Koh Kula

Ko Kula is a small island in the Mu Ko Chumphon archipelago, about 20 minutes by longtail boat from the mainland at Sawi district. A sandy beach and jetty sit on the west side; the rest of the coastline is steep, tree-covered rock. It’s compact enough that the accessible shoreline can be walked in under an hour, which makes it one of the more manageable of Chumphon’s islands for a half-day trip.

The island falls under Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, so the standard park fee applies — 200 THB for foreign visitors, 40 THB for Thai nationals — on top of whatever you pay for the boat. Snorkeling is the main draw: reef sits close to the western shore, with the calm, clear water typical of this stretch of the Gulf of Thailand. Boats leave from a homestay pier at Tong Tom on the mainland, or can be arranged directly through the national park office, which also runs the small campground on the island for anyone who wants to stay overnight rather than do it as a day trip.

Insider Tip: Bring your own snorkeling gear. Rental options on the island are limited, and Ko Kula doesn’t have the tourist infrastructure of Chumphon’s better-known islands like Ko Ngam or Ko Thalu.

Watch out: Facilities are basic — there’s little shade beyond the trees near the beach, and no reliable food vendors, so pack water and snacks for the day. Sea conditions can turn choppy outside the November-April dry season, which is the more reliable window for a crossing.

Ko Kula sits within the same park as Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, and Ko Mattra nearby is worth comparing if you want an island with more visitor facilities. For places to stay on the mainland, see the Chumphon guide.