Koh Kradan, Trang, Thailand

Itiniary……..For full report click on travel log
Day 12, Koh Lipe to Koh Kradan via Pakbara, La Ngu, Trang and Khuan Tung Goo
Day 13, On tour - Koh Kradan
Day 14, Koh Kradan to Trang via Khuan Tung Goo and Haad Yao, Trang to Don Meuang, Bangkok (AirAsia FD 3244)
Excursions.....(none; beach walks only)
Paradise Lost.....jungle clearing. En suite, Wifi & TV in restaurant. Rating, good, 1100 baht, 2 nights. Sacrificed all mod-cons for a Robinson Crusoe location. Generator noisey and food expensive (an observation, not a complaint). One of those places you dream about!

Weather....... Mostly sunny, 25-30c
Dining out....... Don't think about it! Budget to stay at Paradise Lost. Anything brought from the mainland will help
Transport used....... Koh Lipe to Pakbara Pier (900 baht return 90 mins. each way), Pakbara Pier to Langun (10 baht, 15 mins.), La Ngu to Trang by aircon. bus, (95 baht, 100 mins.), bus station to travel agent, tuk-tuk (40 baht). Trang to Koh Kradan via Khuan Tung Goo Pier, minivan and long-tailed boat (450 baht, near to 100 kms.), Koh Kradan to Trang Airport, long-tailed boat and minivan, (800 baht), AirAsia flight FD 3244, (845 baht)

Koh Kradan, Trang…….Ko Kradan (เกาะกระดาน) is a small island off the Trang coastline part of Hat Chao Mai National (marine) Park. It has an area of 600 acres. 1/6 of the island is privately owned. A number of restaurants and accommodation for tourists are located along the, mainland facing, white sand beach. The crystal-clear water permits a great view of the coral reef underneath, home to a variety of colourful fish that inhabit the shallow coral waters. The seaward, Andaman side of the island is rocky but offers a glorious sunset. Koh Kradan is just beyond the larger island of Koh Muk while Koh Libong is off to the east. There are also views northwestward as far as Koh Lanta in Krabi Province.

Rua hang yao, the normal way!

Relatively few people actually stay on the island but its proximity to the mainland and to other more dominant islands makes Koh Kradan easily accessible for day trips. It’s easy to see why the island is so popular. Many day trippers will arrive from Koh Lanta, Phi Phi Island or even Phuket. Apart from package tours there are regular boat services from other islands but these are subject to demand. There is a service from Koh Lipe but only in high season. Services from the mainland are also subject to demand. Long tailed boats depart from the pier at Khuan Tong Goo for 1200 baht per boat (90 mins.). It is also possible to hire a boat for the day for between 2000-3000 baht. In most of these instances tourists will need to contact local tour agents. Finally, in the shallow waters snorkeling is a must and doesn’t require any special skills. Just turn up with some kit.

Working in paradise