Ko Klang

Ko Klang in Krabi is the closest island to Krabi town and can be reached by longtail boat from Chao Fah Park Pier in less than 10 minutes.

This peaceful island offers a low-key and authentic visitor experience for travellers seeking more than a resort with a pool and cold beer in Krabi in Thailand.

If you are seeking genuine interaction with Thai culture and traditions, Ko Klang Island in Krabi, Thailand could be just what you’re looking for. Ko Klang covers an area of 26 square kilometres and has four different towns, each of which has one village and one mosque.

Around 70% of the population are indigenous people who have always made a living from the sea, and around 99% of the population are devout Muslims. When you arrive, it is not hard to imagine little has changed here for hundreds of years.

What I loved most about Ko Klang was there was nothing remotely touristy about it. Aside from a workshop selling tiny replica longtail boats and an artist cooperative where you can try batik painting and buy beautiful batik cloth direct from local artists, there are no ‘tourist attractions’.

The seafood restaurants on the pier as just as popular with locals as there are with tourists and you won’t find any organised tours (or touts trying to sell them to you).

Transport consists of bikes with a sidecar (similar to a tuk but with seats on the side) and bicycles. Ask when you arrive at the pier about transport options as someone will be around who can help you.

The island is quite large so unless you are content to stick to the area around the pier or really enjoy walking, you will need some form of transport to get around.

There is no tourist office or information centre but ask for help and you will almost certainly receive whatever it is you are seeking, provided it isn’t alcohol.