Ko Mattra

Open Days: Daily, except during seasonal marine closures or special closure announcements by the national park

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 18.00

 

Ko Mattra in Chumphon, also written in Thai travel sources as Ko Matra, Ko Mattra, Ko Matra Island, or Ko Tua Kuai, is one of the larger islands within Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. Located in the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of Mueang Chumphon District, the island is known for its soft white sand, clear seawater, shallow coral reefs, reef fish, and a distinctive island creature locally associated with Ko Mattra: the chicken crab. The island is suitable for day trips, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and overnight stays when accommodation services are open under national park conditions.

 

Ko Mattra is one of the important marine attractions in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park because it is close enough to the mainland for practical boat travel, yet still gives visitors the feeling of being on a quiet island surrounded by reef ecosystems. Local tourism sources describe the island as being about 10 km from Hat Paradonphap Beach and about 6.5 km from the national park office area. Visitors can travel by small fishing boat, charter boat, or snorkeling tour from mainland departure points such as Hat Paradonphap, Hat Sai Ri, Ao Thung Makham Noi, or boat service points connected with the national park.

 

Ko Mattra has a varied coastal landscape. The island has white sandy beaches and 2 notable rocky areas: one in the central section of the western coast and another in the southern part of the island. These rock formations add visual interest to the shoreline and create a mix of beach, rock, shallow water, and reef areas. For travelers, this means Ko Mattra offers more than a simple beach stop. It provides several experiences in one place: swimming, snorkeling, photography, nature observation, and quiet island relaxation.

 

The beach is one of the reasons Ko Mattra is suitable for a wider range of travelers than many rocky snorkeling islands. The white sand and clear water create a calm, accessible atmosphere for families, groups of friends, couples, and first-time snorkelers. On a clear day, the water around the island can be transparent enough to reveal sand and shallow reef areas from the surface. This makes Ko Mattra a good introduction to Chumphon’s marine environment without requiring a long offshore journey.

 

The shallow coral reef is the core natural attraction of Ko Mattra. Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources identifies Ko Mattra as an island with fringing coral reefs around the island and ecological importance for marine biodiversity. The island is also popular for snorkeling and scuba-related use because the water is relatively clear and the island is not far from Chumphon. For this reason, Ko Mattra is often included in marine routes for visitors who want to experience coral reefs in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park.

 

Snorkeling at Ko Mattra should always be done carefully. Visitors must not step on coral, touch coral, collect shells, feed fish, chase marine animals, or leave waste in the sea. Coral reefs are living ecosystems, and repeated minor contact from swimmers, fins, or boat activity can cause long-term damage. Responsible snorkeling means floating above the reef, keeping a safe distance, using fins gently, and following instructions from boat staff or national park officers.

 

Another feature that makes Ko Mattra memorable is the chicken crab. This crab is strongly associated with the island and is often mentioned in local tourism information. Visitors who see chicken crabs should observe them quietly and avoid touching, chasing, feeding, or taking them away from the island. They are part of Ko Mattra’s natural ecosystem, not souvenirs. Respectful wildlife viewing is part of what makes a Ko Mattra trip meaningful.

 

Ko Mattra is also different from some short-stop snorkeling islands because local sources mention accommodation or homestay services on the island, as well as nighttime activities such as squid fishing in some programs. Travelers who want to stay overnight should confirm accommodation availability directly with the national park or the service provider before departure. Overnight travel in a national park marine area depends on seasonal opening periods, weather conditions, safety measures, and current park regulations.

 

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park has a seasonal marine closure period. Official closure documents list Ko Mattra among the marine attractions and accommodation areas that close from 1 November to 15 December each year. This seasonal closure is important for traveler safety during unstable sea conditions and for the recovery of natural resources. Anyone planning a trip, especially an overnight trip, should check the latest national park announcement before booking a boat, accommodation, or snorkeling package.

 

Recent national park and public news updates in 2026 continue to mention Ko Mattra as an active marine destination for tourism and conservation activities, including coral-related ecosystem work and snorkeling routes. This confirms that Ko Mattra remains a functioning tourism and conservation site within Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, not a permanently closed attraction. However, boat travel is always subject to weather, waves, wind, and park announcements.

 

Travel to Ko Mattra can be arranged in several ways. The easiest option is to join a snorkeling tour or island package from a local operator. These packages usually include a boat, life jackets, snorkeling masks, planned stops, and safety guidance. Another option is to hire a small fishing boat or local boat from Hat Paradonphap, as described in the original travel information. Before departure, confirm the route, travel time, passenger number, life jackets, snorkeling gear, fees, and weather cancellation rules.

 

Getting There from Chumphon town starts by driving toward the coast around Hat Paradonphap, Hat Sai Ri, or Ao Thung Makham Noi. From there, travelers take a local boat to Ko Mattra. If departing from Hat Paradonphap, the sea distance to Ko Mattra is about 10 km. Boat travel time depends on the vessel type, departure point, route, and sea conditions. Travelers planning to stay overnight should confirm accommodation status and national park permission before leaving the mainland.

