Hiking in Koh Adang – Chado Cliff (Easy Out & Back Trail)
Wondering where you can go for a hike while you’re in Koh Lipe? Well, look no further – hiking in Koh Adang is the right way up the cliff hill.
If you’re new to this space, I am a sucker for Koh Lipe. It’s my favorite island for three things – massage, coconut, and book.
Koh Adang is one of the islands of the big Tarutao National Park. Located right across the island of Koh Lipe, it’s easily accessible by a taxi longtail boat.
I’ve always wanted to hike up Chado Cliff, locally known as Pha Chado, but I always forgot to bring my hiking shoes!
So, this time around, I made sure I had the right attire for the small hike.
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How to Get to Koh Adang
Before you leave your room, make sure to bring along your National Park tickets with you.
Head over to the beach and find a longtail taxi boat from Koh Lipe to Koh Adang.
If you’re planning a day trip, you can ask your boatman to pick you up at an agreed-upon time.
Otherwise, you can also take his number and call him once you’re done with the island and ready to return.
I stayed at Sunrise Beach, and the taxi boats are right in front of the Ban Ko Adang School (Location).
You’ll see a small hut with a lot of long tail boats parked right in front of it. Hire a taxi, and you’re ready to go. As simple as that.
Here are the prices for a taxi boat to Koh Adang:
- Sunrise or Sunset beach for 100 THB (USD 3) per person (one way)
- Pattaya beach for 200 THB (USD 8) per person (one way)
Trail to Chado Cliff
Once arrived at Koh Adang, head down to the trailhead situated on the right side of the island. Follow the Chado Cliff signages, and you’ll be at the start of the trail in no time.
When I arrived at the island around 10 a.m., it was starting to get a little sunny and hot.
I headed over to the visitor center to see if they needed the National Park tickets, but eventually, they didn’t ask for them and led me in the right direction.
It is rather quiet on Koh Adang.
There is only one private, secluded resort, a few basic bungalows under the care of the National Park, and one small cafeteria that serves a limited number of meals and snacks.
I passed by a camping ground. Almost everyone was enjoying a quiet time, lying down on the mat, taking in the vitamin D.
Some were flipping through some books, swaying away in the story.
The trail started off okay, with a slight incline. The paths were clearly marked and easy to follow.
I thought I had the strength to hike, but I realized that I was probably not as fit as I used to be.
I could feel my heart thumping against my chest so hard it could break a hole and fall out. (Well, I am exaggerating!)
It was a nice terrain to hike, dry, sandy, rocky with roots intertwining, finding ways to water and sunlight.
I looked up and saw that the path was getting steep. Sweat was rolling down my forehead. My husband laughed at me.
“We’re not even at Viewpoint 1 yet,” he said.
As we moved up further, it was getting warmer. But we kept our pace slow and steady.
Every now and then, I would look back and check on him. We would try to see the surrounding view, hoping we could catch a glimpse of Koh Lipe Island.
Viewpoints of Chado Cliff
Eventually, the pathway brought us out towards the cliff and reached Viewpoint 2.
At that moment, we both looked at each other. We actually missed Viewpoint 1 while hiking up. Probably busy gasping for air and trying not to slip and fall on the way up!
We sat there for a bit and enjoyed the view—it was mesmerizing, as we could see the whole of Koh Lipe!
We then continued our hike up towards Viewpoint 3, which was the last point before we headed down.
On our way up, we encountered other travelers from around the world, some with hiking sticks, some with slippers and flip-flops, and some with chinos.
Various fashion scenes, indeed!
The path from Viewpoint 2 to Viewpoint 3 was all steep and short. Within 10 minutes, we arrived at the last viewpoint.
Viewpoint 3
Seeing Koh Lipe from above is different. It gives a new perspective on how the island is shaped and how small it is.
The island is surrounded by blue, turquoise water that shimmers in the sunlight. It’s really beautiful.
Back in the day, this viewpoint was used by pirates as an observatory to get an overview of all the passing commercial ships.
Took our time to settle down for a short break and rest, enjoying the scenery and the breeze. The scenery reminded me of my hike in Bohey Dulang Island, Sabah.
Other travelers came around and sat down for a bit. Had mini-conversations with everyone.
It’s fascinating to know that they’re in town for weeks and sometimes for months.
It made me wonder what they do for a living and how affordable it is for them to come to spend the holidays here.
Some without an itinerary, some with a fixed schedule and planning.
Retired, working, digital nomad, out of a job – these were the variety of people we met along the hike.
Most of them are dropping by Kuala Lumpur before heading back to wherever they come from. Had a good chat on what are the Malaysian things to see, do, and eat! 😛
The whole hike takes about one to two hours, depending on your pace. We spent a lot of time at the top, taking pictures, chit-chatting, and taking little breaks along the way.
When it was time to go back, it was the hardest for me. It was going down all the way, and I’m scared of heights!
Once we were in the cafeteria, we had a drink and called our boatman to come pick us up!
Read More: Fun Things to Do in Koh Lipe
Facilities and Services on Koh Adang
Koh Adang is a nice picture of how Koh Lipe used to be. Untouched, raw and unexplored.
The facilities and services here are limited and basic. There is just a toilet, a small cafeteria, and a few accommodations. Don’t expect much!
It’s important to note that there are no ATMs on the island, so it’s advisable to carry sufficient cash with you.
If you find yourself hungry after a hike, the cafeteria is there to serve you. You can order basic yet delicious Thai dishes for less than USD 10.
Drinks and beers are available to quench your thirst after the hike. Unfortunately, when I went there, they didn’t have coconut drinks.
Things to Do on Koh Adang
While you’re on the island, you can also consider other activities to make the most of your day.
It’s worth noting that this island is unspoiled. There are no roads, no hotels, nice white sandy beaches, and pine trees lined up one after another.
Perfect for a relaxing honeymoon, an escape into nature far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pro Tips: If you have knee problems or are not in good health, please refrain from going up. It may be a bit strenuous.
Here are the things you can do other than hiking in Koh Adang:
- Snorkel by the beach
- Hike to Pirate Waterfall (Namtok Chon Salat)
- Picnic by the beach
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset
- Camping in Koh Adang
- Kayaking to Koh Kla and Koh Usen (pretty mini islands!)
Time to Pack Up Your Sunglasses!
A hike up Chado Cliff may take you on a little sweaty ride, but it is worth it.
Even if you decide not to do the hike, you can still spend the day here at Koh Adang, surrounded by tranquility, relaxing and swimming peacefully.
If you’re feeling extra energetic, you can also consider the thrilling adventure of kayaking from Koh Lipe to Koh Adang.
Before you head out, Remember to pack your hiking essentials, such as sunglasses, sunblock, a lot of water, snacks—and the national park tickets, too!
Happy hiking!
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