When we decided to cure our Scandinavian winter depression by going to Thailand last winter, we spent a lot of our time island hopping. From relaxing on Koh Phangan to Koh Tao and by way of Ao Nang to Koh Lanta. We didn’t want to get too busy, so we hung around everywhere for a few weeks at a time.
When we were on Koh Lanta, some people told us about Koh Kradan for the first time, and they were all Thai. We considered this a good thing and booked a boat. The fact that we booked 3 nights on the island and stayed for 7 should tell you a lot, but Koh Kradan is a real Thai paradise. We’re giving you all of our tips in this Koh Kradan travel guide!
How to get to Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is on Thailand’s west coast, in Trang province. The flight from Don Muaeng airport in Bangkok to Trang airport will only take you an hour. For twenty bucks you could also take a bus but they’re well over 20 hours. Not our favourite travel method!
We took the boat from Koh Lanta, that dropped us on Koh Kradan in about an hour, after a brief stop on Koh Ngai. Koh Kradan is pretty easy to reach from Ao Nang, the Phi Phi islands and the mainland (Trang).
Koh Kradan Travel Guide: the best tips
What’s there to do on Koh Kradan?
In all honesty: not much, and that’s the entire reason to go there. Take a swim in the gorgeous ocean, snorkel to your heart’s content, lounge on the paradise beaches and read your books. There are no roads, no shops and no scooters and we loved it!
Because the reef is on the east side of the island, all hotels are on that side but still the beach is never busy. There is only a handful of hotels after all. From the beach walking into the water, you will hit the reef after about 50 meters. Between the coral you can spot colourful fish, puffer fish and if you’re lucky; a muray eel.
It gets a little busier between 10 and 2 when the tour groups come to snorkel, but after that it’s quiet again.
The Emerald Cave
Most people check this off on a day tour from a neighbouring island, but the Emerald Cave is directly across from Koh Kradan and is only a 30 minute boat ride away. By visiting from Kradan, you can avoid the groups by going early in the morning or late afternoon, depending on the tide.
The boat will drop you off at the entrance of the cave, and from there it is a 10 minute swim inside. Even though we were there at 9 in the morning, we were not alone. There were about 10 people inside, but when we left, a group of about 50 people was swimming in that were just dropped off from a big boat. Is it worth it? It’s cool to see, but go on a clear day. When it’s clouded, the water won’t get that emerald shade, and if you’re inside with 50 other folks, it does take away from the experience a little bit.
→ Check our Thailand packing list!
Sunset Beach
No Thai island without a sunset beach! Follow the jungle path behind the Paradise Lost Resort to get there. Because we were there in the morning, we were all alone. If you turn your back to the plastic by the edge of the jungle (shame), it is absolutely stunning. We were told there’s hardly anyone there at night either.
Where to stay at Koh Kradan?
For a long time, Paradise Lost was the cheapest option. After the American owner died a few years ago, it was taken over by Italians. The food is good, but the terrain has been neglected. Covid left its marks here too. You can still book the bungalows, and if you know what to expect, it is still cheap.
It’s no surprise that all hotels on Koh Kradan are expensive. We stayed at the Reef Resort, which is usually the most expensive, but we did not regret it at all! We enjoyed the swimming pool, the free snorkel and SUP equipment, and the staff was absolutely awesome. We found it hard to leave!
A little cheaper is the Kradan Beach Resort, and for an ecological, boutique stay, book Kalumé, where they also have an excellent Italian restaurant.
Extra Koh Kradan tips!
- Everything on the island is pricey. There is a tiny minimart, but you’ll pay triple regular price. It pays off to bring some things yourself.
- There are non ATM’s! At most (if not all) hotels you can pay by card and they will let you take out cash for a fee if you stay with them.
- Pay attention when you book a hotel; at some places the airconditioning will only work at designated times a day, as well as the electricity. Better to know beforehand.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
🥾 Book your tours and day trips through GetYourGuide
🛏 Find the best hotels on Booking.com!
🚌 12Go.Asia is the best for local transportation
📖 Amazon will provide you with all the travel books you need
DON’T FORGET TO PACK:
- A travel adapter to make sure your stuff works
MORE THAILAND CONTENT?
Koh Lanta, Thailand’s friendliest island
Koh Phangan’s most beautiful beaches
Koh Phangan travel guide for non party travelers
Koh Kood, Thailand’s most beautiful island