Thailand Ko Kradat: an unusual island populated by free-roaming deer Ko Mak, Eastern Provinces, Travel to Thailand 4.7 (7)A curiosity very much “made in Thailand” or rather “Amazing Thailand” as they say here! Today I’m taking you to the small island of Ko Kradat located east of Ko Mak (not to be confused with the island of Ko Kradan, which has a similar sounding name but is located on the other side, south of Ko Lanta).This is a small private island, dotted with coconut trees and surrounded by deserted beaches and for that alone, it is worth it. One of the particularities of this island is to have been the first in Thailand to benefit from a title deed, established by King Rama V (this at the time, in order to establish his sovereignty over this piece of land, then prized by us French, then in Indochina right next door).King who also paid a visit to this small piece of land, whose photo recalls this event and is discreetly displayed on the wall of this century-old house which welcomes you on arrival.The second peculiarity? Well, as indicated in the title, this one is "inhabited" by a horde of small deer and does! 2 couples were brought to the island at the beginning (for what purpose, I don't know... a whim of the rich?), but, due to lack of regulation, there would now be more than 2000!How to get to Ko Kradat:Spotted while touring the island on a motorbike, we therefore returned to this small cabin (which serves as a small bar/restaurant) at the tip of Lame Son beach. We waited for our improvised "taxi" to be available. The fisherman then came out of his shack and took us there straight away once we had paid the lady at the hut.I think she got a nice commission in the process... To summarize:This is a private island, which means there is an access fee of 100 Baht/person. It takes about 15 minutes to get there from Ko Mak. In concrete terms, there are several ways to get there:From the hotel Cinnamon Art Resort and Spa, there you will find a boat service including a drink (apparently, since that is not how we went there) and the entrance fee to the island for 250 baht per person.From the end of Laem Son beach, asking the girl who runs the hut, we will pay 800 baht for 2, including the 100 baht entrance fee but it remains expensive…Path to Laem Son beach.Coconut trees near Laem Son.Cabanon bar/restaurant in Laem Son.The beautiful quiet beach of Laem Son, from where you can go to Ko Kradat.The fisherman's hut.Our little boat.We are moving away from Ko Mak.With a smile!Arrived at Ko Kradat.Tractor ride on the islandAs soon as we arrived, we could see a number of them wandering here and there next to the main house. We were given some vegetables and immediately the less shy ones approached and came to eat directly from our hand!Le entrance fee to the island includes a short tractor ride. This one had just come back from bringing back a Thai couple with their child. So we immediately board this transport that reminds me of my youth (and yes, I grew up next to farms) and we're off for a ride of about 1/2 hour. It's time to go to the other end of the island to see a beautiful deserted beach, and along the way try to spot deer hidden under the trees.Tasting session.Next to the restaurant.The island resort.The tractor is coming back from its little tour.It is quite stiflingly hot and the island is only scattered with coconut trees. But what a pleasure to find yourself on the other side on this beach that is beckoning us! Used deckchairs indicate the presence of an attempt at development, but I doubt that it is really used.Apart from our driver, we are absolutely alone to walk along this long beach, lined with large trees providing welcome shade. We stay long enough to take our series of photos, well at the same time there's not too much rush either.The century-old house, located there on the edge of the beach, also serves as a restaurant. But despite the presence of a small resort (mainly welcoming Thais, especially families traveling in groups), don't expect a classic restaurant with a menu...No, here in Ko Kradat, we serve according to the provisions…. Besides, if officially the deer of the island are not consumed, it would not be really surprising if the pork served in the dishes is not… (I'm joking!)A group of Thais arrived later on the island. The majority left with the tractor (which had to add a second trailer given the number!), and a small group of lazy people were content to lounge around and drink while playing a little guitar…We left at 12:30, telling our taxi driver for the day to pick us up around 16:XNUMX… not really knowing how long it would take to go around. We thought we would enjoy lounging on a private beach, alone, but after the tractor ride and having eaten, it must be said, we were starting to get a little bored, the heat not making us want to walk around, even if we will try to explore the surroundings.In the end, our "savior" came back a little earlier than expected around 15:45 p.m. In conclusion, the island is still worth seeing, but 2 good hours should be enough.If you are passing through the area, would you consider a little excursion to this particular island? Did you like the article? Vote on the article Note globale 4.7 / 5. Number of votes: 7 No votes yet. Be the first to rate this article! Did you like the article? Follow me on social media Off the beaten track Île Sea and beaches Wildlife observation 0 4 Roman 20/04/2015
