Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang - Image 1
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Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang

4.4
·2k reviews·Tambon Mai Fat, Thailand

Forested marine park with stunning islands, unique caves, and scenic coastal trails. Home to world-class beaches and diverse wildlife.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang - Image 1

Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Forested marine park with stunning islands, unique caves, and scenic coastal trails. Home to world-class beaches and diverse wildlife.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"The Emerald Cave is truly spectacular and even when overrun, it remains worth seeing."

Vertical photo
TIP

Swim Through the Emerald Cave

Don't miss the unique experience of swimming through a cave to reach a hidden lagoon! :swimmer:

Check Walkway Status

Some park walkways might be under maintenance. Inquire locally before you go. :construction:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)

Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)

Koh Mook

Swim through a dark cave to discover a hidden, sunlit lagoon. A truly magical and unforgettable experience.

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan

Island within the park

Boasting Paradise Beach, voted one of the world's best. Ideal for relaxation and enjoying crystal-clear waters.

Park Walkways & Viewpoints

Park Walkways & Viewpoints

Mainland park area

Explore forested coastal trails offering stunning views of limestone formations, bays, flora, and fauna.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Pristine Views

Visit during the dry season (November to April) for the best weather. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and softer light for photos, especially for popular spots like Emerald Cave.

Park Access & Fees

Chao Mai National Park has an entrance fee, with a higher rate for foreigners. Be aware that some walkways or viewpoints might be under maintenance, as noted by visitors.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Dry season (Nov-Apr)
Why
Best weather for island hopping
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Koh #Kradan Island in Hat Chao Mai #National #Park ✔️💙💛 This tiny island in the #Andaman #Sea, measuring just 2.4 square kilometers, is recognized by the Tourism Authority of Thailand as one of the most beautiful islands in Trang Province. In addition, its Paradise Beach (Ko Kradan Beach) was voted the best beach in the world in 2023 by WorldBeachGuide. The waters of the Andaman Sea surrounding...
dieso_777
3 likes • 196 views

Swim Through the Emerald Cave

Don't miss the unique experience of swimming through a cave to reach a hidden lagoon! :swimmer:

Check Walkway Status

Some park walkways might be under maintenance. Inquire locally before you go. :construction:

:: 🏝️🍹⛱️🌞 🌊 ======================== 🪸ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ 🚞 📍 เกาะมุกสิวาลัยบีชรีสอร์ท 𝑲𝒐𝒉 𝑴𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑺𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒊 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒕 อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดเจ้าไหม 𝑯𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒊 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌 🚃 อ.กันตัง 𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈 🐟 จ. ตรัง 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅🇹🇭 ========================= #กันตัง #ตรัง #kohmook #เกาะมุกสิวาลัยบีชรีสอร์ท #kuntang #trang #thailand #thailandtravel #thailandtrain #thailandfestival #thaitraveling #thaiislands #thailan...
v.i.e.w.z
58 likes • 890 views
:: 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉🏖️ ======================== 🪸ʟᴏᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ 🚞 📍 หาดฝรั่ง 𝑯𝒂𝒅𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈 เกาะมุกด์ 𝑲𝒐 𝑴𝒖𝒌 อุทยานแห่งชาติหาดเจ้าไหม 𝑯𝒂𝒕 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒊 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌 🚃 อ.กันตัง 𝑲𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒈 🐟 จ. ตรัง 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅🇹🇭 ========================= #กันตัง #ตรัง #kohmook #หาดชาลี #หาดฝรั่ง #kuntang #trang #thailand #thailandtravel #thailandtrain #thailandfestival #thaitraveling #thaiislands #thailand🇹🇭 #island #sea #...
v.i.e.w.z
38 likes • 294 views

Consider Island Stays

Islands like Koh Kradan are lovely to stay on after day-trippers leave. :palm_tree:

Pack for the Cave Swim

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone if you plan to capture the Emerald Cave swim. :iphone:

Tips

from all over the internet

Swim Through the Emerald Cave

Don't miss the unique experience of swimming through a cave to reach a hidden lagoon! :swimmer:

Check Walkway Status

Some park walkways might be under maintenance. Inquire locally before you go. :construction:

Consider Island Stays

Islands like Koh Kradan are lovely to stay on after day-trippers leave. :palm_tree:

Pack for the Cave Swim

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone if you plan to capture the Emerald Cave swim. :iphone:

Respect Entrance Fees

Be aware of the foreigner pricing, which is higher than for Thai nationals. :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chao Mai National Park offers stunning natural beauty, particularly the unique Emerald Cave and the world-class beaches of Koh Kradan. While some visitors note environmental concerns like damaged coral and plastic waste, the park's natural charm and the delightful staff often make up for these shortcomings. It's considered a worthwhile detour for its unique attractions.

"Worth a minor detour, not a half day.
The park was open but the walkway was defective half way through, also lookout point wasn’t reachable because of maintenance.

There’s a lot of washed up plastic trash and some serious work is needed to make this park as pristine as it could be."

P-J Broodbakker

"It's a beautiful park. While it is heavily touristed its natural beauty makes up for it.

The best thing is the hidden beach that is inside an open circle that you need to swim through a cave to reach. It's truly spectacular and even when it's totally overrun it is that good that it still remains worth seeing. Sadly I did not bring my phone, see cave swim."

Robin Muerkoester

"Just standing here on this spot for 5 minutes is worth more than the price of admission.
The staff is delightful.
The restroom is clean.
I just had a nice cool shower after a long walk on the beach.
You can set up a tent right next to the ocean.
Hear the waves all night long."

BK BK

What People Like

Emerald Cave's hidden lagoon
Beautiful island beaches
Scenic coastal walkways

What People Dislike

Damaged coral reefs
Plastic waste on beaches
Walkway maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can reach Chao Mai National Park by car or motorbike from Trang city. The park is located in the Kuan Kalong sub-district. For island hopping, you'll typically arrange boat tours from piers like Pak Meng Pier. :car: :boat:

Travel between islands like Koh Mook and Koh Kradan is usually done via longtail boats or speedboats, often arranged as part of day tours or for private transfers. :boat:

The Emerald Cave on Koh Mook is best accessed by swimming through a sea cave. Many tours include this stop, or you can hire a local boat. :swimmer: :cave:

You can drive to the mainland park area and access some walkways. For island beaches like Koh Kradan, you'll need to take a boat. :car: :boat:

While direct public transport to the park entrance might be limited, you can take buses or songthaews to Trang city and then arrange local transport or tours to the park and its islands. :bus:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entrance fee for Chao Mai National Park. Visitors should be aware that the fee for foreigners is typically higher than for Thai nationals, often around 200 baht for foreigners. :moneybag: :ticket:

The national park fee generally covers access to the protected areas, including the islands within the park. However, specific island activities or facilities might have separate charges. :moneybag:

The park is generally open daily, but specific attractions like walkways or viewpoints might have limited access hours or be subject to maintenance closures. It's best to check locally. :clock:

Tickets are typically purchased at the park entrance. Advance booking is usually not required for general park entry, but tours to specific islands might need pre-arrangement. :computer:

The Emerald Cave is part of the national park, so the park entrance fee usually covers access. However, boat tours to Koh Mook that include the cave swim will have their own pricing. :moneybag: :cave:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The absolute must-sees are the Emerald Cave on Koh Mook and the beautiful beaches of Koh Kradan, including Paradise Beach. The park's coastal walkways also offer scenic views. :star: :beach:

Activities include swimming, snorkeling (though coral can be damaged), exploring caves, relaxing on beaches, and hiking along coastal walkways. Camping is also available. :snorkeling: :tent:

While snorkeling is possible, many reviews suggest that much of the coral is dead and fish populations are not as abundant as they once were. It's still worth a try, but manage expectations. :fish:

Yes, camping facilities are available, allowing you to stay overnight and enjoy the sounds of the waves. :tent: :moon:

Some visitors have reported that walkways can be defective or under maintenance, limiting access to certain areas or viewpoints. It's advisable to check locally. :warning:

📸 📸 Photography

The Emerald Cave offers dramatic shots, especially when the sunlight filters in. Koh Kradan's beaches provide stunning tropical scenery. The coastal walkways also offer great vantage points for landscape photography. :camera:

Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful atmosphere. :sunrise: :sunset:

Capturing the moment you swim through the Emerald Cave is a unique photo opportunity. Also, the panoramic views from the park's elevated walkways are highly photogenic. :iphone: :video_camera:

