Koh Jum: what to do & tips | Thailand Explorer

Why Koh Jum? A sleepy, car-light island between Krabi and Koh Lanta, with empty sunset beaches, wooden bungalows and genuine village life.

Koh Jum is the island people wish Koh Lanta still was: a quiet, green island between Krabi and Lanta, where the roads are narrow lanes, the beaches are almost empty and most accommodation is a wooden bungalow under the palms. Its northern half is dominated by the jungle-covered mountain of Koh Pu, and its small villages are home to Muslim fishing families and Chao Le sea-gypsy communities.

Two or three nights is ideal for couples and slow travellers who want to read, swim and watch the sunset without distractions - there is no big resort scene, no nightlife to speak of and very little to do, which is exactly the point.

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What to do in Koh Jum?

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BeachAndaman BeachLong, quiet west-coast sand with rustic bungalows and fine sunsets.
BeachLuboa BeachGently curving beach with casuarina shade, beach bars and calm swimming.
QuietGolden Pearl BeachSouthern beach close to the main village, great for a sunset stroll.
QuietTing Rai BaySecluded northern cove backed by jungle, with only a few places to stay.
AdventureHike Koh Pu peakSteep jungle climb up the island's mountain for views over the Andaman.
AuthenticBan Koh Jum villageMain fishing village with a small market, roti stalls and wooden houses.
AuthenticBan Koh PuQuiet northern village where daily life still follows the fishing boats.
AdventureScooter loop of the islandRide narrow concrete lanes through rubber plantations between the villages.
NatureEast-coast mangrovesKayak or longtail through mangrove channels and mudflats rich in birdlife.
SnorkelingKoh Phi Phi day tripLongtail or speedboat trip to Phi Phi's bays and snorkelling spots.
SnorkelingKoh Dam & Hong IslandsIsland-hopping to nearby sandbars, lagoons and clear-water reefs.
FoodSeafood in the villageSimple family restaurants serving the day's catch, curries and fresh roti.
WellnessBeach massageThai massage in open-air salas with a sea breeze and no hurry.
NightlifeSunset beach barsDriftwood bars with hammocks, cold drinks and the occasional bonfire.

Getting there & around

Fly from Bangkok to Krabi International Airport in about 1.5 hours. In high season, roughly November to April, the Krabi to Koh Lanta ferry stops off Koh Jum, where longtail boats ferry you to the beach. Year-round, the easiest route is by road to Laem Kruat Pier, about an hour from Krabi, then a short boat crossing to the island's east coast. Many resorts arrange pick-ups. On the island, there are no taxis to speak of: rent a scooter, borrow a bicycle or ask your bungalow for a motorbike-sidecar ride.

Beaches & where to stay

The best beaches face west towards Phi Phi. Andaman Beach and Luboa Beach are the heart of the island, with the widest choice of bungalows and a few relaxed restaurants and bars. Golden Pearl Beach in the south is closest to the main village, while Ting Rai Bay in the north feels even more remote. Accommodation ranges from simple fan huts to a handful of stylish boutique resorts, but there are no large chain hotels. Book ahead in peak season, as the island has only a limited number of rooms.

Villages, jungle & day trips

The island's life centres on Ban Koh Jum, the main village in the southeast, with a small market, mosque, roti stalls and fishing boats, while Ban Koh Pu in the north is quieter still. Energetic visitors can hike to the top of Koh Pu, a steep jungle climb best done early with a local guide. Longtail trips run to the mangroves on the east coast, and snorkelling excursions head out to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Dam and the Hong Islands, all within easy boat range.

Food & the evening

Eating on Koh Jum means family-run kitchens, fresh seafood and southern Thai curries, with breakfast roti and strong coffee in Ban Koh Jum. Most bungalow resorts have their own simple restaurants, and a few driftwood bars on Andaman Beach and Luboa Beach serve cold drinks at sunset. After dark it is quiet and very starry. As most islanders are Muslim, dress modestly in the villages and be discreet with alcohol away from the beaches. Bring enough cash, as card payments and ATMs are limited.

When to go

The best time to visit is November to April, when the sea is calm, the Lanta ferry stops at the island and all resorts are open. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings rain and rougher seas on the west coast; the ferry stops calling, several bungalow operations close for the season, and access is only via Laem Kruat. If you do visit in the green season, you may have entire beaches to yourself, but check that your accommodation is open before travelling.