Hong Island Tour Krabi: Amazing Day Trip
Hong Island Tour Krabi Via Traditional Longtail Boat
Planning a trip to Krabi and wondering if the Hong Island Tour is worth the journey?
After spending countless hours exploring Thailand’s beautiful islands, I can confidently say that a day trip to Hong Island should be at the top of your Krabi itinerary!
As our longtail boat zipped across the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, dramatic limestone karsts jutting from the ocean created a surreal experience for me.
The full-day tour from Ao Nang Pier proved to be the perfect way to experience these stunning islands, with prices starting from 1,200 THB per person including lunch, snorkelling equipment, and an English-speaking guide.
One of my favourite moments was swinging on the famous beach swing at Lading Island, watching the turquoise waters lap at the shore while limestone cliffs provided a dramatic backdrop.
It’s one of those Instagram-worthy spots that’s even more magical in person.
So, whether you’re a beach enthusiast, photography lover, or simply seeking an escape to paradise, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about visiting the Hong Islands from Ao Nang.
Discover my perfect Southeast Asia Packing list right here.
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Hong Island Tour Vlog
Hong Island Tour Krabi Itinerary
Not to be confused with another Hong Island near James Bond Island in the northern Andaman Sea, this Hong Island Tour visits the islands located between Koh Yao Yai and Ao Nang on the eastern side of the Andaman Sea.
Thailand is renowned for its postcard beaches and islands, and the time had finally come to dive into the natural beauty for real.
The tour itinerary was set, and it sounded fantastic. We would explore the islands in a longboat with a large group of fellow travellers.
It included Koh Ngang where we would snorkel with colourful fish, visit the famous Koh Lao Lading, one of Krabi’s most iconic beaches, Hong Lagoon for the magically clear water, and finally get to Koh Hong for the climax.
A perfect beach to lounge upo,n but also includes a bonus – the fantastic 360 viewpoint above the beach with the most stunning view of the island.
What’s Included In The Tour:
- Hotel transfer
- Life Jacket
- Snorkel mask
- Lunch
- Fresh fruit
- Bottled water
- First aid kit
- Insurance
- Tour Guide
Items That YOU Should Bring:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Camera
Nang An Pier
We waited at the door of our hotel in Ao Nang. We were collected somewhere between 08.00 AM – 08.30 AM as advertised.
Eagerly, we jumped into the back of a pickup truck with pure excitement, and we joined several other tourists headed for Nang An Pier.
This is one of the major piers close to Ao Nang where people travel to the Islands in the Andaman Sea.
After collecting a few more eager travellers, we stepped out of the pickup truck about twenty minutes later.
You are escorted over to the sign that reads ‘Hong Islands’, where you sign your name and receive a coloured wristband to distinguish you from the other groups travelling to Koh Phi Phi or elsewhere.
PRO-TIP: Don’t forget to bring cash on the morning of the tour.
Though we bought our tickets from one of the many street merchants selling tours in Ao Nang, there is a national park fee which must be paid at Nang An Pier.
Thankfully, Guadalupe was carrying enough cash as I left most of my money back in the safe in the hotel.
I would have guessed they would allow us to do the tour and pay them later, but you don’t want to risk it, do you?
Hong Island Tour Krabi Cost
The cost for the group tour was 1,200 Baht per person (€32.00/$36.00/£27.00).
We haggled a little bit as the cost was originally 1,600 Baht per person, but they can be flexible depending on the merchant.
We were issued a ticket, which we brought with us on the day of the tour. Do not lose it or you will be in trouble!
Hong Island Private Tour Options
If you are interested in a private tour, you can book it here.
Some advantages of this include:
- You choose who goes with you
- your own scheduled to be agreed with guide
- Nobody else to consider except your own group
Snorkelling At Koh Ngang
First of all, the longboat experience is beautiful and exotic and summarises Thailand’s natural prowess.
I would have enjoyed zipping around the Andaman Sea in a boat if that’s all we did for the day.
Of course, there was so much more to the tour than this. But you can appreciate your surroundings from the get-go.
Our guide was fantastic. His name was June.
He was helpful and knowledgeable, assisted us and gave us tips when we started snorkelling at Ngang Island.
We could see the wonderful colourful marine life underneath the clean and clear water. We spent about an hour here trying to get close to the fish and the magnificent coral.
Life jackets, goggles and snorkels are provided in the tour, so if you are not a good swimmer, it will make you feel more at ease.
If you do not want to enter the water, you can sit on the boat and still enjoy the ocean and the atmosphere of the group, which a few people were happy to do.
Koh Lao Lading
After a quick nap on the boat and now totally dry from the high, hot sun, our next stop was at the dreamy Lading Island.
I usually say that in all my time in Thailand, this small island was my favourite.
With the long boats pulled up on the golden soft sand and the coconut trees in front, the backdrop of the limestone islands is fully complementary to the view.
We got to spend about an hour here, taking photos, and swinging on the beach swing common in Thailand, and it was here where we ate lunch.
Chicken, vegetables with rice and pepper sauce. Very tasty!
And of course, we got watermelon and pineapple throughout the day on the boat too, with a couple of bottles of water thrown in.
