Hong Islands Tour: Krabi’s Most Beautiful Bay

Ask travellers about their best day after a Krabi holiday, and the Hong Islands come up as the answer surprisingly often. This small island group off the coast of Tubkaek combines a lagoon you sail into by boat, a beach with crystal-clear water, and a viewpoint with a 360-degree panorama. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know before your visit.

Tip: This article is part of our larger guide to the best excursions in Krabi. Read that guide too for the other top excursions and practical tips!

At a Glance
Price: from ± 1,250 THB p.p. (speedboat, longtail cheaper), excl. park fee (± 300 THB)
Duration: full day, approx. 9:00–15:00/16:00
Departure: Ao Nang, Klong Muang or Tubkaek
Best for: the lagoon and the 360° viewpoint, a bit quieter than the 4 Islands Tour

What Are the Hong Islands?

The Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong) belong to Than Bok Khorani National Park and lie about 20 to 30 minutes by boat from the beaches of Tubkaek and Klong Muang, or around 45 minutes from Ao Nang. The main island, Koh Hong, gets its name from the lagoon at its centre: “hong” means “room” in Thai, and that’s exactly how it feels as you sail in through the narrow opening between the cliffs and the rock walls close in around you.

The fixed elements of a tour:

• The Hong lagoon: the most famous part. Depending on the tide, you sail in by longtail or speedboat, or explore it by kayak. The shallow, green water against the tall cliffs is one of the most beautiful spots on the Andaman coast.
• Pelay Beach: Koh Hong’s main beach, with white sand and clear, calm water that snorkels wonderfully just offshore.
• The 360° viewpoint: a staircase of several hundred steps leads to a platform above the island, with views over the lagoon, the island group and the Krabi coast. The climb is tough but well secured, and the panorama is the region’s most famous photo.
• The neighbouring islets: many tours also stop at Koh Lading (“Paradise Island”) and Koh Pakbia for extra beach and snorkelling time.

What Can You Expect from a Day Tour?

A typical tour departs in the morning by longtail boat or speedboat, with hotel pickup in Ao Nang, Klong Muang or Tubkaek. On the programme: the lagoon, a few hours of beach and snorkelling time at Pelay Beach, the climb to the viewpoint for anyone who wants it, and lunch (usually a picnic on the island). You’re back by mid-afternoon. Anyone wanting more peace and quiet can choose a tour with kayaking in the lagoon or a private longtail from Tubkaek; that’s the shortest crossing.

Practical Tips

• Bring cash for the park fee. Entrance to the national park (300 THB per adult, 150 THB per child) is paid separately from the tour price, in cash on arrival.
• Do the viewpoint early. The stairs sit mostly in the sun; in the morning, the climb is considerably more pleasant and the platform is quieter.
• Depart from Tubkaek if you can. If you’re staying in Klong Muang or Tubkaek, you’re practically right across from the islands and get there the fastest. Check out our guide to hotels in Klong Muang & Tubkaek if you want to stay in this area.
• Check the tide for the lagoon. At extreme low tide, the lagoon is too shallow to sail into; tour operators adjust their order accordingly.

Prices and Duration

Group tours cost around 1,250 to 1,800 THB per person by speedboat, including lunch, snorkelling gear and hotel pickup; longtail versions are cheaper. The park fee comes on top of that separately. Most tours run from around 9:00 to 15:00 or 16:00. A private longtail from Tubkaek beach can be chartered by the boat and gives you the most freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Hong Islands Tour

Which is more beautiful: the 4 Islands Tour or the Hong Islands Tour?

They’re different: the 4 Islands revolve around beaches and the famous sandbank, the Hong Islands around the lagoon and the viewpoint. Many travellers end up finding Hong just a bit more beautiful and peaceful. If you have two days, do both.

Is the climb to the viewpoint tough?

It’s a staircase of several hundred steps with handrails, manageable for anyone with a normal level of fitness. Expect 15 to 20 minutes going up, and bring water.

Can you snorkel at the Hong Islands?

Yes, especially off Pelay Beach and around the neighbouring islets. Expect colourful fish in shallow water; for coral and larger marine life, the more distant islands like Phi Phi are better.

Are the Hong Islands suitable for children?

Yes: short boat rides, a calm and shallow main beach, and the spectacular lagoon make this a great family tour. Only the viewpoint is less practical with young children.

Conclusion

The Hong Islands are Krabi’s most beautiful bay, and perhaps the most beautiful on the whole Andaman coast: lagoon, beach and viewpoint on one compact island. Book an early tour, keep cash on hand for the park fee, and plan the viewpoint at the start of your visit.