Insider know-howKrabi island hopping tour in one day: how it works even if you travel alone
4 min readUpdated:
Clear water, pale sand and sheer limestone cliffs: a Krabi island hopping tour is the easiest way to get to know the coast of southern Thailand in a single day. Even if you travel alone or as a couple you do not have to organise anything yourself. The 4 Islands from Ao Nang are the classic: Poda Island, Chicken Island, the Tup sandbar and Phra Nang Cave Beach. This guide shows how the day runs, what solo travellers should consider, what goes in your bag and how to plan the tour in six steps. The exact route depends on weather and tides.
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Krabi island hopping in one day
One day is enough to see the highlights of the coast off Ao Nang. The most popular route is the 4 Islands: Poda Island with its striking rock, Chicken Island, the Tup sandbar and Phra Nang Cave Beach. According to our tour data these places are only about 10 to 15 minutes by speedboat from Ao Nang, so there is more time for swimming and snorkelling than for travelling.
The exact order of the stops can vary. Wind, swell and water level decide which bay makes sense first. If you prefer lagoons, choose the Hong Islands instead; the comparison of Hong, 4 Islands and Phi Phi explains the differences.
What your island hopping day could look like
You start in Ao Nang or Krabi Town, as you prefer. Taxis there are cheap in Krabi. From the pier you head out on the private speedboat, with no waiting for a group.
On the islands there is time for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. At low tide a sandbar can appear between Tup Island and Chicken Island that seems to join the two islands. At Phra Nang Beach the cave and the steep cliffs make an especially impressive backdrop.
You are back in the late afternoon. Plan the evening relaxed and avoid a tight onward connection, because routes and times can change with the weather.
Travelling alone: what to know
A private boat is comfortable for solo travellers: route, pace and stops follow you. The price is per boat for up to 5 guests, not per person. Travelling alone, you therefore pay more per head than in a group. Work it out for your party beforehand: with us the 4 Islands tour starts from 18,500 THB per boat.
If you want to share the boat you can fill the seats with other travellers, for example from your hotel or hostel. Ask before booking what is included, such as lunch, drinks and snorkel gear. Some islands and national parks charge an entrance fee that is not included in the tour price and is paid on site directly to the rangers.
What to bring
A small waterproof bag is enough. Pack as little as possible and keep valuables safe. Follow the crew's instructions, especially when getting on and off the boat.
- Sunscreen and a sun hat
- Swimwear and a towel
- Drinking water
- Waterproof pouch for phone and valuables
- Some cash for possible extras and the entrance fee on site
- Light clothing to pull on
Best time to go and weather
As a rule the dry season from about November to April is the most pleasant: calmer sea and more stable weather. May to October is monsoon, more changeable but often emptier. Check the forecast before booking. In strong wind or high swell routes can be changed or tours cancelled, so plan flexibly.
Koh Rok and Koh Haa are closed from 16 May to 15 November. The 4 Islands are not affected.
How to: Krabi island hopping in 6 steps
This is how to go about planning your Krabi island hopping tour.
- 1Choose a tour. 4 Islands for beach and sandbar, Sunset for the evening light, Hong for lagoons.
- 2Set start point and date. Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Check weather and tides for the day.
- 3Clarify what is included. Agree lunch, drinks and snorkel gear. The entrance fee of some islands is paid on site to the rangers.
- 4Pack. Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, towel, water, waterproof pouch, cash, light clothing.
- 5On the day. Be at the pier on time, follow the crew's instructions and stow valuables safely.
- 6Plan the evening. You are back in the late afternoon. Do not plan a tight onward connection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Krabi island hopping tour take?
One day. The tour starts in the morning and ends in the late afternoon. There is also a sunset variant that starts in the early afternoon.
Which islands are part of the 4 Islands tour?
Usually Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and Phra Nang Cave Beach. The route depends on weather, tides and operator.
Does the tour make sense if I travel alone?
Yes. With a private boat you do not have to organise route and transport yourself. The price is per boat for up to 5 guests, so alone you pay more per person than in a group.
Where does the tour start?
In Ao Nang or Krabi Town, as you prefer. Taxis there are cheap.
What is included and what costs extra?
That depends on the operator. Clarify lunch, drinks and snorkel gear before booking. Some islands and national parks charge an entrance fee. It is not included in the tour price and is paid on site directly to the rangers.
When does the sandbar between Tup and Chicken Island appear?
At low tide. The times change daily. Ask about the tide pattern for your day before the tour.
What should I bring on the boat tour?
Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, towel, drinking water, a waterproof pouch for your phone and some cash.
Is the tour cancelled in bad weather?
In strong wind or high swell the route can be changed or the tour cancelled. Plan flexibly and check the forecast beforehand.
Experience this place privately
Private speedboat from Ao Nang for a maximum of 5 guests – route and timing planned around the tides and your wishes.
These private tours visit the places in this article.
6 hrs · from 1 pm4-Islands VIP & Sunset Special
The famous islands – but when the crowds are gone.
from ฿18,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
7 hrs · from 8 amHong Island Secret Lagoons & Hidden Bays
Emerald lagoons and bays no group boat visits.
from ฿21,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
8 hrs · from 7 amPhi Phi Early Bird – before everyone else
Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island in the first morning light.
from ฿28,500 per boat · max. 5 guests
