Hong Island Group

Related article: Krabi

Characteristics: White sand beaches and limestone cliffs, nice beach views, sunbathing, swimming

Important Note: Thailand prohibits import and export of ivory even if it is for personal consumption or as souvenir, and tourists are strongly advised not to buy ivory or ivory products. Taking ivory or ivory products outside Thailand is illegal. Offenders could get a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to four times the value of the item or both penalties, and could face arrest at their country of origin. (Thai Ivories and Elephant Legislations)

The Islands:

• Daeng Island: Small red limestone rock island. This place is more of a sunbathing and swimming spot rather than snorkelling.

Daeng Island

Daeng Island

• Lading Island: A secluded island located between Pak Bia island and Hong island. Lovely scenery with a small bay surrounded by limestone, soft white sand beach and emerald coloured sea earned it the name “Paradise island”. Although there is a small snorkelling area here, there is nothing much to see.

Lading Island

Lading Island

• Hong Island Lagoon: Hong Island interior is home to a large lagoon. Here you will notice the different layers of the sea colour, from a deep emerald green to a clear turquoise. The lagoon entrance is through a cliff passage that adds up to the scenic backdrop of the place.

Cliff entrance to Hong Island Lagoon

• Hong Island: From there, there is option to kayak to the lagoon, but you need to be careful as the cliff passage is a bit tricky and the current and waves are a bit strong. Although snorkelling option would be there, it could be a bit disappointing, considering other snorkel sites around Phi Phi or the Four Islands.

Hong Island

Getting Here:

From Krabi or Phuket, Thailand, regular day trips are available. Some trips offer kayaking option.

Getting Around:

Island hopping is generally via speed boats and/or longtail boats.

Happy Panda Notes:

Although the water can be rough, kayaking from the Hong Island to the Lagoon is an experience in itself with the dramatic backdrop.

Phi Phi Island group

Related article: Krabi

Characteristics: White sand beaches, nice beach views, sunbathing, swimming. Good underwater varieties.

Important Note: Thailand prohibits import and export of ivory even if it is for personal consumption or as souvenir, and tourists are strongly advised not to buy ivory or ivory products. Taking ivory or ivory products outside Thailand is illegal. Offenders could get a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to four times the value of the item or both penalties, and could face arrest at their country of origin. (Thai Ivories and Elephant Legislations)

Phi Phi Island diving area

The Islands

• Bamboo Island or Koh Pai: Lying to the north eastern end of the Phi Phi group, this is generally not crowded with visitors. Beautiful views, relaxing beach time.

Bamboo Island

• Viking Caves or the Bird Nests Cave: This is at the bottom of a limestone cliff on the north-eastern tip of the Phi Phi Leh Island, accessed only by boat. Although the access to the cave is free, you can only visit the cave during high season which is November through January. The cave owes its name (Viking) to the paintings on its walls, depicting various boats, among which is what looks like a Scandinavian drakkar. Also known as the Bird Nests cave, it is associated with the hunting/harvesting of nests of swiftlet birds. In Chinese culture, these edible nests are believed to be healthy and good for skin, which makes this one of the most profitable local business. Legend has it, sailors lost their boat during a storm and got stuck without food on the limestone island. The cave, which was home to a colony of swiftlet, helped them survive by eating the nests, which gave them enough power to wait for the rescue. You can also notice tangles of platforms and altars those Thais have erected at the entrance of the cave. This is to honour the spirits of the cave. They meditate here before climbing their fragile scaffolding.

• Lohsamah Bay: This is a small bay on the other side of the Maya Bay. It offers decent snorkelling opportunity. There were colourful fishes. Corals were not very impressive.

Lohsamah Bay

• Maya Bay: Although the description of Maya Bay depicts it beautifully, all you can see here are boats lined up and crowd of people scattered around the entire area, of course thanks to the popularity it gained ever since the 1999 movie “The Beach”. I am sure it would be a delight to see the secluded beauty of this place but for day trippers that is not an option. Some operators offer on-board trips to Maya Bay where you can beat the crowd of day trippers and spend some quality time admiring the serene beauty of the place and staying overnight on board.

Remember The Beach movie ?? If that is your expectation, then is is the reality.. Maya Bay

• Pileh Bay: Large shallow inlet with a coral reef at its entrance. Limestone hills surrounding the emerald green lagoon, it is good for swimming and snorkelling.

• Monkey beach: As is evident from the name, this beach is inhabited by a troop of monkeys actively busy in their monkey business. It is advisable to be careful as the monkeys can cross over and climb the boat, although that is not very often.

Monkey Bay

• Phi Phi Don Island: Considered to be one of the loveliest islands, Phi Phi Don is the larger and the inhabited island of the two main islands of Phi Phi group (the other being Phi Phi Leh). Its beauty, however attracts many tourists from all over the world, making it quite crowded with day trippers. Accommodation is available in Phi Phi Don in case you want to explore the island taking your own sweet time and with a bit less crowd.

Phi Phi Don

Phi Phi Don

Getting Here:

From Krabi or Phuket, Thailand, regular trips are available. There are island hopping trips where you get more beach time, as well as dive / snorkeling specific trips where you get to spend more time admiring the marine creatures. Ferries are also available to take you to Phi Phi Don directly which is a good option if you intend to stay there and/or explore the island group at your own pace. 

Getting Around:

Island hopping is generally via speed boats and/or longtail boats. Exploring the island is by foot.

Happy Panda Notes:

The island of Phi Phi is known to be home to diverse marine life. A scuba diving experience is recommended here. Whether you are an experienced diver or a first timer, many dive schools offer dive trips to this region.

Recommended detour:
Instead of taking a day trip to Phi Phi, you may take the ferry and stay overnight at Phi Phi to explore the islands group at your own pace, or opt for the sleep aboard tour to Maya Bay.

James Bond Island

Related article: Krabi

Characteristics: Litoral Caves, limestone tower carsts

Popularity: James Bond movies The Man with the Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies

Important Note: Thailand prohibits import and export of ivory even if it is for personal consumption or as souvenir, and tourists are strongly advised not to buy ivory or ivory products. Taking ivory or ivory products outside Thailand is illegal. Offenders could get a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to four times the value of the item or both penalties, and could face arrest at their country of origin. (Thai Ivories and Elephant Legislations)

James Bond Island

The Pha Nga Bay:

• Kayaking: The bay of Phang Nga is one of the renowned spots for kayaking around Phuket / Krabi. Paddle guides price is generally included in the package but they expect a tip though that is not compulsory. They will paddle through the mangrove lined backwaters to visit some sea caves (littoral caves). There is a sea cave, where you need to lie down on the boat to enter through a narrow rocky low arch-like opening. The inner walls of the cave surround the water body giving an echoing effect inside with the sun peeking in from the top making this place a one of a kind experience.

Phang Nga bay kayaking

• Floating village at Koh Panyi: Stop for lunch mostly. This traditional Muslim fishing community heavily depends on tourism.

• James Bond Island or Koh Khao Phing Kan: An island in Phang Nga Bay. The islands are limestone tower karsts and are a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. The entry fees is generally included in the package pricing. Khao Phing Kan has been popularly called James Bond Island, since it’s featuring in the James Bond movies The Man with the Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies. About 40 metres from the shores of the island lies a 20-metre tall islet made of limestone called Ko Tapu, the "mushroom-shaped rock" (which houses two large solar panels which come up on top of Ko Tapu and lock on to the Sun: The man with the Golden Gun). It is also known as the James Bond rock. Ko Tapu literally translates to “Nail Island”, a name it gets from the local legend of a fisherman who was trying to fish but kept getting the same nail in his fishing net even after throwing it back to the water. The angry fisherman then decided to cut the nail in two halves with his sword using all his power. One of the part stuck back to the sea forming Ko Tapu. The scientific explanation on the formation of Ko Tapu says the area was a barrier reef that ruptured upon tectonic movements, dispersing over the sea, flooded by the rising ocean. Erosion of the islands thus formed resulted in peculiar structures such as Ko Tapu. Tide-related erosion is visible at the bottom of the rock. Interesting structures as it may seem, and indeed they are, but thanks to the James Bond fame, this island is over crowded with tourists. So, if you are looking for that perfect Bond / Bond girl pic, beware, you might run out of luck here.

Ko Tapu, James Bond Island

Getting Here:

Although nearer from Phuket, Thailand, day trips are also available from Krabi, Thailand. Some trips offer kayaking option. When traveling from Krabi, trips will generally halt at the Cave temple near Krabi town on the way to the island and in the fruit farms on the way back.

Getting Around:

Island hopping is generally via speed boats and/or longtail boats.

Happy Panda Notes:

Phang Nga bay happens to be one of the best kayaking spots around this area and the litoral caves are truly beautiful and worth the visit.

