The 6 Best Island Day Trips from Krabi, Thailand
Paradise is just a boat ride away: the 6 best island day trips from Krabi, Thailand
We may earn a commission from purchases made through some affiliate links on this website
Krabi’s mainland is captivating, with limestone cliffs, emerald jungles and golden beaches. But it’s true magic often lies offshore, where the Andaman Sea reveals an archipelago of islands that seem plucked from a dream. These are six of our favourite, unmissable island day trips from Krabi.
1. Phi Phi Islands
A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is practically a rite of passage for anyone visiting Krabi. While their reputation precedes them, the islands live up to their fame in a way few destinations can. A speedboat whisks you across the turquoise waters, delivering you to a landscape that feels cinematic in scale. Towering limestone cliffs meet crystal clear seas, and every corner of the archipelago seems like a film set. Which, it actually was! Your journey might begin with a trip to Maya Bay, made famous by the Leonardo di Caprio film The Beach. While it can be busy here (it’s regularly closed to control visitor numbers), getting here in the early hours reveals a quieter, more intimate side of the bay. Phi Phi Don, the largest island, gives you a glimpse into island life, with street food stalls and classic beachside eateries. Few things can beat a whole roasted snapper for lunch, washed down with an icy Chang beer and your feet in the powdery sand.
hand picked tours we love:
2. Hong Island
Hong Island, or Koh Hong as the locals call it, is the crown jewel of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. Its name, which means “room” in Thai, stems from the island’s hidden lagoon, a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering limestone walls. Kayak the blue waters here, which almost feels like being inside a volcanic crater. The island itself is no less magical. A crescent shaped beach greets visitors, with soft white sand and translucent shallows. Snorkel here amongst shoals of fish, or kayak along the coast to get up close to the dramatic cliffs. Unlike other Thai islands, Hong Island still manages to retain a sense of peace and tranquility, although word is out and this might not be the same for much longer.
hand picked tours we love:
3. The Four Islands
The Four Islands Tour is a classic and quintessential introduction to Krabi’s coast, showcasing four amazing spots all in a single, unforgettable day. Most tours begin with Phra Nang Beach, a breathtaking beach that we rank as one of the Top 5 Beaches in Krabi. Make sure you visit the Princess Cave at its southern end, with its phallic offerings to a goddess believed to reside there. From Phra Nang, you’ll usually head to Chicken Island, whose rock formation famously resembles a chicken’s head. The coral reefs here are teeming with life and the waters are shallow and perfect for snorkelling. Next, you’ll head to Tup Island, with a sandbar that emerges at low tide, connecting it to nearby islands. The day often ends at Poda Island, a picture-perfect paradise with Krabi’s famous limestone formations creating a stunning backdrop to witness the sunset. These Four Island tours give you the best of Krabi, condensed into a whirlwind day.
hand picked tours we love:
4. Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is a refreshing contrast to the more touristy islands. This quiet island feels like a step back in time, with its traditional villages, lush rice paddies and an unhurried pace of life. It’s not just a destination to visit but a real window into what life is like on the islands when you take away the tour boats and full moon parties. A day on Koh Yao Noi might begin with a bike ride through the island’s interior, where winding paths take you past rubber plantations and mangrove forests. The beaches here are peaceful, with classic views of the limestone karsts that dot the horizon. While the island is not as focused on snorkeling or diving as others, its charm lies in its authenticity. Dining at a local eatery is a must, with fresh seafood in abundance and traditional dishes to try. The rhythm of life is slow here, and Koh Yao Noi is the kind of place that might just get into your soul.
5. Koh Poda
Koh Poda is the epitome of a tropical island getaway, with its powdery sand, clear waters and an iconic limestone rock that rises dramatically offshore. Located just 8km from Ao Nang, it’s one of the most accessible island trips from Krabi, yet it manages to retain a sense of seclusion. The island’s simplicity is part of its charm. There are no major developments or bustling crowds, in fact, the island is uninhabited. Just a single stretch of beach invites you to relax, and the waters around Koh Poda are perfect for snorkeling, with a sandy ocean floor and colourful fish darting through the coral. If you’re after a desert island escape, this is it, no itinerary needed.
6. Bamboo Island
Bamboo Island, or Koh Mai Phai, feels like a hidden gem even though it’s part of the Phi Phi archipelago. This uninhabited island is fringed with lush bamboo groves that give way to white sand and turquoise waters. Despite being so close to the main Phi Phi islands, it feels a world away from its more famous counterparts. It feels untouched and unhurried, a haven to escape the crowds and wile away a few hours on the sand and snorkelling amongst the coral reefs and fish. It’s a place to explore at your own pace, whether that means wandering along the shoreline, swimming in the warm waters, or simply lying back and letting the world drift away. A day here feels like a deep breath, and a pause from the rush of modern life.
hand picked tours we love:
Things to Do
things to do
