Koh Kradan Beach is a coastal spot in Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, southern Thailand, lying in the Andaman Sea about 20 kilometers from the mainland. The beach goes for nearly 2 kilometers along the island’s east side, with white coral sand and gently sloping clear waters, good for swimming. Koh Kradan Island itself is around 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, and the beach is the main part of the island, surrounded by thick tropical vegetation and some limestone hills.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation manages the area, controlling visitor numbers, protecting the sea and also making rules for waste to keep the island natural. The beach is visited by people who like snorkeling, diving, or just quiet and less busy places, offering a calmer experience than crowded islands like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta. Because it is only reached by boat from Trang and is part of a national park, the island stays mainly natural with little commercial development.
Unique Feature of Koh Kradan Beach
Koh Kradan Beach is known for its very clear waters and a long sandbar that appears at low tide, stretching as much as 800 meters out into the sea. This sandbar, together with the nearby coral reefs, makes the area excellent for snorkeling. The water is often very clear, sometimes over 20 meters, and the visitors can often see sea turtles, reef fish, and soft corals close to the shore.
Historical Context of Koh Kradan Beach
Koh Kradan has been used for centuries as part of the traditional fishing areas of local Chao Leh (sea nomad) communities, who visited the island seasonally for fishing and gathering. The name “Kradan” comes from the Malay term for “coral” showing the island’s many reefs. The island’s name, “Kradan,” comes from the Malay word for “coral,” reflecting its abundant reef areas. In the 19th century, European reports mention Koh Kradan as a reference point for British and Dutch ships, yet it stayed mostly uninhabited and unexplored until the mid-20th century. When Hat Chao Mai National Park was set up in 1982, the island was included in the protected zone, helping conserve both its land and marine ecosystems. Tourism started gradually in the 1990s with small bungalows and diving services and by the early 2000s, it had become recognized for its beaches and coral reefs. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami caused little harm because the island is slightly elevated, but it resulted in stricter park supervision. In recent years, overnight stays have been limited to only quite a few eco-resorts, and boat anchoring rules have been enforced to protect the reefs, aiming to balance visitor access with environmental conservation.
Things to Do at Koh Kradan Beach
Koh Kradan Beach provides visitors with several activities that focus on the sea and on relaxing, all within the rules of the national park. Snorkeling can be done from the beach or with a short boat ride to nearby reefs, where sea turtles, clownfish, and colorful corals are often seen. Swimming is possible in the calm and shallow waters of the main beach area. The quiet sand is good for sunbathing or resting under the natural shade of palm trees.
Visitors can also rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from local resorts to explore around the island or in the small lagoons nearby. Short walks along trails inside the island lead to viewpoints with wide views of the Andaman Sea. Small cafés along the beach serve fresh seafood, Thai-style curries, and seasonal tropical fruits, usually costing about THB 150–400 per dish. Sunsets can be enjoyed from the western side of the island, showing the surrounding islands. Occasionally, guided eco-tours or night walks are organized by the national park to learn about local plants and animals.
Access to Koh Kradan Beach
Koh Kradan Beach can be reached by a few steps of travel to the island:
From Bangkok, take a domestic flight to Trang Airport (about 1.5 hours), then a van to Pak Meng Pier (around 45 minutes, costing THB 200–400), followed by a speedboat or long-tail boat to Koh Kradan (about 45 minutes, THB 400–600).
From Krabi or Phuket, travel by van to Trang or Pak Meng Pier (2–3 hours, THB 300–500), and then continue by boat to the island.
From Ko Lanta, there is a direct speedboat to Koh Kradan taking about 1 hour (THB 1,000–1,500).
Visitors must pay a national park fee of THB 400 for foreigners on arrival. It is also possible to hire a private boat from Pak Meng Pier, but it is less certain and costs roughly THB 2,000–3,000 for a small group round-trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to go to Koh Kradan Beach is usually from November until April, which is the dry season. During this period, the temperature is about 28–32 °C, rainfall is low, and the sea stays calm, making it good for swimming, snorkeling, and other beach activities. The beach tends to be most busy between December and March. From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings more rain and sometimes rough seas, though mornings are often still fine, and prices for places to stay are lower.
