Koh Jum (Ko Pu) Island: A Hidden Gem in Thailand

Koh Jum is a Thai island in the Andaman Sea near Krabi. It actually goes by two names, Koh Jum and Ko Pu. The island is the perfect getaway for intrepid travelers looking for calm and peace in the touristy south of Thailand. While only a short boat ride away from busy Krabi and nearby Koh Lanta, this island maintains a local charm and authentic flair. Read on to discover everything there is to do on Koh Jum, how to get there and the best places to stay!

Koh Jum (Ko Pu)

Andaman Beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Beach time at Koh Jum Thailand

Koh Jum Island is a hidden gem nestled in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Thailand. This serene and relatively untouched island is divided into two parts, with the northern part of the island referred to as Ko Pu and the southern part known as Koh Jum.

Koh Jum is a tropical paradise blessed with stunning natural beauty. Its beautiful beaches, fringed with palm trees, offer a picture-perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

The island’s charm lies in its peaceful ambiance and the absence of crowds, making it the perfect destination if you are looking for a tranquil getaway.

Local fisherman on Koh Jum island, Thailand
Ao Si beach accommodation, Koh Jum, Thailand

Koh Jum Beaches

The local community on Koh Jum offers a warm and welcoming vibe. There are only three traditional villages on the island. As a conscious traveler, be sure to visit these villages, where you can still experience the authentic Thai way of life and interact with friendly locals.

A local told me there hasn’t been any case of violence on the island in the past 200 years. this illustrates the haven of peace that Koh Jum is, which is rare in the south of Thailand. The island’s laid-back atmosphere is the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of island living.

For those seeking adventure, Koh Jum offers an array of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. The breathtaking sunsets over the Andaman Sea are not to be missed, casting a mesmerizing golden glow over the island’s tranquil shores.

Should I stay on Koh Jum or Ko Pu?

Ao si beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Ao si beach, Ko Jum

When deciding whether to stay on Koh Jum or Ko Pu, it’s essential to consider the amenities available on each part of the island.

Ko Pu is more secluded and isolated, making it ideal for those seeking a tranquil retreat. However, it’s important to note that Ko Pu has limited infrastructure and fewer amenities compared to Koh Jum. This part of the island is less developed, and there aren’t any supermarkets nearby. The only restaurants you’ll find here are those from the guesthouses and resorts.

On the other hand, Koh Jum is relatively more developed and offers a wider range of facilities for tourists. There are a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and small supermarkets, making it more suitable for those who prefer to have amenities nearby.

If you stay in Ko Pu, you will definitely need a bicycle or a scooter if you like to try different restaurants and be able to buy fresh fruits and snacks. It is possible to walk from Ko Pu to Koh Jum, but the walk takes a long time and is pretty strenuous in the heat.

I love to stay in more remote places but, having stayed in Ko Pu, next time, I would opt to stay in Koh Jum. I don’t like to rent a scooter and found Ko Pu a bit too isolated. The prices for food at the resort I was staying at were also pretty inflated and I longed for a local restaurant with a 50 Baht Pad Thai.

However, both parts of the island offer stunning natural beauty and a serene atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the Andaman Sea.

→ PRO TIP: Traveling soon? check out my ultimate packing list for Thailand!

Beaches on Koh Jum and Ko Pu

There are many beaches on Koh Jum and Ko Pu, one being more isolated than the other; I’ll give an overview below of the various beaches, what you can expect at each beach, and if it’s a good place to stay. 

Coconut Beach (Ko PU)

Coconut beach, Koh Jum (ko pu), Thailand

Coconut beach, Ko Pu Thailand

Coconut Beach is located on Ko Pu and is by far the most beautiful beach on the whole island. It is a beautiful small bay fringed by large swaying palm trees and surrounded by lush greenery.

Coconut Beach, Ko Pu, Thailand

Coconut Beach, Koh Pu Thailand

There are no amenities on Coconut Beach and you’ll need to walk down a gravel road leading to Mupa Resort from the main road on Ko Pu. 

The only place to stay at Coconut Beach is the Mupa Resort. Coconut Beach is a great beach to spend a few hours if you’re after solitude and relaxation. 

