Koh Mook: More than an Emerald Cave

The “Pearl Island” of Trang province is a top-notch base for island hopping, with plenty of beaches and jungle trails for on-island amusement.

At Tham Morakot, or “Emerald Cave,” a gap in the base of a limestone cliff leads to a dark sea passage. After a few hundred feet, swimmers and kayakers emerge at an extraordinary beach encircled by vertical limestone — so steep that only monkeys descend it.

Hit the cave on a boat tour that might also include the snorkeling hubs of Koh Kradan, Koh Ngai and Koh Rok.

Afterward, settle into Mong Bar at sunset followed by Ting Tong Bar after dark for stories of cobras and wild-eyed Swedes.

Getting there: Local boats depart from Kuan Thung Khu pier near Trang town, and regional island-hopping ferries stop at Mook in high season.