Koh Poda, Thailand: A Hidden Paradise I Hesitate to Share – My Honest First-Hand Experience
Remember when I urged you to skip Todos Santos in Guatemala, Samara in Costa Rica, or Valladolid in Mexico? It's rare for me to discover a spot I want to keep entirely to myself, but Koh Poda changed that. Just a few steps onto its powdery white sands, and I knew this was another unspoiled gem. As part of my trusted readers, I couldn't resist sharing it—with a plea to keep it our secret.
How did I uncover this serene escape? Krabi, Thailand's celebrated coastal region, deserves a spotlight. My first visit years ago was marred by a scam in Bangkok and overpricing in Krabi, leaving me jaded. I dismissed Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi (overcrowded and odorous), Phuket (seedy), and Maya Bay (underwhelming). Yet, stunning photos of Railay and Tonsai's limestone cliffs, plus rave reviews of Ao Nang, prompted a return trip to the Andaman Sea.
Ao Nang disappointed upon arrival. The beach was appealing but reeked of sewage from a nearby canal laden with waste and a makeshift landfill. Adjacent restaurants were uninviting due to the stench.
Next, we boated to Railay, anticipating paradise. It was scenic but uninspiring—long-tail boats polluted the air and water, and the rocky entry deterred swimming.
Beachfront dining was exorbitant (Pad Thai pricier than NYC), with costs double those on Koh Tao, yet quality lagged. No standout meals in eight days around Ao Nang and Railay.
Before abandoning Krabi, we contacted a tour operator offering private island escapes. Their reply: no crowd-free beaches exist here. Undeterred, we booked a private snorkeling trip to Chicken Island and Koh Poda.
Then, paradise appeared: crystal-clear waters and vast, empty white-sand beaches.
Koh Poda initially bustled with 20+ boats and tourists near the landing.
But walking away revealed solitude—no crowds, just turquoise seas and scattered sunbathers amid trees.
No hotels mar the grassy interior, despite easy 20-minute access from Ao Nang. A single snack hut serves drinks; beyond, it's a deserted haven.
We spotted campfire remnants, suggesting informal camping (uncertain if permitted).
Koh Poda: Thailand's Overlooked Island Paradise
Elated to find Thailand's dream island, I lingered as long as possible.
Yet, litter disturbed me on this popular day-trip spot, where boats linger briefly. Overnight campers exacerbate the issue—why not pack out trash to preserve this beauty?
As a national park, entry fees (THB 200/~US$5.88 private; THB 50/~US$1.47 shared) should fund cleanups beyond the landing area.UPDATE 2019: Fees now 400 baht (~US$13.25).
2004 tsunami scars remain: absent palms, massive trunks blocking high-tide walks (bypass via forest path).
Despite flaws, we returned the next day.
Tips for Visiting Koh Poda
With Krabi's growth, development looms. Please tread lightly on Koh Poda—and pack out your trash.
Share your Thai dream beaches in the comments.
Craving more Thai islands? Explore Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