Kuboa beach (Ko Pu)

Kuboa beach (sunset beach), Ko Pu, Thailand

Kuboa beach (sunset beach), Koh Pu island

Kuboa Beach, also called “Sunset Beach” is the main beach on Ko Pu. It is a sandy beach with a lot of rocks in the water making it suitable for snorkeling.

Most of the accommodation on Ko Pu is located here and there are a few nice guesthouses to stay here, like Bonhomie Cottages and Coral Bay Resort

The restaurant of Bonhomie Guesthouse offers tasty food at decent prices. At the other guesthouses and resorts, the prices were inflated compared to the average prices in Thailand. 

Secret beach (Ko Pu)

Secret Beach

Secret Beach is not an actual beach but rather a rocky inlet that you can reach by foot at low tide. There is a stairs leading to an abandoned house and there used to be a pathway to one of the main walking trails on Ko Pu but it was overgrown. 

Ting Rai Beach

Ting Rai bay, Ko Pu, Koh Jum, Thailand

Ting Rai Bay

Ting Rai Beach is a beach located at the spot where Ko Pu ends and Koh Jum starts. It is an isolated beach with three beautiful resorts, On Lee Bungalows, Koh Jum Resort, and Koh Jum Relax Beach.

Ting Rai is a good beach if you’re after a quiet escape but in relatively close proximity to a shop or restaurant. The village of Ting Rai is only two kilometers away and can easily be reached on foot via a dirt track.

Magic beach

Magic Beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Magic Beach

This idyllic stretch of sand lives up to its name, offering a magical setting that captivates you for sure. The beach boasts powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, inviting you to relax and unwind in a picture-perfect environment. 

Bar at Magic Beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Bar at Magic Beach

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, Magic Beach provides a serene and secluded atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. After that, you can enjoy a drink at Lacky Magic Beach Cafe. 

Ao Si Beach (Koh Jum)

Ao Si Beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Ao Si Beach

Ao Si Beach is an idyllic beach in Koh Jum and would be my preferred beach to stay at the next time I visit Koh Jum. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and towering palm trees, which provide plenty of shade for those who want to relax and unwind.

It is an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling yet it’s close to one of the villages where you can find great local restaurants and a few shops. 

The simple bungalows of Jungle Hill and Sun Smile Beach looked like great places to stay. 

Golden Pearl Beach

golden pearl beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Golden pearl beach

If your looking for a true resort experience then Golden Pearl Beach is one of the best beaches to stay at in Koh Jum. It offers a long stretch of powder-white sand and a great view of Ko Pu Mountain.

It’s a beach that is frequented by families with children and travelers who are looking for comfort and a tad of luxury. The Wynn and Koh Jum Beach Villas are the main resorts. 

Andaman Beach (Koh Jum)

Andaman beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Andaman beach

Andaman Beach is a little furth south of Golden Pearl Beach and caters to the same type of travelers. It’s another beautiful sandy beach that also offers a stunning view of Ko Pu Mountain on one side and the small island of Koh Pe Lat on the other side.

Andaman beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Andaman beach

Andaman Beach Resort is the main resort on this stretch of beach. It seems like there used to be more accommodation options here but they didn’t all open up again after Covid. There were also stretches of beach in between resorts that weren’t cleaned and were pretty dirty. 

Long Beach

Long beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Long beach

Long Beach is a long stretch of white-sand beach that runs all the way to the southern tip of the island. It offers both a mix of budget bungalows and more upscale accommodations. 

Long beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Long beach

If you”re looking for a simple bungalow then Joy Bungalows might be a good choice and for more luxury, you can try Koh Jum Delight Beach

From Long Beach, you have easy access to Koh Jum Village which is a lovely 20-minute stroll through lovely terrain with palm trees. 

Freedom Beach (Koh Jum)

Freedom Beach is an isolated beach at the southernmost tip of the island. There used to be a resort there but at the time of my visit, it was in ruins.

The beach is a great place though if you’re looking for seclusion, yet it’s near Koh Jum village where you can find restaurants and shops. 

