krabi island tour afternoon

The Best Krabi Island Tours To Book (5 Stars Only!)

This article on The Best Krabi Island Tours may contain affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase using these links, I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks so much for supporting Frugal Frolicker! :)

If you’re traveling to Krabi, Thailand, odds are you’ll be looking to book one or more Krabi island tours while you’re there. And rightfully so – this whole region is just begging to be explored by boat with 200 or so islands around.

There are 3 main types of Krabi island tours:

• 4 Islands (very close to Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Railay)
• Phi Phi Islands (halfway between Ao Nang/Krabi Town/Railay and Phuket)
• James Bond Island / Phang Nga Bay (close to Phuket)

Having visited Krabi twice now and sampled all 3 types of Krabi island tours, I can tell you that they are ALL fantastic and worthwhile. Do all 3 if you can. And if you can’t, then read on and see which appeals to you more :)

If you’re soon to be Krabi-bound, I have a few very important tips for you:

• Base yourself in Ao Nang. Is it the nicest place to stay in Krabi, no – but it’s the most convenient if you’re doing boat trips around Krabi. Pretty much all tours pick up and drop off in Ao Nang. If you’re staying in Railay or Krabi Town, you will likely have to make your own way to Ao Nang (whether it’s by bus or taxi from Krabi Town, or long tail boat from Railay). Some Krabi island tours may include pick-up from Railay, but it’s often an additional charge.
• If your Krabi trip is more than a few days: stay in Ao Nang for the first part of your Krabi trip while you do your boat tours, then stay in Railay for the last part of your trip and chill. This is what I did on my most recent trip to Krabi and it was 1000000% the right move. 
• Book your Krabi island tours ahead of time online. Sure, you could wing it and just book the cheapest options in town when you get there. But don’t be surprised when you end up in a huge group with guides that hardly speak English and make no efforts to avoid the crowds.

I’m all for being spontaneous and waiting til the last possible minute to commit to a plan, but I feel very strongly that it’s best to book your Krabi island tours before you arrive there. That way you can read the reviews, check the itineraries, and ensure that you’re actually booking a quality tour. 

And lucky for you, I’ve done all the research and testing for you! That’s right, the very best Krabi island tours are highlighted below in this blog post. They are all very highly rated and bound to guarantee you an excellent time out around the islands. 

Planning a trip to Krabi?

These are the sites I use and recommend for booking travel:

Accommodation in Krabi: Booking.com

Flights to Thailand: Skyscanner

Transport in Thailand: 12Go

Activities in Krabi: GetYourGuide or Viator

Travel insurance for Thailand: Safety Wing or World Nomads

Table of Contents

Krabi 4 Islands Tour

If you can only book one Krabi island tour while visiting Ao Nang, Krabi, or Railay, let it be the 4 Islands Tour.

Why? Because most other Krabi island tours you can do from Phuket, as those islands are closer to it. But the 4 islands are further away from Phuket, and they’re much easier to access from Ao Nang or Railay (all within a 20-30 minute boat ride).

Not to mention, the 4 islands are flippin’ gorgeous!

The Krabi 4 Islands Tours stop at:

• Chicken Island (Koh Gai) – An island with a limestone rock formation shaped like a chicken head (it’s easily viewed from the water, so doesn’t necessarily require a dedicated stop)
• Tup Island (Koh Tup) – An island connected to two others by sandbar at low tide. It’s got beautiful crystal clear water for swimming.
• Poda Island (Koh Poda) – Has a beautiful and expansive white sand beach with picturesque views of limestone rock formations protruding from the water. The best spot for sunbathing.
• Railay – Technically not an island, but is only accessible by boat so feels like one :) Typically stops at Phra Nang Beach (one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand!) and cave.

Though all of the 4 Islands Tours from Krabi stop at the same islands in varying order, the most common itinerary has an early afternoon start and finishes up with sunset on Phra Nang Beach in Railay, followed by a swim with the bio luminescence (phosphorescent plankton) nearby once it starts getting dark. A handful of tours may opt to start early to avoid the crowds, and finish earlier without the sunset or plankton swim.

Here are the best 4 Islands Tours from Krabi:

4 Islands Tour with Thalassa

The Thalassa 4 Islands Tour stops at the aforementioned four islands, plus Koh Sii: an island slightly further from the Krabi coast that offers excellent snorkeling. It ends with sunset at Railay and night snorkeling, as many similar tours do.

This is supposedly the only Krabi 4 Islands Tour done by speedboat (most use a traditional longtail boat instead, which is slower and less comfortable). That means less time spent in transit and more time spent on the islands! (And it’s how they’re able to stop at Koh Sii as well, which would be too far away for a longtail boat tour to fit in).

Thalassa tours are marketed as “semi-private”, which essentially means that they have smaller groups on board and provide a high touch experience to guests which makes it FEEL like a semi-private tour.

It’s also worth noting that Thalassa also offers a different version of this tour with an eco focus (though as of June 2023, it’s not being offered). I’m not sure if or when their 4 Islands Eco Tour will return, but it runs from 9am-5pm, swaps out the sunset and night snorkeling for a beach cleanup instead, and is half the price of the regular 4 Islands Tour.

4 Islands Tour with Thalassa Time: 1pm-7:30pm Price: ฿3100 (~ US$94) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 435+ reviews Choose this Krabi 4 Islands Tour if: You prefer to travel with a smaller group; great snorkelling is important to you; you’d rather travel by speedboat CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

5 Island Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Krabi Sunset Cruises

Yes, you read that right – it’s 5 islands instead of 4!

This sunset cruise skips Koh Tup and stops instead at two small islands just off the coast of Railay (along with Poda Island, Chicken Island, and Railay). Though technically , this tour doesn’t actually stop *at* the islands but rather, close to them – so if being able to step onto each island and take lots of photos there is important to you, this may not be the Krabi 4 Islands tour for you.

Instead, Krabi Sunset Cruises uses an old junk (aka a pirate ship) with huge sails for its tours. This tour centers more around the epic boat than the islands: it’s all about relaxing on the deck with a drink, jumping off the top level, and paddling around the islands with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (if you feel like it). It’s less of a tour, and more of an experience.

Like many of the other Krabi 4 Islands Tours, this one ends with sunset at Railay and a bio luminescence swim after dark.

5 Island Sunset Cocktail Cruise with Krabi Sunset Cruises Time: 2pm-8pm Price: ฿2800 (~ US$93) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 1100+ reviews Choose this Krabi 4 Islands Tour if: You’d rather chill and soak up the vibes than sightsee; you want to try your hand at paddling without it being the main focus of the tour; you want to feel like you’re on a pirate ship CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

Phi Phi Island Tour

The Phi Phi islands are an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Phuket… but did you know that you can book Phi Phi island tours from Krabi as well?

Yup it’s true! Koh Phi Phi is actually about halfway between Phuket and Krabi, which means travel time is nearly the same no matter which location you depart from.

So if you’re planning a trip to Krabi, you should definitely consider Phi Phi as one of your Krabi island tours to book!

The Phi Phi islands need no introduction, because odds are you’ve seen the photos or watched The Beach. Maya Bay is the runaway star of the islands, home to a beach so beautiful that its image will be forever seared in your mind. You’re not allowed to swim here anymore, but you can walk in up to your knees.

And there are several other worthwhile places to see around the islands, from stunning lagoons to epic snorkeling spots to picturesque beaches (where you CAN swim). Just know that no matter when and where you go around Koh Phi Phi, there WILL be other people around – it’s a very popular area, with little that’s off the beaten track – but for good reason!

Most Phi Phi island tours stop at:

• Maya Bay – A stunning white sand beach encircled by limestone cliffs, made famous by The Beach.
• Pi Leh Bay (Lagoon) – A deep blue-colored lagoon often filled with boats. There’s not really anywhere to land in the lagoon, so visitors tend to either party on their boat or swim just off of it.
• Monkey Beach – If you want to see wild monkeys, this is the place (though they are known to steal things from visitors, and can get aggressive). The beach is a short walk from the bay where your boat will stop, but you can usually spot monkeys climbing the rocks around the bay without having to leave the boat.
• Viking Cave – A very cool-looking cave you can peek into while passing by on the boat. Around the corner is an excellent snorkeling spot.
• Bamboo Island – A very popular place where you can hang out on the white sand beach and swim. It’s easy to avoid the crowds just by walking further down the beach, away from where the boats anchor. It’s also a good spot to have lunch (many tour groups do when they stop here).

Here are the best Phi Phi Islands Tours from Krabi:

Koh Phi Phi Tour with Thalassa

Thalassa also runs a semi-private (small group) tour to the Phi Phi islands (I believe the max is 16 guests?). There’s more of a focus on snorkeling with this particular tour, and depending on conditions, there will be multiple opportunities to snorkel.

The Koh Phi Phi Tour is their most popular tour and it’s extremely highly rated on TripAdvisor, so you really can’t go wrong with this one. Note that there is an extra charge if you’re not staying in Ao Nang and need to be picked up/dropped off at Railay or Krabi town.

Koh Phi Phi Tour with Thalassa Time: 8am-3pm Price: ฿3250 (~ US$99) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 576+ reviews Choose this Phi Phi Islands Tour if: You prefer a small group tour; you want to do lots of snorkelling CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

Phi Phi + 4 Islands Tour with Krabi Ezy Trails

One excellent reason to book a Phi Phi Island tour from Krabi instead of Phuket is that there are some tours that add on additional island stops on the way there and back, which gives you more bang for your buck.

