Kradan’s west coast is a different world from the resort beach. A path leads from the east beach through the forest to Sunset Beach, a small, undeveloped stretch of sand and rock facing the open Andaman Sea. It takes roughly a quarter of an hour on foot, a little more if you dawdle in the shade.
The beach is wilder and less manicured than the east side: rocks are exposed at low tide, the sea brings in driftwood (and, sadly, sometimes plastic), and there may be nothing to buy. That is exactly its appeal. In the dry season the sun sets straight into the sea here, and on a clear evening the light turns the rocks gold.
Top things to do at Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan
Watch the sunset
Arrive half an hour before sunset with water and a torch for the walk back. The path is easy in daylight but dark under the trees at night.
Explore the rocks at low tide
Tide pools appear among the rocks at low water. Wear sandals, watch your footing and leave every shell and creature where it is.
Enjoy the quiet
Even when the east beach is busy with day boats, Sunset Beach is usually almost empty.
How to get to Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan
- Follow the signed cross-island path from the east beach; resorts will point you to the start. Allow around 15–20 minutes each way.
- At high tide some sections near the rocks may involve wading, so time your walk with the tide if you can.
Insider tips
- Bring a torch or headlamp for the walk back after dark.
- Use mosquito repellent — the forest path is a mosquito zone, especially at dusk.
- Wear proper sandals or trainers rather than flip-flops.
- Take your rubbish back with you; there are no bins on this side.
Best tours & tickets for Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan
These experiences are the easiest way to see Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan:
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
Island-hopping day trip from €29 From Koh Lanta: Kradan Island Longtail Boat Tour with Lunch
A longtail day that puts Koh Kradan at its centre: snorkelling at Koh Chueak, the Emerald Cave, lunch on Kradan’s beach and a stop on Koh Ngai. It has fewer reviews than the big sellers (4.2 from around thirty), so read the latest ones before booking.
- Snorkelling at Koh Chueak
- Emerald Cave swim and beachfront lunch on Koh Kradan
- Beach time on Koh Ngai
