Is Koh Kradan safe to visit after medical procedures?

Beach relaxation on Koh Kradan is suitable 2+ weeks after minor procedures (dental, cosmetic) with doctor approval. The island is flat with gentle beach entry and warm, calm water during dry season — ideal for passive recovery. Shore snorkeling from the east coast is accessible without a boat in waist-deep water. However, there are NO medical facilities on the island — only a DNP ranger station with basic first aid. Emergency evacuation requires a 45-minute boat transfer plus 45-minute drive to the nearest hospital (1.5-2 hours total). Patients requiring immediate medical access should choose mainland destinations. Always consult your doctor before any outdoor activities post-procedure.

When is the best time to visit Koh Kradan?

The best time is December to March (dry season) with calm seas, clear skies, and excellent snorkeling visibility. November and April are also good with fewer tourists. The island effectively closes June to September — ferries and speedboats stop operating, most resorts close, and seas are rough and dangerous. February is particularly special with the annual Underwater Wedding Ceremony (February 13-15).

Can I snorkel directly from the beach?

Yes — this is Koh Kradan's standout feature. The east coast (Paradise Beach) has an extensive staghorn coral reef accessible directly from shore. The water remains waist-deep for approximately 200 meters before the reef drop-off, making it one of the most accessible snorkeling experiences in Thailand. Ao Niang (southern beach) has the best coral diversity with soft corals and clownfish. No boat required for excellent snorkeling. Gear can be rented at resort properties.

Is mobile phone signal available on Koh Kradan?

Limited. Some 4G coverage reaches from mainland towers but signal is patchy across the island. WiFi is available at resort properties only. This is critical for medical tourists — Koh Kradan has more limited connectivity than most Thai islands. Ensure someone on the mainland knows your itinerary and carry the park ranger station's phone number for emergencies.

What sunscreen can I use on Koh Kradan?

Only reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is permitted. Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, or butylparaben are BANNED in all Thai national marine parks, with fines up to 100,000 THB (~$3,000 USD). Park staff may temporarily confiscate banned sunscreens at entry. Purchase reef-safe sunscreen at Boots or Watsons in Bangkok or Trang before arriving — selection on the island is nonexistent.

How do I get to Koh Kradan?

The most common route is flying to Trang Airport (TST) from Bangkok (1.5 hours, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air), then a minivan to Pak Meng Pier (1-1.5 hours), then speedboat to Koh Kradan (30-40 minutes). Total travel time approximately 3-4 hours. There is no pier on Koh Kradan — ferries anchor offshore and passengers transfer to longtail boats to reach the beach.

Do I need to pay a national park fee?

Yes. The Hat Chao Mai National Park entry fee is 200 THB for foreign adults and 100 THB for foreign children. Thai nationals pay 40 THB adult and 20 THB child. Cash payment recommended — no e-ticket system was implemented at Hat Chao Mai as of late 2025. Fees are subject to change without notice.

Are there ATMs or shops on the island?

No ATMs on Koh Kradan. Bring sufficient cash for your entire stay. There is a small minimart with very limited basic supplies. All dining is resort-based — there are no independent restaurants. Stock up on essentials in Trang or at Pak Meng before boarding the boat.

Koh Kradan (Hat Chao Mai National Park) - Things to Do During Recovery in Thailand

Overview

เกาะกระดาน • Koh Kradan (Ko Kradan, RTGS)

Koh Kradan is a small tropical island in the Andaman Sea, approximately 10-13 kilometers off the coast of Trang Province in southern Thailand. Part of Hat Chao Mai National Park — established in 1981, designated a Ramsar wetland site in 2002, and recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park — this 2.4 sq km island captured global attention in 2023 when it was named the world’s best beach by World Beach Guide (UK), a ranking recognized by CNN Travel.

What sets Koh Kradan apart is the exceptional shore snorkeling: a vast staghorn coral reef extends over 100 rai (~40 acres) along the east coast, accessible directly from the beach in waist-deep water. No boat required. The reef drops off approximately 200 meters from shore, creating one of Thailand’s most accessible underwater experiences. The southern bay of Ao Niang offers soft coral gardens with clownfish, best reached by a gentle forest trail.

