Island Vacation | Ko Adang Island Thailand

Located 43 km west of Tarutao and 80 km from Pak Bara is Ko Adang, an island about 30 sq. km in size that is covered with forests and freshwater streams. An island supplied with fresh water year round, its strongest attraction is the green sea turtles that come ashore between September and December to lay their eggs.

Island Vacation | Ko Adang Island Thailand

Not to be missed places include an interesting hike along the east coast, which will lead to a pretty beach 2 km from the park station. Slightly further from this beach is a waterfall that was once used as a source for fresh water by passing pirate ships. Another waterfall is located at the west coast, 3 km from Laern Son (Pine Cape) where the chao náam village of Talo Puya is found nearby. Laern Son, which is on the southern tip of the island, also offers a thatched longhouse for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Alternatively, one can always camp under the stars!
Food, however, may pose a problem as the restaurant is considered expensive in comparison to the low quality of food served. It is better to bring your own foodstuff before setting off for this island.

Island Vacation | Ko Adang Island Thailand

Whether a day-trip from Lipe or an overnight, Ko Adang is ideal for travellers who seek a less-populated haven from beaches packed with sunbathing limbs in peak season. There are plenty of hiking trails, deserted white sand beaches, and waterfalls -- all accessible either on foot or by longtail.

Island Vacation | Ko Adang Island Thailand

Passengers are dropped off on the beach and can walk up to Adang's Information Centre. The park rangers speak varying levels of English and can provide accommodation and activity information. There's an information panel that describes some of the varied colourful coral around Ko Adang: Some look like flower, mountain, deer or cabbages. Snorkellers and divers with lesser imaginations still rave about the coral formations around Adang which have been reasonably well protected. Although one traveller recently noticed a group of youngsters trampling coral as they learned to swim. Snorkels can be rented for 50B, but keep an eye out for spiky sea urchins!

Island Vacation | Ko Adang Island Thailand

There are two waterfalls on Adang. Ratana waterfall is best reached by longtail boat -- the going rate at time of writing was 200B/person for the round trip. Toward the end of the dry season, from February to April, Ratana slows to a trickle, but Pirate's Falls, easily reached by a 2km walkway, is worth visiting any time of year. There's also a viewpoint which is an easy 6km hike across Adang. Longtails can be hired to sights on Adang and nearby small islands in Tarutao National Marine Park. Prices range from 1,500-2,500B per boat, so it's best arranged with a group.

It's easy to hire a longtail to Adang from Lipe. Drivers on Pattaya beach may start out at outrageous prices, but those on Sunset beach tend to charge the going rate of 50 - 100B/person (depending on group size). Ask the management at Porn Beach Resort for assistance in hiring a boat if there are no drivers waiting there.

The island has one restaurant that is open from 7:00 - 21:00. Food and drinks are cheaper than on Ko Lipe, but the menu is limited to simple Thai dishes and Western breakfasts. The restaurant also sells toiletries and pre-packaged snacks.

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