Ko Ngai, South Andaman

Long Beach

ISLAND
Ko Ngai is a picturesque island located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Trang Province in southern Thailand. This paradise island is located just south of Ko Lanta and is one of the bounty islands of Thailand. You come to Ko Ngai to visit the beach, swim and snorkel. The view from the beach is spectacular given the view of all the islands and rock formations in the emerald green waters.

On the east coast you will find a beautiful 2-kilometer long beach surrounded by jungle-covered hills. Here, you can take beautiful walks through nature, although you sometimes have to climb and clamber to reach viewpoints, so you can take in the beautiful surroundings properly. There are no roads on the island.

From the main beach you can take a scenic stroll to Paradise Beach, in the south of the island. You can reach Paradise Beach via a jungle path that starts behind Thanya Resort. The walk takes approximately 20 minutes and will guide you through the jungle and along palm plantations. The end of the walk brings you to a nice bay with one hotel where you can have a drink before starting the return walk.

WHAT TO DO
A special excursion is a visit to the Emerald Cave on Ko Muk. The cave is only accessible by swimming through the narrow entrance. As you swim through the dark cave, you are greeted at the end by the mesmerizing sight of the emerald lagoon. The cave is popular for tours from Ko Lanta. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend going in the early morning or late afternoon. The cave can be reached by longtail boat, about a 30-minute boat ride from Ko Ngai.

Highly recommended is a daytrip by longtail boat to the islands Ko Kradan, Ko Libong and Ko Muk and make a stop at the Emerald Cave. This excursion cost about 3,000 to 4,000 baht. In order to book this, we recommend just asking around and make a good deal with one of the fishermen. Make sure to bring your snorkeling mask!

In addition to sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and walking through nature, you can enjoy kayaking. The island is small enough to paddle around in an afternoon. We found one dive center on the island and there are no ATM machines, so be sure to bring cash.

TRANSPORT
The city of Trang is a good starting position to reach Ko Ngai. Good to know; Trang is a friendly provincial town to spend the night. Wander the streets and eat at the night market in Ruenrom Alley, about a 15-minute walk from the train station. We advise to go to Trang Happy Trip & Tour (081 607 2411) next to the train station to arrange your transportation. You will receive professional help with a smile for fair prices.

From Trang, a 30-minute minibus ride gets you to the shared boat service for Ko Ngai, which leaves at 11 a.m. and costs 600 baht per person. A private taxi and private longtail boat are 2400 baht, while a private taxi and shared longtail boat costs 1700 baht per 2 persons. The boat leaves the pier at 11:30 a.m., a private longtail boat to the island costs 1500 baht.

Speedboat service companies connect Ko Ngai to Ko Lanta and some of the southern islands like Ko Libong, Ko Kradan and Ko Lipe.