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Thailand: Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai is the fourth fabulous destination in our Andaman Island Hopping Route after exploring Krabi, Railay, and Koh Lanta.

We had loved the chilled-out vibe on Koh Lanta where we’d stayed for the first two weeks of November while waiting for boat services to all the other islands in the Andaman chain to start up again.

Many boats and services only operate on the Andaman Sea from mid-November to mid-April.

We wanted to ensure all our connecting services would be fully operational to accommodate us staying a few days on each island in our Thailand island hopping itinerary until we finally reached Langkawi in Malaysia.

Andaman Sea Island Hopping Route Map - The Backpacking Housewife
Our Andaman Sea Island Hopping Route

So, in mid-November and at the very start of the tourist season for this part of Thailand, we headed out on a boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Ngai in great anticipation of spotting this next little gem in this chain of islands in the Andaman Sea.

The Andaman Sea is so incredibly picturesque as it is littered with incredible limestone karsts that rear up from the sea.

Many are weird shapes or shaped like animals and have been carved over thousands of years by the monsoon rains.

Koh Ngai is also known as Koh Hai.

It’s a small triangular shaped island just 4 km long by 2 km wide in the Andaman Sea and off the coast of southern Thailand.

We headed out on a longtail boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Ngai
We headed out on a longtail boat from Koh Lanta to Koh Ngai
The Backpacking Housewife on a longtail boat on the Andaman Sea Thailand
The Backpacking Housewife on The Andaman Sea Thailand

Our boat was a traditional longtail boat and our Thai captain looked wise and wiry with worn shorts and a dirty vest and no shoes.

I watched him in fascination as he steered the boat.

He operated the smoking spluttering motorbike engine on a pole with one bare foot, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, while laughing at his own jokes.

“Look!” he yelled in delight as he spotted a long abandoned fisherman’s hut on a rock karst in the sea. ”It’s your hotel!”

"Look... it's your hotel!" Photo by Janice Horton
“Look… it’s your hotel!”

Soon, our excitement was rewarded, with the breathtakingly beautiful sight of a small island with waving palm trees and clear waters gently lapping a white sand beach.

Our longtail boat had got us as close to the shore as our captain could get but that still meant passengers clambering out, wading ashore in thigh deep warm water, and carrying our backpacks down the beach and to our chosen resort.

A longtail boat at Koh Ngai Thailand
Koh Ngai Thailand

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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BEACHES

The main beach on Koh Ngai is known as Long Beach.

It stretches for about 2 km and faces the mainland, offering stunning views of the nearby limestone karsts.

I’d heard there’s also another beach – one smaller and even more beautiful – in a bay called Paradise Beach.

You can get to Paradise Beach by walking through Thanya Beach Resort – which is where we were staying – just past reception and up the hill.

There are no roads on Koh Ngai so no cars, scooters, or even paths suitable for bicycles.

The only way to explore this small island is on foot or by boat.

So, on our second day, we went exploring and walked for about a half-a-sweaty-hour through the island’s rainforest and jungle-like interior, before finding a grassy area and small coconut plantation just in front of what really was an incredibly beautiful paradise beach that we had all to ourselves.

Long Beach. Photo by Janice Horton
Long Beach

ACCOMMODATION

Despite its small size, Koh Ngai offers lots of accommodation options.

But, in comparison to most other places in Thailand, and despite being on what used to be called the ‘backpacker trail’ this island is no longer considered to be a budget destination.

It’s understandable because it’s in a remote location and everything has to be brought in by boat.

Costs reflect this – as well as the fact that Koh Ngai is a dreamy pinch-me-in-case-I’m-dreaming kind of tropical island paradise – that you might want to experience for a night or two despite the extra costs involved.

There is, however, a budget camping option that I’ve listed below as well as some of the mid-range options and higher priced ‘flashpacker’ resorts.

We stayed at the Thanya Beach Resort in a beautiful bungalow and really enjoyed our stay.

Thanya Beach Resort Koh Ngai

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY ON KOH NGAI USING THIS MAP

THINGS TO DO

Koh Ngai is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, a peaceful escape, and a slower pace of life away from the bustling tourist hotspots.

It’s perfect for travellers looking to relax and enjoy nature.

This is a no news no shoes environment and it certainly appealed to me.

I personally like to spend my time relaxing on the beach, sunbathing under the shade of the casuarina trees, and swimming in the warm sea.

Other activities that appeal to me are a yoga class and a Thai massage.

Check to see what’s available and on offer in your chosen resort.

As Koh Ngai is part of a cluster of islands in the Hat Chao Mai National Park, it also makes it a great base for other more energetic activities like exploring caves, hiking, and island-hopping.

