Koh Kradan: Tropical Paradise with White Beaches & Crystal Waters
Koh Kradan is a hidden paradise boasting stunning white beaches and crystal-clear blue waters teeming with tropical fish. While swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are the main activities, the island’s serene atmosphere offers the perfect backdrop for a truly relaxing getaway in Thailand. To complete this tropical picture, Koh Kradan is also home to the majestic hornbill, and you may spot these beautiful birds soaring overhead while lounging on your sunbed. Welcome to paradise!
Beaches
Koh Kradan has beaches that look like they belong on a postcard you never thought could exist! Here, dreams come to life. Get ready for soft, white, powdery sand and crystal-clear blue waters! It’s no wonder that in 2023, Koh Kradan was named the best beach in the world by CNN Travel. You can also easily reach nearly all the island’s beaches with a delightful stroll along the shore. Beacuase Koh Kradan is a small tropical island, covering about 2.4 km² (600 acres), with its narrowest point between 200 and 300 meters wide—so the white sand is never far away!
Ao Niang Beach
Ao Niang Beach
Ao Niang Beach, in southern Koh Kradan, is a beautiful spot known for great snorkeling and often featured on island tours. After tour boats leave, it becomes peaceful. In high seas […]
Ao Pai Beach
Ao Pai Beach
Ao Pai Beach, located in the northeastern part of Koh Kradan, Thailand is a small 200-meter beach. From here, you have a stunning view of islands like Koh Mook, Koh Cherg, and Koh […]
Accommodations
There aren’t many resorts on Koh Kradan—just six in total. They tend to be on the expensive side. The more luxurious options are well-maintained and located in beautiful spots, often with stunning beach views. While the facilities can’t compare to those on the mainland, this is understandable given the island’s remote and breathtaking setting. You’re paying for the location—and what a location it is!
If you’re traveling on a budget, there’s also the option to camp—less luxurious, but with the same view! We stayed at the Sevenseas Resort during our two-day visit (which was far too short) and would gladly go back. Beautiful bungalows with soft beds and a gorgeous stretch of beach.
When you travel in the low season, like we did, not all accommodations are open, so your choices are more limited. Also be aware when booking accommodation; air conditioning and electricity sometimes only run at fixed times.
Koh Kradan
Camping in the National Park
Koh Kradan can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available. If you have a tent, you can stay at the national park for just 50 baht per night, or you can rent one for 450 baht, which includes all essentials. The bathroom facilities are new and well-maintained. The campsite is located on the west side of the island, close to the sea. The restaurant is also worth a visit; it’s good and cheaper than other places on the island.
Koh Kradan
Kalume’ Eco Boutique Resort
Kalume’ Eco Boutique Resort is a beautiful eco-friendly adult-only retreat on Koh Kradan, known for its excellent location, clean rooms, and friendly owners. With top amenities such as snorkeling, delicious Italian cuisine, and a serene atmosphere, it provides a relaxing environment perfect for a romantic getaway!
review
Koh Kradan
Sevenseas Resort
The Sevenseas resort is situated on the famous Paradise Beach (Kradan Beach), known for its powdery white sand. Surrounded by lush greenery. The spacious layout ensures privacy and […]
See & Do
Koh Kradan is truly a tropical paradise, perfect for relaxing, but don’t forget to explore a little! There are a few fun and exciting activities you absolutely won’t want to miss during your stay. From snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters to trekking through lush jungles, and ending your day by enjoying an amazing sunset. This perfect combination of relaxation and exploration makes Koh Kradan an unforgettable destination.
Ao Chong Lom Beach
Sunset at Ao Chong Lom Beach
Discover Sunset Beach, a hidden gem perfect for breathtaking sunsets. Reachable by a scenic 1-kilometer jungle walk, this serene spot is free from shops and crowds. Enjoy dinner at […]
Koh Kradan
Island exploration by kayak
Koh Kradan is a small island, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle around the entire island in about three hours when the sea is calm.
Koh Kradan
Snorkeling at Ao Niang Beach
Koh Kradan is known for its beautiful underwater world. After swimming 50 meters, you reach the reef. The best snorkeling spot is Ao Niang Beach. At low tide, you can walk along th […]
Eat & Drink
Koh Kradan is just a small island, which means that there are not many restaurants. The restaurants on the island also belong to the resorts. Of course, you can hop to your neighbor’s place for a bite, but don’t expect a market or anything similar. On the island, there is only one small mini market (KBR Ninmart), where you can buy some food, snacks, and (alcoholic) drinks. Even some sunscreen and aspirin are available, but that is where it ends. Bring cash because there are no ATMs on the island. It is also good to know that groceries are much more expensive than on the mainland. So, if you want to save some money, bring your favorite food and drinks with you. The restaurant below receives the highest ratings on Koh Kradan.
Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan
Transportation
Getting around
Getting around Koh Kradan is easy; you can walk, swim, or kayak. There are no scooters or cars, and in fact, there are no roads on the island—none at all! We believe this is a positive aspect. For transportation, you can rent a longtail boat to reach another beach if you wish, but most of the time, you’ll find yourself walking since everything is nearby.
Getting to Koh Kradan
You can fly from Don Mueang Airport to Trang in about an hour. From Hat Pak Meng Pier, it usually takes 1.5 hours by speedboat to get to Koh Kradan. Many visitors combine this with trips to Koh Mook (famous for the Emerald Cave) and Koh Ngai, another tropical island, both about a 30-minute longtail boat ride from Koh Kradan. You can also travel from Koh Lanta, which takes around an hour by boat.
Getting to Koh Kradan in low season
In the low season, regular boats don’t run to Koh Kradan. Our only option was joining a snorkeling tour from Koh Lanta and hopping off at Koh Kradan. Since regular boats don’t sail in the low season, you can buy tickets locally, but booking your bus and boat tickets in advance through 12go is easier.
