Thailand

Koh Phra Thong

South of Thailand, the paradisiacal island of Ko Phra Thong will delight divers and fulfill beach-loving vacationers.

Fourteen kilometers of sandy coastline attract boaters to this modest fisherman's retreat. Phuket is only a three-hour bus ride from Ko Phra Thong, yet the atmosphere changes dramatically upon arrival in Thapayoi, the island's main village. Deserted beaches are lined with coconut trees. Few bathers in sight, but rather crabs, baby turtles, and hermit crabs strolling on the white sand. Sunbathing, building sandcastles, exploring the beautiful mangrove by boat, admiring the sunset on the beach with the neighboring islands of Ko Ra and Ko Rang Nok disappearing into the horizon… Ko Phra Thong is a dream island for those seeking a natural, peaceful paradise cut off from the world. Its fortune is not to fall into the hands of tourism potentates.

A bit of history

The Island of the Golden Buddha… Such is the meaning of Ko Phra Thong in French. The toponym originates from a popular legend. Once upon a time, a band of pirates stopped on the island and buried a treasure there: a golden Buddha statue.

In 2004, the tsunami struck the village, causing deadly consequences. Many people perished due to the catastrophe or were evacuated. The population decreased from 1,200 to 300. At the time of writing, the local economy has not yet recovered. There are no schools, no commercial centers, and no nightclubs. There is only one basic health center.

The succession of stilt houses, however, proves that Ko Phra Thong is not an empty space. Fishing families have settled around the mangrove. These are the Moken, proud sea gypsies who were once hunter-gatherers but now content themselves with catching fish and raising oysters or shrimp. The Moken share the territory with a few hotel units.

Ko Phra Thong today

Ko Phra Thong has retained its identity as a village known for aquaculture and fishing. Beach tourism holds hopes for growth. With the spectacular beauty of the coast, where white sand, rocky coves, and pine forests punctuate, these ambitions are not exaggerated. Far from the exoticism of Phuket, nature takes back its rights here. If you want to experience wild parties, look elsewhere. But if you are looking for a quiet and secluded island for memorable beach vacations, Ko Phra Thong delivers on its promises.

The island covers an area of 488 km2. A canal divides it in two: the western part is filled with pristine sandy beaches; the eastern part gives way to the mangrove, where traditional fishing houses are cheerfully balanced on the water. Administratively, the island consists of three districts. The entrance to the main village is 8 kilometers from the landing port.

Things to see and do on Koh Phra Thong

Viewers of the Koh Lanta show will have no trouble imagining the setting. Same golden sand, same exuberant vegetation—nature in its raw state without the amenities of civilization.

Golden Buddha Beach is the largest on the island. Shaded by coconut trees, it stretches for about 10 kilometers and is home to a hotel complex and friendly restaurants. It is best to stop here to feast your stomach and admire the view of the cliffs before continuing your journey.

The second beach on the island stretches for just over a kilometer. Bars, restaurants, and a large beach resort: the Moken Eco Village.

After a stroll on the beach, get ready to climb a rocky promontory filled with old, uninhabited houses. According to popular belief, ghosts haunt the famous hill day and night. They are the spirits of the tsunami victims, wandering shadows that continue to torment the living.

To combine beach with ecotourism, visit the mangrove area to the east of the island. An amphibious environment, where fresh water, lagoons, and the sea meet. On board a wooden boat, you will encounter animal species adapted to salinity, such as crabs, shrimp, sea cucumbers, and oysters.

If you have more time, indulge in a diving experience. The neighboring islands of Ko Ra and Ko Rang Nok are well-known sites for diving enthusiasts. Armed with a mask and snorkel, you will discover a myriad of marine creatures, such as anemones, corals, and manta rays.

When to go to Ko Phra Thong?

In Ko Phra Thong, the year is divided into two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The monsoon period is not recommended for tourist trips. It is best to go between December and April. The weather is dry, and temperatures are milder during this time.

How to get to Ko Phra Thong?

There is no direct bus connecting Ko Phra Thong to other islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Unless you use private transportation, you will have to go through Khuri Buri. Several public buses serve Khuri Buri from Phuket, Ranong, and Bangkok.

From Phuket: 3 hours by road; departures start at 7 a.m. Ticket price: around 160 baht or 4.48 euros;
From Ranong: 3 hours by road, buses run between 9 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. Ticket price: around 100 baht or 2.8 euros;
From Bangkok: go to the Mo Chit bus station north of the capital and take the local bus to Khuri Buri. The ticket price is 492 baht for a VIP, against 380 baht for a standard public bus. Of the two types of buses, the first is not only the most comfortable but also the fastest: a 3-hour time savings on the journey.