Koh Ngai (or “Ko Ngai”) isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think of islands in Thailand. Phuket, Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi usually top the list for travelers seeking an idyllic beach holiday. But, in our opinion, Koh Ngai is the most beautiful Thai island of them all. It’s the epitome of an untouched tropical paradise: golden sands fringed by swaying palms, beautiful turquoise waters, and that rare feeling of tranquil remoteness.

In many ways, this small island in Thailand’s southern Andaman Coast is Thailand’s best hidden gem and the perfect place to enjoy a beach getaway without the crowds. We visited Koh Ngai in February, booked a speed boat from Koh Lanta, and spent four magical nights at Thapwarin Resort right on the beach. What followed was a perfect blend of peace and relaxation - something I’ll share in detail below. But first, an introduction to the destination itself.

Koh Ngai - Longtail Boat — *High tide at Thapwarin Resort*

Introducing Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai is a teeny-tiny island located in the southern Andaman Sea, technically part of Krabi Province but also close to Trang Province. At just a few square kilometres in size (around 4 km by 2 km in dimension) it is blissfully simple in layout, with one main beach (called “Main Beach/Long Beach”), jungle behind it, and no roads or towns.

What the island offers is mostly this: golden sand, crystal-clear warm water, a healthy coral reef a short swim from shore, and a backdrop of jungle and hills that gives the place a peaceful, almost Robinson-Crusoe vibe. For travelers who want to step away from the commercialised islands, Koh Ngai hits the sweet spot: just developed enough to offer comfortable resort stays and decent food, but remote enough to feel like you’re escaping.

The reef that hugs the island’s fringes makes it suitable for snorkelling and even kayaking. Bird-life is abundant: you’ll find hornbills and other jungle-dwellers, and the water is calm and inviting at many times of the year. Despite its natural beauty, Koh Ngai is less crowded than many of Thailand’s major island destinations. It’s ideal for families looking for a fun beach vacation with the kids or for couples who want a romantic getaway.

In short: If you dream of “island time”, long lazy beach afternoons, and a jungle-meets-sea setting without nightlife or crowds, Koh Ngai is a top choice. And our stay there affirmed exactly that.

Koh Ngai - Emerald Waters — *Crystal-clear waters of Koh Ngai*

Koh Ngai - Beach Run — *Man running on Main Beach in the morning*

Our Experience There

Let us share our personal experience in Koh Ngai to give you a better picture of what this island offers. We traveled to Koh Ngai in February (which turned out to be ideal weather). Our route took us from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta and then to Koh Ngai, via speedboat. It’s easy to organize a speedboat from Koh Phi Phi or direct from Koh Lanta. The ride out across open water, the crest of waves, the anticipation with other visitors: all built up to that moment when we cruised into the main beach of Koh Ngai where longtail boats took us to shore.

Koh Ngai - Arrival Beach — *Arriving in Koh Ngai*

And that moment feels worth describing, because the scene truly felt like paradise. The golden-yellow sand beneath our feet was warm and fine, the sea in front of us was a vibrant emerald-green fading to deep blue, behind us the jungle rose up magnificently, fringed by palms leaning out toward the water. We had reached our little slice of paradise.

We checked into Thapwarin Resort, a stunning beachfront resort, and remained there for four nights. The bungalows were nestled in a sea of greenery, the resort’s hammocks invited long lazy afternoons, and we felt ourselves unwind from the moment we arrived.

Our days followed a rhythm: we would wake to sea sounds, have breakfast overlooking the beach, then paddle or swim in the clear waters. There were hornbills in the trees - yes, actual hornbills, flying in pairs overhead or perched in the tree line, reminding us we were in real nature, not just a luxury resort. Mid-afternoon we’d treat ourselves to massages on the beach, then as evening approached, the cute little beach bars lit up, and we’d have a few beers while watching the sunset. One night, quite magically, the moon turned a deep crimson - a full “blood moon” rising over the sea, casting a surreal glow over the water, making everything feel even more dream-like.

Koh Ngai - Blood Moon Night — *“Blood moon” glowing over a longtail boat on Koh Ngai*

The food at Thapwarin was delicious: fresh seafood dishes and Thai classics with a view of palms and the sea. As night fell, we didn’t rush off for nightlife (there wasn’t any). Instead we took it slow: playing cards with other guests at the resort, capturing photos of the moon and disconnecting from modern life.

By the end of four nights, we realised we barely checked our phones. We never rushed, we’d found a kind of peace that we hadn’t planned, but felt deeply grateful for. If you go to Koh Ngai, bring that willingness to relax and let the island do the rest.

How to Get to Koh Ngai

Getting to Koh Ngai is part of what makes the stay feel special. There’s no airport nearby, no roads, so the journey itself becomes part of the transition into “island mode”.

