Between Koh Muk and Koh Ngai rise two small, uninhabited limestone islands: Koh Chueak and Koh Waen. They have no beaches to speak of — just sheer cliffs dropping into the sea — but their underwater slopes are covered in coral and alive with fish, which makes them the standard snorkelling stops on the Trang 4-islands trip.
Boats anchor close to the rock and you jump straight in. In peak season several boats may be moored at once, so the earlier you arrive, the better. In clear water the visibility can be excellent, with soft corals, sea fans and schools of reef fish just below the surface.
Top things to do at Koh Chueak & Koh Waen
Snorkel along the cliffs
Follow the reef along the base of the rock, staying clear of the boats’ propellers.
Look for sea fans and soft corals
The deeper slopes are often the most colourful; keep a respectful distance.
How to get to Koh Chueak & Koh Waen
- Only by boat — on a 4-islands tour or a chartered longtail from Kradan, Koh Muk or Koh Ngai.
Insider tips
- Wear a life jacket or bring fins if you are not a strong swimmer; there is nowhere to stand.
- Currents can be noticeable — stay close to the boat.
- Never feed the fish; it harms the reef ecosystem.
Best tours & tickets for Koh Chueak & Koh Waen
These experiences are the easiest way to see Koh Chueak & Koh Waen:
Island-hopping day trip from €112 Trang: 4 Islands Full-Day Tour with Snorkeling & Lunch
Another full-day 4-islands tour starting from Trang, with the Emerald Cave, Koh Kradan and snorkelling at Koh Chueak and Koh Waen, plus lunch. New on GetYourGuide and not yet reviewed — compare it with the Trang big-boat trip before you decide.
- Emerald Cave’s hidden lagoon
- White sand on Koh Kradan
- Reef snorkelling at Koh Chueak and Koh Waen, with lunch
Island-hopping day trip from €40 Trang: Full-Day Big Boat Adventure to Kradan & Chueak Islands
The best-established GetYourGuide trip from the Trang side: a full day on a bigger boat to Emerald Cave, Koh Kradan and the reefs of Koh Chueak. A bigger boat is steadier in a swell, though less nimble at the stops. Rated 4.2 from a small number of reviews.
- Emerald Cave and its hidden beach
- Koh Kradan and snorkelling at Koh Chueak
- A larger, steadier boat than a longtail
Private boat trip from €247 per group Ko Lanta: Private 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat
A private longtail from Koh Lanta for the classic 4-islands route — Koh Chueak, Emerald Cave, Koh Ngai and Koh Waen — priced per boat. With your own boat you can ask to start early to beat the crowds at the cave, or to add time on Kradan; agree any changes with the operator in advance.
- Your own longtail and boatman for the day
- Koh Chueak, Emerald Cave, Koh Ngai and Koh Waen
- Set your own pace and timing at each stop
