Ko Kradan (also spelled Koh Kradan) is a small island in the Andaman Sea off the southern coast of Thailand. Administratively, the island belongs to Trang Province and is incorporated within the boundaries of Mu Ko Lanta National Park, a protected marine area managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Geography
The island lies approximately 15 km west of the Thai mainland and about 5 km southeast of Ko Lanta Yai. It is roughly 2 km long and 0.5 km wide, covering an area of about 1 km². The terrain is low‑lying, with its highest point reaching roughly 15 m above sea level. The coastline consists mainly of white sandy beaches backed by coral reefs and shallow lagoons.
Ecology
Ko Kradan’s surrounding waters are part of a coral reef system recognized for its biodiversity. The reefs host a variety of hard and soft corals, as well as fish species such as butterflyfish, snapper, and grouper. The island’s interior is covered with tropical scrub vegetation, and nesting sea turtles have been observed on its beaches during certain seasons.
History and Administration
The island has long been uninhabited, serving historically as a seasonal fishing site for nearby coastal communities. In the early 20th century, it was included in the creation of national park protections that later became Mu Ko Lanta National Park (established in 1990). The park’s regulations restrict permanent settlement, limit construction, and control tourism activities to preserve the island’s natural resources.
Tourism and Access
Ko Kradan is a popular destination for day‑trip visitors seeking snorkeling, diving, and beach recreation. Boat services operate from the mainland ports of Pak Bara (Trang Province) and from the nearby islands of Ko Lanta and Ko Lipe, typically taking 30–45 minutes. The island lacks permanent accommodations; visitors generally stay on neighboring islands and travel to Ko Kradan for excursions. Marine park regulations require that tours follow designated routes and that waste be removed from the island.
Conservation Concerns
The increasing popularity of the island’s snorkeling and diving sites has prompted management efforts to mitigate coral damage and marine litter. Park authorities have implemented visitor caps during peak seasons and require the use of reef‑safe sunscreen. Ongoing monitoring programs assess reef health and turtle nesting activity.
Cultural References
The name “Kradan” is derived from the Thai word “กระดาน” (kradān), meaning “board” or “plank,” possibly alluding to the island’s flat, board‑like shape when viewed from the sea. “Ko” (or “Koh”) is the Thai term for “island.”
Note: The information presented reflects widely documented geographic and ecological data about Ko Kradan as recorded in Thai governmental publications, marine park management reports, and reputable travel guides.