Banyan Bay (Ko Pu)

I haven’t visited Banyan Bay during the daytime, only by night so I can’t really say how it looks. It’s a small bay on the upper northern part of the island in Ko Pu. There’s a large resort near the bay, Banyan Bay Villas, but I would not advise you to stay there.

Instead, check out the lovely bungalows of Rock View Terrace. The bungalows are located in a lush tropical garden, cats are going leisurely about their day and the white terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea is incredibly peaceful.

The cooking skills of the family are also excellent. Try the veggie Tom Yum! 

Things to do on Koh Jum and Ko Pu

Boats at Ao Si beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Boats at Ao Si beach

Travelers who visit Koh Jum and Ko Pu are mainly here for one thing: to relax. There are however plenty of things to do on Koh Jum, mainly attractions of the natural kind. Here are the best things to do on Koh Jum and Ko Pu!

Kayaking

Kayaking at Ko Pu, Thailand

Kayaking at Ko Pu

Embark on a kayak adventure and explore the island’s pristine coastline, hidden coves, and secluded beaches. Kayaks can be rented at various accommodation options both in Koh Jum and Ko Pu. Due to the many rocks is kayaking best done at high tide.

Snorkeling

The rocky coastline of Koh Jum and Ko Pu makes it a perfect spot for snorkeling. At low tide, you can see a variety of corals, big schools of tiny fish, and popular tropical fish like the Sergeant Major with its distinct white, black, and yellow stripes. 

Hiking

Hiking at Ting Rai Beach, Ko Pu, Thailand

Hiking at Ting Rai Beach, Ko Pu, Thailand

Hiking is one of the best things to do on Koh Jum and, while the island isn’t that big, it’s impossible to explore everything on foot in just one day. The best way to discover all the beaches is to hike from Kuboa Beach to Freedom Beach via the shoreline when the tide is low and return afterward via the main road. 

The best app to check out the roads, hiking trails, and pathways on Koh Jum is Maps.me. It is also possible to book an organized hike through the jungle to the top of Mount Pu. Ask your accommodation to make arrangements. 

Cycling

Koh Jum is not that large and, while hiring a motorbike might seem tempting, it’s much more eco-friendly to rent a bicycle.

Bicycles can be rented at various accommodations on Koh Jum for 100 BHT/day. Do note that there are no bicycles for rent on Koh Pu at Kuboa Beach. 

Relaxing

Sunset Beach (Luboa beach), Ko Pu, Thailand

Taking a rest at Luboa Beach

Your ultimate goal for coming to Koh Jum is probably relaxing and that is exactly what this island is for. Most of the accommodations are located by the beach and provide chairs and hammocks overlooking the sea. 

Grab a good book, rub some sunscreen, and get ready to laze your day away at the beach!

Swimming

With the Andaman Sea at your doorstep when you wake up there’s nothing better than to put on your bikini in the morning and go for an early morning dip.

High tide is the best time for swimming. It is possible that you will see some jellyfish but they are harmless. 

Explore the local villages

Streets of Koh Jum, Thailand

Streets of Koh Jum, Thailand

There are only three small villages in Koh Jum, Ban Ting Rai, Ban Koh Jum, and Ban Koh Pu.

Ban Ting Rai is by far the prettiest village. The side streets away from the main road harbor cute local neighborhoods and the best restaurants on the island are also located in Ting Rai Village. 

How to get to Koh Jum and Ko Pu

To get to Koh Jum and Ko Pu you will first have to make your way to Krabi. There are two ways to get to Koh Jum. By longtail boat from the Leam Kruat Pier in Khlong Khanan or by ferry from various locations around Krabi.

Taking the longtail boat is the local way of traveling. To reach Koh Jum, you will have to take a blue songthaew first from Krabi town to Leam Kruat Pier and from there board a local longtail boat to Koh Jum. 

Laem kruat pier in Krabi for the longtail boat to Koh Jum

Laem kruat pier in Krabi where you take the longtail boat

 If you’re arriving in Krabi by bus, the best place to catch one of the blue songthaews is this location on the main road. Songthaews coming from the center of Krabi will pass by here and pick you up. You may have to transfer Songthaews in the village of Nuea Khlong but you will never have to wait long here. A Songthaew ride to the pier costs 140 BHT.

