Koh Libong is a sleepy Thai island that remained on my to-do list for many years until I finally got around to visiting. Nearby islands like Koh Kradan, Koh Mook, and Koh Lipe always seemed to get first priority.
But now that I’ve been here, I wish I’d done it a hell of a lot earlier.
Koh Libong is authentic, it’s cheap, and it’s super friendly.
The beaches may not be picture perfect like those on Koh Lipe, but I guarantee that apart from the scurrying hermit crabs, you’ll have them to yourself.
We spent a total of 5 days on the island exploring from end to end to develop this ultimate guide to Koh Libong. We hope you find the island just as enjoyable as we did.
What to do on Koh Libong
Koh Libong is most well-known for its population of local Dugongs. On a good day you may spot them grazing on sea grass around parts of the island. But there is much more to the island than just Dugongs. So here are a few of our favourite things to do on the island.
Explore the Local Fishing Village
One of the reasons I really love Koh Libong is the authentic village vibe it offers. Rather than just swimming at nice beaches, you can also meet welcoming locals and create unique memorable experiences. Ban Ba Tu Pu Te has lots of stilt houses built out over the mud flats on the south east side of the island.
Swim at a Secluded Beach, or Two, or Three
You wouldn’t come to a Thai island without visiting some amazing beaches and there’s no lack of here. Haad Lang Khao beach right out the front of Libong Beach Resort is the easiest place to go for a swim. Head up the east end of the beach to be surrounded by nothing but forest and ocean. During low tide the beach gets a bit rocky with a shallow coral reef. Why not kayak out further?
For even more secluded beaches you can visit both Tung Yaka Beach or Tohkay Bay which are located further towards the north west point of the island. You’ll need to hire a motorbike and ride right around Koh Libong to get there though.
See the Dugongs from Point Dugong
The local Dugongs are the main drawcard for the island. The best place to see Dugongs are from the dedicated viewing platform at Point Dugong. This overlooks an area densely covered in in sea grass, the Dugongs favourite food.
The locals will suggest you have a one in three chance of actually seeing a Dugong. The best conditions are at high tide, on a clear, sunny day.
Sunrise at the Dugong Viewing Tower
They may have built the viewing platform for Dugongs, but it is equally as useful for watching the sun rise over the island. Perhaps one of the best vantage points you will find. The viewing tower is located right behind Ban Ba Tu Pu Te.
Sunset at Stone Bridge
This is not really a bridge, but more a unique rock formation along the northwest coast of Koh Libong. During March and April, the sun set at just the right angle so that it shines directly through the hole under the bridge. The Stone Bridge itself isn’t as big as I was expecting, but nonetheless makes for a great sunset location.
Day Trip to Koh Lao Liang
Love a perfect white sandy beach, with towering cliffs, and glassy clear water? The nearby uninhabited island of Koh Lao Liang should be on your list. Without any hotels, it’s only possible to visit as a day trip. Koh Libong is the closest (and cheapest) place to visit from.
Day Trip to Koh Kradan
We stayed a total of 4 days on Koh Kradan and would highly recommend it as your next destination. If you’re time limited, Koh Kradan is also an easy day trip from Koh Libong. Beautiful beaches, dense jungle, and incredible coral reefs make this one of our favourite Thai islands ever.
A long tail boat will take around 45 minutes each way and could be negotiated to around 3,000 THB round trip for the entire boat.
How to Get to Koh Libong
Depending on where you are coming from, there are three main ways to get to Koh Libong
Bangkok – fly to Trang airport then take a minibus or taxi to Hat Yao Pier which serves as the departure point for Koh Libong and Koh Lao Liang. From there, charter a long tail boat for about 1,000 THB direct to Koh Libong.
Phuket – take the Tigerline on Bunhaya Speedboat from Phuket’s Rassada Pier direct to Koh Libong. The trip takes about 3.5 hours. Speedboats will stop at many other islands along the way, so you can easily hop on if you’re at a nearby islands like Koh Lipe, Koh Kradan, or Koh Ngai.
Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Bulon – if you’re staying at one of the islands nearby Koh Libong it is most convenient to charter a longtail boat. You can usually find a boat park upon the shore and just ask for a price. Try negotiating a little. We were originally quoted 2,200 THB to travel from Koh Kradan to Koh Libong but dropped this to 1,700 THB.
Getting Around Koh Libong
The main way of getting around Koh Libong is by motorbike. You can easily rent a motorbike for 200 THB per day from Koh Libong Beach Resort or the nearby motorbike rental shop. 2 liters of petrol (about 100 THB) will be enough to explore the island for an entire day.
If you’re not confident on a motorbike, then you can also hire a motorbike with sidecar and driver for about 700 THB for the entire day. This fits 2-3 people and will take you around to all the main attractions on the island. Ask your resort to arrange this for you and they’ll have good connections.
Personally, I prefer renting my own motorbike as it provides the most flexibility.
It is worth noting that while most of the roads are paved, they’re fairly bumpy. It’s best to ride carefully and generally under 30 km/hr.
Accommodation on Koh Libong
There are only a couple of hotels on Koh Libong, most with beachfront views. We’ll only cover 3 options in this article.
Libong Beach Resort ($$) – this is where we stayed while on the island. Libong Beach Resort has basic accommodation offering both air conditioned and fan rooms along with nice beachfront views. There is plenty of chill space right on the beach with sun lounges and a few rope swings to watch sunset from. The restaurant is one of the best on this side of the island with loads of fresh seafood dishes.
Koh Libong Andalay Resort ($$$) – Andalay Resort has the most well equipped bungalows on the island with fridges, air conditioners, TVs, and comfortable king size beds. You’ll get beach front views from the rooms and swimming pool too. It comes with a bit of a price premium, but sometimes it’s worth splurging for a bit of luxury.
Le Dugong Beach Resort ($$) – Le Dugong Beach resort if another basic accommodation offering both air conditioned and fan rooms along with nice beachfront views. Right next door to Libong Beach Roesrt, there is plenty of chill space right on the long secluded beach to relax on.
Eating and Drinking on Koh Libong
Assuming you’re staying at Haad Lang Khao beach on the south of the island, where most of the resort are, then food options are a bit limited. The main village, Ban Ba Tu Pu Te, is about 3.5 kilometeres away which is doable by motorbike, but there is good food closer.
Libong Beach Resort – the most popular restaurant on the south end of the island, and open to serve whether you are a resort guest or not. Their seafood selection is amazing and very fresh. Try the Steamed Crab and Whole Fried Fish.
Fisherman’s Kitchen – a small family run side of the road eatery walking distance from Libong Beach Resort and Andalay Resort. It is cheaper than Libong Beach Resort and offers typical Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Pad Krapow. Try the Chicken Soup with Glass Noodles, they’re both amazing.
If you do venture the 3.5 kilometers to the village then you’ll find other small side of the road stalls offering great food also.
On the north end of the village past the school there is a great smokey Grilled Chicken (Kai Yang) vendor that does unique sticky rice flavored with pandan leaf.
Nearby the Dugongs viewing tower there is a small almost dodgy looking fruit shop. Try the fermented sour mango with spicy dipping sauce. It’s like nothing you’ve had before.
Other Important Info
Are there mosquitoes on Koh Libong? Yes, lots. Large parts of the island remain dense jungle which is the perfect breeding ground. It is best to pack mosquito spray and mosquito coils.
Is there an ATM on Koh Libong? Nope. Bring as much cash as you think you’ll need for your stay, then add 50 per cent. Koh Libong is cheaper than nearby islands like Koh Kradan and Koh Lipe but remember and you’ll still need to pay for your boat to and from the island.