From Koh Lanta

We opted for a speed boat from Koh Lanta, which worked out beautifully. The ride was direct, the water was calm in February, and by boat we landed directly on the sand of the main beach in less than an hour. Many travellers prefer this route as you can easily go island-hopping from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, and then to Koh Ngai. Depending on the speedboat company and the weather, you may need to jump on a longtail boat when the speedboat anchors just off shore in Koh Ngai.

From the Mainland (Trang or Krabi)

Alternative routes include:

You can go from Pak Meng Pier in Trang Province where a speed boat takes you across to Koh Ngai.
Or from Krabi or via other islands (like Koh Phi Phi) on a hop-on-hop-off boat network linking islands along the Andaman Coast.

Important tips:

Check the season and sea-conditions: the route is most reliable in the high season (roughly November to March/April). In the rainy season (May-October) services may be reduced or canceled.
Bring appropriate luggage: since all boats land on the beach, expect to step off into shallow water and then onto the beach. Pack accordingly - e.g., a small backpack is preferable to a large suitcase, waterproof bag for camera, flip flops or water proof shoes, etc.
Time your arrival: arriving midday gives you time to check in and enjoy the afternoon.

Where to Stay: We Recommend Thapwarin Resort

During our stay on Koh Ngai we chose Thapwarin Resort, which in our opinion hit the sweet spot of comfort, price, location and nature-vibe. Here’s why we recommend it and also a few things to consider.

Why we loved it:

Beachfront location: Thapwarin sits right on the main beach of Koh Ngai. However, our bungalow was nestled 50 metres back from the beach between towering palm trees and a sea of greenery. Having close access to the beach plus being surrounded by nature was simply heavenly.
Resort comfort in a relaxed setting: Unlike some ultra-budget bungalows with very basic facilities, Thapwarin gave the luxury of comfort (good bed, air-con, good food) while still being in nature rather than a mega-hotel complex. The heat at night doesn’t really dissipate, so having air-conditioning is a must.
Great vibe: Late afternoons lounging on the beach, watching hornbills fly overhead, sipping a cold drink at the resort restaurant - these moments matter, and Thapwarin provided the atmosphere.
Good price: Although Thapwarin was more expensive than other Thai island resorts, the value for money (considering the location) was superb. The food at the resort (while good quality) is what gets you though, so try to eat modestly or pack your own snacks to save on costs.

Things to check/consider:

Because Koh Ngai is small and resorts are limited, booking ahead is wise, especially in peak season (January–March).
Getting from the speedboat to the resort may mean wading through shallow water or walking on the beach with your luggage (depending on the tide). But this just adds to the charm of the destination.
If you’re in a group or traveling on a tighter budget, note that the island has fewer very-budget options. So if your priority is ultra-cheap, look around (though be aware of trade-offs).
In short: for our four-night stay, Thapwarin felt just right. Comfortable, beach-front and calm. If you go to Koh Ngai with the idea of relaxing, and staying somewhere you’ll actually enjoy rather than just sleep, this resort is a strong choice.

Koh Ngai - Thapwarin Bungalows — *Beautiful bungalows at Thapwarin*

Koh Ngai - Thapwarin Greenery — *Serene natural setting of Thapwarin Resort*

Koh Ngai - Thapwarin Restaurant — *Kat enjoying her time at Thapwarin restaurant*

Things To Do in Koh Ngai

Here are eight wonderful things to do on Koh Ngai, many of them we experienced ourselves, along with tips to make the most of them.

1. Sunbathing & Swimming

When the tide goes out, the main beach on Koh Ngai is perfect for sunbathing. And when the tide comes in, it’s perfect for swimming. So depending on the time of the day: stretch out a towel, recline under a palm, let the warm sun and gentle breeze wash over you - or dive into the water, crystal-clear emerald green, so inviting you’ll find yourself slipping in for a swim several times a day.

Koh Ngai - Cam Swimming — *Cam swimming in Koh Ngai*

Koh Ngai - Iconic Palm Tree — *Iconic palm tree at Thapwarin Resort*

2. Spotting Hornbills in the Trees

One of the joys of Koh Ngai is how rich the natural setting feels. We remember looking up into the canopy of palms and jungle right beside Thapwarin Resort and seeing hornbills or tropical birds flying overhead. These moments remind you you’re really in nature, not just a resort.

Koh Ngai - Hornbill — *Hornbills on Koh Ngai*

3. Beach Walks

Walk southwards or northwards along the golden sand at low tide or sunset. With hardly any people, the walks feel serene, and you’ll discover beautiful viewpoints of the surrounding islands, quiet stretches, and magical photo-ops.

