Just out of Salakphet Bay lies the islands of Koh Laoya and Koh Laoya Klang. These two islands are home to one resort and are joined by a 50 metre long footbridge. Koh Laoya Klang has a couple of small beaches the eastern shore and a footpath encircles the island. It takes around 5 minutes to walk around it.
The main resort area is on the eastern side of the larger Koh Laoya. The resort mainly caters to Thai groups who visit at weekends and holiday periods, outside those times it is deserted except for the staff. The highlight of the island is the stunning white sand beach that runs from the pier in the northeast of the island to the southeastern tip.
This is one of the best beaches in the area, crystal clear water, white sand underfoot and views directly towards Long Beach in the southeast of Koh Chang. Pretty much the only western tourists who go here are Russian visitors in speedboats and tour boats who manage to avoid the crowds and take a tour to the less visited islands. Of course, it is much easier and cheaper to visit as part of a tour group, rather than if you are travelling on your own.
If you get the chance to go there – do it.
Yes, you can kayak there from Long Beach or Salakphet.
is this south of Ko chang?
Another way to get there, if there are a few of you to share the cost, is to hire a slow wooden boat (or speedboat) from Salakphet Seafood Restaurant, which we have done a few times with family and friends. They will take you to do some snorkeling around Koh Rayang, stop off at Koh Wai for lunch, and the skipper usually stops off at this island on the way back to Salakphet.
I agree with Ian, it is a very pretty beach and island, and also fun to walk around the neighbouring Koh Laoya Klang. As you come off the bridge, turn left, and you’ll come to those lovely coves under the shade of trees that are completely deserted as shown in Ian’s photos 14 and 15.
A boat called Julia White used to do a day trip from Koh Chang that included a stop at Koh Laoya, but not sure if it is still running the same route now.
Looks fantastic it’s going on my to do list for when I go to Koh Chang this March!
Is there a boat from Bang Bao that does this trip?