Four islands group, Krabi, Thailand

Related article: Krabi

Characteristics: Rock islands, good snorkeling, nice sunset views

Important Note: Thailand prohibits import and export of ivory even if it is for personal consumption or as souvenir, and tourists are strongly advised not to buy ivory or ivory products. Taking ivory or ivory products outside Thailand is illegal. Offenders could get a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to four times the value of the item or both penalties, and could face arrest at their country of origin. (Thai Ivories and Elephant Legislations)

Day trip to the Four Island Group

The islands (sometimes called seven islands including some rock formations)

• Koh Tan Ming: Rock island in front of Poda. Good for swimming and snorkelling. Also has spot for cliff jumping around the island

• Koh Si: Rocky outcrop with a better snorkelling option than the previous one. This place has many underwater reefs, and caves

• Chicken Island: Mostly photo stop. Called so because of the resemblance of its structure with a chicken

• Koh Tub and Koh Mor: Nice beach time

Koh Tub

• Poda Island: Beautiful sunset views

Poda Island Sunset

Getting Here:

From Krabi, Thailand, regular day trips are available. There are early departures (morning option) as well as late departures for this route (with dinner and night snorkeling option)

Getting Around:

Island hopping is generally via speed boats and/or longtail boats.

Happy Panda Notes:

When touring the four islands group, these two are must try:

• Cliff jumping: Try this one near the Koh Tan Ming after a refreshing snorkel.

• Night snorkeling: Highly recommended. Look out for tours offering option for night snorkeling with harmless bio luminescent phytoplankton near Phra Nang Cave. With the boat engines and lights turned off, the only sounds audible are the night insects from inside the cave. Be prepared for the water is rough during this time as well as much colder. Generally, these tours come with barbecue and dinner options as well.

Krabi, Thailand - 6D/5N Itinerary

Related article: Krabi

Crab statue, Ao Nang Beach

Summary: This itinerary covers a trip with longer time commitment. Looking for a short trip itinerary? Check out this post.

Note: Most of the trips to the islands depart latest by 2 pm, hence the itinerary has been chalked out accordingly. In case you are arriving later than that, you might want to keep the rest of that day free and easy. Try visiting the mainland attractions or go for shopping in the evening. Also, when talking about pick up and drop off, the itinerary assumes that you are staying in Ao Nang. If not, please check with your tour operator regarding the hotel pickup or meeting point details.

Day 1: Four Islands

Four Islands Tour

For Four Islands, there are two departures available - Morning and Afternoon. Generally a half day trip, you can relax for the rest of the day. If you are taking the morning departure, you can go to one of the night markets in the evening; if you are taking the late departure, you can visit the Fossils beach and its adjacent Ao Nam Mao beach in the morning.

The recommended one is, however, afternoon departure, as it comes with the option of night snorkeling with bio luminescent phytoplanktons. Rest of the itinerary remains more or less same for both the departures. Also, the afternoon departure caters for those who are flying to Krabi the same morning.

Most of the tour operators will offer pick up from your hotels in Ao Nang. If they don't, try to book one that does: there are many. After pick up, you will be taken to the pier, where you will have to make the on-spot payment for the national park entry fees, 400 THB per adult.

Day 2: Hong Islands

Hong Island Lagoon

You can start your day with the visit to the Hong Islands group, which is a full day trip. Opt for the tours offering kayaking options. You will ideally be back by evening.

Day 3: Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Island diving area

For this one, you can either opt for snorkeling oriented or diving trip (1-day dive trips available), or you can go for island hopping. If you are opting for the island hopping, please keep in mind, the snorkeling opportunity will not be very good but you will get more of beach time. Similarly, for the snorkeling oriented or diving trips, there will be less to no beach time available.

Recommended detour:

For day 3, instead of taking a day trip to Phi Phi, you may take the ferry and stay overnight at Phi Phi to explore the islands group at your own pace, or opt for the sleep aboard tour to Maya Bay. Then, depending on how many more days you have in hand, follow the itinerary listed below.

Ideal time commitment for detour:
2-3 days

Day 4: Krabi Rainforest and Tiger Caves temple with elephant ride

Emerald Pool

Spend the day on your own visiting the Hot springs and Emerald pool. Next, proceed to the Tiger caves temple and trek upto the top for the view. From there, visit the nearby elephant camp if you are interested in a ride. Try doing the trip on your own as you will get to enjoy the places at your own pace without the scheduled time commitment at each stop.

Day 5: James Bond Island

James Bond Rock

Major portion of this trip will be around the Phang Nga bay near Phuket. This is a long journey from Ao Nang, so you will be mostly returning after sunset. Try opting for a trip offering kayaking near Phang Nga bay.

Day 6: Depending on your time of flight, you might opt for visiting some beaches or temples in the Krabi mainland before departing with a lot of memories to cherish.

Staying for shorter period? Check out this post