Efforts doubled to preserve Koh Kradan, the Best Beach of Earth 2023

Koh Kradan took centre stage last week after being voted the “best beach” on earth. Now, Hat Chao Mai National Park made public it is doubling its effort to ensure it stays at the top of the list by preserving the beach and the surrounding area’s ecosystem.

Hat Chao Mai National Park chief Prit Narasrit Koh Kradan revealed the marine park’s intention to safeguard the delicate ecosystem of the beach after it was ranked No.1 on World Beach Guide’s “Top 100 beaches on Earth 2023,” by the UK website World Beach Guide.

Prit announced that Koh Kradan will remain closed to tourists four months a year, from June 1 to September 30, to ensure the beach does not suffer the same fate as the Phi Phi Islands.

Phi Phi was damaged after the movie The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, was released in 2000. The movie caused a surge in tourism to the area, which was not prepared for the influx of visitors. This led to overcrowding and environmental damage, and many of the beaches were destroyed. The Thai government has since implemented regulations to protect the island from further damage.

Prit said…

“Residents, business owners and park officials will continue to make preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem, including its coral reefs and marine life, their top priority.”

Koh Kradan is a 2.5 square kilometre island in Trang, located 10 kilometres from the southern province’s coastline in the Andaman Sea. The island is famous for its palm-fringed white-sand beaches and shallow, translucent waters, which invite easy excursions into radiant coral reefs teeming with marine life. One side of the island is renowned for its spectacular sunrises, while the other is famous for its contemplative sunsets.

Prit stated that visitors to Koh Kradan are welcome, but they should take care to not litter or harm the marine life, and do their part to preserve the island‘s beauty and its environment, reported The Straits Times.

“Regardless of the awards given, everyone is doing his best to protect the island. Hat Chao Mai National Park will now focus more on regulations to maintain the beauty of our environment.

“Visitors are assured of safety. This includes safe transport to the island as well as security while on it. Park officials take visitor safety as seriously as environmental protection.”

Prit recognized that, due to its beaches becoming renowned around the world, an influx of tourists is unavoidable. To accommodate them and safeguard the island, the marine park will be expanding the existing infrastructure, such as water and electricity, while also enforcing and implementing regulations.

With just over six weeks left before Koh Kradan closes for a well-deserved break, beach lovers need to move fast to enjoy the island’s beauty and vibes.