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    Koh Kradan

    Thailand

    Koh Kradan

    Island

    Koh Kradan is a small island located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Trang province. Most of it belongs to Hat Chao Mai National Park.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Thailand
    7. Andamanensee-Küste
    9. Koh Kradan
    Koh Kradan is a small island located about 10 kilometers off the coast of Trang province. Most of it belongs to Hat Chao Mai National Park. There is no village and no roads, just a handful of accommodations behind the beach and paths through the forest. In 2023, the British website World Beach Guide named Koh Kradan the best beach in the world.The main beach is approximately 2 kilometers long and lies on the east side. You can watch the sunrise from here, and the sunset from the small bay Ao Chong Lom on the west. Directly in front of the main beach begins a coral reef that you can snorkel without a boat.There are no ATMs or shops; meals are eaten in the restaurants of the accommodations. Bring cash from the mainland. The island is on the island-hopping route between Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, and Koh Libong; the Tham Morakot cave on Koh Mook can be easily combined. The season runs approximately from November to April, outside of which many businesses close.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Hat Kradan (Main Beach)

    Hat Kradan, the island's heart, stretches for several kilometers along the east coast. Here, you'll discover powder-white sand, fringed by shady coconut palms, and incredibly clear, shallow water perfect for swimming and splashing. The offshore coral reefs are easily accessible from the beach and reveal a fascinating underwater world even in shallow depths. Take time for leisurely beach strolls, enjoy the tranquility, and let the picturesque scenery enchant you, making this one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches.
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    Underwater World of Koh Kradan

    The waters around Koh Kradan are a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Coral reefs right off the main beach host an impressive diversity of marine life, including colorful fish, sea anemones, and with a bit of luck, even small reef sharks. Rent a kayak or book a snorkeling trip to explore the more secluded bays and offshore coral gardens. Underwater visibility is often excellent, making Koh Kradan a top spot to experience the fascinating marine biodiversity of the Andaman Sea up close.
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    Kayak Tour and Island Exploration

    Rent a kayak and explore the coast of Koh Kradan on your own. Paddle along picturesque beaches, discover small hidden coves accessible only from the water, and enjoy the tranquility away from the few resort areas. It is particularly captivating to circumnavigate the small offshore islets and marvel at the impressive karst landscape from the sea. This perspective offers unique photo opportunities and the feeling of being a true explorer. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the island's unspoiled nature at your own pace.
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    Day trip to the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot) on Koh Mook

    Even though the Emerald Cave isn't directly on Koh Kradan, it's an absolute highlight and a must for every visitor to the region, easily reachable by longtail boat. At low tide, you swim through a dark, approximately 80-meter long tunnel, which opens into a breathtaking lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. Sunlight falls from above into the cave, making the water shimmer with an emerald green light, giving this place its magical name. An unforgettable experience that transports you to another world and reveals the beauty of nature in its purest form.
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    Ao Chong Lom (Sunset Beach)

    You reach this approx. 100-meter long bay on the island's west side from the main beach via a forest path. It faces west towards the open sea and is ideal for sunset. Development is scarce; a simple restaurant sits by the bay. The path is unlit; bring a lamp for the return after sunset.
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    Hat Kradan (Main Beach)

    The main beach stretches along most of the east coast and is the only part of the island with accommodation. The water is shallow and remains waist-deep for a long stretch, making it suitable for families. The reef begins just a few meters from the shore, so you don't need a boat for snorkeling. At low tide, some of the coral is exposed, so swimming is only possible in the deeper areas.
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    Restaurants & Cafés

    Paradise Lost Restaurant

    A simple, inland eatery, away from the beach resorts and accessible via a short path. Serving Thai cuisine, its short menu depends on daily deliveries. The rustic establishment offers open-air tables in the greenery. Opening hours are irregular and seasonal; if unsure, check with your accommodation.
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    The Sevenseas Resort Restaurant

    If you are in search of a refined culinary experience, the restaurant at The Sevenseas Resort offers an excellent choice. With a breathtaking beachfront location, it serves a sophisticated blend of Thai specialties and international dishes. The quality of ingredients is first-class, the service attentive, and the atmosphere elegant yet relaxed. It is the perfect spot for a romantic sunset dinner overlooking the Andaman Sea.
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    Kradan Beach Resort Restaurant

    The restaurant at Kradan Beach Resort is a popular choice for guests seeking a relaxed meal right by the sea. Here you'll find a wide array of classic Thai dishes, including freshly caught fish and seafood, prepared to your liking. The casual beach atmosphere and friendly service make it an ideal spot for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand and the sound of the waves in the background.
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    Kitchens of main beach accommodations

    Island dining is primarily provided by the open kitchens of the resorts along the main beach, which also cater to guests from other accommodations. Standard Thai dishes, grilled fish, and breakfast are offered, mostly at fixed meal times. Menus are short and change with the boat delivery. Payment is made in cash or via the room bill.
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    Food and Drink

    Koh Kradan has no village or street lined with eateries. Meals are served in the open-air resort restaurants along the main beach and at a simple kitchen inland. All ingredients arrive by boat, which means menus are concise, change with daily deliveries, and prices are higher than on the mainland. Ordering is mostly at set mealtimes; if you return late from snorkeling, inform them beforehand. Payment is in cash or via your room bill.

