Krabi island tours | Explore beaches, lagoons & hidden gems of the Andaman Sea
Why choose Krabi for island tours?
Krabi sits in the middle of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by dozens of small islands within easy reach. Tours leave daily from Ao Nang and Railay, making it the most convenient starting point for visiting Phi Phi, the 4 Islands, Hong, and even lesser-known islets. With calm waters, sheltered lagoons, and short travel times between stops, Krabi offers more variety in a single day than most beach destinations in Thailand.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise tranquility, sunset magic, or the rare glow of bioluminescent plankton, Krabi’s island tours offer something for every traveler.
What to expect on your Krabi island tour?
1/6
Islands on the route
Most tours visit 3–7 spots, from the famous Phi Phi Islands to closer gems like Chicken, Tup, Poda, and Hong.
How you’ll travel
Choose between a speedboat for quicker island hops or a traditional longtail boat for a slower, scenic ride.
What you’ll do
Expect snorkeling over coral reefs, swimming in lagoons, and free time to relax on white-sand beaches.
What’s included
Hotel transfers, snorkel equipment, life jackets, and meals or snacks are standard on most tours.
Highlights along the way
Depending on your route, you might walk Tup’s shifting sandbar, explore Hong’s hidden lagoon, or admire Maya Bay’s cliffs.
Timing options
Go early to beat the crowds, sail at sunset for golden-hour views, or join a night tour to spot glowing plankton.
Your Krabi island tour options
4 Islands tours
The most popular Krabi day trip, visiting Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island with its sandbar, and Railay Beach.
Best for first-time visitors and families looking for a shorter, easy island-hopping experience.
Available as a speedboat tour for quick transfers or by longtail boat for a more traditional, relaxed journey. You can also combine it with other Phi Phi hotspots.
Recommended experiences:
From Krabi: 4 Islands Day Tour
From Krabi: Phi Phi & 4 Islands Early Bird Tour by Speedboat
7 Islands tours
This tour strings together Krabi’s highlights like Chicken Island and Poda with lesser-known gems such as Tup, Mor, and Ma Tang Ming.
Best for those who want more than a quick hop. It’s an immersive outing that blends classic stops with unique evening experiences.
Operates by speedboat for faster transfers, by longtail boat for a traditional experience, or by luxury longtail with dedicated morning and sunset options.
Recommended experiences:
From Krabi: 7 Islands Tour with BBQ & Sunset
From Krabi: 7 Islands Morning or Sunset Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat
Phi Phi Island tours
Covers world-famous spots including Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and Pileh Lagoon, making it Krabi’s most iconic island-hopping route.
Best for snorkelers and travelers who want to experience Thailand’s most photographed islands.
Available as speedboat day tours, early bird trips combined with the 4 Islands, or sunset itineraries with BBQs and bioluminescent swims.
Recommended experiences:
From Krabi: Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island Day Tour by Speedboat
From Krabi: Phi Phi & 4 Islands Sunset with Bioluminescent Plankton Tour
Hong Island tours
Discover the turquoise lagoon and limestone cliffs of Hong, along with nearby islets, in a more relaxed half-day format.
Best for travelers short on time or those who prefer a focused, scenic outing.
Available by speedboat, or by luxury longtail boat with morning departures and sunset options that include kayaking.
Recommended experiences:
From Krabi: Hong Islands Half-Day Tour by Speedboat
From Krabi: Hong Island Half-Day Tour by Luxury Longtail Boat
Must-see spots on your Krabi island tours
Maya Bay
The sheltered bay on Phi Phi Leh, known worldwide for its role in The Beach, with clear waters and a soft white shoreline.
Pileh Lagoon
An enclosed lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in calm, emerald-green water.
Bamboo Island
A small flat island with powdery sand beaches and shallow reefs that make it ideal for snorkeling.
Monkey Beach
A stretch of sand on Phi Phi Don where wild macaques can often be seen along the shore.
