I will never forget my first visit to Koh Wai in the Thai Trat archipelago. The journey – I had been invited by the TAT, which was great; however, it also led to a hectic route that left me hardly any time to breathe – was cumbersome and rather mediocre.

But the destination? Well, at least in the case of Koh Wai, it was simply unforgettable. That was 10 years ago.

The bad news? It took me almost ten years to return. The good news? I now know exactly how to answer the question: "Is Koh Wai worth a visit?"

Getting to (and getting around on) Koh Wai

Whether you're planning a day trip to Koh Wai or an overnight stay, you'll first need to get there. Most travelers arrive from one of the three other main islands in the Trat archipelago, likely Koh Chang or Koh Mak. Websites like Siam Tickets, which sell ferry tickets in Thailand, are ideal for navigating the complex network of speedboats connecting these islands.

On Koh Wai, a tiny island, you can easily hike from one beach to another through the jungle. Of course, you can also take a boat if you have one – some people even visit the island on a chartered yacht or speedboat, hard to believe! – but I think it's precisely the opportunity to experience the island up close that makes Koh Wai so special.

5 things you should know about Koh Wai

It is the smallest of the larger islands in Trat.

Although some islands are smaller, Koh Wai is the smallest inhabited island in the Trat archipelago. Measuring less than one kilometer from north to south and only two kilometers from east to west, it is truly a little paradise. Its shape even resembles a slice of lemon!

(But it's bigger than it seems)

Koh Wai is worth visiting for several reasons, including the fact that the island is larger than it first appears. To get from one beach to another, you don't simply walk – there are no roads – but hike through the jungle. Even to get from the floating pier to the beach, you have to be hauled up on a moving platform!

Living conditions are spartan.

The beach where you'll likely arrive is home to the Paradise Resort, but don't be fooled. While the beach undoubtedly looks idyllic, the accommodation (which has neither air conditioning nor often electricity) is pretty much the opposite of a "resort." There are also no ATMs or supermarkets on Koh Wai.

(But the beaches are gorgeous)

Is Koh Wai worth a visit? Well, if you're looking for white sand beaches and clear water where you'll find practically no other tourists, there are few better places in Thailand. The surrounding scenery may not be quite as spectacular as on the Andaman Sea, but that's a small price to pay.

It left me torn apart inside – and still leaves me torn apart.

Every time I spend a few hours on Koh Wai, I immediately want to come back and stay overnight. So far, I've never done that, partly because of the spartan accommodations (and because you can't book them online), and partly because I'm afraid I'd be bored there for 24 hours straight. Maybe next year?

How long should one stay in Koh Wai?

Koh Wai is very small, and although the beaches differ, they are so similar that they may appear the same to many travelers. Therefore, a day trip to Koh Wai should be sufficient for most visitors. However, please note that depending on your departure point, you may only be able to spend 3 to 6 hours on the island due to boat schedules.

If you're interested in staying overnight, the answer to the question of how many days you should spend on Koh Wai is, in my opinion, quite simple: one to a maximum of two. Because if you're not truly content lying on the beach all day – and you don't mind the lack of amenities on the island – you'll quickly become bored and perhaps even depressed.

More frequently asked questions about visiting Koh Wai

Is it possible to stay overnight on Koh Wai?

You can certainly stay overnight on Koh Wai, but keep in mind that most accommodations on the island are very basic – simple beach huts with fans. Since there are no ATMs on the island, you should also bring enough cash for your entire stay.

How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Wai?

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Wai takes at least half a day. First, you take one of the two or three daily flights with Bangkok Airways to Trat. From there, you transfer to one of the jetties (probably, but not necessarily, Laem Ngop) and take a speedboat or ferry to Koh Wai.

How do I get from Koh Chang to Koh Wai?

Several boats operate daily between Koh Chang and Koh Wai. Some are speedboats that cover the distance in less than an hour, while others are slower (but also cheaper) wooden boats. Alternatively, if you can afford it, you can charter your own boat to travel between the islands.

Conclusion

Is Koh Wai worth a visit? Absolutely, especially if you're already planning a stay on Koh Mak, Koh Chang, or Koh Kood. In terms of natural beauty, Koh Wai is, in my opinion, unrivaled (at least within the Trat archipelago), although a longer stay of more than half a day does have its drawbacks. Accommodation on the island is mostly very basic (if available at all), and you have to trek through the jungle to get anywhere from the beach. However, if you can live with the lack of comfort, I would definitely include Koh Wai in your independent Thailand trip.