Krabi Ezy Trails offers a combo Phi Phi + 4 Islands Tour, ideal for anyone who might not have time or money to book the two separate tours, or for those prone to seasickness who want to limit the amount of time they spend on boats. The latter is definitely me, which was my main reason for booking this tour.

I’m very happy with that decision and I absolutely LOVED this experience! Also happy to report that not once did I feel rushed, despite having so many stops to cover on this tour. It felt like just enough time to enjoy each location. And I didn’t get seasick!

It’s also worth mentioning that this is not a small group tour like Thalassa’s. Our group had ~25 people in it, which didn’t feel like too much.

This Phi Phi island tour is marketed as an “Early Bird – Avoid The Crowds” tour, but it’s important to set appropriate expectations for what exactly this means.

Yes, this tour starts earlier than most (if not all) other tours to Phi Phi islands, but it doesn’t go straight to Maya Bay. The boat stops at another island on the way (Koh Tup) for breakfast, then arrives at Maya Bay just before 9am when plenty of others are already there. But it ended up being fine because the earlier you get there, the more water will be covered in shadows and not looking electric blue like you see in photos. And the later you get there, the more crowded it gets. Maya Bay at 9am seemed to be the best balance between the two variables.

And yes, Krabi Ezy Trails does its best to avoid the crowds… but c’mon, this is Phi Phi, an extremely popular tourist spot. There’s really no *avoiding* the crowds, just minimizing them, which this tour did as much as possible.

Since there are more stops on this tour vs. a regular Phi Phi island tour from Krabi, be ready for a LONG day of aquatic adventuring! The boat leaves Ao Nang at 7am, which means you’ll get picked up from your hotel even earlier than that. We returned around 5pm (though it says 4pm on their website), making it a solid 10 hours in the Thai heat. If you’re someone who’s sensitive to hot weather and the sun, you may want to opt for a shorter tour instead of this one (though there’s plenty of undercover seating on the boat and shady spots on some of the islands).

Phi Phi + 4 Islands Tour with Krabi Ezy Trails Time: 7am-4pm Price: ฿2500 (~ US$78) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 372+ reviews Choose this Phi Phi Islands Tour if: You want to avoid the crowds as much as possible; you want to save time and money by doing Phi Phi and the 4 Islands in one tour; you don’t mind a very long day with lots of stops and time spent in the sun CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island Tour

A boat trip around Phang Nga Bay is an absolute MUST-DO if you’re in Phuket or Krabi.

James Bond Island (Koh Tapu) is the most well known of the many picturesque islands in the bay; it just happens to be the most well known, thanks to appearing in a James Bond movie. Consequently, many Phang Nga Bay tours will be marketed as James Bond Island tours.

On James Bond Island there’s a man-made beach that swarms with tourists, so if massive crowds don’t appeal to you, you might want to look for James Bond Island tours that don’t actually stop at the island. Both of the tours I recommend below don’t stop at James Bond Island, but you’ll be able to see it and take photos as your boat passes by.

Also note that Phang Nga Bay is much further afield, which is why you won’t find too many tours to this area operating out of Krabi. There are many more options for James Bond Island tours from Phuket, which cruise around Phang Nga Bay by speedboat, catamaran, or larger boat, depending on the operator.

Hong Island is another landmark in Phang Nga Bay. It actually merits its own dedicated tour, that’s how incredible it is – but it’s often an included stop on the James Bond Island tours, so it’s like a 2-for-1 special if you book it.

Hong Island is blessed with a lovely lagoon, one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, and a ridiculously impressive viewpoint some 200+ steps above. It is understandably very busy during the day, and less so early morning or late afternoon. It’s likely that a James Bond Island tour won’t stop at all of these locations around Hong Island, so pay close attention to the tour itinerary and make sure whatever tour you book includes the locations you want to see.

There are dozens (hundreds?) of other islands around Phang Nga Bay, some of which you’ll cruise past, swim off of, or land on. There are limestone cliffs and rock formations everywhere you look out here: truly, the journey is the best part of any James Bond Island tour.

Many James Bond Island tours include an option for canoeing or kayaking, and there are a few where paddling is the main focus of the tour. I recommend booking a tour where you at least have the option to try it even if it’s not the focus, because it is an extremely cool experience paddling into the hongs (Thai for “rooms”; in this case, the hongs are more like enclosed pools) around Phang Nga Bay. Hong Island is only one of them!

James Bond Island / Phang Nga Bay tours often stop at:

• James Bond Island
• Hong Island
• Panak Island
• Koh Panyi floating village

Here are the best Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island Tours:

James Bond Island Tour with Thalassa

The James Bond Island Tour was the tour I elected to do with Thalassa on my recent trip to Krabi. Unlike the 4 Islands Tours and Phi Phi Tours, this one has a completely unique itinerary, visiting locations that no other tours stop at. You’ll be dropped off on islands with completely empty beaches, and avoid the crowds at the more popular stops. It’s Robinson Crusoe vibes to the MAX.

Very few tours to James Bond Island run from Krabi because it’s quite a distance to cover. Thalassa makes it worth the journey by incorporating several stops along the way, plus they’re able to travel faster with a speedboat. It didn’t feel like too much time in transit at all, so don’t worry about it taking too long to get there.

They stop the boat close to James Bond Island and allow plenty of time for photos (complete with James Bond movie music + photo props!). We also had lunch at a secluded spot on Koh Yao Noi, snorkelled off of a random island with red rock, and swam off of another island with incredible views and gorgeous white sand. Like the other Thalassa tours, this one is also semi-private: our group felt small and personalized with about 15 guests, and we had plenty of room to spread out around the boat.

Later in the day, once the crowds dissipated, we cruised around Hong Island lagoon, then went around to its stunning beach for one final swim. You can opt to hike up to the Hong Island viewpoint at this time, which I strongly suggest doing even if the humidity + the hundreds of stairs sound like a nightmare. The view of Phang Nga Bay and Hong Island beach from up here is PHENOMENAL.

James Bond Island Tour with Thalassa Time: 9am-5pm Price: ฿3500 (~ US$106) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 262+ reviews Choose this James Bond Island Tour if: You want an off-the-beaten-path adventure; you prefer to avoid the crowds and the tourist traps; you want to see some of the lesser-known islands around Phang Nga Bay; you want to snorkel CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

Hong by Starlight Tour with John Gray’s Sea Canoe

It may be strange to include a tour that doesn’t run from Krabi, and may or may not include James Bond Island, in this blog post – but I did this Hong by Starlight Tour 8 years ago and it still stands as one of my favorite travel experiences ever, so how could I not?

So yes, John Gray’s Hong by Starlight tour departs from Phuket, not Krabi. It does not stop at James Bond Island, and there is no mention of it in the tour itinerary; however, on my tour we definitely paddled near it (close enough to take pictures), and some recent TripAdvisor reviews mention seeing James Bond Island (though some also mention NOT seeing it). I suspect that depending on conditions, you may or may not get to paddle close to James Bond Island, so it’s not a selling point of this tour.

But trust me when I say that it doesn’t matter! James Bond Island may get all the glory, but it’s just one of many pretty islands in Phang Nga Bay. No matter where you end up going on this tour, you’re gonna see some epic landscapes and enjoy some memorable adventures.

If you are dead set on seeing James Bond Island, you can book one of John Gray’s James Bond Island tours – they run one in the morning and one later in the day. However, I HIGHLY advise booking the the Hong by Starlight Tour instead.

With this Phang Nga Bay tour, you get a full day of adventuring on a big boat, featuring a few kayaking excursions around the hongs and islands in “sea canoes”, which are essentially inflatable kayaks. You learn just how crucial the inflatable aspect is when you’re paddling through some very tight caves that require you to deflate the kayak a bit, lean back, and get as low as you can. Thankfully for these paddle sessions, you’ll be paired with a guide who will take care of it all for you. It’s a VERY cool and unique experience, something you’re unlikely to experience anywhere else on your travels.

Then later in the day, you’ll make a “kratong” out of flowers and banana leaves and release it out into the sea after sunset, and paddle through phosphorescent plankton that appear as glowing blue dots underwater.

READ MORE IN THIS POST:  Kayaking Thailand: Phang Nga Bay Kayak Trip With John Gray

Hong by Starlight Tour with John Gray’s Sea Canoe Time: 12-8pm Price: ฿3950 (~ US$114) TripAdvisor Rating : 5.0 / 641+ reviews Choose this James Bond Island Tour if: You aren’t fussed about seeing James Bond Island itself; you want to do lots of paddling; you want to explore caves and hongs; you’re up for an ADVENTURE moreso than a relaxing boat ride CLICK TO BOOK THIS TOUR  

Related Stories

A Gili Meno Beach Escape

Beautiful Places of Sri Lanka: 40 Photos To Spark Your Wanderlust

10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

Where in the world is this.

9 Krabi Island Hopping Tours That Will Make Your Jaw Drop (Thailand)

Pin this post for later!

Thailand is already one of the most internationally recognized laid back countries in the world.

Then you visit Krabi, a coastal province in Thailand, and you realize that life can always get more chill.

Krabi boasts stark limestone mountains to gawk up at, glittering white sand beaches to lie on, cheap and easy food and transportation, and islands. Dozens and dozens of islands rest off the coast of Krabi.

You could spend an entire year simply Krabi island hopping exploring the wide variety of beauty and complexity among these islands.

But, you probably don’t have a whole year, so let me break down the best Krabi island tours you can take with what time you do have.

