Does anyone have any experience with going to, staying on Ko Kradan. The island looks lovely and is 50 miles SE of Pei Pei. Is this a paradise or problem waiting to happen?

We considered Ko Kradan on our first trip to Thailand a few years back--but from what I remember it's pretty isolated...which is fine, if there's some sort of reward for trekking all that way for the isolation.

From what I hear, though, there aren't any good resorts/hotels on the island and the reefs are in extremely poor shape--so if you're interested in snorkeling, you may see a lot of dead reef.

I assume you meant Ko Phi Phi in your original post--which would honestly be my suggestion for you (only stay on the more isolated and quiet East Coast of the island) if you're looking for that sort of thing. It has the same (and probably better) pristine beaches, amazing sealife/corals and some beautiful resort--plus it's a helluva lot easier to get to. Don't be fooled or lured away from the island by the bad rap it gets from it's more well-know, overtouristy and ugly main village.

If it's true isolation you're looking for, then perhaps let me suggest looking into Ko Lipe. Has all that, plus it's a bit more appealing in its limited infrastructure. We've been dying to go there for years but it is quite a trek to get to

All this, of course, should be superceded by what time of year you're planning on going. Avoid the Andaman coast (where all of these are) during the rainy season, which I believe lasts from the summer through about early November.

I had never heard of Ko Kradan until this post. It would be a bit too isolated for my own personal taste.

"Avoid the Andaman coast (where all of these are) during the rainy season, which I believe lasts from the summer through about early November."....

but, filmwill, I just had 3 really nice days in Krabi a couple of weeks ago. A bit overcast at times, but no rain. I would not go quite so far as to say to avoid the Andaman coast. Just be aware that weather might be an issue to consider during the rainy season.

I've been to Phuket in Aug/Sept/Oct time frame, and had rain a time or two, and the beaches would have red flags up. No red flags at Krabi.

To the OP, take a look at Ao Nang, or if you want to be more isolated, look at Railay. It's beautiful! Accessible by short boatride from Ao Nang.

Carol

I think you're both right! To venture offshore to an island during the Monsoon season is not advised and many will be closed, both the ferry and the resort. To visit Krabi or Phuket during the same period can be great if the weather cooperate and you fly there instead of taking a boat with rough seas.

If you can time your visit during the best months, Dec - Feb then you will have more chances of a perfect stay.

that's exactly what I was referring to, Hanuman: I would never advise anyone to take boats to remote islands during monsoon season. A sure fire recipe for a horrific trip. Obviously none of the places I was mentioning are reachable by plane, hence the warning.

Yup, two small cargo ships went down in the Andaman just this weekend. All crew are safe, but it's not a good time to be in a boat on the Andaman.

I HOPE it's a good time to be on a boat in the Maldives, since that's where I'm headed next week. Gonna catch me some [manta] rays!

I was in the Maldives during August 2 years ago and the sea there was rough too! I'm sure you'll still enjoy yourself.

My time frame is November 20th to the (whenever I have to go home/run out of money or stop having fun) I was looking to stay at Tropical Garden Bungalows I think it is called. Not sure why I chose that other than the price. I had perfer to be on the beach and will take suggestions for a place to stay.

You might want have better luck on the Thorntree boards--they'll definitely have more first-hand experience at the more backpacker-y type of places there.

Also, have you checked the TripAdvisor reviews for this place? That might be a good place to start. Not too favorable reviews, from what I see...

Yea, I am marking this spot off my list.