 

The departure point affects the whole trip. Hat Paradonphap is useful for travelers who want easy access to seafood restaurants and coastal accommodation. Hat Sai Ri is convenient for those who also want to visit the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine and HTMS Chumphon. Ao Thung Makham Noi is often used for marine tours around the islands. The best departure point depends on the tour operator, sea conditions, and the traveler’s route before and after the island trip.

 

Ko Mattra can be combined with nearby islands in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, including Ko Lawa, Ko Langka Jiw, Ko Maphrao, Ko Ngam Noi, and Ko Ngam Yai. When sea conditions are good, visitors may join a multi-island snorkeling route. Still, the itinerary should not be too crowded. Boat trips need time for boarding, safety briefing, changing snorkeling spots, resting, and responding to sea conditions.

 

Facilities on Ko Mattra are more limited than on the mainland, even though local sources mention accommodation or homestay services on the island. Visitors should prepare drinking water, quick-dry clothing, towels, a dry bag, personal medication, sun protection, and essential items before departure. Overnight visitors should ask about electricity, toilets, meals, drinking water, phone signal, and park rules before making a reservation.

 

For most travelers, a day trip is the simplest way to experience Ko Mattra. A typical trip leaves the mainland in the morning or late morning, stops for snorkeling and swimming, allows time on the beach, and returns to the mainland in the afternoon or early evening. After the boat trip, travelers can have seafood around Hat Paradonphap, Hat Sai Ri, or Pak Nam Chumphon. This plan works well for visitors who want a complete island experience without arranging overnight logistics.

 

Safety should always come before convenience. Choose a boat with enough life jackets for all passengers, an experienced crew, clear departure and return times, and a willingness to cancel or delay the trip when the sea is unsafe. Families with children, older travelers, or weak swimmers should stay close to the boat and enter the water only in areas approved by the guide or crew.

 

Ko Mattra’s strength is the variety of experiences it offers in a single island. Visitors can swim at the beach, snorkel over coral reefs, look for chicken crabs, walk near rocky coastal areas, take photos, relax by the sea, and stay overnight when services are available. This makes Ko Mattra more than a quick snorkeling stop. It is one of Chumphon’s most complete nearshore island experiences.

 

For photography, Ko Mattra is best for white-sand beach scenes, clear-water shots, rocky shoreline compositions, and snorkeling activity images. Morning to midday often gives the clearest water color under sunlight, while late afternoon provides softer coastal light. If taking underwater photos, use secure waterproof equipment and avoid getting too close to coral or marine life only for a picture.

 

Travel costs should be planned in 3 parts: national park entrance fee, boat or tour package cost, and personal expenses. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park follows the fee group where Thai adults pay 40 baht, Thai children 20 baht, foreign adults 200 baht, and foreign children 100 baht. Boat, accommodation, and snorkeling package prices vary according to operator, boat size, route, number of passengers, number of islands, and included equipment. Confirm current prices before booking.

 

The most important rule at Ko Mattra is to protect nature and respect national park regulations. Do not leave waste on the island, remove natural materials, disturb chicken crabs, touch marine animals, step on coral, or create noise that affects other visitors. Small islands are sensitive places, and repeated careless behavior can damage the ecosystem that visitors come to enjoy.

 

Ko Mattra is one of the best islands for travelers who want a clear introduction to Chumphon’s marine attractions. It has white sand, clear water, shallow coral reefs, fish, chicken crabs, possible overnight stays, and practical boat access from the mainland. With proper planning, weather checks, and a responsible boat operator, Ko Mattra offers a balanced marine experience that combines beauty, activity, conservation, and the quiet charm of Chumphon’s islands.

 

 

A: Ko Mattra is an island within Mu Ko Chumphon National Park in Mueang Chumphon District, Chumphon Province. It can be reached by boat from mainland areas such as Hat Paradonphap, Hat Sai Ri, and Ao Thung Makham Noi.

 

A: Yes. These names refer to the same island. Ko Mattra is commonly used in marine and tourism references, while Ko Matra and Ko Tua Kuai appear in some local travel sources.

 

A: Visitors can swim, snorkel over shallow coral reefs, observe reef fish, look for chicken crabs, walk near rocky coastal areas, take photos, relax on the beach, and stay overnight when accommodation services are open.

 

A: Travelers can arrange boats from Hat Paradonphap, Hat Sai Ri, Ao Thung Makham Noi, or local Chumphon marine tour operators. From Hat Paradonphap, the sea distance to the island is about 10 km.

 

A: Accommodation or homestay services may be available on the island during the travel season. Travelers should confirm availability with the national park or service provider before departure.

 

A: The national park entrance fee is 40 baht for Thai adults, 20 baht for Thai children, 200 baht for foreign adults, and 100 baht for foreign children. Boat, accommodation, and tour package costs are separate.

 

A: Visit when the sea is calm, the water is clear, and there is no strong-wave warning. Avoid the seasonal closure from 1 November to 15 December each year.

 

A: Wear a life jacket, do not step on coral, do not touch marine life, do not feed fish, do not disturb chicken crabs, and follow instructions from park officers or boat staff.