Koh Rap Island: Koh Samui's Best-Kept Secret BBQ Spot

Koh Rap is one of those rare places most tourists never hear about. It's a small, completely uninhabited island about 20 minutes by longtail boat from Koh Samui's south coast. White sand beaches, clear turquoise water, healthy coral reefs, and absolute tranquility. At Samui Authentic, we use Koh Rap for our exclusive beach BBQ tours — a private island experience without the luxury resort price tag.

What is Koh Rap Island?

Koh Rap (also spelled "Ko Raab" or "Koh Raap") is a tiny island located southeast of Koh Samui, near the village of Thong Krut. The island measures roughly 500 meters long and 200 meters wide. It's entirely uninhabited — no buildings, no infrastructure, no crowds.

The island has two main beaches:

• West beach — the larger, more sheltered beach with soft white sand. This is where we set up BBQs.
• East beach — rockier, with better snorkeling spots just offshore.

There's minimal development anywhere in sight. The nearest populated island is Koh Tan, about 15 minutes away. This remoteness is exactly what makes Koh Rap special — on most days, your group will be the only people on the entire island.

The Koh Rap BBQ Experience

Here's what a typical Koh Rap tour looks like when you book with Samui Authentic:

Snorkeling

Koh Rap has two good snorkeling spots: one on the east side and one on the north tip. The coral isn't as extensive as Koh Tan, but the water is crystal clear and you'll see plenty of tropical fish, starfish, and sea urchins. Visibility is typically 5-8 meters. All equipment (masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets) is provided and included in the price.

The Beach BBQ

This is where Koh Rap really shines. Our crew sets up a traditional Thai-style charcoal grill right on the sand and prepares everything fresh while you swim. The menu typically includes:

• Grilled prawns and whole fish with Thai herbs
• Thai-style grilled chicken (gai yang)
• Pork skewers
• Som tum (green papaya salad) prepared on-site
• Sticky rice and fried rice
• Fresh tropical fruits (watermelon, pineapple, mango)
• Soft drinks and water

Everything is cooked on-site over charcoal. You eat with your feet in the sand, the sea breeze keeping you cool. It's one of the most memorable lunches you'll have in Thailand — many of our guests say the Koh Rap BBQ is the single best meal of their trip.

Pricing & What's Included

What's Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (anywhere on Koh Samui)
• Longtail boat transportation (10 passengers max per boat)
• Homemade BBQ lunch with seafood, meat, and vegetables
• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets (all sizes)
• Soft drinks and drinking water
• English or French-speaking guide
• Travel insurance

Infants under 2 travel free. The private charter option is ideal for groups who want the island entirely to themselves and the flexibility to choose their own schedule. Contact us via WhatsApp for a custom quote.

Why Koh Rap is Special

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen — essential, as there's very little natural shade
• Hat and sunglasses — the tropical sun is intense
• Towel — we don't provide beach towels
• Waterproof phone case — you'll want photos in the water
• Swimwear and a change of clothes — you will get wet on the longtail
• Cash (small amount) — for tips if you feel the crew deserves it

Combining Koh Rap with Other Islands

Koh Rap works beautifully as part of a multi-island day trip on a private longtail charter. Popular combinations:

• Koh Tan + Koh Rap — snorkel at Koh Tan's extensive reefs in the morning, then BBQ lunch at Koh Rap. Full day, 7-8 hours.
• Koh Madsum + Koh Rap — meet the famous swimming pigs at Pig Island, then BBQ on Koh Rap for lunch. 6-7 hours.
• Koh Tan + Koh Madsum + Koh Rap — the ultimate three-island tour. Snorkeling, pigs, and BBQ in one day. 7-8 hours, best as a private charter.

We can design any custom itinerary. Contact us on WhatsApp and we'll build the perfect route for your group.

Best Time to Visit

Koh Rap is accessible year-round, unlike Ang Thong National Park which closes during monsoon season. However, conditions are best from January to September when the sea is calmest and visibility is highest.

During October to December, occasional rough seas can make the crossing less comfortable, though tours still operate on most days. Your captain will always assess conditions before departure — safety comes first, and if conditions are unsuitable, we'll reschedule at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions