A dreamy day journey to the gorgeous Hong Islands was the spotlight of my month lengthy journey to Krabi, Thailand.
This group of tiny islands within the Andaman sea close to Krabi has dreamy white sandy seashores, clear turquoise waters, gorgeous limestone cliffs, and luxurious inexperienced jungle – an ideal Thai island paradise!
The Hong Islands have to be among the many most stunning locations in Thailand, whereas they don’t seem to be as well-known because the Phi Phi islands they’re nearer to Krabi, much less crowded and simply as spectacular.
For those who’re searching for a blissful island hopping day journey from Krabi, the Hong Islands are preferrred! So on this information to the Hong Islands, Krabi I’ll embody all the pieces it’s worthwhile to know to go to this slice of tropical paradise for your self!
The place are the Hong Islands
The Hong islands are a part of the Than Bok Khorani Nationwide Park and are situated within the Andaman Sea, simply off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand.
These stunning islands are 6km from the mainland and it solely takes about 30 minutes to succeed in the Hong Islands from Ao Nang or Krabi City so it’s a perfect day journey from Krabi.
A number of small islands and islets make up the Hong Islands, however there are 4 islands that you would be able to go to. These embody;
- Koh Hong,
- Koh Lao Lading,
- Koh Pak Bia,
- and Koh Rai.
Koh Hong is the primary island, however the others talked about all have distinctive options and are additionally price a brief go to. One of the best island hopping excursions will go to all 4 islands and embody a snorkelling cease.
The islands are residence to stunning seashores, crops and animals, together with a wide range of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and marine life, together with colourful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.
So be sure to respect the character, put on reef secure solar display screen, and take all of your garbage with you to assist protect the nationwide park for the long run.
Koh Hong Island
Koh Hong (or Hong Island) is the biggest of the 4 islands and the one I spent essentially the most time on. It’s a good suggestion to go to Hong island on your first cease because it has essentially the most to supply together with a phenomenal seaside, spectacular 360 diploma viewpoint and an different worldly lagoon.
Koh Hong is residence to essentially the most stunning sheltered seaside with silky gentle white sand and turquoise water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It’s the proper place to loosen up and take in the paradise island vibes and is sweet for swimming and snorkelling when the tide is excessive.
There’s additionally a nature path, Thai restaurant, cute seaside bar and juice stand, and bathroom amenities on Hong island. As you’d anticipate for a tiny island in a nationwide park, the costs are a bit of greater than on the mainland, however are nonetheless respectable worth.
Hong Island Viewpoint
One other spotlight of Koh Hong is the spectacular 360 diploma viewpoint. It’s a steep however comparatively quick hike up 420 steps to get to the highest nevertheless it’s completely price it for the unbelievable panoramic views over the attractive islands and the Andaman Sea. Although it’s a brief hike (15 – 20 minutes) it could possibly get fairly scorching and sticky so take loads of water.
There’s additionally a straightforward, principally flat, nature path round Koh Hong which is an effective option to discover the jungle for those who’re not up for the steep hike to the highest! There’s a floating jetty that makes entry to the island simple.
Hong Lagoon
Koh Hong can be residence to the gorgeous Hong Lagoon. This shallow pool of emerald water surrounded by mangroves and rainforest coated cliffs is simply accessible by lengthy tail boat by a slim rock opening.
As soon as inside it feels such as you’re in one other world. Most longtail boat excursions will embody a fast cease in Hong Lagoon – whether or not you may swim relies on the tide.
Koh Lao Lading
The second largest island within the group additionally has a dreamy seaside nestled in between limestone cliffs with clear blue waters appropriate for swimming.
This island additionally has a jetty making certain easy accessibility and after a brief stroll between the limestone cliffs you’re rewarded with a phenomenal seaside not that dissimilar from well-known Maya Bay.
If situations are proper you may see a wide range of fish within the waters simply off the shore and there’s additionally a snack bar and bathrooms on the island.
