Koh Ngai (sometimes called Koh Hai) is another of Thailand's special islands well out in the deep of the Andaman Sea, guaranteeing it crystal clear water with virtually every incoming tide. But here another major advantage of geography is working in its favour; a mountain forms a long, thin spine down the island, with slopes so steep they can't be farmed. All islands off this Andaman coast with flat land or undulating hills have been stripped of their natural forest and converted to rubber and oil palm plantations. Koh Ngai's heavily forested mountain backdrop thus gives the island an additional touch of rare beauty.
The single, two-kilometre beach is a thin strip of sand facing east, with swaying coconut palms giving it the tropical paradise touch. A strip of flat land is sandwiched between the beach and mountain, providing near-perfect locations for beachfront bungalows and resorts.
Offshore, a fringing reef runs parallel to the beach, some 120 metres out. The sandy area thus enclosed is relatively shallow, but also nice for swimming. Yet here it is relatively easy to walk or swim out over the sandy bottom to the edge of the reef and snorkel along the outer edge. This is as near to the perfect tropical island beach as one can hope for.
The beach has several backpacker-style bungalow establishments, plus a few comfortable, mid-range resorts. The most creative design is found in the interesting Mayalay Beach Resort , while modern comforts and one of the few swimming pools are found in Koh Ngai Thanya Resort . The only resort on the beach to claim 4-star status is the more luxurious Koh Hai Fantasy Resort .