Hong Island Tour Krabi: My Honest Review After A Full Day
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 fun experience for me.
The full-day tour from Nang An Pier proved to be the perfect way to experience these beautiful islands, with prices starting from 1,200 Baht ($36.18/€31.22/£26.71) 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 perfect spots that’s even more beautiful in person.
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.
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Hong Island Tour Vlog
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.
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 clean 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, the famous Koh Lao Lading, one of Krabi’s most iconic beaches, Hong Lagoon for the very clear water, Koh Pak Bia, and finally get to Koh Hong for the climax.
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
- GoPro
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Nang An Pier
We waited at the door of our hotel in Ao Nang.
Finally, 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 which costs 300 Baht ($9.05/€7.80/£6.68) per person.
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 Cost
The cost for the group tour was 1,200 Baht ($36.18/€31.22/£26.71) per person.
We haggled a little bit as the cost was originally 1,600 Baht ($48.24/€41.62/£35.61) 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.
Best Time To Visit
I recommend visiting in the dry season.
This time is usually much busier, but the weather matters most. I visited in March and April during the dry season and actually had plenty of rain some days, though the weather was mostly good.
It is something important to consider if you do not have many days to spend in Krabi.
I recommend going before 09.00 AM. The earlier, the better, so you miss the crowds. They usually start arriving around 08.30 AM or 09.00 AM, and the beach and islands fill up quickly.
It is still enjoyable, but even having half an hour alone on the island can make the whole tour.
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
- Decide your own schedule
- 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 island receives a 10/10 rating from me.
Hong Lagoon
Another thing I loved was the 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. Also, 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 image.
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 stung 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 and wooden 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 (around 420 steps).
A perfect beach to lounge upon but also includes a bonus, the fantastic 360 viewpoint above the beach with the most beautiful views of the island. When I walked up to the 360 degree viewpoint, many of the wooden steps on the staircase almost gave way, which would have been a disaster.
It reminded me of the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang. Watch your step carefully as you climb up.
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.
Hong Island Vs The 4 Islands Tour And James Bond Island
Compared with the Four Islands tour, it was just as good, though the beaches are more spectacular further south in Krabi and Koh Lanta.
James Bond Island, on the other hand, included great snorkelling and food, but I had very little time on the beach. Maybe 45 minutes to take photos and walk around the limestone cliff.
It was too rushed for me.
Even so, I recommend anyone visiting to take the Hong Islands tour as their first trip because it is well organised. You do not spend too long on the boat, food is included, and the water is spectacular for swimming.
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 longtail boat 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.
Expect large crowds throughout the high season. When I revisited in March 2026, I ran into a crazy downpour in the last hour, with two hours of non-stop rain. I could barely see 10 metres in front of the boat on the way back.
Usually, people started leaving around 03.00 PM, and I noticed it was far quieter.
Where To Stay In Krabi
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 Beach. 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
Is 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.
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.
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 any Hong Island 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.
Thanks for Reading,
James
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? Imagine beaches so pristine that the water is crystal-clear and turquoise, surrounded by lush greenery. Add to this underwater life that’s just waiting to be explored. The island also has a cool place called the Hong Lagoon, surrounded by massive limestone cliffs. The peace and beauty of Hong Island make it a fantastic place.
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