Tup sandbar at low tide & Chicken Island – the insider guide

The Andaman Sea usually has two high and two low tides a day. At low tide the water drops far enough for the sandbar between Koh Tup and its neighbours to dry out or be covered only ankle-deep. At high tide there is no trace of it.

The effect is strongest during spring tides around new moon and full moon: low water is especially low, and the sandbar becomes wide and long. On neap tide days, around half moon, it may only partly emerge even at low tide.

Chicken Island, Koh Kai in Thai, is a long limestone island with a striking rock pinnacle that – with a little imagination – looks like a chicken with head and neck. You see the shape best from the boat near the sandbar.

The reefs off Chicken Island are a popular snorkelling stop. On calm days the water is clear and you will see coral and colourful reef fish. Many boats stop at the same places – stay a little apart and you get more peace and usually more fish.

Because the sandbar is only visible at low tide, many group tours arrive in exactly the same window. If low water falls in the late morning, it gets crowded. If it falls early in the morning or late in the afternoon, a little planning gives you almost free rein.

With a private boat you can build the day around low tide instead of the other way round. If the sandbar is exposed in the morning, it is your first stop. If low water is in the afternoon, it comes last – often with beautiful light.

The sandbar is shallow and child-friendly, but has a few catches:

The best snorkel spots are along the reef edge off Chicken Island’s rocky headland. The water there is deeper and clearer than at the sandbar, and you will see schools of small reef fish. Keep a little away from where many boats stop at once – the water is often stirred up there.

For swimming and relaxing, the sandbar itself is ideal: knee-deep warm water, perfect for floating. Shade is only found at the edge of Koh Tup under the trees. If you want quiet, walk a little way along the sandbar at low tide, away from the landing point.

The sandbar looks lovely from ground level, but its full impact comes from above: a white path through turquoise water, with green islands on either side. It is one of Krabi’s most striking drone subjects. From the beach you get lovely shots with Chicken Island in the background, best in soft light.