READ MORE : 11 MUST-VISIT Beaches in Krabi, Thailand 1-7 Day Krabi Itinerary Where To Stay In Krabi, Thailand For Any Budget 21 BEST Things to Do in Krabi , Thailand

Table of Contents

Resources for Your Trip:

1. 4 island tour (including chicken island), 2. rok and coral islands tour, 3. koh hong day tour, 4. phi phi islands tour, 5. james bond island tour, 6. early bird phi phi and 4 islands tour, 7. hong island sea kayaking tour, 8. full day phang nga bay and hong island, 9. cheow lan lake tour, things to know before you go island hopping, when to go krabi island hopping, what to bring with you on your krabi island hopping tour, 21 krabi beaches that'll make you book your trip today (thailand), krabi itinerary: things to do in krabi, thailand for 1-7 days & when to visit.

Where To Stay In Krabi, Thailand For Any Budget

Where to Eat in Krabi Town: Night Markets and Restaurants

Krabi Island Tours:

Tours are literally the only way you’ll get to see the islands around Krabi. Unless you’ve brought your boat over, that is? Below are well-recommended tours to the nearby islands in the Krabi province.

If you want to book things ahead of time, worry less while you’re here, and have everything set and sorted, these are the tours to book.

However, if you’re a bit more adventurous, there is one other option I have to tell you about. You COULD walk up to a longtail boat, hope the boatman speaks OK English, and ask for a private tour of islands.

Using this method may be a bit more expensive if you’re only a couple but if you have a group of friends it would probably only be a few bucks more each.

You’d need to bring your own lunch and you’d need to make sure your communication was clear from the beginning as to which islands you want to visit.

It’s not necessarily the easiest option, and if you’re on a time crunch I wouldn’t recommend it (you may have to wait until the next day after speaking with him) but it’s an option I had to share nonetheless!

Don’t forget insurance!

Get a quote with the best and easiest travelers insurance: Safety Wing

Where to Stay?

• Get a Genius Discounts on Booking.com
• Get your 11th night FREE at Hotels.com
• Check current deals here

Best Deals on Vehicle Rentals:

• I find deals on cars here
• Rent a van or RV for a road trip

How to Get Free Accommodation Anywhere!

Check my top 3 (legit) ways to get free stays!

You NEED the Right Travel Cards!

• The best travel cards you need
• Most recommended travel credit cards

All The Gear You Need

• Anti-Theft Bags
• Travel Accessories
• Packing Lists

Travel Jobs + Visas

• Everything you need to know about visas
• How to work around the world (& travel longer!)

This is easily the most popular Krabi island tour you will take while in the province.

You get to ride in a speedboat or a long tail boat to visit two iconic islands, Koh Gai (Chicken Island) and Koh Poda, and two lesser-known islands, Koh Mor and Koh Tub, before lunch.

Chicken Island has what closely resembles a giant chicken head rising from one coast.

Here, you can enjoy the white sand beaches, grab a snack at a small restaurant, and you may be able to “walk on water” to Koh Tub.

When the tide is low, the ocean recedes, and a land bridge appears that connects Chicken Island to Koh Tub.

So the first part of your day will be spent snorkeling in clear water and possibly walking across that exposed land bridge. Otherwise, you can arrive safely in any boat.

Then after a lovely lunch provided for you, you’ll explore the Phra Nang Cave Beach in the afternoon.

Krabi snorkeling and cave exploring all in one day.

A day underwater! This tour takes you first to Rok Noi island to snorkel underwater or swim off the white sand beaches. Then you get to gorge yourself on a Thai buffet that comes with the tour, on the beach no less.

Finally, you’ll head over to Coral Islands to swim through coral reef and check out the sea life in the reef.

You can pick and choose whether you snorkel or swim, and you can revel in the last of the untouched beaches off the coast of Krabi.

Krabi snorkeling and Krabi island hopping combine for adventure and peace at the same time.

Take a speedboat just twenty minutes from Ao Nang to spend the day in the most beautiful tropical middle of nowhere island you can imagine.

Koh Hong is actually a series of four connected islands, and you get to head right to the middle of it all to swim in relative seclusion.

A turquoise blue lagoon sits serenely amid cliffs and shores just waiting for you to splash and bask in the sun.

You can get some Krabi snorkeling in while you’re at it if you like. This is the most chill of the Krabi Island Tours you’ll find.

The Phi Phi Islands may be the most famous stop for Krabi Island tours . You’ll visit Maya Beach, which is where Leonardo DiCaprio brooded and adventured in the movie “The Beach.” So if you’ve got a thing for Leo, as most of us do, you have to put Phi Phi on your Krabi island hopping itinerary.

And even if you don’t, you’ll still get to spend a day in a few different gorgeous bays, swimming and snorkeling to your heart’s content.

Speaking of movie sets, ever heard of James Bond? Yes. That James Bond.  This Krabi Island tour  will take you on a long tail boat or speedboat to Khao Phing Kan. By canoe you’ll get up close to the 20-meter-tall rock featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun”.

Then head out to a local floating village for lunch, visit the Raman Waterfalls and finally off to explore what has come to be called the “monkey cave,” the Suwa Kuhan Temple, which has fascinatingly been constructed inside a cave.

Talk about a Krabi island hopping whirlwind of a day.

Did I say whirlwind? How about a sunrise trip out to Maya Beach to pay homage to Leo before anyone else hits this super popular tourist spot? Then you can spend the rest of the day traipsing about among four more islands in a speedboat.

On this Krabi island tour , you’ll explore Viking Cave and monkey beach. You’ll also meander around Koh Phi Phi Don, check out Chicken Island, and swim at Poda Island.

Phew, by the time you get back you’ll be ready for an evening at the spa.

Remember I said Hong Island was the ultimate chill experience? Well, if you want to switch it up a bit and add a bit of adrenaline, hop on this Krabi Island tour .

You’ll take a long tail boat out to Hong Island, off board into a paddle boat, and paddle your way around the island, between giant rock walls and into the secluded lagoon area.

Then you just chill for a bit, maybe take a dip, or fall asleep on the beach, before you get back into the paddle boat to head back to your long tail ride.

Islands, bays, and caves all in one  Krabi island tour . Hard to beat. You’ll take a speedboat from Krabi over to Phang Nga Bay and check out some of the hundreds of islands that make up those 154 square miles of watery territory.

You’ll hit up James Bond Island, as well as Thalu Island to explore Lot Noi Cave. Next, it’s off to remote beach for a Thai buffet lunch.

Finally, swim and snorkel in the crystal blue waters before heading back to Krabi and your hotel. Krabi Island hopping at its best.

A Krabi Island Tour that doesn’t involve an island? That’s right.

This one had to hit the Krabi island hopping itinerary because you’ll actually be driving inland to a stunning lake inside the Khao Sok National Park where you will board a long tail boat and cruise around the lake, take a hike in the lush green jungles and have lunch on floating bungalows.

So it’s an inland adventure that feels like an island adventure.

You see why it had to make the list?

• Many of the boatmen won’t speak English or will speak very little. It’s unlikely you’ll be doing anything more than island hopping. There won’t really be any commentary. Nothing much beyond the name of the islands, where to snorkel, and when lunch is.
• Don’t expect some beautiful and well-kept boat. You’ll most likely be riding on a simple long-tail boat. These are small wooden boats with a few benches, maybe a small cover, and that’s it. Yes, you may even see a tiny bit of water seeping in the boats, this is normal and most, if not all long-tail boats are like this.
• Bring a snack if you’re a picky eater. A simple local lunch is usually provided on these tours, if you don’t like local food, bring something with you.
• Bring extra water. It’s going to be hotter than you think.
• DON’T do as the locals do. Being environmentally conscious starts with education and we all know how to behave. Sometimes, people in these lesser develop nations don’t get it because they were never educated about how to treat the envirnoment. Please don’t do as the locals do and bring your trash back with you on the trip. Sometimes they simply throw trash in the ocean, let it fly off the boat, or they leave it on the island, which will likely end up in the ocean later anyway.

The tourist season in Krabi is traditionally November to mid-March, directly after monsoon season. Temperatures are super mild, and the sea is too. As someone planning multiple excursions to a variety of islands by boat, you want calm seas.

Mid-March to May is not a bad time to visit either. You’ll see a spike in temperatures and a gradual rise in humidity, but you’ll also get fewer tourists. I’m not a huge fan of crowds, so this works for me.

Finally, if you’re looking for super cheap and tourist free, monsoon season is the time to go.

But know that the seas can get unpredictable, violent, and deadly . This is a tourist area, and tourism means money, which also means some boat captains will, unfortunately, put lives at risk to make a livelihood. So just be weary during this time of year.

• Sunscreen – There are points on this trip where you won’t have shade.
• A hat – More sun protection!
• Snorkel – One is provided if it’s a snorkeling tour but in case you like using your own, bring it. They usually only have cheap snorkels to use.
• Power Charger – Don’t run out of battery! You’ll want all the pictures.
• GoPro – The only good camera that will get you fun underwater pictures and the only camera you’ll want to bring as bringing your expensive one could be risky.
• Sarong – I never travel with a towel, they are so bulky. Use your sarong to dry off, as a beach cover-up, and as a beach towel.
• Flip-flops – Why have I seen people on these tours with regular shoes? Why….?

Transportation Tip for Thailand: While you can simply book at the pier, bus or train station, you may want to book ahead for certain legs of your journey to guarantee that you get a seat on the day you need to travel. 12go.asia is the best way to do this. Book your next trip ahead of time so you have one less thing to worry about. Click here to book a ticket through 12go.asia

More Around Krabi

Where will you go after Thailand?

Laos | Malaysia  |  Singapore  |  Indonesia  |  Philippines  |  Cambodia  |  Vietnam

  So which of these island hopping tours are you hopping on? Let me know in the comments!