The island is approximately 90% national park land with no permanent village, no roads, and no cars. Around 10 resort properties and a DNP ranger station comprise the only human presence. This remote, unspoiled character — combined with crystal-clear turquoise waters — earned Koh Kradan its global recognition.

For medical tourists, Koh Kradan offers an exceptional peaceful recovery environment with gentle beach activities and easy shore snorkeling suitable for those past initial recovery. However, the remote location means no medical facilities, no ATMs, and a minimum 1.5-2 hour evacuation to the nearest hospital — patients requiring immediate medical access should choose mainland destinations.

Park fees, operating hours, and ferry schedules are subject to change. Verify current information through the official DNP website or your transport operator before booking.

History & Significance

Hat Chao Mai National Park

1981: Established as a national park covering 231 sq km of coast, sea, and islands
2002: Designated a Ramsar wetland site (Site No. 1182) for critical seagrass and mangrove ecosystems
ASEAN Heritage Park: Recognized for outstanding ecological significance
BirdLife International IBA: Important Bird Area with 220+ species recorded
First designated dugong conservation zone in Thailand: Herds of 20-30 dugongs documented in park waters

The 2023 Award

In 2023, World Beach Guide (UK) ranked Koh Kradan’s main beach #1 on its “Top 100 Beaches on Earth” list, catapulting the previously quiet island into international attention. Tourist numbers surged from approximately 300 per day to 2,000 per day. Local authorities and DNP are developing sustainability management plans to balance tourism with ecosystem protection.

Underwater Wedding Ceremony

Since 1996, Trang Province has hosted the annual Underwater Wedding Ceremony — a Valentine’s Day tradition held at 8 meters depth in front of Emerald Cave on nearby Koh Mook (not on Koh Kradan itself). The event holds a Guinness World Record for the Largest Underwater Wedding Ceremony. Since Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act, the ceremony is LGBTQ+ inclusive. Pre-wedding dive training is included for non-divers. Vow renewals are welcome.

Schedule (February 13-15 annually):

Feb 13: Tuk-tuk parade, traditional Thai wedding ceremonies, photo shoots
Feb 14: Underwater marriage registration at 1:00 PM, Rod Nam Sang ritual
Feb 15: Visit Kantang district — traditional architecture and cuisine

The Name

The RTGS official romanization is “Ko Kradan.” “Koh Kradan” is the common tourist usage.

Natural Features & Ecology

Landscape & Geography

Koh Kradan is a narrow tropical island — approximately 4 km north-to-south and 300-800 meters east-to-west. The east coast features powder-white sand beaches with gentle entry into turquoise water. The west coast (Sunset Beach) is rugged and rocky. The forested interior rises to gentle hills of approximately 50 meters, with limestone karst formations throughout.

Marine Ecosystem

The warm Andaman waters around Koh Kradan support one of the healthiest reef systems in the Trang island group. The park’s monsoon closure period (June-September) allows reef recovery, contributing to exceptional marine biodiversity.

Coral Reef

The east coast reef is genuinely exceptional — 100+ rai (~40 acres) of living coral, dominated by extensive staghorn coral formations. The southern bay of Ao Niang features soft coral gardens at an average depth of approximately 5 meters. 23 coral species have been recorded in park waters.

Hard Corals: Staghorn coral (Acropora spp.) — dominant east coast species

Soft Corals: Gorgonians and soft coral species (Dendronephthya spp.) — dominant at Ao Niang

Marine Life Highlights

Dugongs (Dugong dugon):

Herds of 20-30 regularly documented in Hat Chao Mai NP waters near Koh Mook and Koh Libong
Thailand’s first designated dugong conservation zone
8 species of seagrass in park waters — critical dugong habitat

Sea Turtles:

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

Marine Mammals:

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin
Irrawaddy dolphin
Finless porpoise

Reef Fish (268 species documented in park):

Clownfish (anemonefish)
Parrotfish, boxfish
Moray eels
Lionfish
Seahorses (at San Chompuo / Pink Ridge dive site)
Nudibranchs

Marine wildlife is wild and unpredictable. Sightings of dugongs, dolphins, turtles, and other species are never guaranteed.