Once in Khlong Khanan, you can board a local longtail boat, which costs 140 THB (Nov 2024) per person. They leave approximately every hour and take 45 minutes to reach Mutu Pier in Koh Jum.

Alternatively, you can also take a ferry from various locations in Krabi. Check out 12GoAsia for prices, schedules, and departure points. These ferries run to other islands like Koh Phi Phi but can drop you off on Koh Jum.

Arriving in Koh Jum

In Koh Jum, the longtail boat will arrive at Mutu Pier. From there, there’s basically one option to get to your accommodation and that is by private or shared taxi. 

How much this costs highly depends on where you are staying on the island. Nearby accommodation on Ao Si only requires you to pay 50 THB per person for the ride while guesthouses and resorts on Ko Pu cost 250 THB per person to reach.

These prices for a shared taxi are pretty high according to Thai Standards. My advice is to base yourself at Ao Si Beach and explore the island further from there by bicycle. it’s more convenient anyway to stay there since it’s close to shops and restaurants. 

The ferries arrive at Koh Jum pier and I assume taxi prices won’t differ much there.

How to get around Koh Jum and Ko Pu

Streets of Koh Jum, Thailand

Streets of Koh Jum, Thailand

There are four ways to get around Koh Jum and that is by taxi, motorbike, bicycle, and on foot. 

A taxi ride from the southern part of the island to Ko Pu will cost around 250-300 THB per person one way. A motorbike costs around 250 THB per day + gas. A bicycle can be rented for 100 THB/a day. 

 

THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR THailand

Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Thailand:

ACCOMMODATION

Booking.com: For the best guesthouses, homestays, or small hotels

Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities

Homestay: For a unique immersive homestay experience in the big cities or the countryside

TRANSPORT

12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Thailand

Thai Railway: To check timetables and connections for trains

Grab: The Uber of Southeast Asia is a convenient and cheap ride-hailing app 

Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Bangkok or Phuket

ACTIVITIES

Viator and Get Your Guide: book all kinds of activities from a vegan cooking class in Bangkok to a half-day meditation retreat at a waterfall temple with a monk

VISA

Thailand is very easy to enter because you can stay in the country for up to 45 days with a tourist visa on arrival. If you want to spend more time in Thailand, check out the official Thai e-Visa website. 

INSURANCE

If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!

SIM-card

Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Thai E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries. If you are already in Thailand, the best local prepaid sim card is AIS.

Where to stay

Coral Bay Resort, Ko Pu, Thailand

Coral Bay Resort, Ko Pu, Thailand

Where you stay on Koh Jum or Ko Pu highly depends on your own wishes. I personally found Ko Pu too isolated and wished I had in been in closer proximity to shops and restaurants.

But maybe isolation is exactly what you’re after and in that case, Ko Pu is the best choice you can make!

Where to stay on Koh Jum

ao si beach jungle hill beach bungalows, Koh Jum

Jungle Hill Beach Bungalows, Ao Si Beach

Here are some great accommodation options on Koh Jum. I found Ting Rai Beach and Ao Si Beach the most appealing for conscious and slow travelers like myself while Golden Pearl Beach and Andaman Beach cater mostly to travelers who like a bit of luxury. 

  • Jungle Hill Beach Bungalows: Jungle Hill is a great budget option right on Ao Si Beach near Ting Rang Village. Jungle Hill offers wooden bungalows in lush greenery right by the beach. 
  • Koh Jum Seafron Resort: This lovely resort is run by a kind Thai family. They offer beautiful wooden bungalows on Ao Si Beach and they cater to vegans!
  • Sun Smile Beach Resort: As you enter Ao Si Beach, these bright blue beach huts in a beautifully curated garden with swaying palm trees will surely attract your attention. It’s one of the most scenic places to stay in Koh Jum!