>>> EVEN MORE AROUND THAILAND<<< 

“One Night in Bangkok … and the World’s your Oyster”

Work & Live in Thailand: How To Do It? Cost of Living? And More!

27 Things to Do in Pai, Thailand + Where to Eat and Sleep

Where to Stay in Pai, Thailand: Pai’s Hostels, Hotels and Resorts

21 Krabi Beaches That’ll Make You Book Your Trip Today (Thailand)

Photo and Video Blog- Ao Luk, Krabi, Thailand

Krabi Itinerary: What To Do In Krabi, Thailand for 1-7 Days & When To Visit

First Timers: Rock Climbing Krabi, Tonsai and Railay, Thailand

Krabi’s Beauties: Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach, Thailand

A Thailand Visa Run Gone Wrong

The Low-Down: Thailand Tourist Visa and More

Thailand’s New Year, Songkran, Is the World’s Largest Water Fight

7 Unusual Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Photo Blog: Doi Inthanon, a Day Trip from Chiang Mai

A Cooking Class in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai to Pai and Back! The Best Ways to Get Around (Thailand)

4 Lesser-Known Spots Around Mae Hong Son To Go To

Chiang Khong to Huay Xai Border Crossing (Thailand to Laos)

Chiang Rai Itinerary: 10 Things To Do In Chiang Rai That You Can’t Miss

Thai Vegetarian Food That You’ll Want in Your Mouth

7 Reasons Why Eating Thai Street Food Is The BEST & How To Avoid Getting Sick

Transportation Info and Tips for Thailand

Play it Cool: Thailand’s Do’s and Don’ts

Photo Blog: Kanchanaburi – Bridge on the River Kwai and Erawan Falls

OMG, My Holiday is Coming Up! Is it Safe to Travel to Thailand?

TAKE THE SHORTCUT

Want to know how to live abroad without being rich.

Get my shortcut! It's THE ONLY guide you'll need on how to sustain a life abroad—NO BS!

Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

this is extremely helpful thank you. Unfortunately i suffer with travel sickness , i am ok if we are constantly moving and it isn’t to choppy. Are you able to recommend any of the above that wouldn’t be too bad on the old sea sickness ? It would be super helpful 🙂

Glad you found it helpful but I can’t really advise if you’d get sick or not, not sure how anyone could. Sea conditions change all the time, weather effects, the type of boat etc… And how am I supposed to know how sensitive you are? So many factors.

This covers all bases for a great trip!

Happy to hear it helped!

Sunshine Seeker

Dream ◇ Create ◇ Travel

Popular categories, top 10 krabi tours that you will remember forever.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 1. February 2024 · In: Thailand , Travel

Are you ready to book a tour in Krabi, Thailand? Then you’re in for a treat!

Krabi, a town and province in southern Thailand, is where turquoise waters meet towering limestone cliffs and lush jungle. In this guide, I unveil the top guided tours that promise to immerse you in the beauty and adventure of this Thai gem.

From island-hopping escapades to thrilling jungle explorations, Krabi offers an array of unforgettable experiences.

But you don’t have to only take my word for it. I have also asked 4 of my fellow travel bloggers to write about their favorite Krabi tours .

🌟 Remember to always get insurance before you travel to Thailand or anywhere else. Safetywing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure. Read my complete SafetyWing review here.

Article overview

Krabi key information

1. krabi rock climbing tour, 2. private krabi instagram tour, 3. phi phi islands & maya bay tour from krabi, 4. hong island tour from krabi, 5. mangrove kayaking tour in krabi, 6. emerald pool & the blue lagoon, 7. ya’s thai cookery school class, 8. 4 islands tour by longtail boat, 9. kayaking and sunset bbq dinner, 10. sunset and seafood dinner cruise, how do i get around in krabi, what is the best time to visit krabi, why is krabi an ideal destination for guided tours, what types of guided tours are available in krabi, how can i book guided tours in krabi, are guided tours in krabi suitable for families with children, what should i pack for a guided tour in krabi, are english-speaking guides available for tours in krabi, are the tours in krabi suitable for solo travelers, remember to pin for later 😉, why book a guided tour in krabi.

The first time I went to Krabi years ago, I have to be honest, I was disappointed. Sure the beaches are absolutely stunning and the water crystal clear, but for some reason, I just didn’t enjoy it. Coming from Koh Samet , I don’t know if it was too touristy or if I just didn’t explore well enough.

When I got home I heard people praise the area and talk about all the beautiful places they had visited. I saw so many photos on social media that just didn’t match my experience.

So I decided to do something about it. I went back to Krabi and this time I treated myself to this gorgeous hotel , one of the best places to stay in Krabi . I also spent the first three days on guided tours . And it worked. The second time around I fell in love with the towering cliffs surrounded by fields of palm trees and turquoise water.

The stubborn traveler in me has always liked to explore places on my own at my own pace. However, I’ve found recently that I get so much value from joining guided tours when I first arrive, to get the lay of the land. Then I can go back and explore more thoroughly on my own.

It’s also a great way to meet other travelers that you can spend time with during the rest of your trip. Some of the people I’ve met on guided tours over the years have become good friends.

Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s a list of my Krabi favorites.

🏨 Best Krabi hotel: Ban Sainai Resort

🛌🏻 Best Krabi budget accommodation: Baan Bida

🎫 Best guided tour: Private highlights of Krabi tour

🚘 How to get from the airport: Private airport transfer

🛵 How to get around: Walk, tuk-tuk, scooter, taxi or private driver

🍚 Best Krabi restaurants: Red Chilli Thai and Bistro Monaco

10 best tours in Krabi

Written by Ryan from  WaylessTravelers

When exploring Southern Thailand, we were fascinated by the countless beautiful beaches and the options for island hopping tours. However, if you are interested in an activity that will really get your heart pumping, then definitely check out rock climbing in Railay Beach, Krabi. 

Railay is a small remote peninsula cut off from the mainland by its massive limestone cliffs. These cliffs attract rock climbers from all around the world and we were eager to experience this ourselves. 

By joining this  rock climbing tour , we were picked up from the nearby town of Ao Nang and ferried over to Railay. From there, your guide will determine your rock climbing level and pick the ideal cliff for you to climb. 

These limestone cliffs are perfect for rock climbing since their uneven formation provides an abundance of hand and foot holds. So even if you are an absolute beginner, this tour can be perfect for you! 

We took the half-day tour and at first, were presented with easier routes. Once we got the hang of it, the guide brought us to another cliff face where I went to climb up about 40 feet in the air! The guides were cheering us on as we went higher and higher.

Other than the sheer thrill of scaling these limestone walls, the cherry on top is that you get an incredible view of the surrounding landscape! 

⛰ Check price and availability here >> Rock Climbing at Railay Beach in Krabi

Normally I wouldn’t book a tour with Instagram in the name. But hear me out, this turned out to be one of my favorite tours I’ve ever done in Thailand.

Dew, my lovely English-speaking guide, picked me up from my hotel bright and early at 7:00 am. We got to the Emerald Pool about an hour later and had it all to ourselves for some time. It was absolutely stunning.

Then the tour continued to the Tiger Temple, a sacred site known for the tiger paw prints in the cave, tall Buddha statues and the strenuous hike up the stairs to reach the summit. I’m not in the best shape, but I still made it to the top. Dew was super patient and encouraged me along the way.

After a delicious lunch, we stopped at one of the most beautiful temples in Krabi, Wat Kaew Korawaram (up there with the temples of Chiang Mai ), before heading out on the water in a longtail boat to Phra Nang Cave and Railay Beach.

It was such an awesome day from start to finish. Dew isn’t only a knowledgeable guide but also a great photographer.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Private highlights of Krabi tour

Written by Sean from Travel Thailand Together

If you ever find yourself in the tropical paradise of Krabi, then there is one guided tour that you cannot miss – a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay.

The tour started early in the morning, and our mode of transport was a speedboat. The first stop was the famous Maya Bay, on Phi Phi Leh Island. This place has now become one of the  best things to do in Thailand after the famous movie “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed here.

No island tour was complete without enjoying some water activities. Our speedboat pulled into Phi Lee Bay, a bay that was surrounded by limestone cliffs. We jumped into the water and went for a swim and snorkel. We saw a ton of different fishes and corals, and our tour guide even said we could see leopard sharks, but we didn’t have any luck that day. 

Around midday, we headed to Koh Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch. It was a buffet-style lunch with a variety of delicious Thai food and international cuisine. It was much needed after a morning of activities. 

After lunch, we visited Bamboo Island and Monkey Bay. Bamboo Island was perfect for sunbathing and more snorkeling, while Monkey Bay, true to its name, was home to a community of monkeys who seemed as curious about us as we were about them.

And finally, we headed back home on our speedboat, watching the gorgeous sunset dip behind the limestone mountains of the bay.

🐚 Pro tip >> This Phi Phi Islands tour starts at 8:00 am so you arrive at Maya Bay before the majority of other tourists.

Written by Madison from Madison’s Footsteps .

Krabi is one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations – for good reason! Sparkling turquoise waters and white sand beaches meet affordable cuisine and killer views in this sleepy Thai beach town. Whether you’re searching for culture, eats, or a great spot to sunbathe, a trip to Krabi is a welcome addition to any Thailand bucket list. 

My friend and I visited Krabi in 2022 and we quite simply couldn’t get enough. When we weren’t stuffing our faces at the best Thai restaurants in Ao Nang , we were climbing almost 1,300 steps to the Tiger Cave Temple, sipping freshly made coconut smoothies on Railay Beach and embarking on day trips to the countless beautiful islands around Krabi. 

