Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
You negotiate twenty minutes and 300 baht for the return trip, and the longtail captain promises to fetch you at three. He beaches the bow and you wade the final meters, daypack held overhead. The sand here runs coarser than Lipe's powdery beaches—more golden, textured with broken coral and cowrie shells. Behind you, the ranger station sits quiet under towering Dipterocarp trees; a hand-painted sign reminds visitors to pack out trash. The snorkeling offshore makes the journey worthwhile. You swim maybe thirty meters and the reef explodes with life: staghorn coral forests, anemones hosting clownfish, schools of fusiliers moving like synchronized swimmers. Hawksbill turtles browse without concern for your presence—you're the visitor in their cafeteria. The visibility stretches twenty meters on calm days, water so clear that depth perception fails and you feel suspended in atmosphere rather than ocean. By noon, three other visitors arrive on a separate longtail. You exchange nods but spread out, everyone honoring the unspoken agreement that this beach rewards those who seek quiet. Lunch under the ranger station pavilion: banana leaves wrapped around khao niao and som tam you packed that morning. Afterward, you doze in shade while hornbills call from the canopy. At two-thirty you wade back in for a final snorkel, memorizing colors before the boat returns to ferry you back to civilization.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Koh Adang Beach.
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Swimming at Koh Adang Beach is generally safe during the high season (November-April) when seas are calm. The beach features clear, shallow waters near shore that gradually deepen, making it suitable for swimmers of varying abilities. However, as this is a remote beach within Tarutao National Marine Park with minimal development, there are no lifeguards or safety facilities. Always swim during daylight hours, be aware of currents, and avoid swimming alone. During monsoon season (May-October), conditions can be rough and boat access is limited or unavailable.
For the best combination of good weather and fewer crowds, visit Koh Adang Beach during the shoulder months of November or late March to April. Mid-January through February sees peak tourist numbers on Koh Lipe, but Koh Adang remains relatively quiet due to its remote location. Weekdays are quieter than weekends when day-trippers visit. The beach is virtually deserted during early mornings before tour boats arrive around 10-11 AM. Note that the island is part of a national park and access may be restricted during monsoon season (May-October).
Koh Adang is located just north of Koh Lipe, accessible only by boat. You can hire a private longtail boat from any of Koh Lipe's beaches for around 800-1,500 baht (depending on group size and negotiation), with the journey taking approximately 15-20 minutes. Many day tour operators include Koh Adang in their island-hopping itineraries, typically costing 600-1,200 baht per person including snorkeling stops. Some tours depart from Pattaya Beach. As Koh Adang is within Tarutao National Marine Park, there's a park entrance fee of 200 baht for foreigners.
Koh Adang has very limited facilities as it's part of Tarutao National Marine Park. The island offers basic national park bungalows and camping facilities managed by park authorities, which require advance booking and are quite rustic. There's a small ranger station with simple Thai food available, but options are minimal and hours unpredictable. Most visitors come as day-trippers from Koh Lipe, so it's advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and supplies. No commercial restaurants, resorts, or shops exist on the island, preserving its natural, undeveloped character.
Koh Adang Beach offers a completely undeveloped, pristine experience that contrasts sharply with increasingly developed Koh Lipe. The beach is part of a protected national marine park, ensuring minimal human impact and exceptional natural beauty. The surrounding waters feature spectacular snorkeling with healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. The island also offers jungle hiking trails leading to viewpoints overlooking the Adang-Rawi archipelago. With virtually no commercial development, no beach vendors, and far fewer visitors, Koh Adang provides genuine solitude and a Robinson Crusoe-style escape for those seeking unspoiled nature.
