Thailand: Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is a small and idyllic off-the-beaten-path island located in the Andaman Sea just off the coast of Trang Province in southern Thailand.

When you look up Koh Kradan – and you must – you’ll find it called a ‘pristine gem’ and ‘largely unspoilt’ and, perhaps most impressively, that its powder soft white sand beach is in the Number One of The Top 100 Beaches on Earth 2023 by the World Beach Guide.

I was especially excited to learn about Koh Kradan’s famous sandbars – not the ones selling cocktails – but the powder-soft white sandbars exposed when the tide goes out.

I’d heard that walking on them feels like your spending time on your own private island and watching the sunset from this perspective is magical.

Koh Kradan is a picture-perfect-no-news-no-shoes tropical paradise.

It is an island with no cars, roads, stores, or ATMs.

KOH KRADAN Longtail Boats at Koh Kradan THAILAND BY JANICE HORTON — *Longtail Boats at Koh Kradan*

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANDAMAN ISLAND HOPPING ADVENTURE

We had reached Koh Kradan from Koh Ngai as we were travelling along the Andaman Sea on an epic island hopping adventure having first began our trip in Krabi before heading to Railay Beach.

We’d arrived in Krabi on 31st October – just as the tourist season was about to start.

And also in time for a fabulous Halloween On The Beach Party!

We knew from planning our itinerary that once we got to the next stop of Koh Lanta – the largest island in the archipelago – that we’d spend two weeks relaxing while waiting for the seasonal boat services to begin properly.

Only then – by mid-November – would the sea be calm enough for safely island hopping to the smaller islands.

You can learn more about Thailand’s seasons in my post The Best and Worst Times to Visit Thailand.

Andaman Sea Island Hopping Route Map - The Backpacking Housewife — *Our Andaman Sea Island Hopping Route and Map*

Beautiful and Dreamy Koh Kradan

Reaching Koh Kradan was a dream for me and upon our arrival from Koh Ngai, our longtail boat dropped us off a little out from the beach, which meant we had to climb out and wade ashore like castaways.

Except with luggage.

Another reason to favour carrying a backpack over dragging a suitcase and to travel light and pack less!

The interior of the island features rolling hills and pristine jungle as a backdrop to the narrow, palm-fringed, white sand beach off a submerged coral reef.

The waters off the beaches are crystal clear, shallow, warm, and teeming with colourful fish.

KOH KRADAN BEACHES

On Koh Kradan there are two beautiful beaches.

Paradise Beach is east facing and the main beach. It features soft white sand and turquoise waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling.

Located on the western side of the island you’ll find Ao Chong Lom Beach, which is more secluded, and offers a great spot to watch the sunset.

SNORKELLING AND DIVING

Koh Kradan is just one of the islands in Trang Province which makes it perfect for Andaman Sea Island Hopping.

The island is part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park making it a prime location for snorkelling and diving.

The coral reefs around the island are teeming with colourful fish and other marine life.

Popular snorkelling spots include The Coral Garden, which is a vibrant reef accessible from the main beach.

The nearby islands of Koh Waen and Koh Chueak are also great for diving and wonderful for snorkelling excursions.

*Koh Kradan is a perfect stop while island hopping*

KRADAN ACCOMMODATION

The island offers a range of accommodation options from budget bungalows to more upscale ‘flashpacker’ resorts and eco-resorts.

Paradise Lost Resort: A budget-friendly option nestled in the jungle.

Kradan Beach Resort: A budget resort with comfortable amenities.

The Reef Resort: A mid-range beach resort with a small swimming pool.

The Kalumè Eco Boutique Resort: A mid-range resort right on the beach.

The Seven Seas Resort: A luxury option with beachfront villas.

Mali Kradan: Four-star accommodation with beachfront villas.

We stayed three nights on Koh Kradan in a bungalow with a sea view at The Reef Resort.

In my opinion, The Reef Resort is a gem and at the time we stayed it was the only hotel on Koh Kradan with a swimming pool.

We enjoyed cocktails at the onsite Polynesian-style tiki bar and dined at the hotel restaurant. It was wonderful.

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY USING THIS INTERACTIVE ISLAND MAP

Backpacking husband at the Reef Resort bar on Koh Kradan Thailand — *Backpacking husband enjoying a Chang Beer*

KRADAN ACTIVITIES

The Sandbars are accessible at low tide through knee-high, bath-water-warm, aquamarine sea, offers a unique experience on Koh Kradan.

You can rent a kayak and explore the island’s coastline and nearby islets.

There are a few hiking trails on the island that offer scenic views and the chance to explore its natural beauty.

Many visitors take day trips to nearby islands such as Koh Mook which is best known for the enchanting Emerald Cave.

The sandbars of Koh Kradan Thailand are accessible at low tide — *The famous sandbars of Koh Kradan are accessible at low tide*

KOH MOOK AND THE EMERALD CAVE

Koh Mook, also known as Koh Muk, is a small island located in the Trang Province of southern Thailand.

It is only 3.6 miles away from Koh Kradan and so it’s easy to get to by longtail boat.

The island offers a mix of pristine beaches, lush forests, and clear turquoise waters, making it a tropical paradise off the beaten path.

