When travellers think of Krabi, it’s usually the beaches of Ao Nang and Railay that spring to mind. Or perhaps the amiable provincial capital of Krabi Town. But if you take a short boat ride across the estuary from Krabi Town, you can discover an island that lies hidden in plain sight. Welcome to Ko Klang.
Most tourists miss out on Ko Klang because it’s an island which lacks attractive beaches. But that is precisely why it has been spared the development seen further along the coast in Ao Nang and Railay. Tourists are still welcome, but the focus here is on sustainable and responsible travel, making it a rewarding destination for anyone seeking an authentic travel experience.
Beyond the beaches
Home to approximately 5,000 residents and covering 26 square kilometres (around 10 square miles), Ko Klang’s landscape is defined by lush rice paddies and expansive mangrove forests rather than sandy beaches. You aren’t going to find luxury hotels and trendy photo spots here, but you are going to find an island which is proud of its traditional heritage and warm southern Thai hospitality.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Community-based tourism
Ko Klang embraces community-based tourism (CBT), a model that benefits both locals and travellers. Guests are invited to observe and take part in everyday island life in a respectful and meaningful way. In turn, residents earn an income while preserving their customs and encouraging younger generations to stay connected with their roots.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Responsible activities on Ko Klang
If you’re making your own way to the island, you won’t find cars when you arrive, but the most efficient way to explore is by hiring a local taxi in the form of a motorbike with a sidecar. Bicycles are also available, but for first-time visitors, the guided motorbike tours offer a better way to see the highlights.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
The tours operate at a fixed price (starting at 300 Baht for one person or 400 Baht per couple from Talay Pier), so you can relax without having to bargain. As your driver takes you through peaceful rural roads, you’ll pass through quiet villages and scenic countryside.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Stops on the tour often include local workshops and small communities where you can learn about the island’s heritage, arts, and products made by hand.
Traditional batik art
Batik is a wax-resist dyeing technique and remains a significant art form on Ko Klang. Brought to the island by early Muslim settlers from Malaysia, batik is visible everywhere, from women’s clothing to household decorations. Visitors can try hands-on workshops and learn how to create their own batik designs, making for a unique and personal souvenir.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Stingless bees and medicinal honey
Recently, islanders have started cultivating stingless bees, which play a crucial role in pollinating the mangroves. Though these bees produce smaller quantities of honey, their product is known for its health benefits and distinctive taste. You can visit local producers to learn about their eco-friendly practices and taste the produce with the honey tasting experience akin to sampling fine whisky.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Learn about rice farming
Farming is a core part of life on Ko Klang, particularly the cultivation of sang yod rice, a reddish, nutrient-rich strain also grown in Phatthalung. This variety is prized both locally and abroad. During your visit, you can stop by rice fields and see the traditional harvesting process in action.
Model boat making
The island’s history is deeply tied to the sea. You can visit a model boat workshop where miniature versions of Krabi’s signature ruea hua tong (longtail boats with tall prows) are crafted. These tiny replicas, often made into keyrings, make perfect gifts.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Explore the mangroves by boat
To get a better appreciation of the island’s vital mangrove ecosystem, arrange a boat trip with local guides. The mangroves act as a natural barrier protecting the shoreline and nurturing marine life, from crabs to juvenile fish and turtles. Though not always included in standard tours, these boat rides can be organised with operators in Krabi Town or directly on the island.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Birdwatching and fishing
Staying a night or two on Ko Klang opens up opportunities for activities like birdwatching or joining local fishers to dig for clams or catch shrimp at low tide. These immersive experiences offer insight into how closely the islanders live in harmony with nature.
How to visit Ko Klang
Independent travellers can catch a longtail boat from Krabi Town at either Suan Thara Pier or Chao Fah Pier. Suan Thara is the more frequently used option, with crossings taking about 10 minutes and costing just 10 Baht per person. Boats usually wait for 10 passengers before departing. Private hire is also available for 50–100 Baht.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
If you’re heading to Baan Ma Ying restaurant, Chao Fah Pier may be the more convenient starting point. For private longtail tours, boatmen in Krabi Town can arrange custom itineraries including Ko Klang, the mangroves, and even the twin limestone peaks of Khao Khanab Nam.
Guests staying at Islanda Hideaway can follow the same steps to reach the island, then take a motorbike taxi from Talay Pier (about 200 Baht during the day or 300 Baht at night). Alternatively, visitors arriving from Krabi Airport can go to Krabi Boat Lagoon and catch a boat to Ko Klang from there.
If you’d like to book a tour, use a responsible tour operator like Andaman Discoveries.
Seafood restaurants
The island is renowned for its seafood, and locals will pop over to Ko Klang to eat at excellent seafood restaurants such as Baan Ma Ying (‘Granny’s House’). This floating seafood restaurant is famed for its fresh, locally caught dishes, with crab, shrimp, sea bass, and lobster among the house specialities. It’s a great reason in itself to make the short crossing from Krabi Town.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Accommodation on Ko Klang
While many people visit Ko Klang just for the day, overnight stays are possible. A few homestays are available, though information in English can be limited. One option is Kidthung Cottage, which can be contacted via Facebook.
For those seeking more comfort, Islanda Hideaway Resort is the island’s only hotel.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Travel responsibly
Ko Klang is a predominantly Muslim island with conservative values. Visitors are warmly received but are expected to be mindful of local customs:
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).
- Refrain from bringing alcohol, drugs, or pork.
- Don’t bring dogs to the island.
- Public displays of affection should be avoided.
Ko Klang is part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Krabi Prototype, a flagship model for sustainable tourism development.