Koh Pak Bia and Koh Rai
These small islands are situated so shut to one another you may see them each without delay. It’s an extremely scenic spot.
Koh Pak Bia has a small sand bar that connects it to a tiny islet, whereas Koh Rai encompasses a dramatic limestone rock surrounded by jungle with a small white sand seaside at it’s base. You possibly can sunbathe, swim and snorkel right here, relying on the tide.
There are not any amenities or jetties on these small islands and it could possibly a bit rocky underfoot the place the boat drops you off so it’s a good suggestion to deliver water sneakers if in case you have them. A dry bag is one other important for any island hopping journeys.
Get to the Hong Islands
The one option to attain the Hong islands is by boat – you may both rent a non-public boat or be part of a gaggle tour. The islands are solely 6km away from Krabi and it takes about half-hour to succeed in on an extended tail boat.
A number of tour firms supply day journeys to the Hong islands from Krabi. These normally depart from Nopparat Thara Pier however many tour operators additionally embody decide up from Ao Nang seaside, Railay Seashore, Klong Mueang Seashore, Tubkaek Seashore and Krabi City. You can even discover some Hong Islands excursions from Phuket and Koh Yao Noi however these aren’t so frequent.
You possibly can select between speedboat or longtail boat excursions and completely different island hopping itineraries. The speedboat excursions are quicker, extra snug, and dearer, whereas the normal longtail boats are slower and cheaper and could be a bit noisy at occasions.
Some excursions simply go to the Hong islands while others additionally go to different locations. Fashionable choices are Phang Nga Bay and the well-known James Bond island, or Railay, Koh Tup, Koh Poda and Rooster Island so test the itinerary fastidiously.
Costs begin at about 1,250 Thai Baht (approx 35 USD) for group excursions however can range relying on the kind of boat, group measurement, season, islands visited and actions included. Many excursions additionally embody decide up out of your resort, water, fruits and lunch, insurance coverage, and snorkelling gear so it’s fairly good worth. Some additionally supply kayaking.
Remember that entrance to the nationwide park is normally not included within the tour worth. The nationwide park charges of 300 Thai Baht per individual must be paid in money if you step onto Koh Hong. Don’t overlook it!
For those who choose having a ship all your self and extra flexibility then it’s also possible to rent a non-public longtail boat from Ao Nang seaside or Klong Mueang seaside. Reserving a non-public tour permits for a extra unique expertise, permitting you to create your personal itinerary, discover the islands at your personal tempo, and begin early to keep away from the crowds.
If you wish to get your Thailand itinerary organised prematurely one of the best ways to e-book your Hong islands tour on-line is on Get Your Information or Viator. These platforms supply a wide range of choices for various budgets, actual opinions from earlier friends, and free cancellation.
One other platform that has change into actually common in Asia is Klook – generally costs might be cheaper right here however ensure to test the inclusions earlier than reserving. Excursions are provided in English, Thai and Mandarin.
You might additionally e-book in individual with native journey brokers or with the boat drivers themselves however it’s possible you’ll want to barter to get one of the best worth.
For those who’re visiting Thailand in excessive season (Dec – April) you’ll take pleasure in one of the best climate for island hopping adventures like this nevertheless it’s additionally the busiest time so I like to recommend reserving prematurely to keep away from disappointment.
Remember that though there are 4 islands visited on Hong island excursions, it is a completely different tour from the favored Krabi 4 Islands tour which visits Koh Tup, Koh Poda, Rooster Island and Phra Nang Seashore in Railay – though some excursions can go to each in sooner or later.
Additionally, there’s one other Hong Island in close by Phang Nga Bay which is a well-liked kayaking cease on the Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island excursions. Make sure that to test which islands you’ll be visiting earlier than you e-book!
The Greatest Hong Island Excursions from Krabi
There are a number of choices for Hong Island excursions, from price range pleasant group excursions on a contemporary speedboat to customisable personal excursions aboard a standard lengthy tail boat for a extra romantic expertise.
