Tweet
Island Hopping from Koh Libong
The largest Trang island may lack the picturesque, powder sands of some of its more fashionable neighbours, but it more than makes up for it with untamed swathes of mangrove and a low-key vibe seldom found on more frequented shores. Aside from a few fishing villages that house Koh Libong’s 6,000-plus Thai-Muslim residents, there’s little here to intrude on the sublime stillness. Many visitors come here with hopes of spotting one of the dugongs that nibble on the abundant sea grasses just offshore, though sightings of the shy creatures are rare. Haad Lang Kao, a golden strip of coast covered with coarse sand and pebbles, may house all of the island’s resorts, but it still feels relatively remote. The resorts diligently remove driftwood and garbage that washes ashore, keeping these sands in better condition than some others.
Ao Kuan Tong, Koh Ngai
One of the busier islands in the area, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai), officially belongs to Krabi Province, but is so easily accessible from Koh Muk and Koh Kradan that most travellers include it in their Trang island-hopping itinerary. A string of mid-range resorts and low-key restaurants and cafes dominate the main beach, giving it a bit more bustle than Koh Muk. Still, the warm, crystalline waters and white sands are very inviting.
Ban Koh Beach, Koh Sukorn
Also known as Koh Muu, or “pig island,” this speck in the Andaman Sea makes sleepy Koh Muk seem positively action-packed by comparison. Unlike Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai, where much of the local population is involved with the modest tourism trade, most of the roughly 3,000 Thai-Muslims that inhabit these shores work in fishing or farming. A bike ride along the island’s single 17km road passes undulating rice paddies and groves of rubber and coconut trees. Three out of four of the small resorts are clustered on Haad Lo Yai, the island’s main beach, leaving just a handful of bungalows over on somnolent Ban Koh Beach. Avoid the rainier months of the year between May and October.
Lao Liang Phi Beach, Koh Lao Liang
Ambitious climbers flock to the cliffs jutting up from the sandy shores of Koh Lao Liang Nong and Koh Lao Liang Phi. Though there are fewer routes, the vertiginous rock faces and sweeping views of sapphire seas easily equal anything on perpetually packed Koh Phi-Phi. Sea caves riddle the limestone formations and while the underwater reef cannot quite match Koh Rok’s, it still more than merits a snorkel. Of the two islands, the larger Koh Lao Liang Phi has the bigger beach and tends to be overlooked by touring longtail boats in favour of its sibling.
Koh Phetra
Virtually devoid of any of the major hallmarks of civilisation, this is the forgotten island of your dreams. Few roads and even fewer inhabitants mar this slip of land covered with towering limestone cliffs. Unlike the majority of the other 30 protected islands in Mu Ko Phetra national park, Koh Phetra boasts a sand beach lapped by gentle turquoise waves.
The largest Trang island may lack the picturesque, powder sands of some of its more fashionable neighbours, but it more than makes up for it with untamed swathes of mangrove and a low-key vibe seldom found on more frequented shores. Aside from a few fishing villages that house Koh Libong’s 6,000-plus Thai-Muslim residents, there’s little here to intrude on the sublime stillness. Many visitors come here with hopes of spotting one of the dugongs that nibble on the abundant sea grasses just offshore, though sightings of the shy creatures are rare. Haad Lang Kao, a golden strip of coast covered with coarse sand and pebbles, may house all of the island’s resorts, but it still feels relatively remote. The resorts diligently remove driftwood and garbage that washes ashore, keeping these sands in better condition than some others.
- Accommodation
It doesn’t get more mellow than Libong Relax Beach Resort, directly by the sea. The basic cottages are clean and cosy, while the air-conditioned pavilions are swish for these parts. The resort owners are happy to organise trips to the local fishing villages or kayaking expeditions in search of those elusive dugongs. - Getting there
Fly from Bangkok to Phuket with AirAsia (from £40), then take a Tigerline ferry from Rassada Pier (5½ hours, £43). Alternatively, fly from Bangkok to Krabi with AirAsia (USD 40.00), arrange for a transfer to the Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta, and take a three-hour ferry (USD 30.00).
Ao Kuan Tong, Koh Ngai
One of the busier islands in the area, Koh Ngai (also known as Koh Hai), officially belongs to Krabi Province, but is so easily accessible from Koh Muk and Koh Kradan that most travellers include it in their Trang island-hopping itinerary. A string of mid-range resorts and low-key restaurants and cafes dominate the main beach, giving it a bit more bustle than Koh Muk. Still, the warm, crystalline waters and white sands are very inviting.
- Accommodation
Backpackers should check out the spacious green tents shaded by trees on the edge of the main beach, though note that these shut down for rainy season. Sea breezes ensure you won’t miss air-conditioning and you’ll enjoy a prime location next to some of the much pricier resorts. For a splurge, Thanya Beach Resort is one of the more stylish options. - Getting there
As per entry for Haad Farang (Haad Sai Yao), Koh Muk
Ban Koh Beach, Koh Sukorn
Also known as Koh Muu, or “pig island,” this speck in the Andaman Sea makes sleepy Koh Muk seem positively action-packed by comparison. Unlike Koh Kradan or Koh Ngai, where much of the local population is involved with the modest tourism trade, most of the roughly 3,000 Thai-Muslims that inhabit these shores work in fishing or farming. A bike ride along the island’s single 17km road passes undulating rice paddies and groves of rubber and coconut trees. Three out of four of the small resorts are clustered on Haad Lo Yai, the island’s main beach, leaving just a handful of bungalows over on somnolent Ban Koh Beach. Avoid the rainier months of the year between May and October.
- Accommodation
There’s nothing fancy about the bungalows at Sukorn Andaman Beach Resort but they’re comfortable, quiet and offer easy access to Ban Koh Beach. There’s a decent if unremarkable on-site restaurant and even slightly spotty wifi. - Getting there
Fly from Bangkok to Trang with AirAsia (from £30), then catch the lone daily local ferry (£2). Alternatively, resorts on the island can arrange for private transfers.
Lao Liang Phi Beach, Koh Lao Liang
Ambitious climbers flock to the cliffs jutting up from the sandy shores of Koh Lao Liang Nong and Koh Lao Liang Phi. Though there are fewer routes, the vertiginous rock faces and sweeping views of sapphire seas easily equal anything on perpetually packed Koh Phi-Phi. Sea caves riddle the limestone formations and while the underwater reef cannot quite match Koh Rok’s, it still more than merits a snorkel. Of the two islands, the larger Koh Lao Liang Phi has the bigger beach and tends to be overlooked by touring longtail boats in favour of its sibling.
- Accommodation
The bare-bones tents at Laoliang Island Resort are the only accommodation option (and shuts down in the rainy months between May and December). There’s no internet access and the generator that provides electric lights switches off in the evening, but the seaside setting more than compensates for the lack of creature comforts. - Getting there
Most visitors combine their trip with a visit to either Koh Sukorn or Koh Libong, the nearest inhabited islands. Longtail transfers are available from either for around £45, though prices may vary.
Koh Phetra
Virtually devoid of any of the major hallmarks of civilisation, this is the forgotten island of your dreams. Few roads and even fewer inhabitants mar this slip of land covered with towering limestone cliffs. Unlike the majority of the other 30 protected islands in Mu Ko Phetra national park, Koh Phetra boasts a sand beach lapped by gentle turquoise waves.
- Accomodation
As there is no accommodation on Koh Phetra, the best bet is to bunk on Koh Libong and take a day trip to this haven. - Getting there
Stay at either Koh Sukorn or Koh Libong, the nearest inhabited islands. Longtail transfers are available from either from around £45, though prices may vary.