THE SATELLITE ISLAND
KOH
KRADAD (Ko Kradad)
Koh Kradad is situated northeast of Koh Maak. Formerly, there are many kinds of trees named Kradad from which the island’s name was taken. It is the first island to have land title deeds since the period of King Rama V. During the French colonization of Southeast Asia, the French tried to take possession of lands in Thailand and Koh Kradad was one of them. Therefore, King Rama V issued land title deeds to Thai citizens. You can walk around the island along its white sandy beach, where unspoiled coral reefs are still very attractive. It takes about 2-3 hours from Laem Ngob to Koh Kradad and the best time to visit Koh Kradad is during the months of October to May. Koh Kradad is chosen by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as one of the “Unseen in Thailand” attractions. Currently, there are many business proposals submitted to the Thai government for development.
KOH KHAM
Just 1 km northwest of Koh Maak is Koh Kham, a small island with clear seawater, coral reefs and coconut-fringed sandy beaches that are excellent for swimming, snorkelling, fishing and angling for squids. The island is almost within swimming distance from Koh Maak’s Ao Suan Yai beach. Aged lava exists on the island, in fact, big boulders, believed to be volcano rocks, are seen on its pristine beaches. During low tide, a sand dune practically links the island to Koh Maak.
MOO
KOH RANG
To the west of Koh Maak 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 boasts the longest and most beautiful beach in the area, the Had San Chao or San Chao Beach. Divers can enjoy its scenic underwater beauty up to 25 metres deep.
Koh Rang Yai has a hilly terrain. Its only low-lying area is 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 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 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 chosen as nesting grounds. The other well-known assets of Koh Rang Lek are its beautiful oval-shaped stones which have 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 metres long. Swimming is not recommended here as the seabed is carpeted with corals. These three 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 to visit is Koh Yak where you will virtually swim with fishes while you snorkel. However, Koh Yak is a rock island with no beach. It is off the shores of San Chao Beach.
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