Where to stay on Koh Pu

Bonhomie cottages, Ko Pu, Thailand

Bonhomie cottages, Ko Pu, Thailand

There isn’t that much accommodation on Ko Pu. Most of the options are located on Kuboa Beach. The accommodations are mainly simply bungalows, aside from Piman Resort and the Banyan Villas

  • Oonlee Bungalows: Onlee Bungalows offers beautiful accommodation on Ting Rai Beach, located between Ko Pu and Koh Jum. The rooms are absolutely gorgeous and are one of the best options on the island regarding price and quality. 
  • Bonhomie Cottages: If you’re looking for the best restaurant on Kuboa Beach, then look no further than Bonhomie restaurant. Furthermore, the cottages are set on the hill leading to the beach. They are a bit rustic but the lovely ambiance at this place makes up for it. 
  • Rock View Terrace: For ultimate solitude, pick this accommodation located in the northernmost part of the island near Banyan Bay. Perfect if you like cats, serenity, and mouthwatering Thai food.

Where to eat

Restaurant Halal food, Koh Jum

Halal food restaurant

At Koh Pu and Koh Jum, you can still enjoy an authentic local Thai vibe. This also means that there are no pizzerias, Mexican food, or Indian restaurants on the island as you can find at more touristy places in Thailand. 

The restaurants on Koh Jum are mostly small Thai eateries. At the resorts, however, you can find Western food like burgers, fries, and pasta. 

Where to eat on Koh Jum

  • Halal Restaurant: This is the best restaurant on Koh Jum regarding price and quality. It offers fried rice, noodles, and curries and is also the best choice on Koh Jum for vegans in Thailand.  Portions are small but cheap and the cheery owner is like watching a feelgood movie. 
  • Ban Ban restaurant: Ban Ban restaurant is a restaurant in Ting Rai village offering tasty Thai food in a cozy setting. For non-vegans: they also sell homemade cookies and cinnamon rolls. 
  • Mama Halal: this tiny little restaurant serves soup and noodles and delicious fried spring rolls. Note that there is no toilet here, but the owner will take you to the one in his private home at the back of the restaurant if you really need to go!

Where to eat on Ko Pu

  • Bonhomie restaurant: This restaurant belongs to Bonhomie Cottages and serves the best vegan Massaman curry in Thailand. 
  • Rock View Terrace: The restaurant of this accommodation serves delicious vegan Tom Yum soup and has many other vegan alternatives on offer on its menu. 

Best time to visit

golden pearl beach, Koh Jum, Thailand

Golden pearl beach

The best time to visit Koh Jum is during the dry season between November and April. Rain is almost non-existent during these months and days will generally be sunny and warm.

For the other half of the year, it’s monsoon season. I wouldn’t advise visiting between May and October as rainfall will be plenty and many businesses close down.

Useful tips and info

Here are some useful things to know before your visit:

  • There is no ATM on Koh Jum and Ko Pu. Don’t forget to stock up on cash in Krabi before taking a boat to the island. Some larger resorts however will accept credit cards. 
  • There are monkeys on Koh Jum and they still live on the island like they always have, foraging for food and leaving tourists alone. Don’t disturb their natural ways by feeding them. 
  • Swimming is best done at high tide while snorkeling is ideal at low tide. Check out the tidal times before planning your day. 
  • Aside from fruit, vegans might find it hard to find decent breakfast options. We found muesli at one of the little supermarkets but it was very expensive. It’s a good idea to stock up on things like that if you are planning to stay on Koh Jum for a longer period of time. 

Koh Jum and Ko Pu: final thoughts

Is Koh Jum worth visiting? And Ko Pu? I can wholeheartedly say: Yes! In a world full of bustling tourist attractions and overcrowded destinations, Koh Jum and Ko Pu remain a serene, untouched paradise in Thailand waiting to be explored by those longing for a peaceful, relaxing getaway.
 
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Koh Jum and Ko Pu Island. If you have any questions, drop them below or leave me a message through my contact page.
 
Also, check out my favorite travel resources and conscious travel gear to help you plan your next trip!

ENJOY!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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A complete travel guide to Koh Jum and Ko Pu Island, Thailand
A complete travel guide to Koh Jum and Ko Pu Island, Thailand

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travelers and dreamers

Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!

On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!

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