Koh Hin Ngam — the name means “island of beautiful stones” — is a small island near Koh Rawi whose beach is covered not with sand but with smooth, dark pebbles and cobbles. Wet by the waves, they gleam black, grey and silver, some banded with pale stripes; the sea has polished them over thousands of years.
Visitors have made a tradition of building stone cairns along the beach. The island also has a legend: the stones belong to its guardian spirit, and anyone who takes one away will suffer bad luck until they return it. Myth aside, removing the stones is prohibited in the national park.
Top things to do at Koh Hin Ngam
Walk the stone beach
The stones clack and roll underfoot; the sound as waves pull back through them is unusual and memorable. Wear sandals — they get hot in the sun.
Snorkel just offshore
The reef next to the island is a regular snorkel stop on the 5- and 7-island trips.
How to get to Koh Hin Ngam
- From Koh Lipe: around 30 minutes by longtail, almost always as one stop on an island-hopping tour.
Insider tips
- Leave every stone where it is — it is against park rules to take them, and rangers do check.
- Stops here are usually short (15–30 minutes); have your camera ready.
Best tours & tickets for Koh Hin Ngam
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Koh Hin Ngam from Koh Lipe:
Snorkelling trip from €22 Koh Lipe: 5 Island Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat w/ Lunch
A mid-length, good-value island hop from the same operator as the 7-island trip: a little shorter, a little cheaper, and still with lunch on a beach.
- Five islands in the Adang–Rawi group
- Coral reefs and a beach stop
- Lunch and gear included
Full-day trip from €26 Koh Lipe: 7 Island Snorkeling Trip by Longtail Boat w/ Lunch
The long version of the classic trip: more islands, more reef and a picnic lunch on the sand. It typically takes in Koh Rawi, the stone beach of Koh Hin Ngam and the reefs around Adang — a full day in the heart of the marine park.
- Seven islands and reef stops in one day
- Lunch on a beach inside the national park
- Hidden coves and a viewpoint hike on the full route
Full-day trip from €27 Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Points Snorkeling Experience with Lunch
A solidly reviewed full-day alternative from a different operator, with the emphasis on time in the water rather than beach stops. Good if the most popular trips are full on your dates.
- Seven snorkel points in one day
- Look for clownfish, giant clams and soft corals
- Lunch included
