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Everything You Need to Know about Koh Ngai

| Last Updated: October 2024

Koh Ngai, also known as Koh Hai, is a tiny snorkeling paradise in the beautiful Southern province of Trang. This islet boasts crystalline turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and biodiverse offshore house reefs.

It’s also home to numerous beach resorts, bars, and restaurants. Though not as popular, Trang can certainly give the big hitters of Thai tourism a run for the money when it comes to sheer beauty and remoteness. 

Without a doubt, Koh Ngai is a promising nature-rich destination with lush jungle trails, rich wildlife, and unique rock formations to see and explore. Best of all, this island paradise is a speedboat away from the city of Trang.

Where is Koh Ngai?

koh-ngai-map
Image Source: Google Maps

Koh Ngai is off the coast of mainland Trang. It’s south of Koh Lanta, north of Koh Kradan, and northwest of Koh Waen and Koh Muk.

How to Get to Koh Ngai

Speedboat: Tourists can only get to Koh Ngai by boarding the speedboats via the Pak Meng Pier in Trang’s Sikao District. If your starting location is Bangkok, you must find your way to this pier by boarding a bus or plane to Trang Province first.

These speedboats stop at multiple islands in Trang so they might not drop you off directly at the island. Instead, a transfer longtail boat meets your speedboat at sea to take you to any of the resorts on the island.

What to See and Do in Koh Ngai

Laze around Koh Ngai’s main beach

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The main beach in Koh Ngai’s eastern coastlines is a fan favorite. This long stretch of beach is known for its gorgeous white sands and crystalline turquoise waters, perfect for tourists who like to laze under the sun.

Here, you can enjoy many beach activities, like swimming, sunbathing and more. The long line of trees along this beach offer shade during midday and they’re great for tree swings and setting up hammocks.

Numerous resorts on the island provide tree swings, so you’re already covered if you want to relax by the beach! There are places offering beachside Thai massages as well if you want deeper relaxation.

Gear up to snorkel or scuba dive around Koh Ngai

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Koh Ngai is known for its colorful offshore house reefs, so it’s definitely one of the top snorkeling spots among the Trang Islands. These vast coral reefs are right in front of its resorts so you don’t need to pay for boat rides to start snorkeling.

The island’s house reefs are also vast so expect to find a wide range of coral species, from porites to blue corals, organ pipes, and more. Its reef system is also home to numerous tropical fishes, cephalopods, crustaceans, etc. 

There are many snorkeling and diving spots you can visit by booking a boat trip with the island’s numerous resorts. For the most diverse and colorful corals, though, head to the front of Koh Ngai Seafood and Koh Hai Fantasy Resort!

Enjoy kayaking around Koh Ngai

To make the most of your Koh Ngai trip, rent a kayak at the island’s numerous resorts! 

Kayaking gives you the best chance to explore all of Koh Ngai’s coastlines, including its less frequented and more peaceful bays. It also allows you to visit all the swimming and snorkeling spots around the island.

The northern cape, in particular, is a must-see if you want to spot black-tip reef sharks and cobias. The latter hangs around larger animals to scavenge so you might see it near a whale shark if you’re lucky. 

Here’s a tip: for free use of snorkeling gear, borrow a sea kayak at Koh Ngai Thanya Beach Resort!

Check out Koh Ngai’s Kuan Tong Rock

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Kuan Tong Rock, also known as Sacred Rock, is a popular anchorage in Koh Ngai’s south end. It’s a rugged coastline, so be sure to bring a pair of hiking shoes to protect your feet from the jagged and uneven rock formations.

This spot is known for its striking pointy rock formation, so it’s definitely a must-see because it’s one of the island’s most picturesque attractions. There’s a fabric wrapped around this pointy rock as well so it’s a sacred landmark for the locals.

Don’t miss out on checking Kuan Tong Rock during the sunset! It looks more stunning when its silhouette is photographed with the orange and reddish sky behind it.

Explore Koh Ngai’s lush jungle trail

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If you like hiking or nature walks, Koh Ngai’s lush jungle trail won’t disappoint. The island’s southern trail, in particular, is worth checking out because it leads to a pristine secret beach called Ao Kuan Tong or Paradise Beach. 

Its trailhead is directly south of Koh Ngai Thanya Beach Resort and there’s a signboard so it’s easy to track. For the best experience, wear good hiking boots because this will take you through a dense jungle with some steep portions.

Also, there’s a fork along the trail, and you can either choose to continue to Ao Kuan Tong or visit the shellfish-rich Ao Muang instead. This trail is also great for animal spotting so expect to see hornbills, geckos, monitors, and more.

Where to Eat and Drink in Koh Ngai

Sea Breeze Bar

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Address: Moo 4
Phone: +66 93 296 6269
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for drinks
Website

Sea Breeze Bar is a lively beachfront bar on the south end of Koh Ngai’s main beach. Its dining area is an open-air wooden deck, perfect for soaking in the refreshing ocean breeze and beach view.

