Koh Kam

Koh Kam is a small archipelago protected within Laem Son National Park, off the Ranong coast near Ranong. The name covers several islands rather than one: Koh Kam Yai and Koh Kam Noi are the two main islands, with the smaller Koh Kam Krang (also called Koh Yipun, or “Japan Island”) and Koh Kam Tok nearby. Because it sits inside the national park, there’s no resort development — access is by day-trip boat only, and the park entrance fee (200 THB foreign adult, 100 THB foreign child; 40/20 THB Thai) applies on top of whatever a tour operator charges.

Staghorn and pillar coral ring Koh Kam Yai and Koh Kam Noi, with reef fish thick enough in the shallows that snorkeling straight off the boat works well — you don’t need to swim far to see coral. The channel and outer rocks between the islands are generally the best spots, while the sheltered lagoon side suits swimming and less experienced snorkelers. Pine forest backs the beaches rather than the usual coconut palm, a detail that marks this out from most of Thailand’s west-coast islands.

Day trips run from Hat Bang Ben, where Wasana Resort and similar operators organize snorkeling trips to Koh Kam and nearby islands, and from Koh Phayam itself. Boat time is roughly 30-45 minutes. Insider Tip: book through an operator based at Bang Ben rather than a Koh Phayam agent if you want a smaller group — the Bang Ben trips tend to run with fewer boats.

Watch out: there’s essentially nothing on the islands themselves — no shops, no shade structures beyond what the pine trees provide. Bring water and sun protection; most day-trip packages include lunch, but confirm before booking.