One of our favorite day trips was this tour from Ao Nang to Hong Island . For only 40 USD/person (+ 300 baht for the national park fee), we got round-trip transportation from our hotel, transportation by longtail boat to multiple nearby islands, the use of snorkeling equipment, and a tasty lunch.

Our stop at Hong Island was the crowd favorite. We spent the most time there, bathing in the sparkling blue waters, climbing to the island’s highest viewpoint, and relaxing on the beautiful beach. 

If you only have a few days in Krabi, I highly recommend taking this tour. The view of the limestone cliffs against the turquoise ocean is something I’ll never forget. 

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Hong Island full-day tour from Krabi

Written by Alice from Adventures of Alice

One of the best things we did during our trip to Thailand was to go kayaking through the mangrove forests in Krabi. This was an absolutely incredible experience; the forest was beautiful, we met some amazing people, and our guide was superb. 

We did this as a combo tour with a dirt biking section as well, but I wasn’t overly impressed with the dirt biking part. It just felt like we were driving in circles and seemed a little silly. However, the kayaking was one of the highlights of our trip. 

We booked our tour through a local tour guide in Krabi town, that way you can haggle with the tour guides and often get a better price. The guide then picked us up from our hotel near  Ao Nang , we changed into our life jackets and got into the kayaks.

The tour itself lasted about 2 hours. We sailed past beautiful cliff formations, waterlogged forests, and through a few beautiful lagoons. We even saw some wild monkeys! Our guide was able to explain all about the landscape, how the forest was formed, why the cliff faces were multi-colored, and about the wildlife that lives within the trees.

It was an incredible experience and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Krabi.

🚣‍♀️ Book online >> If you prefer to arrange everything in advance, this is the most popular kayaking tour in Krabi with a 5-star rating and almost 400 reviews.

This was another one of my favorite tours I did in Krabi, with a small group (we were only 5) and very knowledgeable guides. I joined this tour before I discovered the private Instagram tour I talked about above. I had never heard about the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon so if it wasn’t for this tour I would have missed both again.

I got picked up at my hotel in Ao Nang and headed to our first stop at the stunning Emerald Pool. From there we walked along the path to the next stop of the day, the Blue Lagoon. Enjoy this gorgeous gem surrounded by large, overhanging trees with roots that extend across the water.

We then took a break for lunch at a local restaurant, before we spent some time at the Hot Springs Waterfall. The tour ended with a visit to the majestic Wat Kaew Korawaram.

You’ll get a complimentary bottle of water, however, the lunch and any snacks you have to pay for yourself.

I really enjoyed both tours, even though they both covered the Emerald Pool and the white temple. If I had to choose I would probably go with the private Instagram tour , however, this one is the more affordable choice.

🌟 Check price and availability here >> Emerald Pool & the Blue Lagoon tour

In my mind, no trip to SEA is complete without a cooking class. Thai is one of my favorite cuisines so when someone recommended this cooking class with professional chef Ye, I had to book it. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

I was picked up from my hotel in Ao Nang along with another couple. Before we started cooking we got an introduction to Thai food and all the rich colors, delicate aromas, and spices that go into making the perfect Thai dish.

Then we got to choose 6 dishes to cook. Pad Thai, Massaman Curry and Mango sticky rice, to name a few. My mouth is watering just from writing this. Learning how to balance flavors and make curry pastes from scratch using classic utensils and techniques was so much fun.

Definitely one of my favorite days in Thailand ever, just as good as the class I did in Bangkok .

🍚 Check price and availability here >> Ya’s Thai Cookery School class

This tour is jam-packed with beautiful places I would never have visited on my own. Travel by traditional longtail boat to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor, and stop at the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach at Railay.

Poda Island was my favorite stop, it is just breathtaking with the white sand and turquoise shallow water.

Bottled water, a Thai-style boxed picnic lunch on the beach, seasonal fruit and snorkeling equipment are included in the price, but you have to pay for the National Park entrance fee (200 THB per adult and 100 THB per child).

The boat was a little crowded, however, I wouldn’t expect anything else for the very reasonable price I paid. And it only meant I got to talk with a lot of lovely people. Our guides kept us entertained, hydrated and well-fed throughout the 6-7 hours.

🌊 Check price and availability here >> 4 Islands tour from Krabi by longtail boat

This afternoon tour begins with a convenient hotel pick-up in the Krabi area, followed by a journey to the stunning Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay), known for its enchanting mangrove forests.

Upon arrival at the kayak center, the friendly tour guide provided a concise yet thorough briefing on paddle usage, ensuring our safety. Equipped with life jackets and a dry bag for our valuables, we embarked on an unforgettable kayaking journey through the mangrove river.

If you’re a nature lover you will appreciate the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife, including monitor lizards, crab-eating macaques, monkeys, vibrant tropical birds, and mudskippers in the mud during low tide. The tranquility of paddling through the mangrove forests and caves without the usual crowds added to the overall serenity of the experience.

The highlight of the tour was undoubtedly the BBQ dinner on a private beach. We got lucky with the weather. The delicious seafood meal complete with sides, sauces and fresh fruit, was a perfect culmination of the day’s adventures.

🍚 Check price and availability here >> Kayaking and sunset BBQ dinner tour

This sunset and seafood dinner cruise effortlessly encapsulated the essence of the region, featuring pristine white sand beaches, tropical islands, and awe-inspiring natural wonders.

I was picked up from my hotel in Ao Nang around 1:15 pm and boarded the ship at Ao Nam Mao Pier. We set sail for Pranang Cave, Chicken Island, and the picturesque Pirate Beach.

The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches provided a stunning backdrop for swimming and snorkeling. It was so much fun to see the vibrant coral reefs and abundance of tropical fish around Poda and Tub Islands.

After building up an appetite from all the time in the water, we enjoyed a Thai dinner consisting of fresh BBQ seafood on the deck with the sun setting over the ocean as the backdrop.

⛵️ Check price and availability here >> Sunset and seafood dinner cruise

Frequently Asked Questions Krabi

Tuk-tuks, a popular choice for short distances, provide a convenient and budget-friendly means of getting around town. Taxis are also readily available and can be hired for day trips or specific destinations.

Just like in Bali , Renting a scooter is a popular option for those wanting more independence and flexibility to explore Krabi at their own pace. Be sure to wear a helmet and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules. Also, make sure your travel insurance covers you while driving by yourself.

Additionally, long-tail boats and speedboats are essential for reaching the nearby islands and exploring the stunning coastal scenery.

Walking is an enjoyable way to explore the local markets, vibrant streets, and beachfront areas, offering a chance to soak in the unique atmosphere of Krabi.

With a private driver

If you can’t find a guided tour that covers all the sights you want to see, I highly recommend booking t h is private driver . You have the driver for up to 8 hours and choose your start time from 7:00 am on. Customize the day exactly to your interests, and get suggestions from your driver.

🚘 Check price and availability here >> Private car or van hire with driver

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. During this period, the weather is more predictable, ensuring a pleasant experience for outdoor activities. But keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season.

Krabi boasts stunning landscapes, including limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush jungles, making it an ideal setting for diverse guided tours.

All the islands just off the coast are what makes Krabi so special, and they are most easily visited as part of a guided tour. Activities like climbing and kayaking in the Mangroves are also best done accompanied by a local guide.

Krabi offers a variety of guided tours, including island hopping, snorkeling and diving excursions, jungle trekking, temple tours, street food tours and cooking classes , as well as adventure activities like rock climbing and kayaking.

Booking a guided tour in Krabi is easy. You can either book online through my favorite sites, Viator and GetYourGuide , use local tour operators and organizers, or ask you accommodation to arrange it for you.

If you want to save money on travel bookings you can often get a great deal if you contact the tour operator directly while you are in Krabi. However, then you also risk the tours already being full. I prefer to book in advance online, with Viator you can reserve the tour and pay later.

Yes, many guided tours in Krabi are family-friendly. There are options with gentle activities like island-hopping cruises, wildlife discovery tours, and easy nature walks that cater to all age groups.

Most of the tour mentioned in this post, apart from the rock climbing and kayaking, are suitable for families with small children. You might have to carry the little ones up the stairs to the Tiger Temple though.

It all depends on the type of tour you’re doing. But generally, I recommend you bring sunglasses, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen , light and comfortable clothing, swimwear (I love this swimsuit and this bikini ), insect repellent, and a camera. I used my GoPro the most while in Krabi.

For specific activities like trekking or rock climbing, just wear your normal summer hiking attire. Climbing shoes and gear are provided. Ask your tour company if you have any questions.

I also recommend bringing a filtered water bottle on all your travels, so you can fill it up anywhere.

🌟 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle

My favorite bottle for travel, backpacking and hiking.

You can fill it up anywhere, LifeStraw filters bacteria, parasites, chemicals and microplastics.

For every LifeStraw product purchased, a child in need receives safe water for an entire school year!

Yes, most guided tours in Krabi include English-speaking guides. In some cases, other languages may be available, depending on the tour operator. It’s always a good idea to check and confirm when booking. I have done five tours in Krabi and all my guides spoke great English.

Absolutely! I did all five tours as a solo traveler. Joining group tours is a great way to meet like-minded individuals, and many activities are designed to accommodate solo adventurers.

Popular Thailand guides

Be sure to also check out my other Thailand guides:

• Top 20 sights & attractions not to miss in Bangkok!
• Koh Samet Island Guide: The best beaches close to Bangkok
• A review of Bangkok’s Unicorn Café – Is it worth the hype?
• 13 best Chiang Mai temples: You don’t want to miss these!

About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

13 best Chiang Mai temples you don’t want to miss!

