Hua Laem Beach
Koh Wai, Trat, Thailand
Hua Laem Beach is one of a handful of small coves tucked along the north shore of Koh Wai, a tiny car-free island in Trat province, Thailand, inside Mu Ko Chang National Park. Shady trees crowd right up to the sand, the water is shallow and clear enough to snorkel straight off the beach, and a coral reef runs along much of this coastline about 40 meters out.
A real slow-life escape with healthy coral just offshore, though the total lack of roads or shops means it only works if you're comfortable being genuinely cut off for a few days.
Bring your own snorkel gear if you have it. The reef here is healthier than what you'll find off the bigger, busier islands nearby, and renting gear on Koh Wai itself is limited.
There's no vehicle access on Koh Wai, since the island has no roads at all. Longtail boats and speedboats run over from Koh Chang or the mainland pier at Laem Ngop.
Boats generally beach directly on the sand or use a short jetty depending on the resort, and getting around the island afterward means walking along the shore or short jungle paths since there are no roads or motorbikes.
The dry season from November to April is when the crossing from Koh Chang is smoothest and the coral shows its best colors. Avoid the June through October monsoon stretch if calm water for snorkeling is the priority.
More Asia Pacific beaches
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Bamboo Bay
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