Koh Chueak-Ko Waen

Ko Chueak and Ko Waen are two small limestone islets off Trang’s coast, close together in the same island chain as Koh Ngai, Koh Muk, and Koh Kradan. Both fall inside Hat Chao Mai National Park, and both are uninhabited — this is a snorkel stop on a day trip, not anywhere to stay overnight. Longtail boats from Pak Meng Pier take about 30 minutes to reach them.

The appeal is entirely underwater. Coral grows close to the surface around both islets, with reef fish visible without diving deep, which makes it a workable spot for beginner snorkelers as well as more experienced ones looking for an easy stop between the bigger islands. Neither islet has much of a beach — this isn’t a sunbathing destination — so most boats treat it as a 30-45 minute snorkel break rather than the day’s main event. The national park entry fee (200 THB foreign adult, 100 THB foreign child; 40/20 THB for Thai nationals) is collected in cash at a checkpoint, with a sticker issued as proof of payment.

Watch out: there are no facilities on either islet — no shop, no shade structure, no fresh water. Bring your own drinking water, reef-safe sunscreen, and snorkel gear if you have your own, since what tour boats supply varies.

Insider Tip: Ask for a morning slot on multi-island tours. The water is calmer and clearer before midday, and fewer boats means less silt kicked up around the reef.

There’s no independent way to reach Ko Chueak-Ko Waen without a boat charter or tour — most visitors book it as part of a wider Trang island-hopping day departing Hat Pak Meng, the mainland pier and beach that serves as the jumping-off point for this whole island chain.