Ko Adang

Ko Adang (เกาะอาดัง) is the second-largest island in the Tarutao National Marine Park, located just a few hundred metres northwest of Ko Lipe in the Andaman Sea. It is far less developed than its neighbour, offering a wild, forested landscape with excellent hiking and some of the best snorkelling in the region.

The first inhabitants were the Urak Lawoi sea gypsies, who settled here in 1910 at the invitation of the Thai King to strengthen the kingdom's claim to the islands during border negotiations with the British. The Urak Lawoi lived semi-nomadically across the Andaman islands, and their descendants still inhabit parts of the archipelago.

Ko Adang is open to visitors from November to May. The island has a park ranger station, basic accommodation, and a few hiking trails. Its highest point, Khao Adang, offers a stunning panoramic view of Ko Lipe and the surrounding archipelago — the classic postcard view of Ko Lipe is taken from Ko Adang's viewpoint.

By Plane

Fly to Hat Yai (HDY IATA) or Trang (TST IATA), then take a minivan to Pak Bara pier, and a speedboat to Ko Lipe (2 hours). From Ko Lipe, take a longtail boat to Ko Adang (15–20 minutes, around 200–300 baht).

By Train

The nearest railway station is Hat Yai. From there, take a minivan to Pak Bara pier and continue by boat.

By Car / Road

Drive to Pak Bara pier (59 km from Satun, 124 km from Hat Yai), park, and take a boat to Ko Lipe, then a longtail to Ko Adang.

Ko Adang is small and explored on foot. The main trail leads from the ranger station to the viewpoint (about 1 km uphill). Other trails head to beaches and along the coast.

• Ko Adang Viewpoint — A steep 1 km hike up to the summit offers the iconic view of Ko Lipe, the surrounding sea, and islands.

• Laem Son Beach — A beautiful white-sand beach on the southern tip of the island.

• Pirate's Waterfall (Nam Tok Chao Le) — A small waterfall in the forest, refreshing after the hike.

• Ranger station area — The ranger camp has basic facilities and information about the park.

• Hiking — The viewpoint trail is the main attraction. Allow 30–45 minutes for the ascent.

• Snorkelling — The reefs around Ko Adang are pristine and less crowded than those around Ko Lipe.

• Camping — Stay overnight on the island for a true wilderness experience.

• Photography — The sunrise and sunset views from the viewpoint are spectacular.

There are no restaurants on Ko Adang. Bring your own food for a picnic or arrange meals through the ranger station in advance. Cooking is not permitted on the island.

Bring plenty of bottled water. Rainwater is collected at the ranger station, but it's not always reliable.

• Camping: Tent rental at the ranger station area — around 150–300 baht per night. Bring your own tent for a lower fee.
• Park bungalows: Basic fan bungalows — from 500 baht. Book at the Tarutao National Park office.
• Upscale: None; for comfort, stay on Ko Lipe and visit Ko Adang as a day trip.

No shops on Ko Adang. Bring all supplies (food, water, sunscreen) from Ko Lipe or the mainland.

• Ko Lipe — A 15-minute longtail ride away, with restaurants, bars, and accommodation.
• Ko Rawi — A pristine island in the same park, accessible by longtail boat.
• Ko Tarutao — The largest island in the park, with jungle trekking and historical sites.
• Ko Hin Ngam — A small island known for its smooth black pebble beach, popular for snorkelling.