The small island of Koh Klang lies directly opposite Krabi Town, separated from it only by a river branch. It differs significantly from the other beach and tourist islands of Krabi province. Rural in character, it lives off agriculture, fishing, and a small, primarily local tourism industry. The predominantly Muslim community is very hospitable and has managed to preserve the island, its traditions, and its handicrafts. On Koh Klang you can: watch batik production, this fabric dyeing technique using molten wax, and create your own design (from 50 THB); explore the landscape, the free-roaming buffalo and goats, the rice paddies, and the special organic rice grown here (the rice season is usually from August to December); participate in an eco-printing workshop, a technique in which color pigments from leaves and flowers are transferred onto fabric (350 THB); visit a maker of miniature longtail boats, the traditional Thai boats (however, he is not always in his workshop; I personally never saw him during four visits). Visit stingless beehives and sample their honey with its numerous health benefits and slightly tart flavor; visit a floating fish farm and dine at its seafood restaurant. This is an interesting excursion off the beaten track, as while Thai tourists flock here on weekends, foreigners are a rare sight. Koh Klang is easily accessible by crossing the river from Thara Park Pier in Krabi Town or chartering a longtail boat from Chao Fah Pier. There's a charming little night market there every evening, and you can admire the statue of the giant crab. However, I recommend a more comprehensive boat tour that includes Khao Kanab Nam, the two most famous rocks in the Krabi River, their cave with monkeys, and the mangrove tunnel, at the end of which you'll reach Koh Klang! (See my video.) The boat tour, which includes visits to the island's highlights, usually takes half a day. You can also stay longer and even overnight. There are several guesthouses and private accommodations, as well as the fantastic Islanda Hideaway Resort, which my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed during the off-season when prices are lower. I have rarely encountered such welcoming and attentive staff! While the south coast of Ko Klang in Krabi is seaside, don't expect picture-perfect beaches ideal for swimming (especially at low tide). However, there is a lovely, secluded beach that's great for walks, and if you stay at the Islanda, you have access to their private beach pool.

Once on the island, you can hire a tuk-tuk for up to three people to explore (400 THB per tuk-tuk for approximately a three-hour tour). If you're visiting Koh Klang independently, it's best to take a boat from Thara Park Pier. This way, tuk-tuks will be waiting for you upon arrival, allowing you to negotiate island tours. Alternatively, you can call the leader of the Ban Ko Klang community on 087 264 0347 (mobile) or, more accurately, have your hotel reception call, as they only speak Thai. The island is busier on weekends and quieter during the week. Using a local tuk-tuk driver who knows everyone gives you a better chance of seeing and experiencing everything (I'm thinking particularly of the batik and eco-printing workshops). You can also stay overnight on Koh Klang. If you appreciate slow travel and a peaceful rural lifestyle, I highly recommend Koh Klang. There are several guesthouses and private accommodations, as well as the Islanda Hideaway Resort, the only one with a pool overlooking the sea. The hotel itself, the friendly staff, the nearby beach, the bicycle rental (not for children), and the kayaks—it's a great place to stay, as one would expect from a 4-star hotel (though prices are very reasonable in the off-season). Koh Klang is 95% Muslim, so beer is neither sold nor consumed there (except at the aforementioned hotel).

To get to Koh Klang: The easiest and cheapest way to reach the island is to go to Thara Park Pier in Krabi Town and take one of the boats that cross the river (50 THB). Some boats even allow you to bring your scooter if you want to explore the island on your own. Alternatively, you can hire a longtail boat at Chao Fah Pier or the pier behind the large mud crab statue. You can simply be taken to the island, but I recommend the 3- to 4-hour tour that goes via Khao Kanab Nam, the cave, and the mangrove tunnel before dropping you off on Koh Klang. The boat will then wait for you while you explore the island by tuk-tuk and bring you back afterward. I recently heard that the tour costs around 1600 THB per boat. The boat captains are usually from Koh Klang. Book one or more nights at the Islanda Hideaway Resort; they offer a free transfer from Krabi Boat Lagoon.

How to get there

How do you get to the Ban Koh Klang community? To get to Koh Klang: The most direct and cheapest way is from Thara Park Pier in Krabi Town. From there, take one of the boats that cross the river (50 THB). Some boats even allow you to bring your scooter if you want to explore the island on your own. Alternatively, you can hire a longtail boat at Chao Fah Pier or the pier behind the large mud crab statue. You can simply be taken to the island, but I recommend the 3- to 4-hour tour that goes via Khao Kanab Nam, the cave, and the mangrove tunnel before dropping you off on Koh Klang. The boat will then wait for you while you explore the island by tuk-tuk and bring you back afterward. I recently heard that the tour costs around 1600 THB per boat. The boatmen are usually from Koh Klang. Book one or more nights at the Islanda Hideaway Resort; they offer a free transfer from Krabi Boat Lagoon.