Hong Lagoon
Reached through a narrow cliff passage, this lagoon opens into bright turquoise water framed by high limestone walls.
Chicken Island
Recognizable for its chicken-shaped rock, and connected to nearby islets by sandbars at low tide.
Tup Island
Known for the Thale Waek sandbar, where you can walk between islands when the tide is low.
Ma Tang Ming Island
A quieter island included on some 7 Islands routes, offering good snorkeling in clear waters.
Plan your Krabi island tour
Depending on the tour you pick, Krabi island-hopping adventures last 5 to 10 hours and cover highlights like Phi Phi Islands, Bamboo Island, Hong Islands, or the famous 4 Islands (Poda, Chicken, Tup, and Mor).
Most day tours depart between 7:30am and 9:00am, while sunset trips return around 7:30pm, often including night snorkeling or glowing plankton experiences.
Time of day: Early departures mean calmer seas and fewer crowds. Sunset tours reward you with golden skies and starlit swims.
Time of week: Weekdays are less busy than weekends, giving you quieter beaches and lagoons.
Time of year: November to April offers the best weather, with dry skies and smooth waters. May–October (the shoulder season) brings fewer crowds but occasional showers.
The only way to explore Krabi’s islands is by boat, and all tours include round-trip hotel transfers from major Krabi areas.
Why transfers make sense:
Convenience: No need to figure out pier logistics—pickups and drop-offs are handled.
Time-saving: You’ll reach the pier on schedule without navigating on your own.
Peace of mind: From hotel to island and back, everything runs seamlessly.
Local coordination: Operators know the tides and timings to give you the smoothest trip possible.
Not suitable for pregnant women, infants under 1 year, or seniors over 65.
Guests with conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, or recent surgeries are advised not to join.
Tours are not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with mobility challenges.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Itineraries may adjust based on weather, tide, and sea conditions.
Pack wisely: swimwear, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, beach shoes, and a change of clothes.
Meals depend on the tour—halal, seafood, and vegetarian options are available on many routes.
Operators provide snorkeling gear, life jackets, and kayaking equipment (where relevant). You should also bring:
Swimwear & change of clothes
Beach towel
Reef-safe sunscreen
Sunglasses & hat
Sandals or water shoes
Waterproof phone case or dry bag
Cash (for souvenirs or national park fees)
Light cover-up (sarong or shirt)
Personal medication if needed
Beat the rush: Choose early morning or weekday tours for calmer, quieter beaches.
Carry cash: For souvenirs, snacks, or entrance fees at islands like Bamboo and Hong.
Go eco-friendly: Avoid plastic, use reef-safe sunscreen, and respect marine life.
Dress smart: Light clothing and waterproof footwear keep you comfortable all day.
Be weather-ready: Sudden showers can hit—pack a poncho or quick-dry top.
Protect your gear: Keep valuables in a waterproof case or bag.
Highlights of your Krabi island tour
Maya Bay
The world-famous lagoon where The Beach was filmed.
Frequently asked questions about Krabi island tours
Most day tours run 6–8 hours, while half-day options like Hong Island are 4–5 hours.
Speedboats, traditional longtail boats, and luxury longtails are the main options, each offering a different experience.
Yes, most tours include lunch, drinking water, and fruit. Sunset tours often add a beach barbecue.
Not necessarily—life jackets are provided, and you can choose to relax on the beach if you prefer not to snorkel.
November to April offers the calmest seas and clear skies, making it ideal for island-hopping.
Yes, but speedboats can be bumpy. Longtail or big boat options are more comfortable for families and seniors.
Yes, combo tours cover Phi Phi plus the 4 Islands, with morning or sunset departures.
Yes, snorkels, masks, and life jackets are usually included in the tour price.
Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, dry bag, and a change of clothes. A waterproof phone case is also handy.
Yes, but schedules may change or get canceled in case of rough seas for safety reasons.
.svg?auto=format&w=156&h=48&q=90&crop=faces&fit=crop)