Koh Phrao Nok (Ko Sai Khao)

Ko Phrao Nok is better known today as Ko Sai Khao, White Sand Island, for the pale sandbar that runs roughly 100 metres out from its beach at low tide. It sits south of the main Koh Chang landmass off Salak Phet Bay, part of the Trat archipelago protected within Mu Ko Chang National Park — not to be confused with the smaller Koh Chang near Ranong on the Andaman coast. Entry is free.

The island once had a small private resort. It has since closed, and the buildings now stand empty, so there’s no accommodation and nowhere to buy food, water, or sunscreen once you’re on the sand. Snorkelling is the main reason to come: a shallow reef runs along the eastern side, calm enough for beginners when the sea is flat, with reef fish visible a few metres out from the beach. Most visitors arrive as one stop on a multi-island boat trip rather than a dedicated Ko Sai Khao run, since the crossing on its own is short.

Insider Tip: Paddling out by kayak from a guesthouse in Salak Phet is a cheaper, quieter way to reach the island than booking a speedboat day tour, if the sea is calm enough for the crossing.

Watch out: Shade is limited to a scatter of coconut palms and there’s no drinking water for sale on the island — carry more than you think you’ll need, especially in the hot season.

Longtail boats and speedboats run from piers on Koh Chang’s southern coast, with the shortest hops taking well under an hour; a charter from Laem Ngob on the mainland takes closer to two hours each way. Visit between November and April for the calmest seas — boat trips to the outer islands often slow or stop during the rainy season from around May to October. Check current conditions with the Muko Chang National Park office before setting out, and pair the trip with a stop at Koh Wai if your boat operator offers a multi-island route.