It's dark inside the cave, so a good camera or phone with low-light capabilities is helpful. Be mindful of other swimmers and the slippery surfaces. :water_wave:

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities regarding any restrictions on drone photography within the national park boundaries. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Chao Mai National Park offers a mix of adventure and relaxation suitable for families. The Emerald Cave is a highlight, providing a fun and memorable experience for children who are comfortable swimming. Reddit The beaches on islands like Koh Kradan are great for sandcastle building and gentle paddling. TikTok

When visiting, consider shorter boat trips to minimize travel time for younger children. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and sun protection. While snorkeling might be disappointing due to coral damage, the sheer beauty of the islands and the unique cave experience will likely captivate young explorers. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Chao Mai National Park can be explored on a budget, especially if you focus on the mainland park and its walkways. The entrance fee is relatively low, particularly for Thai nationals. Reddit Opting for local transport and packing your own food can further reduce costs. Reddit

For island visits, look for group tours rather than private charters, which can be more economical. Staying overnight on islands like Koh Mook or Koh Kradan can be more affordable than staying in popular tourist hubs, and camping is also an option for the very budget-conscious. Reddit

💑 Couples

For a romantic getaway, consider staying overnight on Koh Kradan or Koh Mook. Enjoying the beaches after the day-trippers have left offers a more serene and intimate experience. Reddit The Emerald Cave swim is a unique adventure to share, and the scenic coastal walks provide opportunities for quiet moments together. Reddit

Pack a picnic to enjoy on a secluded stretch of beach, or find a local restaurant for a sunset dinner. The natural beauty and relatively less crowded atmosphere (especially outside peak hours) make Chao Mai National Park a charming destination for couples seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)

The Emerald Cave on Koh Mook is arguably the park's most famous attraction. To reach this hidden gem, visitors must swim through a dark, narrow sea cave for about 80 meters. Inside, a breathtaking hidden lagoon awaits, illuminated by sunlight filtering through an opening in the cave's ceiling. It's a truly unique and magical experience, often described as otherworldly. Reddit

While spectacular, the Emerald Cave can get crowded, especially during peak tourist hours. Visitors are advised to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Bringing a waterproof bag for your phone or camera is highly recommended to capture the experience without damaging your electronics. Reddit The swim itself is relatively safe, but be mindful of other swimmers and the cave's slippery surfaces. Reddit

Many day tours from Trang and nearby islands include a stop at the Emerald Cave. If you're staying on Koh Mook, you can often arrange a shorter boat trip specifically to visit the cave. The sheer wonder of discovering this secret paradise makes it a highlight for many visitors to Chao Mai National Park. Reddit

Island Hopping: Koh Kradan and Beyond

Chao Mai National Park encompasses several beautiful islands, with Koh Kradan being a standout. Its Paradise Beach was recognized as one of the best beaches in the world in 2023, offering pristine sands and clear turquoise waters perfect for relaxation and swimming. TikTok While day-trippers flock to these islands, staying overnight can offer a more tranquil experience, allowing you to enjoy the beaches after the crowds have departed. Reddit

Other islands within the park, like Koh Mook (home to the Emerald Cave), offer unique attractions. The park's marine environment also supports coral reefs, though many visitors note that the coral has suffered damage and snorkeling may not be as vibrant as in other Thai destinations. Reddit Nevertheless, the natural beauty of the islands, with their lush interiors and stunning coastlines, remains a significant draw.

When planning island hopping, consider arranging boat tours from piers like Pak Meng. These tours often combine visits to multiple islands, providing a comprehensive experience of the park's marine wonders. Be prepared for varying levels of crowds depending on the season and time of day. Reddit

Coastal Walkways and Nature Trails

The mainland section of Chao Mai National Park features coastal walkways that provide access to the area's natural beauty. These trails wind along forested limestone mountains, offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea, hidden bays, and unique rock formations. Instagram They are a great way to experience the park's terrestrial flora and fauna without needing a boat.

These walkways can involve some steep sections and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Reddit While they offer a glimpse into the park's diverse ecosystem, some visitors have noted that parts of the walkways might be under maintenance, potentially limiting access. Reddit Despite this, the opportunity to explore the rugged coastline and enjoy the scenic vistas makes these trails a worthwhile addition to your visit.

For those interested in camping, facilities are available near the coast, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the waves. This offers a more immersive experience of the park's natural environment. Reddit