Koh Phra Thong
An African Savannah-Like Landscape in Phang Nga Province
Koh Phra Thong is a remote and largely untouched island located in Phang Nga Province, around 20 kilometres from Takua Pa as the crow flies. We visited the island as a family in April 2014 for a short and memorable getaway.
Stretching roughly 15 km from north to south and about 9 km from east to west, the island is home to just two small fishing villages: Thapayoi on the east coast and Thung Dap in the southeast. With its school and community centre, Thapayoi can be considered the island’s main village.
What makes Koh Phra Thong truly unique is its landscape—vast open plains dotted with sparse vegetation growing out of sandy soil, creating an environment strikingly similar to an African savannah. This rare scenery, combined with the island’s peaceful and undeveloped nature, makes it one of the most unusual destinations in Thailand. If you are looking to disconnect completely and escape modern life, Koh Phra Thong offers a sense of isolation that is increasingly hard to find.
What to See and Do in Koh Phra Thong
Koh Phra Thong is not about busy itineraries or packed attractions—it’s about nature, tranquillity, and slow travel. The island’s main highlight is its unique savannah-like landscape, where you can walk or cycle across wide open plains rarely seen in Thailand.
Birdwatching is particularly rewarding here, with many migratory species stopping on the island. Along the western coast, you’ll find long, untouched beaches stretching for kilometres, often completely deserted, perfect for peaceful walks, swimming, or simply enjoying the sunset.
Exploring the small fishing villages offers a glimpse into local life, where time seems to move at a different pace. You can also arrange boat trips through the surrounding mangroves or nearby islands, adding a touch of adventure to your stay.
There are no big attractions or nightlife here, which is precisely the charm of Koh Phra Thong—it’s a destination to slow down, reconnect with nature, and enjoy a rare sense of solitude.
Where to Stay in Koh Phra Thong
Accommodation on Koh Phra Thong is limited but full of character, mostly consisting of small eco-resorts and beachfront bungalows that blend into the natural environment. Many of these places are located along the island’s quiet west coast, offering direct access to long, unspoiled beaches.
Resorts are typically low-rise and built using natural materials, with a strong focus on sustainability and simplicity rather than luxury.
Despite the remote setting, most accommodations provide comfortable rooms, on-site restaurants, and can help organize activities such as boat trips, guided nature walks, or transfers to and from the mainland. Electricity and internet access may be limited depending on the location, which adds to the feeling of being disconnected from the modern world.
Staying overnight is highly recommended, as it allows you to fully experience the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the early morning and at sunset when the island is at its most beautiful.
How to Get to Koh Phra Thong
Reaching Koh Phra Thong is part of the adventure, and while the journey requires a bit of planning, it remains relatively straightforward. I must admit that I no longer clearly remember the exact pier we used during our visit in 2014.
At the time, we drove to a small jetty hidden in the mangroves north of Takua Pa, where we boarded a traditional long-tail boat that took us to Thapayoi village. From there, we continued to our hotel by motorbike with a sidecar—an experience in itself.
Today, the easiest and most reliable way to reach Koh Phra Thong is to arrange your transfer directly with your hotel. Most resorts organize boat transportation from piers such as Saphan Pla Pier, Bang Det Pier, or Greenview Pier.
These transfers typically include both land and boat segments, making the journey smooth and stress-free. While it takes a bit more effort to get there, the island’s isolation is exactly what preserves its charm.
Summary
Koh Phra Thong is one of the most unusual and least developed islands in southern Thailand, located off the coast of Phang Nga Province near Takua Pa. Unlike the lush, mountainous landscapes typically associated with Thai islands, Koh Phra Thong is known for its vast open plains and sparse vegetation growing on sandy soil, creating a scenery often compared to an African savannah.
This rare environment, combined with long, untouched beaches along the west coast, gives the island a truly unique character.
With only a couple of small fishing villages and limited infrastructure, Koh Phra Thong remains largely ntouched by mass tourism. Life here is slow and simple, making it an ideal destination for travellers seeking peace, nature, and a genuine escape from busy tourist hotspots. Activities focus on outdoor experiences such as beach walks, birdwatching, cycling, and exploring the surrounding mangroves.
Accommodation is limited to a handful of eco-friendly resorts and beachfront bungalows, reinforcing the island’s tranquil atmosphere. While reaching Koh Phra Thong requires some planning, the reward is a rare sense of isolation and authenticity, making it a hidden gem for those looking to experience a different side of Thailand.
Last visit & photos: Koh Phra Thong — 6 April 2014
Koh Phra Thong Photos
Passionate about photography since the mid-2000s, I’ve spent years capturing the beauty of Phuket and southern Thailand — from beaches and islands to festivals and daily life. My work reflects a lasting love for the region and its ever-changing light.
