Koh Ngai (Ngai Resort Pier) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

The journey to Koh Ngai typically begins at either Trang or Pak Meng pier on the mainland, with ferries making the crossing in approximately 1.5 hours. From Koh Lanta, speedboats reach Koh Ngai in about 30 minutes, making island-hopping convenient. If coming from further afield, travelers can reach Trang by train from Bangkok (12 hours) or by road from Krabi (2 hours) before connecting to the ferry. During high season (November-April), boat services increase in frequency with multiple daily departures, while the monsoon season sees reduced schedules.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Ngai stands as one of Thailand's most pristine island gems, offering a peaceful escape from the country's more bustling destinations. This small, car-free island boasts crystal-clear waters, powder-soft beaches, and a lush interior of tropical forest. As a ferry destination, Koh Ngai provides the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion, welcoming travelers to experience authentic island living with just enough amenities for a comfortable stay.

The prime time to visit Koh Ngai falls between November and April when the weather is dry, seas are calm, and underwater visibility is exceptional for snorkeling and diving. December through February offers the most pleasant temperatures, hovering around 28-30°C with refreshing breezes. March and April bring warmer conditions but fewer visitors. The monsoon season (May-October) brings intermittent rain and rougher seas, with some resorts and ferry services operating on limited schedules or closing entirely. For those seeking solitude, early November and late April represent excellent shoulder season options with good weather and reduced rates.

Koh Ngai serves as an excellent base for exploring Thailand's stunning Andaman archipelago. From the Ngai Resort Pier, travelers can easily reach Koh Mook (30 minutes by longtail boat), home to the enchanting Emerald Cave that requires swimming through a dark tunnel to access a hidden beach. Koh Kradan, just 20 minutes away, boasts some of Thailand's most pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling directly off its shores. The larger Koh Lanta can be reached in 45 minutes, offering more developed amenities, while the remote Koh Rok islands (90 minutes) reward the journey with unspoiled coral reefs and beaches rarely touched by tourism.

Despite its modest size, Koh Ngai packs numerous natural attractions into its tropical landscape. The island's eastern beaches offer excellent snorkeling among vibrant coral gardens just meters from shore, where clownfish, parrotfish, and occasional reef sharks make appearances. Hiking trails cut through the island's interior, leading to viewpoints that showcase the archipelago's scattered islands against the azure Andaman. Seafood is the culinary highlight, with beachfront restaurants serving the day's catch prepared with traditional southern Thai flavors. The island's southern tip offers spectacular sunset views, while kayaks can be rented to circumnavigate the entire island in a leisurely half-day paddle.

Koh Ngai was originally known as 'Koh Hai' to local sea gypsies, meaning 'the island of three trees' due to three distinctive trees that once served as navigation landmarks for sailors. Unlike many Thai islands, Koh Ngai has never had a permanent Thai population, with the Moken sea nomads being its only historical inhabitants who would temporarily camp on its shores during seasonal migrations. The island sits within Hat Chao Mai National Park, which helps protect its remarkably intact coral reefs that harbor over 200 species of tropical fish. During extremely low tides, a natural sandbar occasionally emerges, temporarily connecting Koh Ngai to the tiny uninhabited island of Koh Chueak.