THE SATELLITE ISLAND
KOH
KRADAD (Ko Kradad)
Koh Kradad, northeast of Koh Mak, is the first island to have land title deeds since the period of King Rama. Only 2-3 hours from Laem Ngob, you can walk around the island along its white sandy beach with attractive unspoiled coral reefs.
KOH KHAM
Just 1 km. northwest of Koh Mak is Koh Kham, a small island with aged lava which proves the existence of a volcano in prehistoric times. During low tide, a sand dune enables walking to Koh Mak.
KOH RAYANG NAI AND KOH RAYANG NOK
Nearby Koh Mak, there are 2 smaller isles, the Koh Rayang Nai and Koh Rayang Nok. From Koh Maak, you can take a boat to Koh Rayang Nok which takes around 15 minutes only. It is a quiet island offering the utmost privacy. It features small white sandy beaches and beautiful crystal clear seawater. Also, the island’s sunset viewpoint is one of the best in the Marine Park.
Meanwhile, Koh Rayang Nai is a privately owned island, and caters to activities such as snorkeling and diving only. It serves as a family heirloom handed down from one generation to the next. It is also a sacred interment ground for the ancestors of the island’s owners. During low tide, tourists can wade from Koh Mak to Koh Rayang Nai for snorkeling, fishing, and squid fishing around the 2 smaller isles. Some are fortunate enough to spot dolphins frolicking in these areas.
MOO
KOH RANG
To the west of Koh Mak is a group of 12 islands known as the Moo Koh Rang. Of these, Koh Rang Yai is the largest. It is covered with tropical virgin rainforests and boast of the longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach, where the sand is powdery white and water crystal clear. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up to 25 meters deep. Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain, its only low-lying area are at the shores. Birds and reptiles are the main wildlife. Northwards from San Chao is Had Ao Cho or the Ao Cho Beach which is the site of a Marine National Park Ranger Unit. Here, the water is transparent and swimming is safe. Camping here is allowed at a small fee and with the approval of the officer in charge but you have to prepare your own food.
Water supply and toilets are available. In front of the Ranger office is a bridge made by dropping rocks and stones into the sea. The bridge was built to help transport supplies from the International Red Cross Organization to the Vietnamese refugees in the past. Further south of Koh Rang Yai is Koh Rang Lek which is the main freshwater supplier to the former. There is a bird's nest concession in Koh Rang Lek and it is also a major source of bat's dung, which is known to be great fertilizers. Lucky visitors may see sea-turtles laying eggs on Koh Rang Lek and other nearby islets as they are found to be the chosen nesting grounds. The locals call them charamed eggs. The other well-known asset of Koh Rang Lek is its beautiful oval-shaped stones which has very smooth textures. The islands of Koh Kra, Koh Thong Lang and Koh Thian on the northeast of Koh Rang Yai are great sites for skin diving. An array of varied corals and fishes abound. Of these islands, Koh Kra has the longest beach, although only 20 meters long. Swimming is not recommended here as the seabed is carpeted with corals. All these 3 islands are only walking-distances apart and the seawater is so shallow that it is possible to do so during low tide, but you should float with a life jacket or buoy to avoid stepping on some of the healthy corals.
The last coral island you should not forget is Koh Yak. A rock island just off the shores of San Chao Beach and perfect for snorkeling.
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