One of the best excursions will embody stops in any respect 4 of the primary islands, a go to to Hong Lagoon, snorkelling or kayaking, lunch and refreshments. They need to additionally embody transfers out of your resort to the boat and an English talking information – simply keep in mind to deliver money for the nationwide park price.
The highest Hong islands excursions from Krabi embody:
As we wished to keep away from the crowds and create our personal itinerary we select this personal longtail boat tour. We arrived at Hong island within the early morning earlier than any tour teams and loved having this slice of paradise nearly all to ourselves – it was so price it!
With this personal tour it’s also possible to select your itinerary supplying you with the choice to go to seven islands in complete. This was the most cost effective personal tour I discovered however bear in mind that it’s a must to deliver/ purchase your personal lunch and make your personal option to the assembly level at Nopparat Thara Pier.
Greatest Time to Go to The Hong Islands
One of the best time to go to the Hong Islands is between December and April, when the climate is sunny, dry, not too scorching and the ocean is calm. Throughout this time, the climate is ideal for island hopping and visibility can be wonderful for snorkeling and diving.
Nonetheless, that is additionally the height season, so anticipate extra crowds and better costs and ensure to e-book prematurely. Remember that as it could possibly get extremely popular in April and Could and there may be jellyfish within the heat shallow waters at the moment.
You can even go to the Hong Islands in the course of the low/ wet season between Could to October. Nonetheless, the climate might be unpredictable, generally heavy rain and tough seas could make island hopping unimaginable however generally the climate is gorgeous and you may benefit from the islands with fewer vacationers and decrease costs.
Lodging Choices
As these stunning islands are a part of the Than Bok Khorani Nationwide Marine Park you may solely go to the Hong islands on a day journey – there are eating places and bathrooms on the bigger islands however no resorts or lodging choices within the nationwide park.
However don’t fear, there are many choices close by and wherever you keep in Krabi it’s best to be capable to discover an boat journey to the Hong islands.
One of the best locations to remain in Krabi embody:
- Ao Nang Seashore – The most well-liked space to remain in Krabi with loads of lodging and consuming choices from the luxurious beachfront Centara Ao Nang Seashore Resort to the price range pleasant @Aonang Guesthouse
- Railay Seashore – One of the well-known and picturesque seashores in Krabi nestled in between limestone cliffs and solely accessible by boat. The secluded Rayavadee on Phra Nang Seashore is my high decide.
- Klong Muang Seashore – A peaceable, uncrowded, seaside with laid again resorts like the attractive Nakamanda Resort.
- Tubkaek Seashore – Residence to one of the best luxurious resorts in Krabi, just like the Phulay Bay Ritz Carlton Reserve, and provides gorgeous views of the Hong islands.
- Krabi City – A small riverside Thai city supply a extra genuine vibe and nice worth price range lodges together with the Krabi SeaBass Resort and vigorous backpacker hostels like Pak-Up Hostel.
- Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai – These massive, much less developed islands are literally the closest place to remain to the Hong Islands.
Krabi is a various province with many alternative seashores and islands so try my complete information to the place to remain in Krabi for extra particulars. I used to be there for a month so I bought to take a look at loads of locations!
You might additionally keep on the principally undeveloped islands of Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi that are actually near the Hong islands. The unbelievable Six Senses Yao Noi has an incredible view of the islands, and there nice price range pleasant choices too like Koh Yao Seaview Bungalows.Â
I hope this publish has impressed you to go to the Hong islands and given you all the knowledge it’s worthwhile to plan your journey.
In some ways the Hong islands are higher than the Phi Phi islands – they’re extra pristine, much less developed and fewer crowded and a few elements don’t look so completely different from well-known Maya Bay!
Plus, for those who time your go to proper, you may actually really feel like you’re by yourself slice of tropical paradise island – a Thailand bucket listing dream come true!
For those who’re planning a visit to Thailand try my different blogs for extra ideas. You would possibly like: