Ko Phra Thong brings together grassland, mangrove, swamp and marine ecosystems. This gives the island a range of themes to consider when planning a trip: from the open grassland in the center to the coastal mangroves and the cultural traditions of the Morgan community.
Landscape and habitats
Mangrove forest stretches along the eastern coastline and inland canals, including Khlong Chat, Khlong Lat Nang Chan and Khlong Mueang. Swamp forest areas covering at least 9,400 rai lie in the east and northwest. Near Khlong Chat, one type of swamp forest includes grasses, sedges and white melaleuca trees.
A vast grassland spreads across the center of Ko Phra Thong, dotted with white melaleuca trees. The island is also nicknamed “Thailand’s Savanna.” The coast and sea complete this landscape: Ko Phra Thong has white-sand beaches and clear water; beach conditions vary by season.
These habitats serve different ecological functions. The swamp forest provides food for various wild animals, including นกตะกรุม and นกเงือก; deer use it as a resting area. Seagrass beds and coral reefs around Ko Phra Thong are nursery and refuge areas for aquatic animals such as dugongs and sea turtles. A bird survey on the island recorded at least 137 species, including resident and migratory birds.
Morgan Culture on Ko Phra Thong
Tha Pae Yoi (ท่าแป๊ะโย้ย) is a waterfront community of Morgan sea nomads (ชาวเล เผ่ามอร์แกน). The Morgan community preserves traditional sea-nomad practices, including พิธีนอนหาด and พิธีลอยเรือ.
Architecture is also part of the island’s cultural landscape: traditional houses in the Morgan village (หมู่บ้านมอร์แกน) are built using เรือนเครื่องผูก, the tied-house construction method. The community, its practices and its houses represent different aspects of Ko Phra Thong’s cultural heritage.
Activities and local highlights
You can cycle around Ko Phra Thong. There is also a nature trail; current conditions may vary, so it is worth checking shortly before your visit. The two options offer different experiences: the cycle route goes around the island through its landscape, while the nature trail offers another way to experience nature.
The native orchid เอื้องปากนกแก้ว also grows on the island. Villagers from Thung Dap cultivate this orchid to conserve the species and sell to tourists as a take-home souvenir. If you are interested, check locally to see whether the plant is currently available and how sales are arranged.
Getting there and getting around
Ko Phra Thong lies about 2 kilometers from the shore near Khura Buri. The boat trip from Khura Buri Pier to Ko Phra Thong takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The actual travel time depends on the boat and sea conditions; check departure times locally before making firm plans for this leg of the trip.
The road journey to Khura Buri follows Highway 4 (Phetkasem) through Phetchaburi, Prachuap, Chumphon and Ranong. The duration of this road journey depends on traffic and conditions. On Ko Phra Thong, motorized farm carts, four-wheel-drive vehicles or motorcycles with sidecars are used because roads are narrow and partly covered with loose sand. Keep these conditions in mind when planning trips around the island, as well as the boat journey to get there.
Getting to the island and getting around are separate planning considerations: check locally about the boat trip, and bear in mind that conditions on the nature trail may change.
Discover more destinations: Bo Saen, Khura, Takua Pa, Amphoe Ko Yao, Phru Nai, Tha Na, Lam Kaen, Bang Nai Si
For the broader travel overview: Phangnga.