Lading Beach is often one of the most photographed beaches in Thailand. Its size and framing make it so attractive to the eye.
Encapsulating all the good of Krabi’s landscape, beaches and sea.
This stunning island receives a 10/10 rating from me!
Hong Lagoon
Another piece of magic included in the tour is a visit to Hong Lagoon.
Here you will float your way in and out of the lagoon, caressing through the water on the longtail boat, as you are surrounded on each side by tall, karst landscapes.
In this moment, you will have to pinch yourself.
As you enter the lagoon, you will be hard-pressed to find water as clear. The floor of the sea is only a metre or so below. The limestone, covered in greenery, makes it special.
You will likely have numerous boats coming in and out, as well as kayaks and other adventurous travellers.
You won’t likely spend too long in the Lagoon (maybe half an hour or less) as it is small but incredibly impressive.
Make sure you get a photo on the boat to save the memory more vividly.
June was more than happy to photograph most of the travellers who wanted an iconic photo.
Koh Hong Beach
The last stop of the day is truly memorable.
You will hop off the longtail boat and walk along the blue plastic pier, bouncing around with the waves of the ocean.
A short walk will take you to the main attraction of the tour, Koh Hong Beach.
At the end, the beach curves around and the tall limestone peak stands prominently along the island, as if it were designed by man to create the perfect postcard image.
When you see it, you will have to take your chin off the floor.
We lazed around for a while here, swimming and snorkelling in the water. Again were treated to an array of beautiful sea life. I did get bitten by a jellyfish (ouch), but nothing too serious.
A real highlight was the Hong Island 360 viewpoint. It does require a climb, but there is a steel staircase most of the way up, which helps.
If you are in decent shape, I would expect it to take about half an hour to reach.
There is a nice area on the top where you can see out to the horizon and down to the wonderful beach below.
Notably, there are some restaurants here too if you want a beer or are feeling peckish, but to be honest, the included lunch was filling and substantial enough to keep us going strong throughout this Hong Islands tour.
Nice to have the option, I will say.
We had about two hours to get the most out of Koh Hong, which was plenty enough.
How Long Is The Hong Island Tour?
You will be collected at your hotel between 07.50 AM and 08.30 AM, depending on your location.
Once you are settled on the speedboat and it leaves the pier, you will be back at your accommodation at the latest by 04.00 PM.
The tour is just right in terms of time. When it’s hot, it can be draining.
Where Is Hong Island?
Hong Island is located in the Andaman Sea between Lading Island and Koh Ngam, about 20 km from Ao Nang and a little less from Nang An Pier.
The islands are easily accessible from many piers in Krabi, and the tour makes the experience much easier and enjoyable.
Where To Stay In Krabi
Sadly, you are prohibited from staying on any of the Hong Islands – that would have been awesome!
However, Krabi is a great place to base yourself and explore them. Here are some options with great reviews.
I stayed here and would recommend it to any traveller. Decent location within walking distance to Ao Nang Pier. Very nice bedroom for the price.
Another good option close to the pier in Ao Nang. Comfortable beds and no sound pollution from the partying.
More options:
Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort, Krabi
Conclusion – Was the Hong Island Tour From Krabi Worth it?
The Hong Island Tour from Krabi is a fantastic, worthwhile experience, should you be travelling in Thailand.
Additionally, for a reasonable cost, you get a full day on the boat visiting some of the best locations in Krabi, or all of Thailand, for that matter.
The lunch is generous and will keep the energy levels high when it is an early start and a long day.
Once again, the organisation and logistics of tours in Thailand are always spot on, from my experience. Okay, the driver may be ten minutes late here and there.
But that will be forgiven once you are collected at your hotel door, out on the boat, experience a wonderful day out and brought right back to your hotel door.
All things considered, the tour is convenient, trustworthy and usually without problems. I love this fact about Thailand.
I cannot envisage you being disappointed with this tour, considering all the points outlined above.
Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen!
If you enjoyed this post, then check out my article about the best things to do in Koh Lanta, another one of Thailand’s amazing islands!
Thanks for Reading,
James
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FAQs
Is Hong Island Worth Visiting?
I strongly feel the Hong Islands tour is a great experience worth your time and money. Sure, there are plenty of other islands you can visit in Krabi but my experience was convenient, well organised and reasonably priced. Lading Beach, Hong Island Lagoon and the 360 viewpoint are the standout features of this Hong Island Tour.
How Much Time Does It Take To Travel From Ao Nang To Hong Island?
Travelling from Ao Nang to Hong Islands on a tour is a quick and enjoyable journey. It usually takes about twenty minutes to half an hour, depending on the conditions of the sea. The mode of transportation is typically a Longtail boat, a traditional Thai boat that is well-known for its speed and comfort.
Why Is Hong Island famous?
What’s the big deal about Hong Island, you ask? Well, let me paint a picture for you. Imagine beaches so pristine that the water is crystal-clear and turquoise, surrounded by lush greenery. Add to this an amazing underwater life that’s just waiting to be explored. The island also has a magical place called the Hong Lagoon, surrounded by massive limestone cliffs. The peace and beauty of Hong Island make it a must-visit spot. Once you get there, you won’t want to leave!
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