Ao Kao beach
Palms leaning over the water.
Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0 · kallerna — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Vyacheslav Argenberg — CC BY 4.0
A flat, quiet island in the Trat archipelago south of Koh Chang, covered with coconut and rubber plantations and ringed by pale sandy beaches and clear shallow water. It is still far from mass tourism, with no malls and no loud nightlife, drawing people who want a slow pace, calm and nature. The best way to get around is by bicycle or scooter on small roads between the plantations, from beach to beach: Ao Kao with palms leaning over the water, the long Ao Suan Yai in the north, and wooden jetties here and there ending in a little hut over the sea. Kayak and snorkelling trips leave from here for the small islands around it. There is no fee. Speedboats from Laem Sok pier in Trat take about an hour, or come from Koh Chang and Ko Wai in the dry season. It has resorts and guesthouses from basic to comfortable and small restaurants, mostly in the resorts; seafood is easy to find, so ask about halal. The best season runs from November to April; from May to October the monsoon makes the sea rough on the west coast and boat trips thin out. It deserves at least two nights rather than a day trip, as its charm lies in its slow rhythm and quiet sunsets. Banking is limited, so bring enough cash.
Palms leaning over the water.
Small quiet roads.
And huts over the sea.
Trat archipelago, south of Koh Chang, Trat province
It can be, but it is an island for staying slowly; at least two nights show off its beaches and sunsets.