Join the travel creator club.

Sign up to receive one of my favorite Lightroom presets + my tour/product collab pitch template!

By clicking "SEND" you confirm that you want to join our mailing list and that you have read our Privacy policy .

I’m social…sort of!

Join me on Instagram

• Privacy Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure
• Terms & Conditions

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 Sunshine Seeker

Best selection tours & trips Phuket Thailand

Krabi afternoon sunset tour 7 islands by big boat.

• Description
• Reviews (0)

Discover all seven of the most beautiful islands around Krabi with a large boat and friendly staff, including sightseeing and a delicious buffet in an incredible location. This excursion is highly recommended if you want to get a true sense of Thailand’s natural beauty and take some beautiful photographs. This is a tour that should not be missed.

Join this island-hopping trip of the Andaman Sea by boarding a big boat. You’ll travel to a total of seven islands close to Krabi, stopping along the route to swim with tropical fish, snorkel, and explore sea caves. In addition, this excursion includes round-trip transportation from hotels in Krabi and a buffet lunch that is offered on Poda Island. 1. Select between morning and afternoon departures. 2. Free lunch or dinner will be provided. 3. Hotel transfers are free round trip. 4. Life jackets and snorkelling gear will be available.

MAR: Krabi Afternoon Sunset Tour 7 islands by big boat *This price is from 1 January 2024 – 31 October 2024* Pickup from Krabi *Not Included National Park Fee

*national park fees are not included for island tours. fee for this tour is 200.-thb per adult, 100.-thb per child., extra charge transfer (area 1.), extra charge transfer (area 2.), mar: krabi afternoon sunset tour 7 islands by big boat pickup from krabi *not included national park fee.

There are no reviews yet.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Your review  *

What Our Customers Say

Related tours.

Phi Phi Islands, Maya, Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island Day Trip

The Phi Phi Islands excursion by Speedboat is the most well-liked excursion in Thailand. You won’t want to miss the archipelago’s spectacular animals.

Full day sailing catamaran cruise to Maiton Island

Nicknamed “Honeymoon Island” for its idyllic setting, Maiton Island lies just off the southeast coast of Phuket. This full-day catamaran cruise is unlike some of our other Maiton Island day trips in that it allows you to explore the island itself, not just the surrounding waters.

E4. Premium Day Trip Elephant Care + ATV 30 mins. + Rafting

Elephant Care ATV White Water Rafting Phuket. Get wet, feed and bath some elephants, go rafting on some river rapids, charge through the jungle on an ATV. Check this place out.

Price: THB 2,800.00 Original price was: THB2,800.00. THB 1,499.00 Current price is: THB1,499.00.

Please Contact us BEFORE Booking this Tour, So we can check availability for you

Book the tour

  Extra Area 2.   ×  THB 200.00

Fill up the form below to tell us what you're looking for

Copyright © 2023 Phuket Dream Company. All Rights Reserved.

First, cookie stuff...

Privacy overview.

Your Perfect Guide to 4 Island Tour in Krabi

• December 27, 2022

Where is Krabi?

Krabi is in Southern Thailand, on the western coast,a popular tourist destination due to its stunningly beautiful scenery and excellent activities, including snorkelling, rock climbing, and kayaking. It is known for its calm weather during the high season (between Novemebr and April), making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun and, most importantly, take an island boat tour.

Which islands are normally included in a krabi 4 Island Tour?

Most Krabi four-island tours includes Koh Poda, Koh Gai (also known as Chicken Island), Ta Ming, and Si Island. In addition, some tours may include a trip to Tup Island, lifting your island count to five. You will also find a limited number of providers offering a 5 Island Tour with a final stop at Railay’s Pranang Beach , for those that want to experience swimming in the bio-luminescence after dark.

However, it’s worth noting that Koh Tup is a National Park island, meaning that there is a fee to land on it. While some tours many include this in their overall ticket cost, be sure to confirm this before taking your trip there.

Alongside Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Ta Ming, and Si Island, the Tup Island tour is an excellent opportunity to explore the most beautiful and untouched locations. With crystal clear waters, during low tides, the sandbar here appears and serves as a land bridge from one rock formation to the other, allowing exploreres to wade through the sea and cool off from the heat.

Overview of Krabi and its 4 Islands

Krabi is a province in southern Thailand that is known for its stunning natural beauty and numerous attractions, such as Phra Nang Cave Beach (Princess Cave) It boasts an impressive coastline of sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs. Krabi also includes four beautiful islands – Poda Island, Koh Gai, Si Island, and Ta Ming Island.

Reaching the Islands via boat

The main way to reach the four islands of Krabi is by boat tour , either from the mainland or from other nearby islands. You can start our Krabi Sunset Cruise from either Ao Nang beach or Railay beach. Boat tours to the islands can take as little as 30 minutes, or as long ad a full afternoon (depending on which island/islands you are travelling to). During peak season, there are high-speed ferries and longtail boats that provide convenient transportation to and from each of the islands.

What to expect from the tour (Activities, Sights, Food, Culture)

Poda island.

Poda Island is the most popular of Krabi’s four islands and is considered to be the crown jewel of this picturesque province. It is known for its stunning white sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs that offer spectacular views.

The island also has a lush tropical jungle and (for private visitors) there is a place there where you can buy food and drinks. You migh even be lucky enough to see monkeys there!

Koh Gai Island

Koh Gai is a smaller tropical island, with rugged cliffs, the most famous of which looks like a chickens head. While the landscape doesn’t allow for you to walk onto Koh gai, the waters around it are a great place to snorkel.

Si Island is the most remote of Krabi’s four islands and boasts some of Thailand’s best snorkeling spots. This spot is favoured by divers, as it is surrounded by two huge coral garden, with its clearest spot usually sitting to the south of the island. If you’re very lucky, it’s not uncommon to see seahorses, but you should also see snappers and scorpion fish.

Ta Ming Island

Ta Ming Island is an isolated paradise that is perfect for those looking for a sense of calm and tranquility. The island features a little cove with a hidden beach, as well as lush jungles and great waters for kayaking. It used to be a key spot for deep water solo climbing (where a fall would result in a drop into the waters below), but the National Park teams have put a restriction on that now.

Safety Tips When Traveling in Krabi

When travelling in Krabi, it is crucial to stay safe. Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to do some research and familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while exploring this beautiful province:

Protect your Valuables

Make sure to keep cash, credit cards, and other valuables in a safe place or have a money belt. While Krabi provence doesn’t have a reputation for tourist robberies or theft, we recommend that you take caution the way you would in any unfamiliar location.

Be aware of your surroundings every time, and be vigilant when walking around late at night. Again, Krabi (particularly Ao Nang) is relatively safe due to its high tourist count. However, like everywhere else, we don’t recommend night-time walks alone in places that you’re not used to.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you drink plenty of water, especially during the hot season. At peak times, temparatures can reach 40 degrees celius, plus! In March 2023, a tourist lost their life while attempting the 1200 steps up to Krabi’s famous Tiger Cave temple in extreme heat.

Follow Safety Advice

Always follow safety advice from local authorities and tour guides.

Respect the Environment

Take only photos and respect local wildlife, culture, and customs when you’re exploring the islands. As tour operators ourselves, we spend a lot of time fishing out disgarded tourist litter from the waters, and clearing up after people on the beaches.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Krabi.

How Much is the 4-Island Tour in Krabi?

Operator prices will vary significantly depending on the method of trabsport you choose. Longtail boat tours can start from as little as 900 Baht for a large group tour, while speedboat and larger boat costs range from 1,500 to 3000 Thai Baht per person. It’s worth noting, the price you pay will regularly dictate the comfort and service you recieve, alongside the things provided by your guide.

Island tours typically include round-trip transport from your hotel in Krabi town, lunch and drinks throughout the day, and stops at locations like Tup Island, Chicken Island, Phra Nang Beach, and Poda Island.

Additionally, some operators may include travel insurance in the cost of their tour packages. It is essential to research different tour operators before deciding which one to book with for the best price and experience.

How to Book a 4-Island Krabi Tour

Booking a 4-Island tour in Krabi is easy. You can book a tour through an online travel agency or speak with one of the many small travel agent stores found along beaches and main streets. We offer a quick and easy online booking for our Sunset Island Cruise and Morning Cruise: 4 Island Champagne Breakfast Cruise . If you’d prefer, you can call us +66(0)897197344, or email us: [email protected]

Leave a comment

Recent posts.

How to see Thailand’s collapsed island of Koh Mae Urai, Krabi

10 must-try activities and things to do on Railay Beach, Krabi

Thailand transfers: How do I get from Krabi to Phi Phi Island?

Quick Links

Let's connect.

• +66(0)897197344
• Send an email

THE 10 BEST Krabi Town Tours & Excursions

Krabi town tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

2. Luxury Small Group Phi Phi Sunrise from Phuket by Simba Sea Trips

3. Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

4. Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

5. All day Krabi Jungle Tour (Hot Spring Water, Emerald Pool, Tiger Cave Temple)

6. Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

7. James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

8. Premium Phi Phi, bamboo island tour SpeedCatamaran

9. Phi Phi Early Bird - Beat The Crowds & Krabi 4 Islands From Krabi

10. James Bond Island Tour By Longtail Boat

11. 4 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise + bioluminescent Night Snorkel

12. ️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

13. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

14. Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

15. Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from Krabi

16. Deep mangrove and canyon Kayak Tour in Krabi

17. Private Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat

18. Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

19. Full-Day Phi Phi and Maiton islands Tour by Speed Catamaran

20. Thai Cooking School in Aonang

21. Krabi 4 Island Tour: Private Long-tail Boat Charter

22. Ya Thai Cookery School Class in Krabi

23. One Day Tour Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi

24. Private Tour to Hong Islands & 4 Islands with Sunset & Night Snorkel

25. Phi Phi One Day Tour by Speed Boat (from Ao Nang, Krabi)

26. James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)

27. Krabi Hong Island Tour: Charter Private Long-tail Boat

28. From Khao Lak Or Khok Kloi : Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Lunch

29. Day trip to Phi Phi , Khai Islands and cruise around Maya Bay by Speed Boat

Explore our Tours

We have various tours & activities around Thailand to serve all your needs!