Island Ecology

Flora:

Indian almond (Terminalia catappa)
Casuarina pines (Casuarina equisetifolia)
Dracaena cochinchinensis
Various orchid species
Beach forest species
Mangrove fringes: Rhizophora apiculata, Xylocarpus granatum

Fauna:

Crab-eating macaques (common on island)
Monitor lizards
220+ bird species in Hat Chao Mai NP including white-bellied sea eagle, large green-pigeon, Pacific reef egret, masked finfoot (endangered), and Nordmann’s greenshank (endangered)

Geological Features

Limestone karst formations throughout the interior
Khao Hinpun limestone forests within the national park

Activities & Experiences

Snorkeling

Shore Snorkeling (No Boat Required)

Location	Difficulty	Highlights	Post-Surgery Suitable
East Coast Reef (Paradise Beach)	Easy	Huge staghorn coral collection, tropical fish, eels, octopus. Waist-depth for 200m then reef drop-off. Start at Seven Seas Resort, drift south with current.	Yes (Week 2+, minor procedures)
Ao Niang Beach (Southern Reef)	Easy-Moderate	Best snorkeling on island. Soft corals, clownfish, smaller reef fish. Average depth ~5m until drop-off ~100m offshore.	Week 3+ (slightly deeper, more swimming required — doctor approval for cardiac/orthopedic)

Snorkel Visibility: Approximately 6 meters at snorkeling depth during dry season.

Gear Rental: Available at resort properties on the island.

Scuba Diving

Koh Kradan is better known for snorkeling than diving, with local visibility limited to 6-8 meters. Dive operators offer trips to superior nearby sites.

Dive Sites

Site	Depth	Features	Certification
San Chompuo (Pink Ridge)	5-15m	Unusual coral, starfish, seahorses, lionfish, nudibranchs, moray eels. Shallow virgin reefs.	Open Water
Koh Kradan Wreck	24m	Former Japanese destroyer sunk 1944. Low visibility (~8m). Nets around wreck — bring knife and lamp.	Advanced Open Water
Koh Haa (day trip)	5-30m+	Premier dive site — 5 limestone rocks. 20m+ visibility. 30-45 min by boat.	Open Water (shallow) / Advanced (deep)
Koh Rok (day trip)	Variable	Excellent visibility, diverse coral, marine life.	Open Water

Dive Operators: Pro Scuba Diving Service (Koh Kradan), Trang Pro Dive (Koh Mook-based)

Diving Medical Advisory: Scuba diving is NOT recommended during any post-surgery recovery period. Diving carries risks including decompression sickness, barotrauma, and physical exertion that can compromise healing. Always complete diving medical questionnaires honestly and consult a dive physician if you have any health conditions.

Hiking

Trail	Distance	Difficulty	Surface	Shade	Time
Kradan Beach to Sunset Beach Loop	~2 km round trip	Easy	Forest trail, some sand	Good — forested interior	30-45 min
East Coast Trail	~2 km	Easy	Beach sand, forest path	Partial	30-45 min
Kradan Beach to Ao Niang Beach	~1.5 km	Easy	Forest trail, beach	Good through forest	20-30 min
Koh Kradan Island South Loop	~3 km	Easy-Moderate	Forest and beach	Mixed	1-1.5 hours

Guide Required: No Permits Required: No

Recovery Advisory: Walking trails are flat and well-shaded through forest sections, making them suitable for gentle recovery walks from Week 2+ after minor procedures. The South Loop is longer and may be tiring for those in early recovery. Walking on sand can be demanding for orthopedic recovery patients. Consult your doctor before any physical activity post-procedure.

Kayaking

Kayaks available for rent at some resorts. A good way to explore the coastline and reach Sunset Beach without walking the forest trail.

Swimming

Excellent — gentle beach entry, calm warm water in dry season. No strong currents along the main beach. The 200-meter waist-depth zone before the reef drop-off provides a safe, accessible swimming area.

Island Hopping

Longtail boats available for day trips to nearby islands:

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights
Koh Mook — Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)	20 min by longtail	80m swim-through cave to hidden lagoon beach. Best 10:00-14:00 at mid-tide for emerald light effect.
Koh Ngai	Short longtail ride	Quiet island with good snorkeling and beaches
Koh Libong	Short longtail ride	Largest Trang island. Dugong watching. Local Muslim fishing community.
Koh Chueak / Koh Waen	Short longtail ride	Small uninhabited islands, snorkeling stops

Typical Tour Cost: ~3,500 THB for a longtail day tour (Koh Mook + Koh Kradan snorkeling points).

All prices are approximate and subject to change. Confirm inclusions and pricing before booking.

Camping

Basic DNP campground near the southern end of the main beach. Tents may be available for rent. Contact Hat Chao Mai National Park office for booking.

Photography

Best Spots:

East coast reef from beach (snorkeling with underwater camera)
Sunset Beach (evening golden hour)
Forest trails (morning light through canopy)
Ao Niang soft coral gardens (underwater)

Sunrise: ~06:15-06:30 | Sunset: ~18:00-18:30 (varies by season)

For Medical Tourists

Physical Requirements Assessment

Factor	Level	Details
Boat Transfer	Moderate	30-40 min speedboat from Pak Meng Pier. No pier on island — wade from longtail to beach.
Walking (Island)	Easy	Main beach walkable end-to-end (~1.5 km). Cross-island trails 1-3 km on flat terrain.
Beach Relaxation	Easy	Gentle sand beach, palm shade along edges
Shore Snorkeling	Easy	200m of waist-depth water before reef. Gentle entry. No currents in calm season.
Heat Exposure	Moderate	28-34°C year-round. Sea breeze helps.
Shade	Moderate-Good	Palm trees along beach edges, good shade on forest trails. Open beach midday has limited shade.
Mobile Signal	Limited	Patchy coverage from mainland towers. Resort WiFi only.
Stairs	Minimal	Some resort steps. No significant staircases.

Post-Surgery Suitability

Procedure Type	Beach Relaxation	Shore Snorkeling	Cross-Island Trails	Boat Tours
Dental (extraction/implant)	Week 2+	Week 2+	Week 2+	Week 2+
Light cosmetic (Botox, fillers)	Week 2+	Week 2+	Week 2+	Week 2+
Rhinoplasty	Week 3+	Week 3+	Week 3+	Week 3+
Abdominal surgery	NOT recommended	NOT recommended	NOT recommended	NOT recommended
Cardiac procedures	NOT recommended**	NOT recommended	NOT recommended	NOT recommended
Orthopedic (knee/hip)	NOT recommended**	NOT recommended	NOT recommended	NOT recommended

**Cardiac patients: Koh Kradan is NOT recommended due to remote location, heat exposure, and minimum 1.5-2 hour emergency evacuation including mandatory boat transfer.

**Orthopedic patients: Walking on sand can be tiring and destabilizing. Boat transfer requires stepping in/out of longtail boats.

Critical Medical Advisory: Koh Kradan has NO medical facilities — only a DNP ranger station with basic first aid supplies. Emergency evacuation requires a 45-minute boat transfer to the mainland plus 45-minute drive to the nearest hospital (1.5-2 hours total minimum). During monsoon season (May-October), evacuation may be delayed or impossible due to rough seas. Patients requiring immediate medical access should choose mainland destinations. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Always consult your doctor before any outdoor activities post-procedure.

Nearest Hospitals

Hospital	Location	Travel Time	Standard
Trang Hospital	Trang City (~60 km + boat)	~1.5-2 hours (45 min boat + 45 min drive)	Government regional, 567 beds, 24/7 emergency
Wattanapat Hospital Trang	Trang City (~60 km + boat)	~1.5-2 hours (45 min boat + 45 min drive)	Private, 120 beds, general medical care
Hat Yai Hospital	Hat Yai (~200 km from Trang)	Significantly farther	Major referral hospital — for serious emergencies

Emergency Numbers:

1669: National Emergency Hotline
+66 75 829 967: Hat Chao Mai National Park Office
+66 80 572 2583: Park Visitor Center
Resort staff can arrange emergency boat transport

Who Should NOT Visit Koh Kradan

Patients with recent major surgery (any type)
Cardiac patients
Those requiring regular hospital check-ups
Patients on blood thinners (coral cuts risk, remote from hospital)
Anyone with mobility impairments requiring wheelchair access
Patients who may need emergency medical care
Anyone during monsoon season (May-October) who is in any stage of recovery

Who May Consider Visiting

Patients 2+ weeks post minor procedures (dental, minor cosmetic) with doctor approval
Mental wellness and stress recovery patients (exceptional peaceful atmosphere, digital detox)
Those comfortable with limited medical access for emergencies
Visitors during dry season (November-April) with calm boat transfers

Recommended Recovery Activities

Post-dental (Week 2+): Beach relaxation, gentle shore snorkeling in waist-deep water, forest trail walks
Post-cosmetic minor (Week 2+): Beach time (stay out of direct sun), reef-safe sunscreen only, shore snorkeling
Mental wellness: Beach meditation, sunset watching, forest walks, nature therapy, digital detox (limited connectivity)
Post-dental relaxation: Warm water swimming, gentle beach activities

Getting There

From Bangkok

Fly to Trang Airport (TST) — 1.5 hours. Airlines: Thai AirAsia (14 flights/week), Thai Lion Air (14 flights/week), Nok Air (9 flights/week). ~5 daily departures. From approximately 1,439 THB one-way.
Transfer to Pak Meng Pier (or Kuan Tung Ku Pier) — approximately 1-1.5 hours by minivan
Speedboat to Koh Kradan — 30-40 minutes

Total travel time: Approximately 3-4 hours

Alternative Routes from Bangkok

Overnight train: Bangkok to Trang Railway Station — approximately 15 hours (sleeper berth available)
Overnight bus: Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Trang — approximately 12 hours

From Pak Meng Pier

Service	Duration	Price	Notes
Speedboat	30-40 min	~600-2,000 THB	Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, 2 daily departures (earliest ~09:30)
Longtail boat	Longer	Variable	Available year-round, flexible schedule, wait for passengers

High season: 2 daily speedboats + 14 weekly services Low season: Longtails only, irregular schedule

From Krabi

Speedboat from Koh Lanta to Koh Kradan — 30-45 minutes (high season only)

Private Transfers

Seven Seas Resort offers private transfers from Trang Town, Trang Airport, and Krabi Airport (3.5 hours from Krabi).

Arrival Procedure

Important: There is no pier on Koh Kradan. Ferries and speedboats anchor offshore. Passengers transfer to longtail boats for the final shuttle to the beach, which may involve wading through shallow water.

On-Island Transport

Walking: Only transport — the entire island is walkable
No roads, no vehicles: All movement on foot via beach and forest trails

Parking

Available at Pak Meng Pier on the mainland.

Accommodation

On-Island Properties (~10 resorts)

Property	Type	Rating	Price Range	Highlights
The Seven Seas Resort	Mid-range beachfront	7.9/10	From 9,700 THB/night	Leading resort, house reef access, restaurant, bar, dive center, private transfers
Mali Kradan	4-star beachfront	9.6/10 location	$$-$$$	Garden, restaurant, bar, air-conditioning, family rooms
Kradan Beach Resort	Mid-range cottages	7.5/10	$$	Greenery garden setting, sun terraces
Paradise Lost Bungalows	Budget-mid B&B	8.9/10	$	Garden setting, 5 min from main beach
Reef Resort	Boutique beachfront	N/A	$$-$$$	18 luxury beachfront and sea view rooms

Booking: Online (Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia) — book well ahead for December-March peak season.

DNP Campground

Located at the southern end of the main beach. Basic camping facilities. Contact Hat Chao Mai National Park office for booking.

Booking Tips

Book well in advance for December-February peak season
September is the cheapest month (but island effectively closed)
Most resorts close May-October during monsoon
Average visitor stay: 2 days
No walk-in availability guaranteed during peak season
All pricing is subject to change and seasonal variation

Practical Tips

What to Pack

Essential:

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen (buy in Bangkok or Trang before arriving — unavailable on island)
UV rashguard/rash vest
Waterproof phone case
Insect repellent (DEET-based for mosquitoes at dawn/dusk)
Sufficient cash (THB) — no ATMs on the island
All prescribed medications — no pharmacy on island
First aid kit
Water shoes (sea urchins on rocky areas)
Light rain jacket
Waterproof dry bag for boat transfer

For Recovery Patients:

All prescribed medications (critical — no pharmacy)
Doctor’s contact information
Hospital contact card
Travel insurance documentation
Cooling towel
Wide-brimmed hat
Vinegar (for potential jellyfish stings, November-April)

What NOT to Bring

Prohibited Item	Consequence
Chemical sunscreen (oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4MBC, butylparaben)	Up to 100,000 THB fine. Confiscated at entry.
Single-use plastics	National park policy
Styrofoam containers	National park policy

Money & Services

ATMs: None — bring sufficient cash for entire stay
Cards: Limited acceptance at larger resorts
Internet: Resort WiFi only, patchy mobile signal
Shops: One minimart with very limited basic supplies
Dining: All resort-based — no independent restaurants
Water: Tap water not potable — bottled water essential

Safety Considerations

General Risks:

No medical facilities on island — bring first aid kit
No ATMs — bring sufficient cash
No pharmacy — bring all medications
Limited mobile signal (emergency communication concern)
Sun exposure — limited shade on main beach midday
Slippery rocks on west coast / Sunset Beach

Wildlife Risks:

Jellyfish possible November-April (rare but carry vinegar)
Sea urchins on rocky areas — water shoes recommended
Macaques — secure food and belongings (do not feed)
Mosquitoes at dawn/dusk — repellent essential
Sand flies possible on Sunset Beach

Water Safety:

Calm in dry season
Southwest monsoon (May-October) brings rough seas — swimming and boating dangerous
No lifeguards on any beach
Check conditions before snorkeling

Snake Risk: Low — possible in forested interior but rarely encountered.

Environmental Responsibility

Leave No Trace

Critical on a small island within a national park. Hat Chao Mai National Park rules apply. Carry out all waste.

Sunscreen Ban

Since 2021, chemical sunscreens are banned in all Thai national marine parks under the National Park Act 2019:

Banned Ingredients:

Oxybenzone (BP-3)
Octinoxate
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4MBC)
Butylparaben

Allowed: Mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, labeled “Reef Safe”

Penalty: Up to 100,000 THB (~$3,000 USD). Park staff enforce with multilingual signage, spot checks, and confiscation at entry.

Reef Protection Rules

Never touch, stand on, or break coral
Stay at least 2 meters from coral reefs
Do not feed marine life or fish
Do not collect shells, coral, or marine specimens
Do not chase or harass wildlife
Follow DNP park ranger instructions

Conservation Programs

DNP “Reduce-Refrain-Rescue” coral protection program
Seasonal island closure (June-September) for ecosystem recovery
Buoyed mooring zones to prevent anchor damage to reefs
Hat Chao Mai NP: Thailand’s first designated dugong conservation zone
Ramsar wetland conservation: Protecting seagrass and mangrove ecosystems

Community & Cultural Responsibility

Koh Kradan has no permanent village, unlike neighboring Koh Mook which has a local Muslim fishing community with community-based tourism potential. Koh Libong, also in the park, offers dugong-watching tours run by the local community. Supporting locally-operated tourism on these neighboring islands contributes to sustainable livelihoods.

