Thailand
Not far from Krabi, the secret island of Ko Ngai will delight divers and please lovers of rugged and wild coastlines.
With its constellation of islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, Southern Thailand resonates as an eternal call to the beach and the sun. For your next trip to Thailand, we recommend Ko Ngai, a pristine island engulfed by jungle, an hour's boat ride from Pak Meng and forty-five minutes from Koh Lanta. White sand, palm trees, coves, coral reefs… Ko Ngai can compete without blushing with Krabi for the splendor of the coastline, even though it is only 8 km2. The island is known as an active diving center, but there is also enthusiasm among hikers who intend to explore the emerald cave of Koh Mook before enjoying snorkeling on the nearby islands. For 21st-century Robinsons, it's the calm and secluded atmosphere they love about this place. A natural haven reminiscent of paradise on earth.
Geographical profile
Ko Ngai, or Koh Hai—let's not quibble about spelling—is a rocky islet 4 km long and 2 km wide. Its coastal perimeter is embellished with limestone points and corals, with large mountainous areas in the background. At first glance, the island looks like no man's land, but that's only partly true. A small number of hotels occupy the east coast, while the western and northern parts are left to the birds.
Today
Ko Ngai is a dream island that has managed to escape the clutches of tourist gigantism. It is administratively attached to Koh Lanta, itself part of Krabi province. Too small to interest real estate investors, Ko Ngai nevertheless offers sandy and picturesque beaches. Couples and families looking for quiet beach vacations in a deserted and remote place will certainly find what they are looking for here. Apart from the beach, ecotourism animates the territory.
Must-see attractions
Beach, sand, and sun
There's not much to see in the town itself, except for lovely little beaches like Paradise Beach and Sunset Beach. High-end hotels line the waterfront. Lovers of idleness should not hesitate to vary their pleasures: lazing on the beach with a beer in hand, ordering a seafood barbecue, indulging in a traditional massage experience, enjoying the spa… The choice is wide!
Ecotourism
Feeling like some natural relaxation? Venture into the tropical jungle. Thanks to its island isolation, Ko Ngai is home to pristine, generous, and protected nature. The trail starts at the island's largest beach, crosses a pair of southern beaches, and leads to the national park. You will notice that the coastline is rugged and wonderfully eroded. Karst cliffs and hills create a breathtakingly grand backdrop. Nature enthusiasts will linger in the forest to watch for migratory birds.
The Emerald cave of Koh Mook
Nestled on the neighboring island of Ko Mook, Tham Morakot—in English, the emerald cave—is undoubtedly the number one attraction for tourists. The ability to swim or maneuver a kayak is required to cross the 80-meter underground gallery. It's impossible to get there by longtail boat. An opening has been made in the ceiling to let in light. In front of the cave stretches a beach with clear waters frequented by some divers.
Diving Sites
After a tiring walk exploring the natural treasures of Ko Ngai, replenish yourself in one of the local establishments. Spend the entire afternoon on a boat trip to the neighboring islands: Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, Koh Wan, and Koh Chuak. You will be treated to an unforgettable diving experience. From 5 to 10 meters deep, various forms of marine life appear.
On the pristine island of Koh Wan, sea anemones, sponges, and corals are abundant, populating the underwater rocks.
In the extreme northwest of Koh Mook, divers will be delighted to spot multicolored corals sharing the reefs with a variety of pelagic fish, including lionfish, shrimp, and kelp, not to mention tiger-tailed seahorses.
The south coast of Koh Kradan harbors superb coral reefs inhabited by gorgonians, soft corals, anemones, and sea urchins. Patience is required to spot giant creatures, such as manta rays, leopard sharks, or sea turtles. Have your multimedia device ready!
The good visibility and shallow water make the diving spots of Koh Wan, Koh Chuak, and Koh Kradan suitable for all levels. Experienced dive masters can accompany and guide beginners.
In the surroundings
If snorkeling doesn't appeal to you, try an ecotourism tour within the Hat Chao Mai Marine National Park, about 15 km from Ko Ngai. Established on October 14, 1982, it stretches over 20 kilometers of sandy coasts. The diving sites mentioned above are included in this park, but beautiful beaches, mangroves, and colonies of primates also attract boaters.
Practical information
When to go to Ko Ngai?
Tourist attendance peaks between November and April. During this period, the sky is bathed in intense light, and the weather is dry. Avoid Ko Ngai in September and October due to typhoons.
How to get to Ko Ngai?
Ko Ngai is off the southern coast of the Andaman Sea, about thirty kilometers from Koh Lanta. To reach this island, foreign nationals must book a flight to Trang after their first flight to Bangkok. AirAsia and Nok Air offer, among others, direct flights on this route. The flight time from Bangkok to Trang is approximately 1 and a half hours. The train is an excellent alternative for budget travelers; the pickup point is at Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station.
In doing so, head to Park Meng Pier, Trang's main beach. From the pier, ferryboat services make numerous roundtrips between Trang and Ko Ngai. The duration of the journey varies depending on the type of boat: 1 hour for a classic ferry, but barely 20 minutes for a high-speed ferry.
Getting around
The island has no roads. But fear not; the beaches are easily accessible on foot, and marked trails have been created in the jungle for hikers. The use of a longtail boat is not essential, but it can be quite enjoyable for touring the surrounding resort areas.
You would like to…
swim on the white sandy beaches;
explore the Koh Mook cave;
enjoy a hike in the woods;
practice scuba diving;
savor a seafood dish;
photograph the coral reefs.
