Koh Kradan’s reputation rests on one beach. The east coast is lined with fine, bright white sand that shelves gently into water so clear and pale that, on a calm morning, the anchored longtails seem to float above their own shadows. Across the channel rise the limestone walls of Koh Muk, and beyond them the hazy hills of the Trang mainland.
The beach is long enough that, outside the middle of the day, it rarely feels busy. Most of the island’s handful of resorts sit back from the sand under coconut palms and casuarinas, so there is no road, no promenade and very little noise. Between roughly late morning and early afternoon, though, the 4-islands day-trip boats from Koh Lanta and Trang pull in for lunch and a swim — the time to be in the water or in the shade, and the reason staying overnight is so rewarding.
Kradan lies within Hat Chao Mai National Park, and the beach is part of what the park protects. Keep it as you found it: take your rubbish back to the resort, do not leave plastic on the sand and give nesting birds and any turtles a wide berth.
Top things to do at The East Beach, Koh Kradan
Swim in the morning
The water is usually at its calmest and clearest early in the day in the dry season, and you will have the beach almost to yourself before the day boats arrive.
Snorkel the house reef
Parts of the reef lie a short swim from the sand. Go at mid to high tide so you float comfortably above the coral, and see our reef guide before you go in.
Watch the sunrise over Koh Muk
The beach faces east, so the sun comes up behind Koh Muk and the mainland hills — worth setting an alarm for at least once.
Kayak along the shore
Several resorts rent kayaks or paddleboards. Stay close to shore and keep clear of boat lanes near the landing points.
Lunch or a drink at a beach restaurant
Resort restaurants open to non-guests serve Thai food, seafood and cold drinks. Prices are higher than on the mainland because everything arrives by boat.
How to get to The East Beach, Koh Kradan
- Everyone arrives at the east beach: ferries, speedboats and longtails from Pak Meng, Hat Yao, Kuan Tung Ku and Koh Lanta drop passengers here, usually by wading ashore or via a smaller boat. See our getting there guide.
- Day trippers reach it on almost every Trang 4-islands tour, most of which stop on Kradan for lunch and swimming.
Insider tips
- Pack light and in a soft bag: there is no pier on most of the beach and you may wade ashore with your luggage.
- Bring enough cash — there is no ATM on the island.
- Midday sun on white sand is fierce: bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest for snorkelling.
- In the low season (about May to October) the east coast can be rough and many resorts close; check before you go.
Best tours & tickets for The East Beach, Koh Kradan
These experiences are the easiest way to see The East Beach, Koh Kradan:
Island-hopping day trip from €24 Koh Lanta: 4 Islands, Emerald Cave & Koh Kradan by Longtail
The most-reviewed trip that reaches Koh Kradan, with well over a thousand reviews. A traditional longtail takes you south from Koh Lanta to the Trang islands: Emerald Cave, snorkelling stops and a beach lunch. There are two options — pick the one that names Koh Kradan if the island is why you are going.
- Swim through Emerald Cave to the hidden beach on Koh Muk
- Snorkel stops on the reefs of the Trang islands
- Beach lunch — choose the option that includes Koh Kradan
Island-hopping day trip from €37 4-Island Tour from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan with Beach Lunch
A full day built around Koh Kradan, rated 4.6 by several hundred travellers: island-hopping and snorkelling through the Trang islands, with lunch on Kradan’s white east beach. A good choice if you want real beach time on Kradan rather than a quick stop.
- Lunch on the beach at Koh Kradan
- Snorkelling and island-hopping in the Trang islands
- Pickup available from many Koh Lanta hotels
Private boat trip from €118 per group From Ko Kradan: Private Long-Tail Boat Adventure
The one GetYourGuide product that leaves from Koh Kradan itself: a private longtail for three to four hours to Emerald Cave, Koh Ngai and the reef at Koh Chueak. If you are staying on Kradan, this is the simplest way to see the other islands — and you can go early, before the day-trip boats from Lanta arrive. No reviews yet; resorts on Kradan can also arrange boats.
- Starts on Koh Kradan itself — no transfer needed
- Morakot (Emerald) Cave, Koh Ngai and Koh Chueak
- Priced per boat, so good value for a small group