Phi Phi and Maya islands Tour from Krabi by Speedboat

We will bring you to the famous Phi Phi Islands by speed boat. You will have good time walking on beautiful beachs, diving and relaxing on islands.

Krabi 4 Islands Tour by Big Long-tail Boat

Krabi 4 islands tour is the most famous tour in Krabi with a very affordable price. Travel by big long-tail boat with sunshade.

7 Islands Sunset + Bioluminescence Swim + BBQ Dinner

An afternoon trip to all the famous islands around Phi Phi. Ride on the traditional long-tail boat to explore the beauty of the Krabi Sea. Enjoy snorkeling then have a BBQ dinner in a romantic environment while the sun is going down to the sea. A perfect trip for your lazy day.

• X (Twitter)

Krabi Tours: 10 Best Day Trips & Excursions

Krabi tours: 10 best day trips & excursions.

Krabi in Thailand is not only amazing due to its stunning beaches, but also the hinterland and the offshore islands are absolutely worth visiting. Therefore, Krabi province offers countless great excursions and unforgettable tours , where you have the chance to explore the area. Especially popular are boat tours to Krabi’s marvelous islands, but also day trips to meet the elephants, in the jungle, sunset tours, adventure tours, kayaking, snorkeling tours and even tours from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi are offered. The offer on Krabi day trips in the region is so huge, theoretically you could spend every single day of your holiday going on a tour.

In this travel guide we will show you the most stunning day trips and the best tours from Krabi. On top, you will get some helpful tips about tour operators, tour packages, prices and how to book an excursion.

Good to know!

Take a look at our guide about where to stay in Krabi , to find a perfect selection of the best areas to stay and accommodation in Krabi.

Most day trips from Krabi are offered from the resorts of Klong Muang Beach , Ao Nang Beach and Railay Beach . On almost all tours, the pick-up from the hotel is included in the excursion price.

There are several options for getting from Bangkok to Krabi . The most convenient way to find cheap combined tickets including travel times is by searching on 12go.Asia .

4 Islands Tour Krabi

The Krabi 4 Islands tour  is for sure one of the best boat trips from Krabi . With the longtail boat or speedboat, you will explore Krabi’s unique island world, and you will have the chance to enjoy at the most beautiful beaches in Krabi . Moreover, there are great opportunities for snorkeling and to take outstanding pictures. On this boat tour, you visit the famous Phra Nang Beach , with its spectacular rock formations. Continue to the beaches of the dream islands Koh Poda , Tup Island and Chicken Island . These islands around Krabi are an absolute must-see and so a 4 Islands Tour is highly recommended.

• Prices : A with the long-tail boat costs from 30,- Euro.

Bathing with elephants

Visiting an Elephant Sanctuary in Krabi is a wonderful idea if you would like to spend an exciting day with elephants . An excursion from Krabi that is also guaranteed to bring great joy to children. Here, elephant riding is deliberately avoided, as these facilities are dedicated to the welfare of elephants that have been tortured for years. Financed by day tours and donations, the aim is to provide a safe and more species-appropriate environment for the pachyderms. Visitors get the chance to interact with these magnificent animals, feed them and bathe with them on a guided tour.

• Tip : Please remember bathing suits because at the end of the tour you will get the chance to take a bath with the elephants!
• Prices : The excursion costs about 60,- Euro per person.

Tiger Cave Temple

A visit to the Tiger Cave Temple   is definitely one of the best things to do in Krabi . This spectacular temple complex is also called Wat Tham Sua, and it is located not far from Krabi Town. The temple is probably one of the most adventurous places to visit in the region. This highly sacred site is particularly well-known for its exceedingly steep and sweaty ascent (1237 steps). But after the hike, visitors will get rewarded with an outstanding view of Krabi’s limestone rock landscape. With a bit of luck, you can also spot monkeys on your trip to the Tiger Cave Temple!

• Tips : The best time to visit the Tiger Cave Temple is early in the morning or in the late afternoon when it is a bit cooler.
• Prices : A standard tour to the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi costs only 20,- Euros. Private tours are a bit pricier, but you can choose the departure time and duration yourself.

Hong Island Tour

Koh Hong Island is a true paradise in Thailand and a very popular destination for day tours in the Krabi region. It delights its visitors with incredibly impressive limestone formations and a bay, like from a travel magazine. During a boat tour you can snorkel wonderfully, visitors will experience crystal clear water, many colorful fish, velvety soft sandy beach and deep jungle in the hinterland. Another highlight on the island is the Hong Lagoon, which is only passable by boat through a narrow opening. Koh Hong is one of the most beautiful Islands in Krabi and should not be missed.

• Prices : Boat Tours to Koh Hong are available from 30 Euro per person.
• Tip : A waterproof backpack is the optimal companion for boat trips to protect your cell phone, camera or other valuables from moisture.

Explore Krabi Town

Also interesting is a trip to Krabi Town , the capital of Krabi province. Although this place has no beaches, it is beautifully situated on the idyllic Krabi River, where you can take lovely boat trips to the mangrove forests and stalactite caves . In the evening, there is a nice night market at Chao Fah Pier, where numerous food stalls offer their goods. During the day, the Fresh Food Market is really worth a visit. If you want to leave the typical tourist route, then we can recommend a trip to Krabi Town.

• Prices : A taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nang costs around 500 baht. Cheaper is the transport with the Songthaew. The open red shared taxi costs only 50 baht per person.

Excursion to the Emerald Pool

A small natural wonder is the Emerald Pool in Krabi . A trip to these crystal-clear waters, the emerald-colored “Emerald Pool” and the deep blue “Blue Pool” is a must-see for all nature lovers. During a short jungle tour, you have the opportunity to marvel at the intact ecosystem and the impressive ambience of the rainforest . If you fancy a swim, take a bathing suit with you! Swimming in the Emerald Pool in Krabi is an outstanding experience.

• Tips : Especially on weekends and in the high season, it gets packed here. But if you come early in the morning, then you have this natural jewel almost to yourself.
• Prices : Excursions to the Emerald Pool to Krabi are available from 40, – Euro.

Snorkeling & Diving

Another experience that should not be missed on any trip to Krabi is to explore the interesting underwater world. When diving in Krabi , you have a terrific choice of cool dive spots that are worth exploring. The underwater world is beautiful, and so even experienced divers can’t stop raving about it. Rays , turtles , clown fish , moray eels , manta rays and even whale sharks can be spotted during a dive trip! Unique are also the steep rocky reefs, which form spectacular coral curtains that reach down into the depths. But not only diving is possible here. Thus, amazing snorkeling trips are offered in Krabi!

• Tip : Really recommendable is the popular diving school Sea Gypsy Divers , which has already been awarded several times.

Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands

Who does not know them, the famous Phi Phi islands in Thailand with the gigantic rock formations and the snow-white dream beaches. But only a few people know that the islands are located only 30 kilometers from Krabi and can easily be visited by a speedboat tour . A trip from Krabi to Phi Phi usually takes a whole day and includes food and drinks. With these tours, you will have great opportunities for snorkeling , and to swim at the most beautiful beaches of the famous Thai dream island.

• Tips : Since Koh Phi Phi is a very popular excursion destination, you could also join an early bird tour. Such tours start quite early in the morning and are best for avoiding the crowds.
• Prices : Tours from Krabi to Phi Phi are available from 80,- Euro.

James Bond Island Day Tour

Really amazing is also a tour to Phang Nga Bay , where you can admire the famous James Bond Rock on a day trip. But not only this rock formation is impressive. The nature in this region is more than spectacular. So Phang Nga Bay has been part of the Marine National Park since 1981 and offers beautiful mangrove forests along the coastline, which are actually also very nice to explore by kayak.

Kayak Tours

Also a fantastic experience are Kayak-Tours in Krabi. On this excursion, you will discover the beautiful natural landscapes of the region. You paddle along the breathtakingly beautiful coastline, crossing deep mangrove forests, discovering beautiful gorges, spectacular caves and lagoons. Kayaking is great fun and also a perfect tour for children.

• Prices : Kayak-Trips are available from around 30,- Euro

Climbing on Railay

Climbers attention : Krabi is the perfect area for climbing. No matter if beginner or advanced, everyone will find their perfect climbing tour here. The rock formations of the region are spectacular, and you will find some of the most beautiful climbing spots directly on the sea around the peninsula Railay. Gigantic stalactites hang here partly free from the rocks and offer climbers the ultimate kick. With this unique scenery, a climbing-tour will be a unique experience for you too. A must for those who love adventures!

• Prices : A beginner climbing tour costs around 60,- Euro.

Conclusion : As you can see, Krabi offers great excursions and tours! More information and tips about the province Krabi can be found in our Travel Guide about the best things to do Krabi .

Find the best Accommodation & Hotel in Krabi:

More about krabi:, railay beach in krabi: a perfect travel guide, thailand island hopping:  krabi to koh lipe (route & tips), krabi town: travel guide & best attractions, top 10 most amazing islands in krabi, tonsai beach: a paradise beach in krabi, where to stay in krabi: best places & beaches.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Comments are closed.

