Trang: Thailand’s next big island-hopping destination
Thailand is probably one of the most famous island destinations on the planet with places like Phuket, Phi Phi and Lanta consistently placing in the top ranks of world travel guides – but there’s a few little gems in the sleepy province of Trang that have remained elusive to all but the most savvy of travellers. With plenty of Trang hotels to choose from, covering all budget ranges, these islands are easily accessible, affordable and largely off the beaten track.
Koh Libong is Trang’s biggest island and travellers will find it easy to navigate around the island thanks to a small paved road network. The best way to get around is to rent a motorbike or a Thai-style sidecar which will take you through some picturesque landscapes across small fishing villages and rubber plantations. The islands of Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Ngai each draw travellers to their stunning beaches and each has their own unique charm. While Koh Ngai is a backpacker favourite for its empty beaches and unspoiled jungles, Koh Mook draws the more adventurous with its “secret” beach at Morakot cave that is only accessible at low tide while led by a local guide. Koh Kradan on the other hand is the most well-known of the Trang islands and plays host to some of the best luxury beach resorts in the business including the private beach club of Anantara Sikao Thailand Resort & Spa. Guests staying at the resorts mainland location have access to this club. Kradan’s white sand beaches and crystal clear waters are teeming with fish and coral reefs and its little wonder that the tourism trade is at its peak here.
Getting to Trang is a fairly straightforward venture with a few direct domestic flights that arrive daily to Trang Airport from Bangkok. International travellers that would rather skip Bangkok can head directly to Krabi International Airport and then grab a ride to Trang which is about 2hrs away. The islands are about an hour’s boat ride from Kuan Thung Khu Pier with plenty of travelling options to choose from.