One of the most famous attractions on Koh Mook is the Emerald Cave.

The Emerald Cave is located on the western side of Koh Mook.

To reach it visitors typically take a boat from nearby islands or the mainland.

The entrance to the tunnel is only accessible at low tide.

Once at the entrance, you have to swim (or kayak) about 80 meters through a dark narrow tunnel entrance from the sea.

As you navigate through the dark tunnel the water gradually becomes illuminated by sunlight.

The Emerald Cave is located on the western side of Koh Mook Thailand — *The Emerald Cave is located on the western side of Koh Mook*

It’s called the emerald cave because the sunlight filtering through the opening creates a magical emerald glow in the water giving the cave its name.

At the end of this tunnel swim through, you emerge inside a hidden lagoon with crystal-clear emerald water and a secret beach, surrounded and completely enclosed by towering limestone cliffs covered in lush vegetation.

The atmosphere inside this hidden and enclosed inlet is incredible.

It feels wonderful to lie back in the cool water and look up at the sky.

If you manage to get through the Emerald Cave before it gets too crowded, the contrast between the dark emerald tunnel and the bright open space in the lagoon, offers a sense of total wonder.

Inside the hidden lagoon at the Emerald Cave you can lie back in the water and look up at the sky — *Inside the lagoon you can lie back in the water and look up at the sky*

I went to the Emerald Cave early in the morning on a longtail boat and organised tour from Koh Kradan.

The sea was calm and our boat was one of the very first to arrive at the mysterious Emerald Cave entrance.

In contrast, a while later, when I was ready to leave the lagoon it was much busier and there were lots of people swimming through the tunnel.

The tunnel was so congested at one point that it was a bit scary.

It proved much more difficult to swim back through to reach my boat waiting on the outside as so many people were swimming in the opposite direction.

The cave is a popular attraction so visiting early in the day can help you avoid crowds.

The best time to visit the Emerald Cave is obviously during low tide and during calm sea conditions.

I would also say this helps to ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

TIPS FOR VISITING THE EMERALD CAVE

For a more personalized experience getting to the Emerald Cave you might consider hiring a private longtail boat but I would strongly recommend joining a guided tour for a more secure experience.

Most tour operators are well aware of the tide schedules and will plan visits accordingly to ensure the best conditions for entering the cave.

They will also provide you with a safety hat and lifejacket for the swim through the tunnel.

You should always wear head protection and a life jacket when swimming through the tunnel especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.

It’s also a good idea to take a waterproof dry bag for your belongings.

You can go to Koh Mook and the Emerald Cave by traditional longtail boat — You can go to Koh Mook and the Emerald Cave by longtail boat

BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH KRADAN

The best time to visit Koh Kradan is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is most pleasant and the sea conditions are calm and ideal for water activities.

The monsoon season, from May to October, brings heavier rains and rougher seas, which can limit travel and activities.

You can find out more about the best time to visit Koh Kradan in my post The Best and Worst Times to Visit Thailand.

HOW TO GET TO KOH KRADAN

Koh Kradan is accessible by boat. The nearest mainland point is the town of Trang, where visitors can catch a ferry or longtail boat from Pak Meng Pier.

From Trang the journey by boat typically takes about 30-40 minutes.

Alternatively, boats are also available from nearby islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Ngai, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lipe.

We travelled to Koh Kradan by longtail boat from Koh Ngai.

TRAVEL TIPS FOR KOH KRADAN

Bring Cash: There are no ATMs on the island so ensure you have enough cash for your stay.

Pack Essentials: Due to the island’s remote nature, it’s advisable to bring essentials such as reef friendly sunscreen, insect repellent, and basic medications.

Respect Nature: As part of a national park, it’s important to respect the local environment by not littering and avoiding damage to the coral reefs.

*Koh Kradan offers a serene escape in Thailand*

IS KOH KRADAN WORTH VISITING?

Koh Kradan offers a serene escape with its pinch me to believe it natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax in a hammock and unwind and connect with nature.

To truly appreciate this beautiful little island, I highly recommend you stay a few days and nights on Koh Kradan.

It’s an idyllic stop over as part of your Andaman Sea Island Hopping Itinerary.

By staying a few days, if you can drag yourself off the Worlds Most Beautiful Beach and take a day out from Kradan’s seductive spell, I recommend visiting neighbouring Koh Mook.

Koh Mook has a secret lagoon with a hidden beach only accessible through a sea cave known as The Emerald Cave.

For me, our three-night stay on Koh Kradan, was all about taking time to relax and to stroll along the beautiful beaches and to wade out to the sandbanks at low tide.

Here we could admire the breath taking sunsets and all the silhouettes of incredible limestone Karsts on the horizon and it was truly magical.

This, together with our day trip visiting Koh Mook and the Emerald Cave, made our stay on Koh Kradan an unforgettable adventure in one of Thailand’s most enchanting natural sites.

Did you know this island hopping adventure along the Andaman Sea inspired the fictional journey of the heroine of my romantic adventure novel series The Backpacking Housewife published by Harper Collins.

Find out more on My Books Page