Whether a day-trip from Lipe or an overnight, Ko Adang is ideal for travellers who seek a less-populated haven from beaches packed with sunbathing limbs in peak season. There are plenty of hiking trails, deserted white sand beaches, and waterfalls -- all accessible either on foot or by longtail.

Passengers are dropped off on the beach and can walk up to Adang's Information Centre. The park rangers speak varying levels of English and can provide accommodation and activity information. There's an information panel that describes some of the varied colourful coral around Ko Adang: Some look like flower, mountain, deer or cabbages. Snorkellers and divers with lesser imaginations still rave about the coral formations around Adang which have been reasonably well protected. Although one traveller recently noticed a group of youngsters trampling coral as they learned to swim. Snorkels can be rented for 50B, but keep an eye out for spiky sea urchins!

There are two waterfalls on Adang. Ratana waterfall is best reached by longtail boat -- the going rate at time of writing was 200B/person for the round trip. Toward the end of the dry season, from February to April, Ratana slows to a trickle, but Pirate's Falls, easily reached by a 2km walkway, is worth visiting any time of year. There's also a viewpoint which is an easy 6km hike across Adang. Longtails can be hired to sights on Adang and nearby small islands in Tarutao National Marine Park. Prices range from 1,500-2,500B per boat, so it's best arranged with a group.

It's easy to hire a longtail to Adang from Lipe. Drivers on Pattaya beach may start out at outrageous prices, but those on Sunset beach tend to charge the going rate of 50 - 100B/person (depending on group size). Ask the management at Porn Beach Resort for assistance in hiring a boat if there are no drivers waiting there.

The island has one restaurant that is open from 7:00 - 21:00. Food and drinks are cheaper than on Ko Lipe, but the menu is limited to simple Thai dishes and Western breakfasts. The restaurant also sells toiletries and pre-packaged snacks.

Accommodation can be booked through the visitor's centre at Pakbara pier (T:(074) 783 485), online (http://www.dnp.go.th), or you can see what's available upon arrival. During Thai holidays the island can be swamped with tourists, and accommodation can be booked solid. Ko Adang's park service is open from mid-November through May 15.