Koh Bulone in Thailand: The Hidden Dream Island

My main destination on this trip was Koh Lipe, the famous little island often called the Maldives of Thailand for its beaches. Koh Lipe really is beautiful, but it has also become very crowded. I ended up on Koh Bulone more by chance – and what can I say? I found another island paradise in Thailand here.

Where is Koh Bulone?

Koh Bulone (also spelled Koh Bulon Lae or Koh Bulon Leh) is in Satun province, south of Trang, about 45 minutes by speedboat from Koh Lipe. However, only a few visitors stop here, which suited me perfectly. I definitely enjoyed spending a few peaceful days on this tranquil, dreamlike island.

The Fascination of Simplicity

A village, a lengthy sandy beach, a handful of simple resorts, and a few restaurants make up the entire island. There are no roads, only bumpy gravel paths. Nightlife? None at all. This straightforward lifestyle is part of Koh Bulone’s charm. Spending the day doing nothing, free of stress and the obligation to do anything, allows you to simply enjoy this beautiful paradise. It’s a wonderful wellness retreat, perfect for anyone looking to embrace a simpler, more mindful way of life.

The main beach stretches along almost the entire west side of the island. The light-colored sand is super fine and the water is crystal clear. If you stay at the Bulone Resort or the Pansand Resort*, you will have this view right outside your door every morning, and you should get up early here – the sunrises are simply magical.

Where to Stay on Koh Bulone

I was super happy with the Bulone Resort, the lagę is the best on the island in my opinion and the atmosphere is warm and relaxed. The Pansand Resort further down on the same beach is just as good.

The Panka Bay Resort* on the bay of the same name offers a more budget-friendly option. However, the water here has many rocks, making swimming difficult at low tide. You can walk to School Beach, but the route involves passing through the village and climbing over a small hill, which can be uncomfortable in hot weather. Closer to School Beach is the Bulon Hill Resort*, surrounded by lush greenery.

Please note: Capacity on Koh Bulone is limited. Bungalows at Bulone Resort are often reserved by regular guests a year in advance. Be sure to make your reservation early.

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Practical Tips for Koh Bulone

Koh Bulone is not nearly as touristy as some of the other islands in the region. There are therefore a few things you should bear in mind. The following information relates primarily to the Bulone Resort, but the other accommodations will be similar.

Cash / Currency Exchange

There are no ATMs on the island. Although resorts like the Bulone Resort try to minimize cash needs for guests, it’s wise to bring some cash with you. You can pay for everything at the resort—food, activities, boat tickets, and accommodation—by card when you leave. However, for the longtail boat that picks you up from the speedboat and takes you to the shore, you’ll need about 50 baht (€1.50) in cash. It’s also recommended to carry cash for the few small restaurants and food stalls.

Internet

The WiFi at the resort worked surprisingly well. Just don’t expect blazing-fast upload or download speeds. As a backup, I recommend using a local eSIM, which is always more practical when traveling. I can recommend providers such as Holafly* or Saily*.

Electricity

Electricity is limited at the Bulone Resort, available only in the bungalows from 6 pm to 8 am. The resort has to generate power using diesel generators since Koh Bulone isn’t connected to the main grid. During the day, you can recharge your phone at the restaurant if you forgot to do so overnight. There’s no hot water, but tropical temperatures make cold showers comfortable—even for someone sensitive to cold like me.

Waste / Recycling

If you bring glass bottles (e.g., beer), they must also be returned off the island; the restaurant aims to minimize glass use. Since glass cannot be recycled on the island, it has to be transported to the mainland with other recycling waste like paper and plastic. Plastic is preferred because it is lighter.

How Many Nights You Should Plan for Koh Bolune

If you’re island hopping in the Andaman Sea, your schedule might be tight. However, it’s advisable to spend at least two nights on Koh Bulone, ideally three. Since boat arrivals are typically between midday and early afternoon, and departures are usually in the morning, two nights leave little time to enjoy the island’s relaxed vibe.

Who Will Enjoy a Stay in Koh Bulone

Koh Bulone is ideal for couples or solo travelers seeking tranquility. It provides a refreshing contrast to busier islands like Koh Lipe or the bustling cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, which may already be on your itinerary. While there are no specific offers for families, children are welcome, as is common throughout Thailand. The beach in front of Bulone Resort gently slopes, making it safe for children. The accommodations are straightforward, emphasizing simplicity rather than luxury, allowing visitors to enjoy a more authentic, relaxed experience.

Make sure to set aside a budget for your trip, as Koh Bulone, despite being simple, is not inexpensive. Almost everything, including drinking water and food, must be brought from the mainland by boat. Additionally, resorts send laundry off to the mainland because of the limited fresh water on Koh Bulone, which drives up the costs for both lodging and meals.

Resorts typically feature small mini-markets, and there are also small shops in the village selling snacks and drinks. Still, prices tend to be significantly higher than elsewhere, and some people will suggest buying alcohol and food on the mainland beforehand. Honestly, I was too lazy to do that and believe it’s better to support local vendors and appreciate the effort they put into maintaining this little paradise.

Best Time to Visit

The typical travel period is from October or November to April, which is the dry season when the sea is calm and boats operate regularly. Outside this period, most accommodations close due to less favorable weather, and Koh Bulone becomes almost deserted. During this time, speedboats also cease operations, requiring visitors to arrange private boats, which makes reaching the island more challenging.

How to Get There

The arrival is part of the experience. You can get to Koh Bulone by boat from Pak Bara Pier on the mainland, Koh Kradan or Koh Lipe. There is no real pier, and the speedboat anchors at various points off the island depending on the weather conditions. A smaller longtail boat then picks you up, bags and suitcases are simply thrown across and the island adventure can begin.

Depending on your resort, you’ll be dropped off at the appropriate beach. You step into shallow water, flip-flops in hand, and your luggage quietly makes its way ashore dry with the help of kind assistance. As is common in Thailand, everything seems very simple, but is nevertheless well organized.

I always check the exact times on 12go*. It offers tickets from all shipping companies, so there’s no need for complicated research.

From the mainland to Koh Bulone
Speedboats to Koh Bulone depart from Pak Bara Pier, taking approximately 30 minutes. The boat ticket includes options to book direct minivan transfers to the pier from Trang or Hat Yai. In high season (November to April), boats operate daily, while in the low season, they run much less frequently or not at all.

From Koh Lipe to Koh Bulone
The speedboats that run between Koh Lipe and Pak Bara also stop off Koh Bulone on the way. The trip from Koh Lipe to Koh Bulone takes about 45 minutes.

Tip: Plan a generous buffer on days you need to catch a flight. While boats are usually punctual, it’s best not to depend on arriving at a mainland airport on schedule from a remote island like Koh Bulone. Trang and Hat Yai are also an hour and a half to two hours’ drive from the pier.

Other Islands in the Area

Koh Bulone feels too quiet for you? Or do you want a change of scenery? Either way, this region of Thailand offers many stunning spots, and I highly recommend visiting several islands. Most can be conveniently reached by speedboat during the season, and mainland transfers are also well coordinated.