Perfect for a daytrip from either Phuket and Krabi, Koh Roi is a picturesque, tiny island, fringed with mangroves and a sandy beach with space for three or four yachts in about 10m of water.

At the northern end of the beach there is a cave providing access to a beautiful hong, which can be entered by foot during low tide. High up in the caves and on the cliffs is a colony of giant fruit bats who, at sundown, often fly in droves to the mainland to forage.

One and a half miles to the east is Koh Kudu Yai, a rarely visited island that has an attractive small circular bay on its southeast coast with two large rock pillars at its entrance.

Highlights

Koh Roi’s main highlight is its pretty hong located on the northwest of the main beach. It is advised to arrive early before the throng of tourist boats in the afternoon, which can slightly dampen the overall atmosphere. As well as the large colony of bats, twitchers can also look out for great hornbills in the island’s jungle interior.

Common Sandpiper

Giant Fruit Bat

Giant Hornbill

Pygmy Frog

Sailing Tips

• Please be aware that the concealed rock just off Koh Roi’s most southern point is a danger to deep draft vessels.
• Do not attempt to pass between Koh Roi and the northwest rock stack.
• Be aware of the shallow reef across Koh Roi’s entire east coast.
• The island marks the limit of VHF radio communication with Phuket before nearby Koh Yao Noi masks it.