The Trang coast west of the city is the jumping-off point for Koh Kradan. Pak Meng has a broad beach with views of karst islands, seafood restaurants and the pier from which many boats to Koh Ngai, Kradan and Koh Muk leave. Further south, the long, casuarina-lined beaches of Hat Chao Mai National Park run towards Hat Yao, another departure point for the islands.
Hat Chao Mai National Park covers both this stretch of coast and the islands offshore, including most of Kradan. The coast is lovely in its own right — quieter than the islands, with sunsets behind the limestone islets — and makes a good overnight stop before an early boat.
Top things to do at Pak Meng & Hat Chao Mai
Seafood dinner at Pak Meng
Beachside restaurants serve grilled fish, squid and southern Thai curries with a sunset view.
Walk the Hat Chao Mai beaches
Long, quiet sand backed by casuarinas — a world away from the busy resorts of Krabi.
Catch the morning boat
Spend the night on the coast and you will be first at the pier for the islands.
How to get to Pak Meng & Hat Chao Mai
- From Trang town or the airport, Pak Meng is roughly 40 km by road — around 45 minutes to an hour by taxi or minivan. Hat Yao is further south.
- Island resorts and travel agents in Trang sell combined van-and-boat tickets to the pier.
Insider tips
- Withdraw cash in Trang or near the piers before you cross — Kradan has no ATM.
- Boat times change with the season and the tide; confirm the day before.
- Keep your national park ticket if you are asked to pay one at the pier or on the islands.
Best tours & tickets for Pak Meng & Hat Chao Mai
These experiences are the easiest way to see Pak Meng & Hat Chao Mai:
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
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
Private transfer from €160 per group Kuan Tung Ku Pier to Koh Kradan – One-Way Speedboat Transfer
A private one-way speedboat from Kuan Tung Ku Pier on the Trang coast to Koh Kradan, for up to seven people. It is expensive for two but reasonable for a family or group, and it frees you from fixed ferry times.
- Private speedboat for up to 7 passengers
- Leave when you want from the Trang coast
- Priced per boat
