Koh Kradan is the kind of island people describe with superlatives — and then warn you about the practicalities. This guide covers both: why it is worth the effort, and how to plan around the lack of ATMs, the seasons and the day-trip crowds.
The island at a glance
- Where: the Andaman Sea off Trang province, southern Thailand, between Koh Muk and the open sea.
- What: a small, forested island with a long white-sand beach on its east coast and a fringing coral reef; most of it lies within Hat Chao Mai National Park.
- Who lives here: no village — just resort staff and a few families; supplies come by boat from the mainland.
- Neighbours: Koh Muk and its Emerald Cave across the channel, Koh Ngai to the north.
How long do you need?
- A day trip — possible on a 4-islands tour, but you will share the beach with every other boat at lunchtime.
- Two or three nights — the sweet spot: one island-hopping day, one day of beach and reef, and sunsets at Sunset Beach.
- A week — split it between Kradan and Koh Muk or Koh Ngai, or continue south to Koh Lipe or north to Koh Lanta.
Getting there
Fly or take the train to Trang, then about an hour by road to Pak Meng or Hat Yao pier and a boat to the island. In season there are also boats from Koh Lanta. Our getting there guide compares every route.
What to see and do
Koh Kradan The East Beach, Koh Kradan
Kradan’s long white beach facing Koh Muk
The island’s main beach runs along the east coast: fine white sand, shallow turquoise water and a view across the channel to the limestone cliffs of Koh Muk and, on clear days, the mountains of the Trang mainland. Almost all of Kradan’s resorts sit behind it, and day-trip boats pull in here around lunchtime.
Koh Kradan Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan
A short jungle walk to the west coast
A small, wild beach on Kradan’s west side, reached by a signposted path through the forest from the east beach in roughly a quarter of an hour. There is little or nothing built here — just sand, rocks and the open Andaman Sea — which makes it the island’s favourite place to watch the sun go down.
Koh Kradan The Kradan House Reef
Snorkelling straight off the east beach
A fringing reef runs along parts of Kradan’s east coast, close enough to swim to from the sand at the right tide. It is the reason most Trang island-hopping trips stop here: hard and soft corals, reef fish and, with luck, a turtle — all in warm, usually clear water in the dry season.
The Trang islands Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot), Koh Muk
Swim through a sea cave to a hidden beach
The most famous stop on the Trang 4-islands trip: an opening in the limestone cliffs of Koh Muk, through which you swim or are guided along a dark passage of roughly 80 metres to a small beach enclosed by sheer, jungle-hung walls. Entry depends on the tide, and boats time their visits to it.
See all of them, with directions and tours, in our things to do guide.
Money, power and Wi-Fi
- No ATMs: there is no ATM on Koh Kradan. Bring enough baht for rooms, food, boats and any park fees. Some resorts accept cards, often with a surcharge.
- Electricity: some resorts generate their own power, and supply may be limited to certain hours. Bring a power bank and a torch.
- Connectivity: mobile signal and resort Wi-Fi exist but can be slow or patchy; download maps and boarding passes before you go.
- Shops: there are no real shops — stock up on sunscreen, medicine and snacks in Trang.
National park rules
- Entrance fee: Hat Chao Mai National Park may charge visitors to its islands an entrance fee — in recent years a few hundred baht for foreign adults and much less for Thais. Rates change; check locally and keep your ticket.
- Protect the reef: do not stand on or touch coral, feed fish or collect shells.
- Plastic: Thai national parks restrict single-use plastic and foam. Bring a refillable bottle and take your rubbish away.
- Drones: flying a drone in a national park needs permission; check before you launch.
What it costs
Kradan is pricier than the mainland because everything arrives by boat. Indicative costs (check current rates):
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Shared 4-islands day trip from Koh Lanta (online) | from ≈€24–42 |
| Private longtail from Kradan, half day | from ≈€118 per boat (online) |
| Speedboat Koh Lanta → Kradan | from ≈€40 per person |
| Minivan/taxi Trang → pier | a few hundred baht shared; more for a private taxi |
| National park fee (foreign adult) | a few hundred baht — check current rate |
| Thai dish at a resort restaurant | higher than on the mainland |
| Simple bungalow, double | budget to mid-range; see where to stay |
Food
On Kradan you eat at the resorts — Thai dishes, seafood and simple Western food. Trang, by contrast, is one of Thailand’s great food cities: dim sum breakfasts, strong local coffee and moo yang Trang, crispy roast pork. Leave time for a meal in town on the way in or out.
The Underwater Wedding
Trang is known for its Underwater Wedding festival, held around Valentine’s Day, when couples in diving gear exchange vows on the seabed off the Trang islands — Koh Kradan has often been involved. Dates, venues and the format vary from year to year, so check with the Tourism Authority of Thailand or Trang’s tourism office before planning around it.
Practical details
- Language: Thai; resort staff speak English.
- Health: there is no hospital on Kradan; serious cases go to the mainland. Get insurance that covers boat trips and evacuation.
- Safety: the island is very safe. The main risks are the sun, boat traffic near the beach, slippery rocks and rough seas in the monsoon.
- Mosquitoes: the forest brings mosquitoes and sandflies — bring repellent.
What to pack
- Enough cash in Thai baht for your whole stay.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a rash vest.
- A mask and snorkel of your own, and water shoes.
- A dry bag and a soft travel bag for wet landings.
- A torch or headlamp, a power bank and insect repellent.
Common mistakes
- Arriving without enough cash.
- Coming in the monsoon without checking whether your resort and boats are running.
- Swimming in front of the landing points at midday, when boats arrive.
- Leaving the island-hopping day to the last day — if the weather cancels it, there is no second chance.
- Seeing Kradan only on a day trip and missing the quiet mornings and evenings.
