4 special islands in Thailand that are worth getting to know!
- Noa
There are many special islands in Thailand that are less well-known, and they are perfect for those who want to spend a few days on the most beautiful beaches in the world. On one hand, they are wild and authentic, and on the other hand, they have everything you could want to enjoy as a tourist (like air conditioning!). Koh Muk, Koh Ngai (pronounced Hai), Koh Kradan and Koh Jum are islands near Krabi and also close to Koh Lanta . The combination of white beaches, clear and pleasant turquoise waters, delicious food, good cocktails, birds chirping and silence make these islands a paradise. So how to get to them and what is worth doing there?
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Table of Contents
How do you get to special places in Thailand?
It’s really easy to get to special islands in Thailand! The easiest and simplest way is to book the entire trip in advance through local agents or on 12go . The trip includes a pick-up from your hotel to the pier and then a boat or speedboat.
Weather on islands near Krabi
It's always hot in Thailand, the question is whether it's more or less. There are two main seasons, dry and wet, and you can travel in both. Each season has its advantages.
The dry season
From the beginning of October to the end of March. Little rain, sunny and clear. This is also the peak of the tourist season. Towards March and onwards the heat increases.
The wet season
Very rainy, typhoons, monsoons and high humidity. Therefore it is a weak season for tourism (but there are many advantages! Cheaper prices, availability in most hotels). Despite the high chances of rain and storms, there are still many bright and sunny days. In other words, it is mostly a matter of luck.
Day trips to special places in Thailand - from Koh Lanta
If you are short on time and don't want to spend the night on the island, there is also the option to visit there on a day trip departing from Koh Lanta .
✅ Rating 5 ⭐ on VIATOR out of 11 raters
✅ Includes round-trip transportation from any hotel in Koh Lanta
✅ Snorkeling equipment included
✅ Stop for lunch and a beach trip
✅ Starting from $44
Book now ⬇
✅ Rating 4.6 ⭐ on VIATOR
✅ Snorkeling in three special locations (full equipment included)
✅ Entrance to the Emerald Cave
✅ Includes round-trip transportation from any hotel in Koh Lanta
✅ Includes lunch and drinks
✅ Starting at $49
Book now ⬇
1. Koh Muk - A special and untouristed island in Thailand
The island Mook It is one of the most unique islands in Thailand thanks to its beautiful beaches, amazing caves and a rural and relaxed atmosphere. Mook It is worth spending between three and four days. There are no roads there, so getting around there is mainly by tuktuks that cost about 50 baht per trip. You can also rent a bicycle. Upon arrival, after passing the pier, there is a main street with relatively many shops and restaurants and a few hotels and resorts around. The island is very small and only the eastern part of it is populated (because the other side is mostly jungle).
Where to sleep in Koh Muk?
⭐ Rating of 8.8 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location near the main street
✅ Comfortable dormitories at a low price
✅ Breakfast included
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⭐ Rating of 9.2 on Booking.com
✅ Location on the main street
✅ Large rooms
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
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⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Rooms facing the sea
✅ Romantic bungalow rooms
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
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Where do you eat in Koh Muk?
On Koh Muk There is excellent food, I haven't had the chance to eat anything there that I can't recommend! However, here are a few places that are particularly worth it.
Miss Island Bakery
Just wow! There is a very large variety of dishes, but everything is really delicious. There are good pastries, burgers, Mexican food and of course Thai. Everything is recommended.
Good Luck
Excellent Thai food and also a place to find tuk-tuks.
Happy Restaurant
A little up the mountain so there is a beautiful view from the top. Delicious Thai food especially the basil chicken.
Tuk Tuk Noodles and Thai Food
Local restaurant with Thai food.
What do we do in Mook?
Unfortunately, on Koh Muk There is a lot of trash around the island. The locals say that it mostly comes from the mainland and they are unable to clean it up. Despite this, there are some clean and pleasant beaches where you can spend the day.
There are several agencies throughout the island through which you can book day trips between the islands, so you can enjoy the caves and beaches that can only be reached by sea.
Charlie Beach
The cleanest. A ten minute tuk-tuk ride away. There are food and drink stalls with chairs and umbrellas.
Emerald Cave
A small bay that you reach through a really special cave that you reach by swimming from the sea (with a tour). In the past, pirates would hide their treasures there. The entrance is a dark key where you swim about fifty meters in complete darkness! I won't lie, it can be stressful. Finally, you reach a very magical bay that is completely hidden between the high walls of the island. Turquoise water, a beach, a bit of jungle and sky is all there is there.
