When I first heard about Koh Khai Nok, a speck of an island in Phang Nga Bay, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Tucked away just 30 minutes by boat from Phuket’s east coast, it’s often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors like James Bond Island or Phi Phi. But as someone who loves uncovering hidden gems, I was drawn to its promise of simplicity—a place where the water is clear, the vibe is relaxed, and the crowds are (mostly) absent. My day trip to Koh Khai Nok turned out to be one of the most delightful experiences of my Thailand adventure, and here’s why this tiny island stole a piece of my heart.
Discovering Koh Nok
My journey to Koh Nok began with a longing for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. I’d been scrolling through travel forums late one night, craving a destination that felt raw, untouched, and far from the tourist traps. That’s when I stumbled upon a brief mention of Koh Nok, described as a small, uninhabited island near Koh Yao Noi, perfect for a day trip. The idea of a place with no resorts, no crowds, and nothing but nature was too tempting to resist.
Getting to Koh Nok isn’t exactly straightforward, which, in hindsight, is part of its charm. I was staying on Koh Yao Noi, a laid-back island already far quieter than its more famous neighbors. From there, I rented a kayak from a small shop near Laem Sai Pier, as recommended by a local I met at a beachside café. The shop owner, a cheerful woman named Mina, handed me a weathered but sturdy kayak and a hand-drawn map of the route to Koh Nok. “It’s not far,” she said with a grin, “but bring water and snacks—there’s nothing to buy out there!”
The paddle to Koh Nok took about 30 minutes, though I’ll admit it felt longer under the midday sun. The water was calm, and as I glided across Phang Nga Bay, I was surrounded by limestone karsts jutting out of the emerald sea, their jagged shapes creating a surreal, almost otherworldly backdrop. Every stroke of the paddle felt like a step further away from the noise of the world, and by the time I spotted Koh Nok’s sandy shoreline, I was already in love.
First Impressions of Koh Nok
As my kayak slid onto the beach, I was struck by how pristine everything was. Koh Nok is a small island, maybe a kilometer long, with a crescent of soft, white sand fringed by swaying casuarina trees. Unlike the crowded beaches of Phuket, there wasn’t a single umbrella, lounge chair, or vendor in sight. Just me, the gentle lapping of waves, and a few curious crabs scuttling across the shore. The water was so clear I could see schools of tiny fish darting beneath the surface, their silver bodies catching the sunlight.
I spent the first hour just walking along the beach, barefoot, letting the warm sand squish between my toes. There’s something incredibly grounding about being on an island where human presence feels so minimal. I found a shady spot under a tree, spread out my towel, and took out the lunch I’d packed—a simple meal of sticky rice, mango, and a bottle of iced tea. As I ate, I watched a sea eagle soar overhead, its wings slicing through the sky. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down, and I felt completely at peace.
Exploring the Island
After lunch, I decided to explore beyond the beach. Koh Nok has a small hill at its center, and a narrow path leads to a viewpoint overlooking Phang Nga Bay. The hike was short but steep, and I was grateful for the sturdy sneakers I’d brought along. The trail was overgrown in places, with roots and vines creating natural obstacles, but that only added to the sense of adventure. About 20 minutes later, I reached the top, sweaty but exhilarated.
The view from the summit was nothing short of breathtaking. Phang Nga Bay stretched out before me, a mosaic of turquoise waters, green islands, and dramatic limestone cliffs. I could see Koh Yao Noi in the distance, along with a few longtail boats bobbing in the water. I sat on a flat rock, letting the breeze cool me down, and snapped a few photos—not for Instagram, but to capture the moment for myself. It was one of those views that makes you feel small in the best possible way, like you’re just a tiny part of something vast and beautiful.
Back on the beach, I couldn’t resist the call of the water. Koh Nok is known for its swim-friendly beach, even at low tide, unlike some parts of Koh Yao Noi where the shallow waters can make swimming tricky. I waded in, marveling at how warm and clear the sea was. I spent an hour snorkeling along the shore, spotting colorful coral patches and fish I couldn’t name. The house reef isn’t as extensive as some of the Maldives’ resorts I’ve read about, but it was more than enough to keep me enchanted.
A Barbecue Under the Stars
As the afternoon wore on, I decided to make the most of Koh Nok’s deserted vibe by setting up a small barbecue. I’d brought along some skewers, fresh shrimp, and veggies from a market on Koh Yao Noi, along with a portable grill I borrowed from Mina’s shop. Under the shade of the casuarina trees, I got a small fire going and grilled my lunch while listening to the waves. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking your own meal in such a raw, natural setting. The shrimp were juicy, the veggies charred just right, and the whole experience felt like a little gift to myself.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I realized I wasn’t ready to leave. I’d planned to paddle back to Koh Yao Noi before dark, but the island’s tranquility was addictive. I stayed until the stars started to appear, lying on my towel and watching the sky turn into a canvas of twinkling lights. It was one of those rare moments where I felt completely disconnected from the world—no phone notifications, no emails, just the sound of the sea and the vastness of the universe above.
Reflections on Koh Nok
Paddling back to Koh Yao Noi in the twilight was a bit nerve-wracking, but the calm waters and the glow of distant lights guided me safely. As I returned the kayak to Mina, I couldn’t stop talking about how magical Koh Nok was. She laughed and said, “That’s why we don’t tell too many people about it!” And I get it—part of Koh Nok’s allure is its secrecy, its sense of being a place you discover rather than a destination hyped up by guidebooks.
Looking back, what made Koh Nok so special wasn’t just its beauty, though that was undeniable. It was the feeling of having an entire island to myself, even if just for a day. There were no distractions, no crowds, just nature in its purest form. It’s the kind of place that reminds you how little you need to feel content—a sandy beach, a clear sea, and a moment to breathe.
Tips for Visiting Koh Nok
- If you’re thinking about visiting Koh Nok, here are a few tips based on my experience:
- Getting There: Rent a kayak from Koh Yao Noi (Laem Sai Pier is a good starting point) or book a private boat tour. The paddle is manageable for beginners, but bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- Pack Smart: There are no shops or facilities on Koh Nok, so bring everything you need—food, drinks, a towel, and snorkeling gear. A portable grill is a fun addition if you want to barbecue.
- Timing: Aim to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The sunset views are worth sticking around for, but make sure you’re comfortable navigating back in low light.
- Respect the Island: Koh Nok is pristine, so take all your trash with you. Let’s keep it that way for future visitors.
- Combine with Koh Yao Noi: Koh Nok is best as a day trip from Koh Yao Noi, which has plenty of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury resorts. I stayed at a small beachfront guesthouse, which was the perfect base for my island-hopping adventure.
Final Thoughts
Koh Nok isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking for lively beach bars, luxury resorts, or Instagram-famous swings, you’ll probably want to stick to Phuket or the Phi Phi Islands. But if you’re craving a day of solitude, surrounded by nature’s finest, Koh Nok delivers in spades. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret you want to keep to yourself, even as you’re tempted to tell the world.
As I write this, I’m already planning my next trip back. Maybe I’ll bring a friend this time or try a night camping under the stars. Whatever I choose, I know Koh Nok will be waiting, quiet and perfect, ready to offer another day of pure, unfiltered bliss.