• Hvar Island
• Brac Island
• Korcula Island
• Split Beaches
• Zadar Beaches
• Dubrovnik Beaches
• Pula Beaches
• Rovinj Beaches
• Krk Beaches
• Brac Beaches
• Hvar Beaches
• Istria Beaches
• Makarska Beaches
• Korcula Beaches
• Cities in Croatia
• Krabi Beaches
• Where to Stay in Krabi
• Koh Samui Beaches
• Where to Stay in Koh Samui
• Koh Phangan
• Trang Island
• Thailand Island Hopping
• Val d’Orcia
• San Gimignano
• Montepulciano
• Soca Valley
• Beaches in Slovenia
• Czech Republic
• Round trips
• Travel Resources
• Boutique Hotels
• Paris Boutique Hotels
• Budapest Boutique Hotels
• Vienna Boutique Hotels
• Rome Boutique Hotels
• Lisbon Boutique Hotels
• Athens Boutique Hotels
• Prague Boutique Hotels
• Madrid Boutique Hotels
• Florence Boutique Hotels

The 7-Island Tour in Ao Nang, Krabi – What to Expect

Our honest opinion about the 7-island tour from ao nang, krabi.

Sara Santos | April 15, 2024 February 22, 2024

One of the most popular tours from Ao Nang, Krabi, is the 7-island tour, also called the 4-island tour depending on the tour provider. In this article, we’ll share what this tour is like, what to expect, and our honest opinion, so that you can decide if it’s worth going or not.

Related article: Ao Nang Travel Guide for First Timers (Krabi, Thailand)

Table of Contents

What is the 7-island tour in ao nang, speed boat or long tail boat, morning tour or sunset tour, the 7-island tour (krabi) – what to expect, the 7-island tour (krabi) – is it worth it, other thailand travel guides.

The 7-island or 4-island tour is one of the most popular tours from Ao Nang, Krabi. This tour includes visiting a nearby group of islands in the Andaman Sea off the coast of Krabi province. Usually, it includes the following places, but might vary slightly depending on the operator:

• Tup Island (Koh Tup) : connected by a sandbar to nearby islands that you can see during low tide;
• Poda Island (Koh Poda) : known for its white sand beach with crystal clear blue water;
• Chicken island (Koh Gai) : known for its unique rock formation resembling a chicken’s head;
• Railay beach : beautiful beach with beautiful limestone cliffs landscape;
• Phra Nang Cave : sacred cave associated with fertility.

If you like to have everything planned and figured out or if you have limited time in Thailand, you can book your trips in advance using apps like GetYourGuide , for example. Please note that many packages don’t include the National Park fees.

Alternatively, we recommend buying the tour from local tour operators. You’ll usually get better prices if you’re wiling to negotiate. We got our tour for 1100 baht per person, with the National Park fees included for the sunset tour.

Most tours will have the option of either going by long-tail boat or speedboat. The long-tail boats are the traditional wooden Thai boats. While these are great for pictures, they are very noisy and slow, but usually cheaper than taking a speedboat. The speedboat is usually more comfortable and faster, but bumpier than the long-tail boats. These are also more expensive than the long-tail boat option.

We did this tour by long-tail boat, which was a bit uncomfortable since we spent a considerable amount of time on the boat. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for a speedboat, you’ll have a more comfortable journey.

You can choose to do this tour in the morning or in the afternoon with a sunset option. We chose the sunset tour because it included seeing and swimming with the bioluminescent plankton at night. And we did see it! So, if that’s on your bucket list, choose the sunset tour (make sure it includes seeing the bioluminescent plankton).

We’ll describe what our tour looked like. Most tours with a similar name will follow a similar itinerary, even though it may change slightly depending on the tour provider and weather conditions.

Most tours offer pickup from the hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation to the starting point. In our case, from the pickup-up time to the start of the tour, it took approximately one hour.

If your tour has a stop for snorkeling, they’ll usually provide snorkeling gear: mask and tube.

Koh Tup and Koh Thap

The first stop of the tour was on Tup Island. This is a very small island with crystal-clear blue water. When the tide is low, it reveals a sandbar that connects the island to the nearby Koh Thap Island. This sandbar that divides the sea is called Thale Waek . If you’re lucky enough to experience a super low tide, these two islands will connect by a larger sandbar to the nearby Chicken Island.

The water on this island is very shallow, so it’s not a great place to swim. But, it’s nice to dip your feet in the water.

Tip: make sure to bring water shoes or sandals that you can use on the water, otherwise you may cut your feet on the shells and corals.

Due to the small size of the island and the many boats stopping there at the same time, this was the place on the tour where it felt most crowded.

Chicken Island

The next stop was next to the Chicken island. This island has this name because it has a rock that resembles a chicken head.

The boat stopped next to the island for some snorkeling. Unfortunately, the snorkeling was not very interesting as the corals were mostly dead, and there wasn’t much variety of fish. So, don’t expect much from the snorkeling here.

Tip: if you’re looking for great snorkeling trips, we recommend the trips from Koh Lanta or Koh Lipe . We had the time of our lives snorkeling there ( read about our snorkeling tour in Koh Lanta here ).

Related article: Koh Lanta Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary and 10 Best Things to Do

The next island was Koh Poda. I really liked this island. It was my favorite place on the whole tour. Here, you can enjoy a beautiful beach with white sand and crystal-clear blue water.

There’s also a beautiful view from this island of the nearby limestone rocks and cliffs. Unfortunately, our time there was very rushed.

Tip : instead of doing this tour, you might consider catching a boat from Ao Nang to Koh Poda and spend an afternoon or morning there. For more things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi, make sure to take a look at our guide: Ao Nang Travel Guide for First Timers (Krabi, Thailand) .

Sunset at the Railay Beach

Finally, we stopped at Railay Beach to watch the sunset and have dinner. Unfortunately, we arrived a little late for the sunset, but it was worth it just for the landscape.

This beach is really beautiful, with interesting caves and rock formations with stalactites. Due to the shape of its rock formations, this is quite a popular place for rock climbing.

Phra Nang Cave

Next to Railay Beach is the famous Phra Nang Cave, also known as the Princess Cave. Inside, you’ll find wooden carvings shaped like phalluses. Local people visit this sacred place to ask for help with fertility problems or seek blessings for fertility and safe childbirth.

Dinner Next to the Railay Beach

Our dinner at a nearby restaurant (a 10-minute walk from Railay Beach) was buffet-style and included a variety of dishes. The food was not the best, but it was actually pretty good considering it was buffet-style. Don’t eat too much because you’ll be snorkeling again right after dinner to see the bioluminescent plankton.

Watching the Bioluminescent Plankton in Krabi

Finally, after dinner, the boat stopped at the “middle” of the sea in an area with less light pollution so that we could see the bioluminescence.

You have to go snorkeling to see the bioluminescence. Just splash the water with your hands and feet, and you’ll start seeing it shining like stars in the sky—it’s not bright blue like you see in some photoshopped pictures, but it’s quite a magical and unique experience.

For those not brave enough to go snorkeling in the dark, our guides threw some buckets of water inside the boat so you can also see the bioluminescence without going into the water. Unfortunately, we don’t have any pictures of the plankton because you can’t catch its light on camera.

Overall, I would say yes, but it depends on what you’re expecting. For example, here are some things to take into account before going on the 7-island tour:

• Because this is one of the most popular tours, most places of interest will be inevitably crowded.
• Even though it’s called the 7-island tour, we only stopped at two islands and at the Railay beach. The other islands, you only see from afar and sometimes are not even mentioned by the tour guides.
• The English of most tour guides is very limited. They know some basic sentences, but if you want to ask something more specific, usually they are not able to answer it.
• The snorkeling included in the trip was not the best. We did much better snorkeling on tours in Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta .

But, there are also great positive points about going on this tour. First of all, it’s quite an affordable tour and it includes water, snacks, and lunch or dinner.

If you have limited time in Krabi, this is a great way to explore several places in just half a day. However, if you have a little bit more time, I think it’s better to focus on just one island, for example, Koh Poda. You can easily arrange transportation from Ao Nang Beach to Koh Poda or to Railay Beach.

Seeing the bioluminescent plankton was a great experience and is on many people’s bucket lists. We also saw bioluminescent plankton on another tour we did on the Phi Phi Islands .

Related article: Koh Phi Phi: Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers

Finally, a great alternative to the 7-island tour is the Hong Islands Tour. We didn’t do that tour, but I’ve heard very good feedback about it, and many mention that it’s usually not so crowded.

We hope our review about the 7-island tour from Ao Nang, Krabi, helps you plan your time in Thailand. We have other guides you may find useful:

Other Thailand Travel Guides:

• Krabi Travel Guide for First-Timers ( Ao Nang )
• Koh Phi Phi : Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary and 10 Best Things to Do
• Koh Lipe : Best Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Koh Ha and Koh Rok Snorkeling Tour (from Koh Lanta) – Is It Worth It?
• Bangkok Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide for First-Timers (14 Things To Do)
• How to Spend one Day in Chiang Rai , Thailand: Things to Do and Tips
• Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Visit on Your Own from Bangkok
• Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect
• How to Spend Two Days in Kanchanaburi : Itinerary and Tips
• Two Months Traveling in Southeast Asia: Our Itinerary

Finally, you can use our links to book accommodation and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.

Thanks for reading.

Share this:

How to spend one day in chiang rai, thailand: things to do and tips, ao nang travel guide for first-timers (krabi, thailand), leave a reply cancel reply, discover more from tripiwi.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading