Koh Adang is a picturesque island situated amidst the Tarutao Marine National Park, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned holiday spot, Koh Lipe. Spanning over an area of 6 kilometers in length and 5 kilometers in width, it stands as the second largest island in the vicinity. Being a part of this natural reserve, it remains remarkably unspoiled. Its landscape boasts of dense jungles, hidden beaches, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. There’s no dearth of activities to indulge in while visiting Koh Adang! You can bask in the beauty of its beaches, explore enchanting snorkeling spots, and hike to the famed Koh Lipe Viewpoint.
Our travel blog is a comprehensive guide that equips you with all the essential details you need to plan your visit to Koh Adang in Thailand. Additionally, we offer valuable information on accommodation, transportation, and the most breathtaking activities to undertake on the island.
Getting there
To get to Koh Adang from Koh Lipe, the most common mode of transportation is a longtail boat that costs 100 baht per person. You can easily find taxi boats at the Sunrise Beach and Pattaya Beach, and purchase transfer tickets on the spot. The boat ride only takes ten minutes, but offers stunning views of the island’s beautiful scenery and crystal-clear turquoise sea, visible from a distance. Koh Adang is surprisingly hilly, especially compared to relatively flat Koh Lipe. Its highest peak reaches 690 meters.
A word of advice: There are no ATMs on Koh Adang, so make sure to bring enough cash for the trip. The small island shop has limited options, so it’s a good idea to pack some snacks with you.
One of the most popular activities on Koh Adang is hiking to the Koh Lipe Viewpoint. The viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Koh Lipe, and the hike to the Chado Cliff has three different viewpoints that are all spectacular. Viewpoint 1 is only a 15-minute hike, while the last viewpoint, Viewpoint Nr. 3, takes 45 minutes to an hour to reach.
The trek through the jungle can be quite sweaty, but not necessarily challenging for experienced hikers. It is important to wear closed shoes, apply sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and bring enough water. The path to the Koh Adang Viewpoint is well-marked, so getting lost is unlikely. You might even have the company of a friendly island dog who enjoys the hike as much as you do.
Once you reach the top of the mountain, the breathtaking view of Koh Lipe will make all your efforts worthwhile. The hike to Koh Adang Viewpoint was one of the highlights of our island hopping tour in Southern Thailand.
The Koh Adang island is rich in stunning beaches, and one of the most beautiful ones is Laem Son Beach, situated at the National Park headquarters where the camping site is located. As the island is mostly covered in dense jungle, many of its beaches are secluded and difficult to access. To discover the hidden beaches of Koh Adang, it’s recommended to rent a longtail-boat and take a tour around the island. You’ll find many beautiful bays that are mostly unoccupied. Another noteworthy beach is the Black Sand Beach, which is located in the north of the island and is the only black beach on Koh Adang.
Tip: For those who opt to stay at the Adang Island Resort, you can relish a marvelous private beach!
Koh Adang, part of the Tarutao Marine National Park, is known for its beautiful snorkeling spots. With its intact reefs, visitors can enjoy the colorful underwater world of this stunning island. The ranger station area around Laem Son Beach offers great snorkeling opportunities, just like Koh Lipe and other parts of the National Park.
Koh Adang offers some waterfalls for visitors to explore, such as the Kinaree Waterfall and the Pirates Waterfall. However, reaching these waterfalls requires a challenging hike through the jungle, and the trails are poorly marked. Although the waterfalls are not particularly impressive, some visitors may still want to include them in their itinerary.
Accommodation options on the island are limited due to its natural state. Camping is available near the National Park Administration, and budget bungalows with fans are also offered, but they must be reserved directly through the National Park Administration. For those seeking a unique and peaceful experience, the Adang Island Resort is highly recommended. This resort is the only hotel on the island, and offers stunning sea views, a beautiful pool, and a private beach shared only with other resort guests. Additionally, the resort provides free kayak and snorkel rentals, as well as long tail boat service to Koh Lipe and back.