Krabi Islands Guide
Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Hong & Koh Lanta
It's estimated that there are around 200 islands around the Krabi
coastline, many are small rocky outcrops that literally rise out
of the sea and have no landing access. Others are larger and uninhabited,
with characteristic tiny white sand beaches, coral reefs, and intricate
cave systems.
Go island hopping. Rent a local boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or
Railey. Alternatively explore these lovely islands with a guide
and take a trip that includes snorkeling or kayaking. Below you'll
find a selection of just a few...
Note: Not all islands can be visited in the monsoon
season (May-October) when the weather conditions can be unpredictable.
Koh Poda
Located just 8 kilometres offshore, (around 25 minutes by boat)
from Ao Nang, Koh Poda is a small island no more than a kilometre
in diameter, covered in palm trees and almost entirely encircled
by a soft white sand beach.
A coral reef lies about 20 metres from the beach with a variety
of sea life. The irresistible combination of excellent snorkeling,
scenery and soft sand make the island a popular choice with snorkelers
and day trippers, but surprisingly, it's not crowded.
Koh Poda can be visited all year round. (Not affected by the monsoon
- May - October)
Chicken Island (Koh Gai/Kai or Hua Khwan)
Named after the strange rock formation which looks like the head
and neck of an ostrich, chicken or similar member of the fowl family.
One end of the island consists of steep cliffs, while the other
end has beautiful beaches along a peninsula. At high tide, this
peninsula gets flooded, creating a small island. There is no accommodation
on Hua Khwan island. Excellent snorkeling opportunities in warm
and clear water, rich in coral life.
Koh Gai can be visited all year round. (Not affected by the monsoon
- May - October)
Koh Talu
A small island about 45 metres high with strange rock formations.
Literally the name Talu means to pass through and in the centre
is a 30-metre hole - the result of natural erosion. Talu Island
is home to a large number of swifts which provide the nests essential
for the Chinese delicacy, Bird's Nest Soup.
Koh Tap & Koh Mor
These two islands offer easy snorkeling. If the tide is low, you
can walk along the white, sandy causeway from one island to the
other.
Koh Hong
Explore a little further with a visit to the Hong Islands, located
25 kilometres NW of Ao Nang. Not to be confused with the other Koh
Hong in Phang Nga Bay, these tiny islands are simply beautiful.
Spectacular beaches and hidden lagoons with shoals of colourful
fish that literally eat out of your hand.
Go sea kayaking - quietly glide through shallow water and explore
around caves inaccessible to larger boats. Permanent residents include
sea eagles soaring above and starfish just below the surface.
Limited camping facilities are available although, not easy to
book. The 200 Baht National Park fee is applicable when visiting
this island. If you take a tour, check if the fee is included in
the price.
Koh Hong can also be accessed from Koh
Yao Islands.
Koh Yao Yai & Noi (Big & Small)
Two large islands (together about 138 sq km) right in the middle
of Phang Nga bay between Phuket and Krabi.
While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way
of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. Some
innovative, community-driven eco tours and small-scale, mostly family-run
bungalows and resorts have been developed. A great place to enjoy
nature and get a taste of local culture.
| Yao Yai Resort (Yao Yai
Island) |
140208 |
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Situated on the best beach of Yao islands with 3 different
beach front bungalows, and private balconies, to enjoy
the beautiful sunset overlooking, Phuket and Phang Nga
bay.
Koh Yao Yai , still an untouched island by tourism,
is the biggest after Phuket a place with a beautiful
Culture and people. The resort is surrounded by trees,
coconuts and the beach, where you can fall asleep counting
the waves. |
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No trip to Southern Thailand is complete without visiting the Phi
Phi Islands which are surrounded by crystal clear seas and coral
reefs.
Phi Phi Ley, specifically Maya Bay, is where the 2000 Leonardo
DiCaprio film 'The Beach' was filmed. The only human presence on
Phi Phi Ley are workers who harvest birds nests created by cave
swifts and daytrippers who arrive by boat to spend an hour or two
in Maya Bay.
Formerly a backpackers hangout, stunningly beautiful Phi Phi Don
is often seen on postcards. One of Thailand's premier tourist areas
with many luxury hotels, restaurants and dive shops.
From Phuket or Krabi it takes around 90 minutes by ferryboat to
reach Phi Phi. (Read more about Phi
Phi Island)
South of Krabi Town lies Koh Lanta which has around 25km (15 miles)
of sandy beaches along it's west coast. A quiet and laid back island
which is popular with backpackers, in recent years more and more
luxury resorts have been opening however due to the large amount
of beachfront land available there will always be accommodation
for every budget.
These days Koh Lanta is getting a lot of press coverage which will
ensure its continuing popularity.
The ferryboat (November to April only) from Krabi Town and Ao Nang/Railey
takes around 2 hours, alternatively you can get there by car and
car ferry. (Read more about Koh Lanta)
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