“Explore the beauty of a small island characterized by rocky formations interspersed with greenery, along with snorkeling spots around the island filled with corals and colorful schools of fish.”
Koh Suwan is a tiny island that stands prominently among the Four Sibling Islands in front of Kai Bae Beach, within Koh Chang. Despite its very small size and lack of wide sandy beaches like other islands, Koh Suwan possesses a unique charm that attracts a steady stream of kayakers. Physically, the island is a cluster of rocks mixed with low lying trees and shrubs that stay green year-round. This makes the island look like a giant bonsai tree sitting in the middle of emerald waters a sight that is visually striking and highly distinctive.
The interest in Koh Suwan begins with the journey itself. The best way to visit is by kayaking from Kai Bae Beach, as the short distance and relatively calm waves provide a great light workout while enjoying beautiful sea views along the way. As you approach the island, you will notice the water clarity changing until you can clearly see the sand and rocks beneath the surface. The area around Koh Suwan is considered an excellent snorkeling spot for beginners because the water is not too deep and the current is calm enough for floating to admire the underwater beauty.
Beneath the surface around Koh Suwan lies a habitat for shallow-water corals and marine life. You will encounter sergeant major fish, parrotfish, and occasionally clownfish hiding among sea anemones. The abundance of this micro-natural system reflects an ecosystem that has not been heavily disturbed. For photography enthusiasts, Koh Suwan offers a mysterious and charming perspective, whether capturing photos from a kayak with the island as a backdrop or sitting on the rocks to view the Koh Chang coastline from a different angle.
What makes Koh Suwan valuable for travelers is the peace and privacy it offers. Since the island is small and has no man-made structures, visitors get the feeling of escaping the chaos to relax in a small, private world in the middle of the sea. The sound of waves hitting the rocks and the sea breeze passing through the island's trees help create a very relaxing atmosphere. Stopping at this island for a while before kayaking further to Koh Man Nai or Koh Plee will make your holiday trip more meaningful and bring you closer to nature.
In addition to its beauty, Koh Suwan is important as part of the Mu Ko Koh Chang National Park, which is strictly maintained. Visiting here is thus a form of eco-tourism that focuses on admiring beauty without harming the environment. The simplicity of the island consisting only of rocks, water, and trees serves as proof that sometimes the smallest things in nature can provide the greatest impressions to those who intend to experience them.
Give Koh Suwan a chance to be part of your holiday adventure, and you will find that the joy of discovering a new place that is simple yet beautiful is truly impressive.
How to Get There
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Kayaking: You can rent a kayak from resorts or rental shops at Kai Bae Beach. It takes only 15-20 minutes to reach Koh Suwan.
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Chartered Longtail Boat: For larger groups, you can charter a longtail boat from Bang Bao Pier or Kai Bae Beach to tour the surrounding islands, including Koh Suwan.
Travel Tips
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Best Time to Visit: From November to April, when the water is clearest and the waves are calmest, making it ideal for paddling and snorkeling.
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Photography: Morning and late afternoon light are the most beautiful and help highlight the clear water around the island.
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Equipment: Bring your own snorkeling mask and life jacket for safety and convenience in exploring the underwater world.
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Caution: The area around the island consists of sharp rocks and oyster shells. Please be careful when stepping onto the island and wear water shoes.
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Conservation: It is strictly forbidden to litter in the sea or on the island, and do not take any rocks or corals back home.
Admission Fee:
- No Admission Fee
Opening Hours:
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Open 24 Hours Daily
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Recommended to visit between 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM for safety when paddling back to shore