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Koh Ngai is a tiny island not too far from Koh Lanta; an island with no roads and incredible turquoise waters over an impressive coral reef. It has desert island vibes mixed with some lovely hotels that make it a great island to stop at for some quiet down time on a Thailand island hopping holiday.
Koh Ngai Travel Guide Contents
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WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK ON KOH NGAI
Light My Fire
No desert island is complete without a reggae style beach bar with live music! Light My Fire is found at the north end of the main beach, owned by a friendly guy who will chat to anyone and pick up the guitar to entertain all who eat and drink there.
Ohana Beach Bar
Cute bar on the beach with a swing hanging from a tree that you can watch the island’s hornbills hang out in. Good spot for a beer or a cheap mojito!
Thanya Beach Resort
The quality of the food at Thanya was excellent and great for a spot of lunch if you find yourself at this end of the beach, but the real pull was the beach bar. Excellent cocktails and wonderful staff, this is a great spot for a drink after a long walk along the beach. Get the Mai Tai.
Coco Bistro Restaurant
Coco Cottages’ restaurant and bar, serving quality Thai favourites, good cocktails, wine and beer. Lanterns hang in the trees, making this a picturesque place for a relaxed drink as you listen to the waves lap the shore.
THINGS TO DO ON KOH NGAI
In short: not a lot! Koh Ngai is very much a chill out and do nothing island. So enjoy the peace and quiet, kick back, relax, read and sleep. If that’s not your thing, I’d say either stay here for a short time or pick an island with a bit more going on and maybe visit for a day trip instead.
That said, there are a few things that can entertain those that find it hard to keep still all day.
Snorkelling
This area of Thailand has the best snorkelling I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing, and Koh Ngai has a big reef just off of the main beach, some of which is revealed at low tide. Equipment is readily available to rent.
Kayaking
Kayaks are also widely available to rent, and you could easily make your way around the island to other smaller beaches – though don’t do this alone unless you are experienced!
Walk to Paradise Beach
You can walk the jungle path to Paradise Beach, which only has one hotel on it so is super quiet even by comparison to the quiet main beach! The walk takes around 30 minutes.
WHERE TO STAY ON KOH NGAI
I stayed at Thanya Resort for two nights on Koh Ngai – my choice was based on the large infinity swimming pool by the beach and the amazing views from the hillside rooms. The food in the restaurant was very good, and there is a great beach bar that serves excellent cocktails, including the best Mai Tai I had on my whole trip.
Swings and hammocks line the beach in front of the swimming pool, and there were plenty of sunbeds to go round. The rooms are definitely in need of a bit of a refurb, but were huge, and the view of sunrise from my balcony was epic! Family friendly. Book here.
Having stopped by Coco Cottage for a drink one evening, I think this place was actually more my vibe in terms of design, so I’d like to stay here should I return to Koh Ngai in the future. There is a swimming pool should the turquoise waters of Koh Ngai not be enough for you, and the staff I encountered were really friendly.
Coco Cottage is an eco resort with a focus on sustainability which is always great, and the restaurant is beautiful, with lanterns hanging in the trees making it extra lovely at night.
Please note that Coco Cottage guests are required to be over 3 years of age. Book here.
Thapwarin is close by to Coco Cottages, which are both the opposite end of the main beach from Thanya. The resort is a green one, with conservation efforts involving the islands’ hornbills (often mistaken for toucans), mangroves and seagrass.
The restaurant has epic views of the beach and blue waters beyond, and the hotel is family friendly. Book here.
If you’re on more of a budget, Koh Ngai Camping have tents on the beach with mattresses and fans. The tents are a decent size too, big enough to stand up in comfortably! Book here.
GETTING TO KOH NGAI
Koh Ngai is only 40 minutes by speed boat from Koh Lanta, 50 minutes from Trang and 30 minutes from Koh Mook. My ticket from Koh Mook only cost 350 baht (bought at my accommodation), but if you want to buy online in advance to avoid stressing at peak times, you can do so at 12Go.
GETTING AROUND KOH NGAI
There are no roads or vehicles on Koh Ngai – not even bicycles! It is effectively just a beach and a jungle path, so be prepared to walk along the sand if you’re exploring places to eat and drink other than your own hotel.
At high tide the beach will disappear completely at the north end of the beach, so bear in mind you may have to wade through a bit of sea at certain times of day and night.
GOOD TO KNOW
ATMs
There are no ATMs on Koh Ngai, so it’s a good idea to carry enough cash for your time on the island, though hotels will allow you to charge to your room and pay on card at the end of your stay.
Shops
There are a few small shops attached to hotels (there was one at Thanya) where you can buy snacks, drinks, insect repellant and suncream etc, though naturally they will charge at more of a premium than other islands where you have the likes of 7/11.
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Updated July 2025.
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