Koh Kradan

Thailand’s Hidden Paradise - The Quiet Beauty 🌴

Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan) is a pint-sized gem in Thailand’s Andaman Sea that refuses to play the tourism game—and we love it. Measuring just 4km long and 2km wide, this sliver of heaven in Trang Province was voted CNN’s “World’s Most Beautiful Beach” for Paradise Beach in 2023, and it’s still crushing it in 2025 TripAdvisor polls. No cars, no ATMs (yes, really), and nightlife that whispers rather than screams. Perfect for snorkel junkies, beach bums, and anyone craving that “I found a secret spot” flex.

Tucked in the Andaman Sea off Trang Province, Koh Kradan sits part of the lesser-hyped Trang Islands cluster, sandwiched between busier Koh Lanta to the north and Koh Lipe to the south. Think of it as the shy sibling of Phuket or Krabi: no mega-resorts, just national park vibes in Mu Ko Phetra Marine National Park territory. With 80% protected national park land, pristine corals, and zero development sprawl, this is where raw, real Thailand comes alive.

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Overview & Location

Koh Kradan is Thailand’s best-kept paradise—a speck of bliss with a population of a few hundred locals and resort staff. It’s ferry-only accessible, keeping crowds beautifully low (peak season sees maybe 200 visitors/day). The island’s name means “riding horse island” in Thai, but you’ll be riding waves instead!

Key Facts:

• CNN-voted world’s most beautiful beach (Paradise Beach, 2023)
• 80% protected national park ensures pristine reefs
• Ferry-only access via Trang town (1-2 hours from Trang Airport)
• No cars, no ATMs, no mega-resorts—just authentic vibes
• Part of Mu Ko Phetra Marine National Park
• Perfect for snorkeling, diving, and genuine island escape

Why Come? Crystal reefs, bioluminescent plankton at night, zero skyscrapers, and that magical “I-found-a-secret-spot” feeling that defines the best travel moments.

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Geography & Climate

Koh Kradan’s geography screams untamed paradise: limestone karsts plunge into the sea, fringed by coral reefs teeming with 100+ fish species. The east coast’s Paradise Beach is the star—2km of silk-sand perfection backed by jungle. West side features windier, hidden coves like Ao Niang. Inland: Dense rainforest hikes to viewpoints, plus mangroves for birdwatching (hornbills, anyone?).

Climate (2025 Breakdown):

• Dry Season (Nov-Apr, BEST TIME!): Sunny skies, 28-32°C (82-90°F), low humidity, glassy seas. Water visibility 20-30m for snorkeling. Rainfall under 50mm/month. This is paradise mode.
• Rainy Season (May-Oct): Hot/humid 28-33°C, daily showers (July wettest ~400mm/month). Seas choppy, ferries weather-dependent, but lush waterfalls, 30-50% cheaper stays, fewer crowds.
• Water Conditions: Dry season = calm bays perfect for swimming. Monsoon = waves but sheltered spots shine.

Best Time: Nov-Apr—blue skies, flat seas. Dec-Feb: coolest, busiest (80% occupancy). Mar-Apr: hot but cheap. 2025 bonus: Post-La Niña dry spell predicted.

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Getting There & Accessibility

No Airport Drama—Ferries Are Your Ticket

From Bangkok (350km):

• Fly to Trang: Bangkok Airways BKK → Trang Airport (TDX), 1.5 hours, ~1,500 THB one-way
• Trang to Pier: Taxi/minivan 300 THB ($10), 20 minutes to Hat Yao or Pak Meng Pier

Ferry from Trang to Koh Kradan (High Season: Nov-May):

• Speedboats: 1-1.5 hours, 350-600 THB ($11-19)
• Schedule: Daily 9-10am, 1pm departures. Returns: 8:30am, 1pm from Kradan
• Operators: Tigerline, Ao Mai Nai speedboats
• National Park Fee: 200 THB ($6.50) adults / 100 THB kids (valid 5 days, pay cash on arrival)

From Other Islands:

• Koh Lanta/Phuket/Krabi: 4-islands tours via longtail (1,200-2,000 THB/$39-65 roundtrip, includes snorkel stops)
• Koh Mook/Ngai: Longtail 300 THB ($10), 30 minutes

Pro Tips:

