Ko Phra Thong Island

Address: Ko Phra Thong, Phang Nga province, Thailand

Ko Phra Thong is an island in Phang Nga province on Thailand’s Andaman coast, notable for its extensive sandflats and long beaches and for remaining relatively undeveloped compared with nearby tourist islands.

The island is valued for its stretches of open sand and quiet beach access, with limited built infrastructure and low visitor numbers compared with neighbouring islands. Outdoor activities are mainly beach walking, wildlife observation at the shoreline and informal boat trips from the mainland.

Historically sparsely populated and used for grazing and small-scale local livelihoods, the island has not undergone large-scale resort development and remains largely natural in character.

Ko Phra Thong lies off the Phang Nga coast in southern Thailand and is accessed by boat from the mainland coastal towns of Phang Nga province. The island forms part of the coastal island chain along the Andaman Sea.

• Landscape: Characterised by very long sandy shorelines and areas of sparse vegetation rather than dense resort development.

Boat transfers to Ko Phra Thong are typically arranged from the Phang Nga mainland (Khao Lak/Bang Sak areas) or from nearby piers; schedules depend on local operators and season. Many visitors combine a trip to Ko Phra Thong with excursions to the Phang Nga Bay area.

• If the goal is to see nesting turtles, plan visits during the nesting season (local conservation groups can provide dates) and join a guided night walk rather than attempting to find nesting sites alone.
• The island's long beaches are best explored by hired 4x4 or guided tour - inland tracks can be soft sand and confusing.
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the island's flat interior attracts migrant and resident shore birds.