Koh Kradan is a car-free island. There are no roads and no motorbikes to speak of — just sandy paths behind the beach, a trail through the forest to the west coast, and tracks through the coconut and rubber groves inland. Much of the island is protected forest within Hat Chao Mai National Park.
Walking is part of the pleasure. Early in the morning you can watch the sunrise from the east beach and the rocks at its ends, with the cliffs of Koh Muk silhouetted against the sky; later, the cross-island path leads to Sunset Beach. Expect birds, butterflies and, now and then, a monitor lizard crossing the path.
Top things to do at Island Trails & the Sunrise Viewpoint
Sunrise from the east coast
Walk to the quieter end of the beach before dawn and watch the sky light up behind Koh Muk.
Cross the island to Sunset Beach
The forest path takes around a quarter of an hour; make it a sunset ritual.
Beach walk at low tide
At low tide you can wander further along the shore. Check the tide before you go so you are not cut off by rising water around the rocks.
How to get to Island Trails & the Sunrise Viewpoint
- All the trails start from the east beach, where every boat lands. Ask your resort for the current state of the paths — some may be overgrown or muddy after rain.
Insider tips
- Mosquito repellent is essential in the forest.
- Carry water — it is hot and humid under the trees.
- Wear sturdy sandals; roots and rocks are slippery after rain.
- Do not feed or approach wild animals, including monitor lizards.
Best tours & tickets for Island Trails & the Sunrise Viewpoint
These experiences are the easiest way to see Island Trails & the Sunrise Viewpoint:
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
Boat transfer from €40 Koh Lanta: Speed Boat Transfer from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan
A one-way speedboat seat from Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta straight to Koh Kradan, in about an hour. Like all island-hopping boats in the area, it mainly runs in the dry season and depends on the weather. New listing, no reviews yet.
- Direct speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan
- About an hour at sea
- Easy way to continue south from Lanta
