Koh Libong (Baan Maprao Pier) Ferries

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The journey to Koh Libong typically begins at Hat Yao Pier on the Trang mainland, where regular ferry services operate to Baan Maprao Pier. Travelers can reach Trang by train from Bangkok (approximately 12 hours) or by bus from major southern cities like Hat Yai (2 hours) or Krabi (3 hours). If flying, Trang Airport receives domestic flights, with songthaews and taxis available for the 30-minute drive to Hat Yao Pier. For those arriving by car, secure parking is available near the mainland pier, though space can be limited during peak season.

Nestled in the Andaman Sea off Thailand's southwestern coast, Koh Libong stands as the largest island in Trang Province yet remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism. This tranquil island combines pristine beaches with lush mangrove forests and traditional fishing villages, offering a glimpse into authentic Thai island life. As a ferry destination, Koh Libong provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and local culture without the crowds found on more popular Thai islands.

Koh Libong enjoys a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons, making timing essential for an ideal visit. November through April offers the most reliable weather, with sunny days, calm seas, and minimal rainfall, perfect conditions for ferry crossings and beach activities. December to February brings slightly cooler temperatures and the best visibility for spotting the island's famous dugongs. The monsoon season (May to October) brings intermittent rain and rougher seas, with some ferry services operating on reduced schedules. October and November represent excellent shoulder months with fewer visitors and increasingly favorable weather.

Koh Libong serves as an excellent base for exploring Trang's stunning archipelago. From Baan Maprao Pier, ferries connect to Koh Mook (30 minutes), home to the enchanting Emerald Cave that reveals a hidden beach accessible only through a sea tunnel. Koh Kradan (45 minutes) boasts some of Thailand's most pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling opportunities just offshore. The more remote Koh Ngai (60 minutes) offers a true escape with its powdery white beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. The ferry network also makes island-hopping adventures particularly convenient, with many boats offering scenic routes through the limestone karsts that dot the Andaman Sea.

Koh Libong's main draw is its status as one of the last habitats for the endangered dugong, with boat tours offering the chance to spot these gentle marine mammals grazing in the seagrass beds. The island's western beaches provide excellent sunset viewing, while the eastern mangroves can be explored by kayak through serene water channels. Seafood enthusiasts shouldn't miss the fresh catches prepared at local restaurants in Baan Batupute village, where the chili crab and grilled fish are standouts. For cultural immersion, the Muslim fishing communities welcome respectful visitors, offering insight into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for generations.

Koh Libong hosts one of the last remaining populations of dugongs in Thailand, with local conservation efforts helping to protect these vulnerable sea mammals known locally as 'mermaid cows.' Unlike many Thai islands, Koh Libong has maintained its primarily Muslim culture, influencing everything from local cuisine to daily life rhythms that follow traditional practices. The island was once a significant stopover point for Chinese trading ships, with remnants of this heritage visible in some older buildings near the main village. Remarkably, Koh Libong remains one of the few Thai Andaman islands that survived the 2004 tsunami with minimal damage due to its protective geographical features.