Ko Wai

Ko Wai is a small island south of Ko Chang, about three kilometres long, with fringing coral reef that comes close enough to shore that snorkelling from the beach is the main activity - which is unusual, since most Thai islands need a boat to reach anything worth looking at. There are no roads, no cars, a handful of bungalow operations along the northern beaches, and limited electricity, generally on a generator schedule that switches off overnight. There is no bank machine and card payment is patchy, so cash comes with you. Day-trip boats from Ko Chang arrive around late morning and leave in the afternoon, so the beaches are busy in the middle of the day and empty either side, which is the argument for staying. Almost everything closes from May to October when the boats stop running. The reef has suffered bleaching events and is not what it was, but it remains among the better shore snorkelling in the gulf.

What you actually see

• The shore reef - coral close enough to snorkel from the beach.
• The bungalow strip - a handful of basic operations, no roads or cars.
• The day-trip rhythm - busy at midday, empty morning and evening.
• The limited power - generator electricity, off overnight.

When to go

November to April. Boats stop and almost everything closes from May to October. Stay overnight to have the beaches outside the day-trip window.

Honest expectations

No bank machine and patchy card payment - bring cash. Electricity is limited and off at night. Accommodation is basic. Almost nothing operates in the low season. The reef has been damaged by bleaching.

Nearby

Ko Chang is north; Ko Mak and Ko Kut are south-east.