Krabi islands – the complete insider guide

Well over a hundred islands and rocks lie off the coast of Krabi province. For day trips from Ao Nang, four areas really matter: the Poda group right off the coast with Koh Poda, Chicken Island and the Tup sandbar; the Hong archipelago to the northwest with its famous lagoon; the Phi Phi islands to the south; and Phang Nga Bay to the north with Koh Roi, Koh Kudu and James Bond Island.

Strictly speaking, Railay and Phra Nang belong to the mainland, but they can only be reached by boat, so they feel like an island. Further south, towards Koh Lanta, lie Koh Rok and Koh Haa – some of the best snorkelling spots in the region, but a longer ride away.

The famous 4 Islands tour links Koh Poda, Chicken Island, the Tup sandbar and Phra Nang Cave Beach. The islands sit so close together that a fast boat barely loses any time on the water. That is exactly why nearly every group tour from Ao Nang heads there too.

The trick is the order: most boats leave mid-morning and follow a similar route. Start early or run the route in reverse and you will often find Koh Poda and the sandbar almost empty. The Tup sandbar itself is only walkable at low water – the tide table decides when you should be there.

Northwest of Ao Nang lies Koh Hong, with a lagoon almost completely enclosed by cliffs. It is usually combined with Koh Lao Lading, a tiny beach between two rock walls, and Koh Pakbia with its sandbars. Further towards Phang Nga Bay things get quieter: Koh Roi hides a lagoon behind a narrow passage, Koh Kudu has an inner lagoon and Koh Nok a peaceful beach.

For many big boats these islands are too far away or too awkward for a fixed day schedule. With a small, fast boat they become the highlight – and that is the difference between a mass excursion and a real day of exploring.

The Phi Phi islands are Thailand’s best-known island group. Maya Bay is now strictly protected: swimming is not allowed, visiting time is limited and the bay closes every year for a recovery break, in recent years usually from August to September. If you want to see Phi Phi at its best, come very early in the morning.

Koh Rok and Koh Haa in the south reward the long ride with clear water and coral. They lie in a national park that usually closes during the southwest monsoon. James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, on the other hand, is a year-round classic, especially combined with the stilt village of Koh Panyee and the mangroves.

There is no single most beautiful island – it depends on what you are after. For your first day in Krabi the Poda group is ideal: short hops, lots to see. Photographers and couples love Koh Hong and Railay at sunset. If you want peace and quiet, head into Phang Nga Bay to Koh Roi and Koh Kudu.

Many Krabi islands lie within marine national parks such as Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi, Than Bok Khorani or Ao Phang Nga. A per-person entrance fee is usually charged, and the amount can change – ask your operator whether it is included.

The rules in the parks are simple: don’t touch coral, don’t feed fish, leave no rubbish. Thai marine national parks also ban sunscreens containing certain ingredients such as oxybenzone. Reef-safe sunscreen is therefore not just kind to nature but required.

The Krabi islands are not overrated – they are just often visited at the wrong time. Keep an eye on the tides, the departure times of the big boats and the season, and even the famous spots can be enjoyed in peace.