• Arrive 30 minutes early; park fees collected at pier
• No ferries Mon-Fri low season sometimes—check with resorts
• Luggage limit: 20kg speedboats, less for longtails
• Total from Bangkok: ~3,000 THB ($97) including flight, transport, and ferry

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Getting to Islands & Ferry Booking 🚢

Book Your Ferries via ThailandBoatTickets.com

For real-time schedules, live availability, and transparent booking:

👉 Use ThailandBoatTickets.com for:

• Real-time Koh Kradan ferry schedules from Trang (Hat Yao/Pak Meng piers)
• Multi-island routing (Trang → Koh Kradan → Koh Mook combinations)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden markups
• Instant booking confirmation
• Hotel pickup coordination from Trang
• Weather-adjusted schedule updates

Virtual Ticket Assistant - Your Island Expert 🎫

Connect via:

• WhatsApp: Direct messaging for island route questions
• Instagram DM: Quick booking inquiries and travel planning
• Facebook: Community support and group bookings

The VTA specializes in Trang Province island routing and can coordinate your complete Koh Kradan adventure with local expertise.

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Beaches & Relaxation 🏖️

Paradise Beach (The Star): 2km of silk-sand perfection, turquoise waters, and that CNN-award-winning magic. Arrive dawn for solitude; sunset for golden hour magic.

Ao Niang Beach: West side hidden cove, windier vibes, perfect for adventurous spirits.

Beach Activities:

• Lounge and swim (high tide mornings best)
• Kayak rentals: 500 THB/hour ($16)
• Rope swings and hammocks scattered along shore
• Reef walks at low tide revealing hidden ecosystems

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Things to Do: Snorkel, Dive, Chill 🎯

Koh Kradan’s motto? “Reefs over raves.” 70% marine park = world-class underwater wonderland.

Top Activities (2025 Prices):

1. Snorkeling Galore: Paradise Beach reefs free to snorkel—turtles, parrotfish, clownfish abound. Rental: 150-300 THB/day ($5-10). Guided tours: 800-1,500 THB ($26-48) including Emerald Cave (Koh Mook).

2. Diving Heaven: PADI sites like Hin Nok (~20m deep), whale sharks seasonal (Mar-May). Fun dives 2,500 THB ($81)/tank including gear. Discover Scuba 3,900 THB ($126). Shops: Sevenseas Divers, Reef Resort dive center.

3. Beach & Hikes: Paradise Beach lounging, volleyball, Sunset Point hike (30 minutes, free), panoramic views.

4. Island Hopping: 4-Island Tour (Kradan/Mook/Ngai/Chueak): 1,200-2,000 THB ($39-65) including lunch/snorkel. Bioluminescent glow tours: 1,000 THB ($32) at night.

5. Adrenaline Kicks: Stand-up paddleboarding 300 THB/hour ($10), fishing trips 2,000 THB/group ($65), yoga classes 400 THB ($13).

Pro Tip: Stay for night snorkels to witness bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water—pure magic!

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Food & Dining 🍽️

No Michelin stars, but flavors that slap! Island dining = fresh catch, Thai twists. Meals average 200-500 THB ($6.50-16). Bring snacks—minimart markups run 2-3x.

Must-Try Spots (2025 TripAdvisor Favorites):

• Kalumè Restaurant (Seven Seas Resort): Italian-Thai fusion—woodfired pizza 350 THB ($11), seafood pasta 450 THB ($14.50). Sunset cocktails 150 THB ($5). 4.4/5 stars.
• Reef Resort Restaurant: Beachfront buffets 300 THB ($10), grilled snapper 400 THB ($13).
• Kradan Beach Resort Restaurant: “Most Thai” vibes—tom yum goong 250 THB ($8), mango sticky rice 100 THB ($3).
• Paradise Lost/The Sand Bar: Casual seafood BBQs 500 THB/set ($16), Chang beer 100 THB ($3).
• Hidden Gems: Ao Niang Beach (Mali Resort) Burmese salads 200 THB ($6.50).

Dietary: Vegetarian options abundant—tofu stir-fries everywhere. BYO wine (corkage 100 THB). Breakfast included most resorts (200 THB).

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Accommodation: From Bamboo Huts to Beachfront Bliss 🏨

15 resorts max—book early peak season! Prices Dec 2025 (Booking.com/Expedia averages):

Resort	Style	Price/Night (THB/USD)	Highlights
Seven Seas Resort	Luxury	5,000-12,000 ($161-387)	Overwater bungalows, pool, dive center. 9/10 TripAdvisor.
Reef Resort	Mid-Range	3,000-6,000 ($97-194)	Beachfront villas, AC, kayaks free. Family favorite.
Kradan Beach Resort	Budget	1,500-3,500 ($48-113)	Thai-style bungalows, restaurant. “Authentic!”
Mali Koh Kradan	Boutique	4,000-8,000 ($129-258)	Modern villas, Netflix, infinity views.
Paradise Resort	Eco-Budget	1,200-2,500 ($39-81)	Fan huts, solar power. Rustic charm.

Tips: All include breakfast, WiFi spotty (bring data). Shoulder season deals run 30% off! No kids under 10 at some spots.

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Nightlife & Entertainment 🌙

Koh Kradan’s “party” = acoustic guitars, fire shows (Wed/Sat at resorts, free), and bioluminescent swims. Beach bars serve Singha 100 THB ($3), cocktails 200 THB ($6.50). Seven Seas’ bar hums till 11pm. Full moon parties? Head to Lipe. Stargazing > strobe lights. Romantic AF.

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Practical Information

Visa (2025)

• 60-Day Exemption: Most nationalities (passport valid 6+ months)
• TDAC Pre-Arrival: Complete online 3 days before arrival (free, mandatory)
• Overstay Fines: 500 THB/day

Money

• Currency: Thai Baht (1 USD ≈ 32 THB as of Dec 2025)
• ATMs: None on island! Withdraw in Trang (7-11 Aeon fee-free if card allows)
• Cards: 3% fee at resorts; cash is king
• Daily Budget: 2,000-5,000 THB ($65-161) mid-range

Safety & Health

• Safety: Super safe (low crime, community vibe)
• Vaccinations: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid advised
• Water: Bottled only (10 THB/bottle)
• Dengue Risk: Low; use DEET and long sleeves dusk
• Pharmacy: Trang only—stock up before ferry
• Travel Insurance: Recommended (diving cover important)
• Clinics: Limited on island; serious cases → Trang/Bangkok

Practical Essentials

• SIM/Data: AIS/True at pier (300 THB/15 days 50GB)
• Electricity: 220V, Type A/C plugs
• Park Fee: 200 THB cash on ferry
• Transport: Walking/bike rentals 100 THB/day ($3)

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Local Tips & Insider Advice 💡

• Cash Load-Up: 10,000 THB ($323) per week covers food/activities comfortably
• Eco-Warrior: No plastic bags, reef-safe sunscreen mandatory. Turtles thank you!
• Sunset Ritual: Paradise Beach 6pm—coconut in hand (50 THB/$1.60)
• Ferry Flex: Tigerline speedboats most comfortable
• Pack Light: Sandals, rash guard, dry bag, DEET
• Locals Love: Smile, “sawasdee,” tip 50 THB on meals
• WiFi Workaround: Download offline maps (Maps.me)
• Monsoon Hack: Rain poncho + beer lao
• Turtle Spotting: Dawn snorkels on east reefs
• Monkey Warning: Monkeys steal food—watch belongings!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Day trip or overnight?
A: Overnight! Day trippers miss night magic (bioluminescent glow, stargazing).

Q: Family-friendly?
A: Yes, but buggy; under-10s limited at some resorts.

Q: Diving cert needed?
A: No—intro dives available for beginners.

Q: Vegetarian options?
A: Plentiful—curries, salads, tofu stir-fries.

Q: Ferry cancels often?
A: Weather happens—resorts refund/rebook.

Q: Power outages?
A: Rare; solar backups in place.

Q: Closest hospital?
A: Trang (ferry + ambulance, plan accordingly).

Q: Pet-friendly?
A: No.

Q: Budget per day?
A: 2,000-5,000 THB ($65-161) mid-range.

Q: 2026 changes?
A: More eco-fees possible; monitor TAT for updates.

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Koh Kradan in a Nutshell

Koh Kradan is where time slows and souls recharge—a hidden gem that rewards those willing to make the journey. Pristine beaches voted world’s most beautiful, world-class snorkeling and diving, bioluminescent nights, and authentic island life define this Trang Province treasure. Pack your fins, hug a palm tree, and live the dream.

Sawasdee kap/ka! 🌴🐠✨

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Last Updated: December 2025 Information sourced from official Mu Ko Phetra Marine National Park, ferry operators, resort guides, and current traveler reviews.