Just a few kilometers off the coast of Sattahip in the Gulf of Thailand lies a dormant slice of paradise known as Koh Kham. It is an island that is stunningly beautiful and as of yet, a hidden gem, visited mostly by locals and Thai tourists.
If you’ve never heard of Sattahip, it’s often overshadowed by its loudmouth neighbor – Pattaya. I’m sure we all know Pattaya pretty well, don’t we? Well, Sattahip is just 40-something km further south of the city. It’s a quaint town known for its local, laid-back lifestyle and delicious seafood.
After reading about this place from a Thai traveler and blogger, we knew we had to visit this place. Not only because it looked so amazing but the fact it is only about 3-3.5 hour drive away from Bangkok. I mean just look at this place!
Journey to Paradise
We decided to break our journey to the island into two parts. We left Bangkok on Friday evening knowing that if we left Saturday morning, we would have to leave extremely early. Although ferries to the island leave every 1 or 2 hours, we wanted to be the first ones there. Plus we heard that they only let 400 visitors to the island per day (and only on weekends).
So Friday, we arrived in the outskirt of Sattahip and stayed at a boutique hotel, 30 km short of the pier. There we had a nice dinner and an early sleep. Next morning at around 7 am, we left for Koh Kham.
After about an hour drive, we reached the naval base where we were asked to pay 10 Baht for parking. Nearby, we paid 300 Baht per person for the ferry tickets. A songthaew (local transport) then took us to the pier.
From there we switched to a ferry filled with locals and Thai-only tourists. They had their lunches packed as if they were going on a long picnic. It was very interesting to see this since you’ll never see on islands like Koh Samui, Koh Tao and such.
After a very bumpy 30 minute-ish boat ride, we finally arrived at the island. We had to switch from our ferry to a smaller boat as it could not dock there. As soon as we reached, we saw many locals run to the beach to hurl whatever breakfast they had. It looked as if for many, this was their first boat journey as they woo’d and aah’d at every rise and crash of the boat. But I think it was all worth it for each of them as they stepped foot on the island.
The side of Koh Kham we arrived at was deserted (and we wanted to hang out here) but we were told by the ferry staff to make our way to the other side. Just #followthepath, enjoy the view but watch your step.
Things to do on Koh Kham
Before we tell you about what you can do on Koh Kham, you should probably know what you cannot do. You should note that this island is under the protection of the Royal Navy in efforts to preserve the marine ecosystem.
- You cannot litter by any means (although we did notice some trash) – an inevitable side effect of increased tourism
The operator told us that back in January, this place was even more beautiful but of course, tourism does affect the ecosystem. It’s a good thing the number of visitors is limited.
- Be responsible in any activity you partake
- In order to swim or kayak, you must wear a life jacket
- Be respectful in every way (we didn’t see anyone in bikinis so if you’re a bikini person, we recommend covering up) as this is a very local, family destination
Now here are the things you can do here:
- Bring your own food but make sure you throw it away in the marked bins
- There are some little shops selling snacks and some Thai meals
- Hike up the hill (east of the island) to a viewpoint
- Kayaks and snorkels are available for rent
- Just relax on the beach, soak in the sun and watch the beautiful view
We spent a good few hours at Koh Kham. Arriving at the island around 9:30 am and we made our way back at 1 pm. The last boat leaves at 4 pm and you are not allowed to camp or stay over in any way.
It was time to say goodbye to paradise and we certainly didn’t want to.
How to get there
Since we drove there, we could only share that way. But if you’re getting there by van or bus, we recommend the best way is to get to Pattaya first. And then find a bus or van from there to Sattahip.
To be honest, your best bet is to rent a car or motorbike and make the journey to Sattahip’s Khao Ma Jor Pier yourself. It is a pretty much straightforward route if you follow the Sukhumvit road and route 3. Google Map is your best friend. It is definitely ours! So make sure you use it.
I always wanted to visit Thailand. I have seen so many beautiful pictures from there, heard so many wonderful things and met so many great thai people. The island you went looks amazing! I’m looking forward to reading about your adventure.
Thank you Paula. We hope you visit Thailand soon! Let us know when you do, we’ll give you some tips. Stay in touch!
Definitely worth the bumpy boat journey. What an idyllic spot and totally unspoilt which is lovely to see. Thank you for sharing.
Not notally but yes it is quite the paradise. We hope it stays like this
What beautiful photos! It certainly looks like paradise, with the gorgeous waters and sand. It’s crazy how they only let 400 people on the island every day, but it’s also really cool. I would think it is helping in protecting the island.
