Koh Kradan is one of Thailand\’s most beautiful and least-crowded islands — and Hat Yai is the nearest major transport hub for getting there. The route goes via Trang, the provincial city that serves as the gateway to the Trang Islands. It\’s a straightforward two-step journey: bus or minivan to Trang, then ferry to the island.
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ℹ️ Regular ferry services to Koh Kradan operate November to April only. In low season, access is via Express Transfer (longtail boat) — more expensive and weather-dependent. Plan accordingly.
Step 1: Hat Yai to Trang
Buses and minivans from Hat Yai Bus Terminal run directly to Trang throughout the day. Journey time is approximately 1.5–2 hours, costing around 100–150 THB (~$3–4 USD). Several operators cover this route with frequent departures — no need to book in advance.
Trang town is worth a stop — it has one of southern Thailand\’s best morning dim sum scenes near the clock tower, and good budget accommodation if you\’re splitting the journey overnight.
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Step 2: Trang to Koh Kradan
From Trang, ferries to Koh Kradan depart from Hat Yao Pier (also called Kuan Tung Ku Pier) in Trang province — approximately 30km from Trang town, reachable by songthaew or taxi in about 45 minutes.
In high season (November–April), speedboats run directly to Koh Kradan in approximately 45–60 minutes. The easiest option is to book an Express Transfer from Trang — a combined minivan + speedboat ticket that picks you up from your Trang accommodation and drops you at Koh Kradan. This operates year-round and handles the pier transfer for you.
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Journey Summary
| Leg | Time | Cost from |
|---|---|---|
| Hat Yai → Trang (bus/minivan) | ~1.5–2 hours | ~120 THB |
| Trang → Hat Yao Pier (taxi/songthaew) | ~45 min | ~100–200 THB |
| Hat Yao Pier → Koh Kradan (speedboat) | ~45–60 min | ~350–450 THB |
| Total | ~3.5–4.5 hours | ~$20–30 USD |
Where to Stay on Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan has fewer than 10 resorts on the entire island — this is the point. Options range from simple beachfront bungalows to the higher-end Seven Seas Resort. Book well ahead in peak season (December–February) as the island fills up quickly given the limited capacity.
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Island Hopping from Koh Kradan
Koh Kradan is part of the Trang Islands cluster. From here, longtail boats connect to:
- Koh Mook: 15–20 minutes — Emerald Cave, more affordable accommodation
- Koh Ngai: 30 minutes — excellent snorkeling, very quiet
- Koh Libong: 30 minutes — largest Trang island, dugong spotting
Related Guides
- Hat Yai to Koh Lipe
- Hat Yai to Koh Samui
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Kradan
- Koh Lipe vs Koh Kradan vs Koh Mook
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