Ko Jum
Discover Ko Jum
Ko Jum (เกาะจำ), also known as Ko Phu (or Pu) (เกาะปู), is a small island between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town. Residents of the south end of the island call it Ko Jum (or Jam or Cham), while the northerners call it Ko Phu (or Pu). Local villagers take fierce pride in the two different names.
What to Experience in Ko Jum
Taste of Ko Jum...
Most guesthouses and resorts on the island have a kitchen, and are happy to cook for you even if you aren't a guest. Just walk down the beach until you get hungry. The meals are good, and the prices decent. The island only got electricity in 2008 and it's starting to get developed in the southern part. The constant loud noise from bars and party-goers, as on Phi Phi, has not been an issue here, and only occurs on rare occasions like Christmas and New Year. Beer and stronger drinks are available from guesthouses, or from shops in the villages. Respect the locals by making an effort to keep bottles of alcohol out of view. Some people go to Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta via ferry. Otherwise, if you want to go back to Krabi Town, just go back the opposite way you came in. The ferries back towards Krabi Town, via Laem Kruat, sail from 07:15 to 08:00.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsDuring high season (late-Oct-late-Apr), ferries between Ko Lanta and Krabi Town call at the island. You must pay the full fare (400 baht) for the full crossing, despite only travelling half way. You pay on board, but pre-booking is recommended as the ferry is often full. Tickets can be bought from travel agencies in Krabi or at the main ferry offices at the old pier on Khong Ka Rd, and from resorts on Ko Jum. Ko Jum has no jetty or dock. The ferry stops offshore and is met by longtail boats. If you've pre-booked, then a boat from your resort should be there to pick you up; otherwise simply choose a longtail and ask for a lift to shore. Local boats also run from Laem Kruat to Ko Jum (100 baht for foreigners, 45min). 120 baht as of Dec 2022. The first is at 09:00 and the last leaves at 18:15. Do not be late, as if you miss the ferry you will have to hire your own taxi boat, which costs ca. 1500 baht. During the low season, this is the only option to get to Ko Jum....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Ko Jum is a relatively small island and most of the population gets around on small motorbikes, which can be rented easily. There is also a local taxi service, consisting of a motorbike and sidecar! The roads in the three villages and between Ban Ting Rai and Ban Ko Jum are concrete and easy to drive on. The roads between the north and south which were once narrow, unsealed, frequently pot-holed and wet, are now sealed. A taxi ride from the Ko Jum ferry port to most places in the south is 50 baht. A taxi ride to take in all of the island's main places costs 400 baht. The villages are sights in themselves, with slight differences in their ways of life. Travelling around the island on a motorcycle is a fun and (mostly) safe way of sightseeing. Most resorts will also be able to arrange day trips with treks up to the top of Mount Pu on the northern part of the island, which has a majestic view of the islands and the Andaman Sea. Relax in a hammock by the beach. Swim. Walk along the beach.
Where to Stay
Some people go to Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta via ferry. Otherwise, if you want to go back to Krabi Town, just go back the opposite way you came in. The ferries back towards Krabi Town, via Laem Kruat, sail from 07:15 to 08:00.