When you were there did you see many of the other people who snagged a spot on the boat? I can’t imagine wanting to leave after only a few hours, it looks amazing!
Hi Suz, yes it is to protect the island and the ecosystem around it. I’m not sure what you mean by did we see people other people from the boat? We were all heading to the same island so yea we did but they were all spread out doing their own thing.
Yea we certainly didn’t want to leave but there is not MUCH to do unless laying around is your thing.
Definitely a paradise! I love to visit less touristy spot. And this island will make it on my to-go list when in Thailand. I’m planning to visit Thailand next year. 😊
That’s awesome Synz. Yea if you’;re in Bangkok and not heading anywhere else this is a good spot to go but I’m sure you want to visit the more popular beaches like Koh Samui, Phi Phi islands, Phuket and all. This is more for the locals and residents in Bangkok, Chonburi, Rayong.
It certainly seems a far cry from Pattaya (I loved the ‘loudmouth neighbour’ comment!), and it looks so free from the usual tourist crowds that plague the other Thai islands. Your pictures are wonderful.
Thank you! I’m guessing you’ve been to Pattaya? Where else have you been in Thailand?
These photos are incredible. I got a chance to go to Thailand earlier this year so I can definitely appreciate the beauty as Ive seen it in person. This looks like an incredible trip I will hopefully take
The island looks stunning! I would love to get to Koh Kham – thankyou for including an emphasis on being a responsible tourist. It’s something most people traveling forget.
We are only so because of other travel bloggers such as yourselves. We never thought about half of these things. But at the same time, it’s about being a sensible person and a responsible person in general.
You make me want to buy a boat and go and sit just off those beaches and fish.
That’s a good way to do it!
Looks amazing, the blue waters and white sand wow. Looks like a great place to visit our kids would love the boat ride over to the island.
Koh Kham is simply gorgeous and the fact that it’s less than 4 hours away from Bangkok is so good to know. Your pictures make me want ditch rainy NYC and jump right onto the beach. By the way, I love the photo of your feet dangling!
Hey Danielle, thanks for your support as always. You should totally get on a flight and head here. Although we were also so worried about the rain since it is rainy season in Thailand. But weather turned out perfect.
Oh and the dangling feet, haha we were told not to climb on to the rocks but did anyways! For adrenaline and the shot 🙂
These images really want to make me go there! Which reminds me that I haven’t been to the beach for a while 🙂
Man you need to go! Let’s do a blogger getaway trip!
It’s great to hear that there are rules in place concerning littering etc., because preserving beautiful places like this is so important. And what a beautiful place it is! I can’t believe this hidden treasure is so close to Bangkok! I MUST visit the next time I’m in Thailand. It sounds like you had such a great time, and your photos are stunning. Thanks for the tips!
Thank you Abbi! I hope you do get to go. When is your next visit to Thailand?
Koh Kham is really a beautiful and offbeat destination. Bangkok is next on charts, we had plans of visiting Pataya but now I guess we need to take a day out of our plan to visit this beautiful paradise. You have included each and every important information one must know.
Very well written and LOVELY PICTURES.
Oh if you’re heading to Pattaya definitely go here or Koh Larn. Don’t miss it! And thank you for the kind words.
That clear sea looks incredible. It is so inviting!
Love xxxx
We need to take a beach trip together Sneha!
The waters look so clear! I’d love to go here. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Thailand. If I go I’ll have to come here cause it’s less touristy.
Any plans on coming to Thailand again? You seem very eager and you should! Probably lots has changed.
Really curious how beautiful this island is!
Thanks for sharing guys 🙂
You’re welcome guys. You should visit next time.
Hi guys. Love seeing your travels. We are going to Kho Lanta then Phi Phi in Feb 2018. Would this island but Thu k to far from Phi Phi. We have 4 days laft to arrange they fly out from Phuket. If this is not possible can you suggest any other quite island please
Hi Simmonds, we will email you back soon. Thanks for leaving the comments and questions.
Hi.. Swedish couple here.. are there Any toilets om the Island? We are travelling with a 2 year old baby.
Hi there Tommy,
From our recollection, yes there are toilets on the island. Basic ones though. Should be OK. It’s a short boat ride so traveling with a baby should be OK too. Goodluck on your trip!
Hello, We are planning to go to Kho kham this month. I just have a few question do we need to make booking for the boat? since you mentioned that they only allow up to 400 people in a day. Or we can just go there early morning and wish that we will be included in the lucky 400 people?
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Hi Ann. Great question. I don’t think you can book in advance. If you don’t go on a public holiday, you should be fine. As there is another island nearby, not many go to Koh Kham. We got it pretty easily but definitely recommend going early as possible.