Nearby islands include Koh Lanta, Koh Kradan, and Koh Mook which is famous for the Emerald Cave.

As The Emerald Cave on Koh Mook is also called Tham Morakot and is an amazing experience and one I’d love to share with you I’ve written about it and how to get there in this next section.

The Emerald Cave on Koh Mook
Nearby Koh Mook is famous for it’s Emerald Cave.

KOH MOOK AND THE EMERALD CAVE

You can take a day trip boat tour to the Emerald Cave from Koh Ngai.

The Emerald Cave entrance is only reachable at low tide.

To enter it you must swim or kayak approximately 80 meters through a narrow, dark tunnel.

As you navigate the tunnel, sunlight begins to filter through, illuminating the water with a stunning emerald glow, hence the cave’s name.

Emerging from the tunnel, you find yourself in a secluded lagoon with crystal-clear emerald waters and a hidden beach!

This hidden beach is completely encircled by towering limestone cliffs draped in lush vegetation.

The atmosphere within this secret inlet is awe-inspiring as you float in the cool water and gaze up at the sky.

To fully appreciate the Emerald Cave, it’s best to arrive early before it becomes crowded.

The contrast between the dark, emerald-lit tunnel and the bright, open lagoon is breath taking, especially when experienced in solitude.

My visit to the Emerald Cave began early in the morning when the sea was calm and we were among the first to reach the cave’s mysterious entrance.

However, as the morning progressed, the lagoon became busier, and swimming back through the congested tunnel was somewhat challenging.

Given its popularity, it’s advisable to visit the Emerald Cave early in the day to avoid crowds.

Joining a guided tour can offer a more secure experience because most local operators are well-informed about tide schedules and plan visits to ensure the best conditions. You will be provided with safety gear, including a helmet and life jacket which should always be worn, especially if you are not a strong swimmer.

The Backpacking Housewife on Long Beach
The Backpacking Housewife on Long Beach

SNORKELLING AND DIVING

The surrounding clear warm waters and the coral reef is rich in marine life also making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving underwater exploration.

Ko Hai Divers (previously Rainbow Divers) was the first dive school on the island – established in 1995 – offers all PADI recreational dives in small groups.

The dive centre is at the south end of the main beach in Fantasy Resort.

Your resort will be able to advise you what’s available regarding snorkelling tours and even day trips to other islands.

Breathtakingly Beautiful Koh Ngai
Breathtakingly Beautiful Koh Ngai

HOW TO GET TO KOH NGAI

Koh Ngai is only accessible by boat. The nearest mainland pier is in Pak Meng in Trang Province, which is about a 45-minute boat ride away. You can also reach the island by boat from many nearby islands like Koh Lanta, Koh Kradan, and Koh Mook.

Koh Ngai is only accessible by boat
Koh Ngai is only accessible by boat

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH NGAI

Koh Ngai has a tropical climate with a distinct wet and dry season.

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit, with calm seas and clear skies.

The wet season, from May to October, brings heavier rains and rougher seas.

You can find out more in my post The Best and Worst Time To Visit Thailand.

IS KOH NGAI WORTH VISITING?

I would absolutely recommend including Koh Ngai as part of your Andaman Sea Island Hopping Itinerary in Thailand.

You do need to be aware that there are no ATMs on the island so make sure you have enough cash for your stay.

It’s also prudent to bring with you some travel essentials like reef safe sunscreen and insect repellent and basic medications.

If you are concerned about biting flies spoiling your trip you might want to read my post on dealing with tropical biting flies.

Our stay here was a perfect way to relax and to enjoy a remote and astonishingly beautiful tropical island and one Thailand’s most enchanting and natural destinations.

HOW LONG TO SPEND ON KOH NGAI

I really enjoyed staying at Thanya Beach Resort for two nights in mid-November which was at the start of the tourist season.

I would recommend spending at least one night on this beautiful island.

We easily arranged our onward transport from the island at Thanya Beach Resort reception where just the day before leaving we were able to book a transfer with Bundhaya Speed Boat onto the next island in our island-hopping route.

Travel with me on this fabulous Andaman Island Hopping Itinerary in Thailand from Krabi to Railay Beach to Koh Lanta and Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan and onto the next breathtakingly beautiful and even more remote paradise island that is Koh Bulon!

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

The Backpacking Housewife series by Janice Horton

Is Thailand on your travel wish list?

Have you ever visited an island in Thailand?

Have you ever been to Koh Ngai?

Let me know – leave a comment below.

I’ll be delighted to hear from you!

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