Seasonal Guide

Month	Conditions	Ferry Services	Notes
Jan	Peak season. Dry, sunny, calm seas. Best visibility. 27-31°C.	Full service	Book accommodation well ahead
Feb	Peak season. Dry, clear. Underwater Wedding Ceremony (Feb 13-15).	Full service	Very popular period
Mar	Excellent. Warm, clear water, low rainfall.	Full service	Slightly less crowded than Dec-Feb
Apr	Good but warming. Some afternoon showers begin. Sea still calm. Songkran.	Full service	Last good month before monsoon
May	Monsoon onset. Increasing rain. Ferry services irregular.	Irregular — decreasing	Many resorts begin closing
Jun	Monsoon. Heavy rain, rough seas.	Longtails only (irregular, dangerous)	Island effectively closed to tourism
Jul	Monsoon. Heavy rain, rough seas.	Longtails only	Closed
Aug	Monsoon. Continued heavy rain.	Longtails only	Closed
Sep	Wettest month. Rough seas. Ecosystem recovery period.	No reliable service	NOT recommended
Oct	Late monsoon. Still wet. Some calmer days late month.	No reliable service	Island preparing for season opening
Nov	Season opens. Seas calming. Resorts reopen. Good weather returning.	Resuming	Best value — fewer tourists
Dec	Peak season begins. Dry, clear, calm. Holiday pricing.	Full service	Book months in advance

Migratory Shorebirds (November-March): Bar-tailed godwit, Eurasian whimbrel, common redshank, Nordmann’s greenshank in Hat Chao Mai NP.

Weather and seasonal conditions are based on historical patterns and are subject to variation. Seasonal closure dates may change — verify with park authorities before planning your trip.

Nearby Attractions

Nature Sites

Attraction	Type	Distance	Highlights
Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)	Marine cave	Koh Mook — 20 min by longtail	80m swim-through cave to hidden lagoon beach. Best 10:00-14:00 at mid-tide. Kayak rental 250 THB at Sabai Beach.
Koh Mook (Ko Muk)	Island	20 min by longtail	Larger island with local Muslim village, Haad Farang beach, more facilities
Koh Ngai (Ko Hai)	Island	North of Koh Kradan	Quiet island with good snorkeling and beaches
Koh Libong	Island / wildlife	Southeast of Koh Kradan	Largest Trang island. Dugong watching. Muslim fishing community. Community-based tourism.
Koh Chueak / Koh Waen	Uninhabited islands	Nearby	Snorkeling stops on island-hopping tours
Hat Chao Mai mainland	Coastal park	Trang coast	Hat Pak Meng beach, mangrove forests, bird watching

Cultural Sites

Kantang District: Traditional architecture, cuisine, heritage community (visited during underwater wedding festival)
Trang Town: Night market, Chinese-Thai heritage, local cuisine (dim sum, roast pork)

Local Dining

Resort restaurants on Koh Kradan (Seven Seas, Mali Kradan, Kradan Beach Resort, etc.)
No independent restaurants — all dining is resort-based
Stock up at Trang Night Market or Pak Meng area before boat departure

Useful Thai Phrases

English	Thai	Pronunciation
Hello	สวัสดี	Sa-wat-dee
Thank you	ขอบคุณ	Khob khun
How much?	เท่าไหร่	Thao rai?
Koh Kradan	เกาะกระดาน	Goh Gra-dahn
Beautiful	สวย	Suay
Excuse me	ขอโทษ	Khor toht
Reef-safe sunscreen	ครีมกันแดดปลอดภัยต่อปะการัง	Cream gan daet plod pai tor pa-ga-rang
No plastic	ไม่เอาพลาสติก	Mai ao plastic

Contact Information

National Park

Park Name: Hat Chao Mai National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดเจ้าไหม)
Phone: +66 75 829 967
Visitor Center: +66 80 572 2583
Website: https://portal.dnp.go.th/

Emergency Numbers

1669: National Emergency Hotline
1155: Tourist Police (English available)
+66 75 829 967: Hat Chao Mai National Park Office
+66 80 572 2583: Park Visitor Center
Resort staff can arrange emergency boat transport

Koh Kradan (Hat Chao Mai National Park)