Trang Islands
The Trang Islands suit travelers who want quiet beaches, clear water and boat trips to sea caves, with fewer crowds than Phuket or Krabi.
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The Trang Islands sit off the Andaman coast of southern Thailand, in Trang province. Koh Muk is best known for the Emerald Cave, called Tham Morakot, which is reached through a passage that can only be passed at certain tide levels. Koh Kradan is a small island with quiet beaches and few resorts. Koh Libong, the largest of the group, has fishing villages and dugong habitat in its seagrass beds.
Trang town on the mainland is known for its old shophouses and for mu yang, Trang-style roast pork. Boats leave from Pak Meng pier. The islands suit beach days, snorkeling and boat trips, and make a calmer base than Phuket or Krabi. The drier months, roughly November to April, have calmer seas. From May to October, seas are rougher and boat trips are often cancelled. Plan at least three nights to visit one or two islands and the town.
Trang Islands in five
- Book the Pak Meng pier boat in advanceMost island boats leave from Pak Meng pier. Confirm your return time before you go, since missing the last boat means paying for a private boat back.Getting around
- Time the Emerald Cave visit to the tideThe Emerald Cave on Koh Muk is reached through a short passage that can only be passed at certain water levels, so the boat crew sets the timing. Go with a guide and wear a life jacket if you do not swim well.
- Carry baht in cash for the islandsMany small guesthouses and boat operators take only cash. Withdraw baht in Trang town before you take the boat.Money and costs
- Check the monsoon before you bookFrom about May to October the southwest monsoon brings rough seas, and boat trips are often cancelled. Ask the operator about cancellation and refunds before you pay.Travel insurance
- Ask what your boat tour includesSome tours do not include the national park entry fee, so the price you see may not be the total. Ask what is included and keep the receipt.Tours and tickets
Things to do in Trang Islands
See all attractions in Trang Islands
Need to know
- Currency
- Baht (THB)
- Entry
- Visa exemption for many passports; Thailand Digital Arrival Card needed
- Emergency
- 191 police, 1669 ambulance, 199 fire; 1155 tourist police
- Tipping
- Not required; round up or leave small change for boat crew and guides
- Time
- UTC+7, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, calm seas
- FebruaryDry, calm seas
- MarchHot, dry
- AprilHot, Songkran
- MayRains start
- JuneMonsoon, rough seas
- JulyMonsoon, rough seas
- AugustMonsoon, rough seas
- SeptemberHeaviest rain
- OctoberWet, rough seas
- NovemberRains easing
- DecemberDry, calm seas
Right now in Trang Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 97%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Trang Islands
05:05 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today30°24°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed31°24°98%Wednesday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Thu31°24°96%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Fri31°23°94%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Sat31°23°90%Saturday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 90%.
- Sun30°24°97%Sunday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 97%.
Updated 02:59 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 33.76 THB
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Koh Mukby boat from Pak Meng pierThe Emerald Cave and beaches. Cave visits depend on the tide.
- Koh Ngaiby boat from Pak Meng pierClear water and quiet beaches for snorkeling.
- Koh Kradanby boat from Pak Meng pierA small island with quiet beaches and few resorts.
Before you go to Trang Islands
Rules for Trang Islands, checked
- Many passports need no visa for Thailand. Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arrival and check current rules first.Source
- Do not take shells, coral or sand from island beaches or marine parks. Park staff can fine visitors, so check the national park rules at the pier.
- Flying a drone in Thailand needs permission and registration. Check the rules with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand before you bring one.
- Thai drug laws are strict and apply to visitors. Carry only medicines with a prescription in your name, and check current rules on the Thai government site.
Plan around Trang Islands
Entry rules, transport and money for a Thailand trip
Read the guideGetting to the islandsBuses, taxis and pier links from Trang town to the boats
Read the guideWhere to stayIsland bungalows and town hotels compared
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a few days on the islands
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card
Read the guideTrang Islands FAQ
Are the Trang Islands worth visiting?
Yes, for quieter beaches and snorkeling than the busiest Andaman islands. Boats often stop in the monsoon months, so the trip suits a few relaxed nights rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
How do you get to the Trang Islands?
Fly to Trang Airport or take a bus to Trang town, then go by road to Pak Meng pier. Island boats leave from the pier, and the crossing time depends on which island you choose.
How many days do you need in the Trang Islands?
Two to four nights is enough for one island base, a boat trip and a cave visit if the tide allows. Add a second island only if the boat times make the move easy.
Which Trang island should I choose?
Koh Muk suits a first visit because of the Emerald Cave and frequent boats. Koh Kradan is quieter with few resorts, and Koh Ngai is good for snorkeling and beach days.
When is the best time to visit the Trang Islands?
December to March, when seas are calmer and rain is light. April is hot, and May to October brings rough seas and frequent boat cancellations.
Can I pay by card on the islands?
Often not. Many guesthouses and boat operators take cash only, so bring enough baht. Larger resorts are more likely to take cards.