Have you ever dreamed of escaping from the rest of the world for a few days? Does a tropical paradise island with no cars, no motorbikes, no electricity, and no Wi-Fi (apart from a few hours in the evening), no bars, and no parties sound good to you? Tucked away in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Wai Island emerges as a hidden gem, a serene oasis far from the crowds and bustling city life. Blessed with pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere, Koh Wai beckons travelers seeking tranquility and the untouched beauty of nature.
Getting There:
Koh Wai is part of the Trat archipelago and can be reached by boat from the Laem Sok Pier in Trat province. In the high season, there is also a slow wooden boat traveling between Koh Chang, Koh Wai, Koh Mak, Koh Kood
From Bangkok: Take a bus or minivan to Laem Sok pier and from there a speedboat to Koh Wai, the speedboat can be booked directly at the resort
From Koh Chang: The wooden passenger ferry boat docks at Koh Klum, Koh Wai Paradise Pier on Koh Wai, Koh Mak Resort Pier on Koh Mak, and Nam Luek Pier, Ao Tapao Beach on Koh Kood.
At Koh Wai, you walk to your resort along the coastal path.
On arrival at Koh Mak, your resort normally picks you up or you use one of the local taxis, 50bt per person, with a minimum charge of 100bt. For departure, ask your resort to drop you at Koh Mak Resort.
At Koh Kood, there is a free shared shuttle taxi to your resort, the same in reverse for departure. You should always confirm this when booking. Booking.https://line.me/ti/p/pAUYlG5iLg
Bang Bao Boats (Updated October 2023) | Koh Chang (Bang Bao) to Koh Wai, Koh Mak and Koh Kood | Koh Kood, Koh Mak and Koh Wai to Koh Chang (Bang Bao) |
Wooden Boat 400bt (Koh Klum) 400bt (Koh Wai) 500bt (Koh Mak) 700bt (Koh Kood) 300bt (Koh Klum to Koh Wai/Mak) 700bbt (Koh Klum to Koh Kood) 300bt (Koh Wai to Koh Mak) 600bt (Koh Wai to Koh Kood) 400bt (Koh Mak to Koh Kood) | Dep: 09:00 (from Koh Chang) Arr: 09.30 at (Koh Klum) Arr: 10.00 (at Koh Wai) Arr: 11.00 (at Koh Mak) Arr: 12.30 (at Koh Kood) (Starts from 10/10/23) | Dep: 13:00 (from Koh Kood) Arr: 14.00 (at Koh Mak Resort) Arr: 15.00 (Koh Wai at your resort) Arr: 15.30 (at Koh Klum) Arr: 16.00 (Koh Chang) (Starts from 10/10/23) |
Speedboat 900bt (Koh Mak) 1,200bt (Koh Kood) 700bt (Koh Mak to Koh Kood) | Dep: 12.00 from Koh Chang Arr: 12.30 (Koh Mak at Koh Mak Resort) Arr: 13.00 (Koh Kood at your resort or nearest pier, free shuttle taxi) (1/11/23 to around 15/5/24) | Dep: 09:00 (from Koh Kood at your resort or nearest pier, free shuttle taxi) Arr: 09.30 (Koh Mak at Koh Mak Resort) Arr: 10.00 (Koh Chang) (1/11/23 to around 15/5/24) |
Koh Wai can be visited only from November to April as during the rainy season all operations shut down and there’s no ferry service to get to the island. The peak season is considered to be December and January, and due to the limited number of accommodation options, it is better to book in advance when visiting during these months.
Where to stay
Koh Wai Paradise is the biggest resort on the island and has bungalows right on the beach, I only recommend staying in the newer bungalows as the old ones are very small and don't have a shared toilet or a fan.
P1, P9, and 23 are the best bungalows. B1 till B4 also has a shower and toilet.
We stayed in P1 with a built-in bathroom and fan.
Price 1500/night (booking for 2 nights or more) breakfast not included
Roundtrip boat fare is 900 per person (45 minutes) have to bring towels by yourself.
Many huts are lined up to the east of the restaurant and several more sit in a more secluded spot at the west end of the property, where a trail cuts to a smaller beach. Two large blocks of shared bathroom facilities are in this area.
Paradise backs the full length of Ao Yai, the longest beach on Ko Wai (though it’s not huge). With coconut trees for shade and a wood platform set above the sea, it’s simply sublime once the daytrippers leave.
Koh Wai Paradise is open from 1 October to 31 May every year.
Accepting reservations for 1 October to 31 May. If interested in booking accommodation and a boat, add Line 0614241556
The lodge has 3 zones
- House on the hill, price 500/night (stay for 2 persons)
- Private Beach House 900/night (stay for 2 persons)
- Private Beach House 1,200/night (2-4 persons stay)
- New beach house 1,500/night (stay 2-4 people)
Electricity is available from 18:00-06:00 hrs. Bathroom with built-in fans in every room.
Round trip fare. Adults 900 Baht each.
Pristine Beaches:
Koh Wai is renowned for its untouched and pristine beaches. White powdery sand meets the clear turquoise waters, creating postcard-perfect scenes that invite visitors to unwind and soak up the tropical bliss.
Snorkeling and Diving:
The underwater world surrounding Koh Wai is a haven for snorkelers and divers. The coral reefs teem with vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and various coral species. Snorkeling excursions can be arranged on the island, allowing one to explore the captivating underwater landscapes.
Rustic Accommodations:
Unlike more developed tourist destinations, Koh Wai offers a range of rustic accommodations that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. Bungalows and beachfront huts provide a simple yet charming stay, allowing visitors to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort.
Sunset Views from Viewpoints:
Climb to one of Koh Wai's viewpoints, such as the one overlooking Ao Yai Bay, and be rewarded with breathtaking sunset views. The warm hues reflecting off the water create a magical ambiance, making it an ideal spot for romantic moments or quiet contemplation.
Local Cuisine and Seafood Delights:
Koh Wai's local eateries serve up authentic Thai cuisine and fresh seafood. Enjoy a meal on the beach, savoring the flavors of grilled fish, spicy curries, and tropical fruits. The island's laid-back atmosphere extends to its dining establishments, providing an authentic taste of Thai coastal life.
Disconnect to Reconnect:
One of the unique charms of Koh Wai is its limited connectivity. Embrace the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty. Engage in meaningful conversations, read a book by the beach, or simply enjoy the sounds of the waves lapping against the shore.
Koh Wai Island in Trat, Thailand, offers a retreat into nature where simplicity and untouched beauty reign supreme. From pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to rustic accommodations and breathtaking viewpoints, this hidden tropical paradise invites travelers to experience the essence of island life. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a peaceful escape, Koh Wai promises an authentic and rejuvenating journey in the heart of Thailand's coastal wonders.
Support my site
If you found the articles useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you!
Accommodation: Booking.com and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
Flights: WayAway to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an Esim-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone before your trip, and you are all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities to do