Koh Ngai - Beach Walks — *Kat enjoying a beach walk on Koh Ngai*

Koh Ngai - Low Tide — *Low tide at Koh Ngai*

4. Beach Bars & Sunset Drinks

Late afternoon is the perfect time for a drink at a beach bar, watching the sun dip toward the sea. At Thapwarin (and other rustic little bars along the beach) we sat with beers, a warm breeze, palm trees, and a horizon that glowed orange.

Koh Ngai - Beer — *Enjoying a Leo beer on Koh Ngai*

Koh Ngai - Beach Bar Sunset — *Cool rustic beach bar in Koh Ngai*

5. Kayaking

For a little adventure, renting a kayak and paddling along the shore or out into the calm bay is a fantastic way to see the island from a different angle. Flat sea, shimmering water, jungle rising behind: simple but unforgettable.

6. Snorkelling

While Koh Ngai may not have the most vibrant reef compared with some world-class spots, it still offers excellent snorkeling right from the beach in front of resorts. The reef in front of Thanya Resort, Kaimuk Thong Resort and Thapwarin is recognized as being accessible for beginners.

7. Day Trip to Nearby Koh Kradan

If the sea is calm and you feel like exploring, a day-trip to Koh Kradan is highly recommended. Charter a longtail boat or join an excursion organised by your resort. You’ll find more coral, another perfect untouched beach, and even fewer people (believe it or not). In fact, Koh Kradan was voted the world's best beach in 2023 by the World Beach Guide.

8. Beach-Side Massage

Our afternoons were often punctuated by a massage right on the beach right by the palms, the sound of waves just metres away. It’s the kind of experience that takes relaxation up a notch.

Koh Ngai - Massage — *Kat getting a massage on Koh Ngai*

These activities don’t require planning, they’re built around relaxing, appreciating nature, and being present in the moment. Koh Ngai rewards those who move slower and who let day drift into dusk.

Best Time to Visit Koh Ngai

When you’re planning your trip to Koh Ngai, timing matters a lot, especially in the Andaman Sea region where seasons influence sea conditions and resort availability.

Ideal Season: November to March (sometimes stretching into April) is widely cited as the best time to visit Koh Ngai. During these months the seas are calm, skies are usually clear, and the island is fully operational with resorts and boats running reliably.

Why February Worked for Us: Our visit in February was excellent - clear skies, no heavy winds, warm water, perfect beach conditions. If you can aim for January-February, you’ll likely hit some of the best weather.

Shoulder Season: Late October or April may still offer good conditions, but risk is higher for variable weather.

Off-Season/Rainy Season: Roughly May to October is the monsoon/rain season for the region. Resorts may close, boat services are less reliable, and sea conditions can be choppy.

Key takeaways for planning:

Book your resort and speedboat in advance if going high-season (November–March).
Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before arrival or departure.
Pack accordingly. If you’re visiting outside the high season, bring a light rain-jacket and flexible schedule.

By aligning your stay with the right season, you maximise the chances of discovering the island as we found it: calm, clear, simple and beautiful.

*Kat enjoying the stunning views at Koh Ngai*

Tips for Visiting Koh Ngai

As we wrap up, here are some practical tips (and mindset tips) gleaned from our time on Koh Ngai. Small things that can make the difference between a good stay and a great one.

Pack reef-friendly sunscreen & sun protection: The water clarity is good and the sun is strong, so use eco-friendly protection and a hat for midday. We got quite sunburnt one day by not protecting ourselves from the sun.
Bring cash/be prepared for limited facilities: Koh Ngai is small. You won’t find any convenience stores and there are no supermarkets or ATMs on the island. Buy everything you need on the mainland (or a more developed island) beforehand.
Embrace the slow pace: There are no cars, no roads, no nightlife. If you’re used to hustle and bustle, take a deep breath and adjust to Koh Ngai’s vibe. The island asks you to slow down.
Be mindful of reef & beach ecology: Don’t step on coral, wear water-shoes if needed, be gentle in nature. The reefs aren’t the richest in Thailand but they are part of the charm.
Try to stay more than one or two nights: Two nights is fine, but three to four nights (as we did) gives you the time to really settle into “island mode”.
Stay hydrated and sand-aware: Sand gets into everything. Beach resorts are wonderful, but be ready for sandy bags, flip-flops, etc. If staying at Thapwarin Resort, take advantage of their water cups outside your bungalow to clean your feet.
Capture the moments but live them too: We took many photos during our time on Koh Ngai but we also forced ourselves to disconnect and live in the moment. Swimming in the sea and walking along the beach admiring the views was just magical. Don’t forget to live in the moment and soak up paradise!

Koh Ngai - Cleaning Feet — *Kat cleaning her feet before entering the bungalow*

Koh Ngai, Thailand: The Dreamy Island You’ll Never Want to Leave