
Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat

Chao Mai Beach National Park Trang
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Forested marine park with stunning islands, unique caves, and scenic coastal trails. Home to world-class beaches and diverse wildlife.
"The Emerald Cave is truly spectacular and even when overrun, it remains worth seeing."

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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Mainland park area
Explore forested coastal trails offering stunning views of limestone formations, bays, flora, and fauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Pristine Views
Park Access & Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
💑 Couples
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Emerald Cave (Tham Morakot)
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. The swim itself is relatively safe, but be mindful of other swimmers and the cave's slippery surfaces.
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.
Island Hopping: Koh Kradan and Beyond
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. 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.
Coastal Walkways and Nature Trails
These walkways can involve some steep sections and steps, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 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. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit