“Powdery white sand, crystal-clear emerald water, beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling, unique colorful pebble beach, and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation.”
Koh Khang Khao is one of the highlight islands in the Kam Islands, located within Laem Son National Park in Ranong. It is a small island that remains highly pristine, with no permanent structures or commercial facilities, offering a peaceful and untouched natural atmosphere.
The name “Koh Khang Khao” (Bat Island) comes from the past when the island was home to a large population of fruit bats. Although they are less common today, the island’s ecosystem still supports diverse wildlife and coastal vegetation, including sea poison trees and tropical almond trees that provide shade along the beach.
One of the island’s most distinctive features is its exceptionally fine white sand, soft like powder. This sand is formed from the gradual breakdown of coral and seashells over time. Combined with the crystal-clear emerald sea—free from mainland sediment—visitors can easily see the sandy seabed and schools of fish even from above the water.
The surrounding area features shallow coral reefs that remain relatively well-preserved, especially in calm-water zones. This makes the island ideal for snorkeling, where visitors can encounter both hard and soft corals, as well as a variety of marine life such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and clownfish.
On the northern side of the island, there is also a unique pebble beach made up of naturally rounded, colorful stones shaped over time by ocean waves.
In terms of tourism, Koh Khang Khao is usually included in One Day Trip programs along with nearby islands such as Koh Kam Tok and Koh Yipun. Visitors typically spend 1–2 hours on the island for swimming, photography, and relaxing on the beach.
Due to conservation regulations, overnight stays are not allowed on the island. Visitors are required to strictly follow national park rules, such as not removing natural objects, not littering, and avoiding stepping on or touching coral, in order to preserve the ecosystem for the long term.
How to Get There
- By Car: Drive from Ranong town to Bang Ben Pier (within Laem Son National Park), which takes about 1 hour.
- Boat: Take a boat to Koh Khang Khao, about 40–50 minutes. You can either charter a private long-tail boat or join a tour.
Travel Tips
- Bring your own food and drinking water
- Best time to visit: November – April
- Wear sandals or water shoes
- Avoid stepping on coral and help keep the island clean
Admission Fee:
- Thai: Adult 40 THB / Child 20 THB
- Foreigner: Adult 200 THB / Child 100 THB (Prices may change)
Opening Hours:
- Open: October 15 – May 15 Boat service: approximately 08:30 AM – 04:30 PM (Closed during monsoon season for safety)