Koh Mook Viewpoint
Start at Ban Kohmook Nurse House. From there, follow the trail markings. A 45-minute hike will take you to a stunning viewpoint! The hike is very difficult because it is long, but mainly because it is very hot (especially at the end of the dry season). So take plenty of water and mosquito repellent with you.
Sabai Beach
A wonderful gem on the west side of the island. From the lookout you can go down directly to the beach, a descent of about half an hour. However, don't forget that to return you will have to go up again and walk all the way back. This beach can also be reached on tours between the islands. For example, a tour to the Emerald Cave, Koh Kradan and Sabai Beach.
2. Ko Kradan - one of the special places in Thailand
Ko Kradan is another one of the special islands in Thailand, known for its magnificent coral reefs. On this island you can go diving and snorkeling in amazing underwater landscapes. For accommodation, you can find a number of resorts and guesthouses on the beach that offer a comfortable and pleasant stay.
Recommended places to stay on Ko Kradan
Here are 3 recommendations for hotels for every style and budget:
⭐ Rating of 8.4 on Booking.com
✅ 4-star resort
✅ Rooms facing the sea
✅ Breakfast included
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⭐ Rating of 9.2 on Booking.com
✅ 3-star resort with pool
✅ Rooms facing the sea
✅ Includes a good breakfast
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⭐ Rating of 8.8 on Booking.com
✅ Simple rooms at affordable prices
✅ In the middle of the jungle – stunning view
✅ 500 meters from the sea
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Two recommended beaches on Ko Kradan
The island has the most beautiful beaches in Thailand! It's worth bringing a snorkel and mask.
Hat Chao Mai
The park contains a perfect beach for snorkeling, with a colorful reef (which is now in the process of being restored) and clear water.
Sunset Beach
A quiet and secluded beach, a kilometer walk through the jungle (about 20 minutes).
3. Koh Ngai: The most beautiful of Thailand's special islands
Koh Ngai is one of the most special places in Thailand! The most fun there is to relax on the beach, drink cocktails and snorkel or dive. It is also recommended to rent a SUP or kayak because the water is calm and comfortable all the time. The island is actually just a strip of beach with resorts, so most of the walking there amounts to getting up from your chair, getting into the sea or asking for another cocktail. In terms of shopping, there is a small grocery store with a few products, but it is really worth arriving in advance with snacks, mosquito repellent and anything else you want to have with you there.
Recommended places to stay in Koh Ngai
The island has mostly luxurious resorts, with a pool, spa, breakfast, restaurant and bar, so you don't have to leave the hotel!
⭐ Rating of 9.3 on Booking.com
✅ 3-star resort
✅ Facing the sea
✅ Includes a good breakfast
Click to save a place:
⭐ Rating of 8.2 on Booking.com
✅ 3-star resort
✅ Rooms facing the sea
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
Click to save a place:
⭐ Rating of 8.3 on Booking.com
✅ Simple rooms at a good price
✅ Facing the sea
✅ Spacious bungalows
Click to save a place:
Attractions in Koh Ngai
There is a stretch of beach on the eastern side, where most of the resorts are, and where you will spend most of your time on the island. If you want to do some hiking, you can find a national park and Ao Muang Beach around the island.
Ao Muang beach
In the south of the island, a secluded and quiet beach. You can get there by boat and explore the area.
National Park
The park is about a twenty-minute walk through the jungle, and it's important to bring plenty of water, good walking shoes, and mosquito repellent. The walk is really beautiful, eventually reaching the beach and a lookout point.
4. Koh Jam: An Untouristed Island in Thailand Worth Exploring
Koh Jum is a small and cozy island located in the Krabi archipelago, and is a perfect example of a special place in Thailand that manages to maintain an authentic and quiet atmosphere. The quiet beaches, local villages and relaxed lifestyle create a feeling of pleasant simplicity, without the tourist rush. Those looking for a break from the tourist rush (especially in high season) will be able to easily connect with the slow pace of the island, enjoy local food and absorb the simple beauty of the tropical surroundings.
Questions about special islands in Thailand
Which special islands in Thailand are recommended to visit? 🏖️
Besides the well-known islands, there are quite a few special places in Thailand with an authentic atmosphere and stunning views. For example, Koh Muk , Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Ko Jum.What should you know before traveling to the islands near Krabi or to less touristy islands? 🏝️
During peak season, it is worth checking hotel availability, and during low season, it is worth checking if there are any open places. It is also recommended to prepare for tropical weather, meaning sudden rains and storms.How long should you stay on each island? 🕒
I recommend coming to each island for two nights, and at least 10 days to explore islands near Krabi.How to get to untouristed islands in Thailand? ⛵
Most of the lesser-known islands are accessible by ferries, boats and speedboats. It is worth checking sailing times and departure points in advance with local agents or 12Go .
