BEACH
Ko Phra Thong’s northernmost beach owes its name “Gray Bay” to the color of its sand. The beach is very wide most of the day, even at high tide. The beach is very peaceful and surrounded by trees, making this a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The waters are typically clear and allow for good visibility. The clarity enhances the beauty of the underwater environment even more and allows for a better snorkeling and swimming experience. Snorkeling on one of the 2 islands close to the beach is therefore highly recommended!
The southern part of Gray Bay feels like an intimate bay, but as you turn north, the beach stretches another 3 kilometer. As you walk south, Golden Bay is just around the corner and if you walk a little further you will reach Long Beach.
WHERE TO STAY
On Gray Bay there are 3 basic accommodations. Sea Rounding is near the beach and Mr. Chuoi and Phra Thong Nature Resort are both within 150 meters of the bay. Mr. Chuoi offers simple bamboo bungalows and electricity from 5:30 PM to midnight for 500 baht per night.
All these stays have a restaurant, although Golden Bay offers alternative dining options.
ISLAND
In Ko Phra Thong (North Andaman), tourism is only just emerging. There are more than 15 km of pleasant beaches and about 10 places to stay. Most lodgings are clustered in 2 small bays on the northwest side of the island. The island is perfect for nature lovers who want to get off the beaten track.
Ko Phra Thong also places a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and sustainability. Efforts are made to protect the island’s fragile ecosystems and support local communities. Visitors are encouraged to respect and preserve the island’s beauty.
WHAT TO DO
This remote island is a haven for diverse animals such as barking deer, gibbons, snakes, wild boars and pangolins. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching, with more than 100 species of birds such as the white-bellied sea eagle and the hornbill.
The island is flat and on the east side are several swamps. Enjoy the sand dune landscape, which Thais call the savannah of Ko Phra Thong. There are no ATMs, so make sure to bring cash!
TRANSPORT
Ko Phra Thong is a bit further from the airports. Fly to Phuket or Ranong and take the bus to Kuraburi. The bus between Ranong and Phuket stops at Kuraburi station. At the pier you can arrange a longtail boat that will drop you off at the island (1500 baht).
At some stays it is possible to rent scooters, but keep in mind that there are only a few concrete roads on the island.