This place is known for two things: its wide selection of high-quality cocktails and live acoustic band. There’s also a variety of local beers if that’s more your jam.

Their live band plays only between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. so visit during this time for a fun drinking and jamming session. This also serves as their happy hour, so expect good deals!

Blue Lagoon Cafe & Bar

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Address: 5 Moo 4
Phone: +66 75 210 317
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food, drinks
Website

Blue Lagoon Cafe & Bar is a chic food spot within Koh Hai Fantasy Resort and Spa. It’s not exclusive to hotel guests, so you can swing by to grab a meal or enjoy some drinks.

They have a large menu consisting of Western and Thai cuisines so it’s great for those who like full-blown variety. If you’re only here to drink, you’ll also love their fine selection of spirits, cocktails, and imported wines. 

Don’t miss out on their exquisite dessert options, including mango sticky rice, banana flambe, croffle, and more! 

Sea Taste Restaurant

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Address: Moo 4
Phone: +66 94 456 9554
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
Website

If you’re a seafood lover, Koh Ngai’s Sea Taste Restaurant is definitely a must-try. They serve a wide range of Thai dishes but excel at seafood dishes like grilled squid, Thai-style tuna fillet, tom yum goong, seafood pad Thai, and more.

However, they also serve a few Western foods like burgers with fries, pizza, tuna steak, and fried calamari for more variety. They also have a good selection of drinks, including beers, cocktails, fruit shakes, and more.

They’re also the spot to visit if you want to learn Thai cooking! Just call them to ask for details to secure a spot.

Where to Shop in and Near Koh Ngai

Laytrang Diving

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Address: Moo 4
Phone: +66 81 968 7597
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for serious and casual divers
Website

Laytrang Diving is a popular diving center in Koh Ngai. Though it’s best known for PADI courses and diving trips, they also sell diving equipment.

Definitely drop by if you’re looking for a new complete diving kit or just need some replacement gear.

Raya Mini Mart at Koh Hai Fantasy Resort and Spa

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Address: 5 Moo 4
Phone: +66 2 267 0412
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 

  • 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 12:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for beach essentials, snacks
Website

Koh Hai Fantasy Resort and Spa’s Raya Mini Mart is arguably the largest convenience store in Koh Ngai, so it’s definitely worth visiting if you need some beach and snack essentials.

There’s also a medical corner here in case you need some over-the-counter medications.

Coconuts & Cream Boutique at Koh Ngai Thanya Beach Resort

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Address: 105 Moo 4
Phone: +66 94 583 2888
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for beach essentials
Website

Coconuts & Cream Boutique is a small shop that focuses on beach essentials. Their beach hats and comfy linen and cotton apparel selection are especially great. 

If you like shopping for eco-friendly products, you’ll also appreciate their selection of upcycled sandals, bamboo toothbrushes, and reusable metal straws. They also have souvenir items made from seashells and vintage tie-dye tees!

They also have beer and ice cream on stock (which are beach essentials for some people), so that’s pretty convenient! 

Where to Stay in Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai Thanya Beach Resort

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Address: 105 Moo 4
Phone: +66 94 583 2888
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Koh Ngai Thanya Beach Resort boasts a pristine beachfront and a lush tropical garden, perfect if you want to make the most of the island’s beautiful natural setting.

They also offer seven traditional Thai-style bungalows with minimalist interiors, open-air showers, mini-fridges, wooden decks with sun loungers, and more. The lack of TV is a minus but having WiFi is a minor saving grace.

Just note that their bungalow’s maximum capacity is three people.

Koh Ngai Paradise Beach Resort

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Address: Moo 4
Phone: +66 95 021 2808
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for families
Website

Koh Ngai Paradise Beach Resort is tucked away on a tranquil bay on the island’s south end. It’s slightly challenging to reach so it’s not as frequented—perfect if you want to avoid throngs of tourists.

Here, you can enjoy a cozy and spacious room with minimalist interiors and modern amenities. It’s also a massive property, so you can go for walks along its tropical garden to see its water fountain, flowerbeds, Naga statues, and Buddhist shrines.

Its outdoor pool also turns slightly warmer, especially later in the day, so it’s perfect for late-night dips.

Thapwarin Resort

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Address: 117 Moo 4
Phone: +66 81 894 3585
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Thapwarin Resort is a relaxing hotel in the quieter portion of Koh Ngai’s main beach. This part of the beach is filled with dead corals so don’t expect fully fine white sands.

Nonetheless, it makes up for it with its palm-fringed coastline and tranquil atmosphere. It’s basically perfect for lazing in a sunbed or a peaceful kayak.

Plus, their spacious beachfront bungalows make them perfect for families! They also have private cottages for couples who prefer a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. 

They also offer snorkeling trips, diving trips, and longtail boat tours with picnics onboard, so you’re spoilt for choice regarding activities here!

FAQs about Koh Ngai

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