will have to go directly to the more popular Koh Lipe instead.
How long to stay?
It’s a small island but using a bicycle rather than a motorbike (not available for rent) makes it way slower and more tiring to explore. 1 full day should be enough to see the highlights on your two wheels and enjoy beach time. If you want to visit Crocodile Cave, you need to count in some extra hours and either rent a kayak or ask around for a long-tail boat.
Mangrove forest
Where to stay?
National Park accommodations or tents are the only options on the island. I got a bungalow at Ao Phante Beach, close to the visitor centre and the restaurant. The room was quite big and had a private bathroom but there wasn’t a mosquito net which presence I always appreciate. It cost me 600 THB per night. I also saw some bungalows at Ao MolaeBeach, where the group of monks was hanging out, and at AoSon Beach, which looked completely empty.
You can rent a tent or bring your own and camp at all three locations mentioned above. For sure there is a restaurant near the visitor centre and another one near Molae Beach, but I’m not sure about Ao Son Beach.
Getting around the island
Options are limited to walking or renting a bicycle. Tourists are not allowed to rent or drive motorbikes on the island, only park rangers can do so. Bicycle rental costs 250 THB per day. Check the breaks as there are a lot of hills on the island, but it seems that the bikes are in general in good condition.
In high season, there should be also available old-fashioned leg wagons and shuttle taxis that drive around the island at fixed times, though I didn’t see any during my stay on the island.
Rental bicycle and narrow paths around the site of the former prison
Tips
Always consult with rangers about your travel plan, especially your boat schedule or possible hikes.
Take enough cash as there is no ATM on the island.
Pack good insect repellent. There will be mosquitos and most probably sandflies as well. I was really badly bitten all over my legs and it was itching for several days.
Interesting places
Crocodile Cave
The name comes from a population of saltwater crocodiles that once lived on Koh Tarutao. But don’t worry, it’s history and now they are extinct. The cave can be reached by a longtail boat (the price should be around 450 THB) or by kayak (500 THB for the whole day) and you will go through a very scenic mangrove canal. As always in the caves in Thailand, it’s good to have your own flashlight to see as much as possible.
Mangroves canal leading to Crocodile CaveTop-down view of mangroves canalThe boat ride to Crocodile Cave is very scenic
Ao Talo Wao
The most iconic sight on the island with the pier leading to a huge limestone rock. You can also notice a few smaller islands in the background. A good paved road with monkeys chilling on the side leads there all the way from the visitor centre, though it’s a bit hilly so take your time and don’t forget water. The distance is about 12 kilometres. There is also a ranger building displaying boards with information about the island.
A bit further are remains of historic buildings that once belonged to the prison. The trails around the site are narrower but still doable on bicycle. If you are lucky, you may see a wild boar.
Photogenic limestone rock at Ao Talo WaoTop-down view of the pier and the rockAo Tao Wao and the mountainsNearby small islands
Ao Taloh Udang
If you continue from Ao Talo Wao and the remains of the old prison even more towards the south, you are going to the place where political prisoners were kept. Unfortunately, the road isn’t paved and cannot be done on a bicycle. If you are adventurous, you can hike there but for me, it looked way too overgrown.
Mo Lae Bay
Calm beach close to a very nice bungalow complex, located four kilometres south of the headquarters. When I was passing by, there was a big group of monks. It was nice to see them chilling like that wearing their orange robes 🙂 There is a restaurant with tasty and affordable food too.
Ao Son Beach
Very long and beautiful beach, yet completely empty. It’s located another 4 kilometres away from Mo Lae Bay.
Aerial view of long and remote Ao Son BeachSmall river flowing into the seaMountains in the background of Ao Son Beach
Lu Du Waterfall
A signposted track 300m inland from Ao Son Beach leads to this waterfall. It’s about 3 kilometres and 1.5 hours each way.
Toe Bu Cliffs
The hike takes about 20 minutes and starts just behind the National Park’s headquarters. There is a great view over Ao Pante beach and other islands.
Koh Hong is located in theKrabi Province in the South of Thailand. The island is a popular day trip destination, famous for its impressive limestone formations, beautiful beach and good snorkelling. It’s also worth mentioning Hong Lagoon, which can only be reached by passing through a narrow rock opening. The island is a part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, therefore you will need to pay the entrance fee.
There are two small shops near the beach where you can buy drinks, but most probably you will have them included in your boat trip together with lunch so there is no need to spend extra money.
Aerial view of Koh Hong
How to get to Koh Hong?
There are two basically only two options. You can either join one of the organized group tours or charter your own long-tail boat or speedboat. The first one is obviously way cheaper. I contacted Say Yes Krabi Tourist Information through Line and the communication as well as booking process with Ton was very easy. You may also go to their office in person. The tour was organized very well and there was nothing to complain about. Price was about 1000 THB plus 300 THB for the entrance ticket to the national park. Lunch and non-alcoholic drinks were provided. Additionally, we stopped at Lading Island, which is also beautiful!
When to go?
I strongly recommend travelling in the high season, between October and April. In the rainy season, trips may be infrequent or the seas could be a bit rough making the trips uncomfortable.
You will pass a lot of small islands en route to Koh Hong
How long to stay?
The trips usually stop at the beach for about 2 – 3 hours and I would say it is enough to visit the viewpoint and relax. The remaining time will be spent visiting Hong Lagoon and Lading Island.
Where to stay?
There are no accommodation facilities on Hong Island. I recommend staying in Ao Nang, Krabi or Railay Beach. In Ao Nang, there is a very nice place called The Krabi Forest Homestay where I stayed for a few nights.
Getting around the island
Options are limited to… walking! There are absolutely no roads or anything like that, just a beach and the stairs leading up to the viewpoint.
One of the small islands around Koh Hong
What to do on Koh Hong?
Besides admiring the views from the beach or short climbing to the viewpoint, there are other classic water activities available, such as kayaking or snorkelling or rather short hiking.
360° Viewpoint
It takes around 30 minutes to go to the top with more than 200 rather steep steps. The view up there is a simply stunning 360 degrees panorama. Definitely the highlight of the trip!
Amazing view from the top of Koh Hong!
Hong Lagoon
The Hong Lagoon is part of every Hong Island Tour. The boats enter inside through anarrow rock opening and then you get some time to enjoy the turquoise waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. The weather wasn’t very good at that time so we stayed on the boat but in general, you can do some snorkelling and swimming here.
Aerial view of Hong LagoonEntering the Hong Lagoon
Beach
On one side there is the jetty for longtail boats and speedboats and on the other side is an amazingly soft white sandy beach with iconic rocks just in front. Crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling and exploring a wide range of colourful fish.
Superb beach on Koh Hong
Lading Island
Lading Island is about 2.5 kilometres north of Hong Island and is usually included in the itinerary of day tours. The beach is not too wide but very picturesque. There were some jellyfish in the water so we didn’t snorkel.
The small bay at Lading IslandThe weather in the morning was a bit cloudy!