    Grilled fish from the evening grill

    The catch of the day is grilled on beachfront charcoal grills in the early evening: typically snapper, mackerel, squid, and prawns, priced by weight. It comes with rice, salad, and a spicy dipping sauce.

    Dishes from the Wok

    Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and Pad Kra Pao feature on every menu and are made to order. The fastest option when mealtime is over.

    Southern Thai Curries

    Green Curry, Massaman, and the sour Gaeng Som are made with coconut milk or tamarind and served with rice. Southern versions are spicier; the heat can be adjusted when ordering.

    Breakfast at the property

    Usually toast, fruit, eggs, coffee; some homes add rice soup. Fixed times; nothing outside these.

    Drinks & Drinking Water

    Drinking water is sold in canisters and bottles; chilled drinks are available at the facilities. A reusable bottle and refilling on site save plastic, which must be transported away by boat anyway.

    Getting there and exploring

    Koh Kradan does not have a large pier. Boats stop off the main beach; embarkation/disembarkation is often in shallow water. Waterproof your luggage.From Trang: Longtail and speedboats depart from Pak Meng and Kuantungku piers. Combo tickets from Trang Town or Trang Airport include the minibus to the pier.Island Hopping: From Koh Mook, it's about half an hour by longtail. During peak season, speedboats connect the Trang islands with Koh Lanta and Krabi.Season: The reliable season is November to April. During the rainy season, fewer or no boats operate, and many accommodations close. Do not plan your return journey on the same day as an onward flight.There are no vehicles on the island. You walk across the beach and along unpaved forest paths to the west and south sides. Lighting is almost non-existent everywhere; a headlamp is practical.For current safety and health advice, see the German Federal Foreign Office.

    Accommodations in Koh Kradan

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    Nearby

    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta

    Koh Lanta, part of Krabi Province, is larger and more tranquil than most Andaman Sea islands. Its main island, Lanta Yai, is elongated: beaches line the west coast, forested hills rise inland, and a single main road connects north and south.The beaches vary distinctly. In the north lie Klong Dao and Phra Ae, featuring shallow water and the densest infrastructure. Further south, Klong Khong, Klong Nin, and Kantiang Bay become quieter and rockier. The Mu Ko Lanta National Park, complete with a lighthouse, hiking trail, and macaques, adjoins the southern tip.On the east coast lies Lanta Old Town, a village of stilt houses built over the water, where the island's Chinese-Muslim trading history is evident; nearby live families of the Urak Lawoi, the original sea nomads. The island is reached by ferry from Krabi and Phuket, and via a land connection over Koh Lanta Noi. The season runs from November to April; during the rainy season, many accommodations and restaurants close.

    Trang

    Trang is a provincial capital on the Andaman coast in southern Thailand and thrives less on tourism than on trade, rubber, and agriculture. Many residents have Chinese roots, evident in the rows of shophouses, the shrines, and especially the cuisine.In Thailand, the city is known for its breakfast: From early morning, dim sum eateries open, featuring Mu Yang, grilled pork with crispy skin. Those who want to try this must get up early.For travelers, Trang is primarily a transit hub. The city lies on a branch line of the Southern Railway, which continues to Kantang, and has an airport. From the coastal piers, boats depart for the provincial islands, including Koh Mook with the Tham Morakot cave, Koh Ngai, and Koh Kradan.The island season runs approximately from November to April. The city itself functions year-round.
    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    Koh Phi Phi Islands

    The Phi Phi Islands are located between Phuket and Krabi. The largest are the inhabited Phi Phi Don and the uninhabited Phi Phi Leh, both part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Limestone cliffs drop almost vertically into the sea here, with narrow sandy coves nestled between them.All ferries reach Phi Phi Don at Tonsai Pier. The village, situated on a flat land bridge between two bays, is car-free; you travel on foot or by longtail boat. From the village, steps lead to viewpoints above the double bay; quieter beaches like Long Beach are located further southeast.On Phi Phi Leh lies Maya Bay, which was closed for years due to overuse and is now accessible with restrictions: swimming in the bay is prohibited, and it remains closed every year from August to September. In the evenings, nightlife centers on Loh Dalum Bay, featuring beach bars and fire shows. High season runs from November to April.
    Railay Beach

    Railay Beach

    Railay is a peninsula in Krabi Province, between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, with steep limestone cliffs cutting it off from the mainland. No road leads here: you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang (around 15 minutes) or from the Krabi coast; departures depend on wind and sea conditions.The peninsula has several sides: Railay West (wide sandy beach, promenade, boat pier), Railay East (mangrove bay, not for swimming, but cheaper accommodation), and Phra Nang Beach (south, under overhanging rocks, famous cave shrine). North of this is Tonsai, the climbers' and backpackers' quarter.Railay is one of Asia's most renowned sport climbing areas, boasting over 700 bolted routes. Local schools rent equipment and offer courses for beginners.A steep, rope-secured path leads to the viewpoint and the Sa Phra Nang lagoon; it's slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are required. Macaques live on the beaches, deliberately grabbing bags and edibles.
    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang

    Ao Nang is the main beach resort in Krabi province and a departure point for boat tours into the Andaman Sea. From its long sandy beach, you can gaze at offshore limestone islands, while longtail boats take you to Railay and Phra Nang beaches, which are only accessible by water. Popular options include the Four Islands Tour, featuring Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup, and Poda, as well as excursions to the Hong Islands. Boat tours are most reliable from November to April.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI