Koh Lanta & Koh Kradan
Why go?
Just off Thailand’s southwest coast, Koh Lanta is an
island of lovely western-facing beaches, mostly backed by beach
bungalows and virgin rainforest. For years it was a favourite with
the backpacker crowd, but recent developments include some more
upmarket resorts and it's getting busier every year.
Like other islands in this province, it has long, white-sand
beaches and excellent diving - its Marine National Park is
especially beautiful. And thankfully the island has a distinctly
more low-key vibe than that of Ko Phangan and Samui. The beachfront
restaurants and bars are all fairylit at night, with bonfires out
front and a very mellow atmosphere. Stop at one of the seafood
BBQs, choose a fish and have it grilled in front of you then served
with an ice-cold beer.
Located off the coast of Trang, Ko Kradan is one of the most
isolated islands in this province. There's not much to do except
lie on the beach, but that's the whole point. And when you see the
pristine white sand lapped by turquoise waters, you won't want to
do anything else. Reminiscent of Alex Garland's The Beach,
this heavenly island offers superb snorkelling amongst dazzling
fish and reefs or through the Emerald Cave, dreamy sunsets, and the
sort of unspoilt vibe you imagine the hippies of yesteryear first
discovered on Thailand.