Lying just 15KM away from the Southern tip of Koh Lanta, the tiny island of Koh Ngai is the ideal destination to get away from it all. No motorbikes, no roads, no shops, no nightlife, just a handful of mid-range resorts of and an unforgettable scenery of a white powdery sands lapping azure warm waters all surrounded by a dense tropical jungle. Definitely in my top 5 islands of Thailand for those looking to spend a few days in a tranquil beach getaway.
Most of the dozen or so mid-range resorts you will find offer bungalows along the beach like these at CoCo Cottages
Main Beach
The main beach of this tiny spec of an island offers an idyllic 3 km long uninterrupted strip of sand overlooking the Andaman sea and neighboring Trang islands. Those looking for a picture postcard beach won’t be disappointing here.
I was very pleased to notice there were fewer tourists on Koh Ngai than any of the other other Southern islands I visited
Chilling in a hammock after a refreshing swim at one of the restaurant and bar along the beach
The southern tip beach where the beach chairs are is the best area for swimming due to lack of rocks in the water
Many restaurants along the beach are just simple affairs with a few chairs and tables thrown in
Crystal clear water meet white-sandy shores
Trying a little spicy seafood salad here
A family arriving by long tail boat right in front of their resort from one of the neighboring islands
Walking back towards the northern side of Main beach
Entrance to where I was staying at the Koh Ngai Cliff Beach Resort on the northern end of main beach
Getting to your room or the pool can be quite a stiff climb up for those out of shape
But the view from the Koh Ngai Cliff Beach Resort infinity pool onto the Andaman Sea is second to none on the island
A few days in the Southern islands can surely bring up a tan quickly
Kayaking around the Koh Ngai
At around 10 kilometers the full tour of the island requires a bit of paddling and will take you easily half a day, more if you want to enjoy snorkeling along the other beaches and coves of the island. Keep in mind once on you leave main beach there won’t be any bars, restaurants or hotels so pack everything you need with you so you won’t run out mid-way.
You will find many options for renting a kayak along main beach, fare is pretty standard at around 500 baht/day or 100 baht/hour. Don’t forget to bring your Snorkeling gear if you have one or pick up one for 200 baht a day or you will regret not bringing one when you hit Paradise beach in the south abundant with schools of tropical fish.
Boat passing by
Near the Southern end overlooking the island of Koh Maa
Approaching the much more secluded Paradise beach or Ao Kuan Tong in the south west of the island.
Taking a little break and having a swim on my private little beach cove
Back on main beach
Think I found my spot for the day to sit back and relax the next few hours
Last meal along the beach before moving onto Koh Lipe early the next day