The pristine waters of Thailand’s Andaman Sea hide some of the world’s most spectacular island treasures. Krabi, with its dramatic limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters, serves as the perfect launching point for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure. Whether you’re seeking isolated beaches, vibrant marine life, or Instagram-worthy viewpoints, Krabi’s surrounding islands offer something for every traveler.
Phi Phi Islands: The Crown Jewel
No island-hopping itinerary would be complete without visiting the world-famous Phi Phi Islands. Made up of six islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the most visited, this archipelago captures the essence of tropical paradise.
Phi Phi Don
As the only inhabited island in the group, Phi Phi Don offers a mix of natural beauty and tourist amenities. The island features:
- Tonsai Village: The main hub with restaurants, shops, and accommodations
- Long Beach: A stretched-out sandy shore perfect for swimming and sunbathing
- Viewpoint: A 20-30 minute hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the double bays
Phi Phi Leh
Made famous by the movie “The Beach,” Phi Phi Leh remains uninhabited and protected as part of a national park. Key attractions include:
- Maya Bay: The iconic beach that reopened in 2022 after a restoration period (note: visitor numbers are now limited to protect the ecosystem)
- Viking Cave: Known for its ancient wall paintings and bird’s nest harvesting
- Pileh Lagoon: A stunning emerald green lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs
Insider Tip: Visit Phi Phi Leh early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds.
Hong Islands: Secluded Paradise
The Hong Islands group, consisting of about 12 islands, offers a more peaceful alternative to the sometimes crowded Phi Phi. Koh Hong, the main island, features:
- A sheltered lagoon with crystal-clear waters
- Rich marine life perfect for snorkeling
- Pristine beaches with limited facilities (bringing your own supplies is recommended)
The limited development and visitor numbers make this a tranquil escape from busier tourist spots.
Railay Peninsula: Rock Climbing Haven
While technically a peninsula rather than an island, Railay is only accessible by boat, giving it an island-like atmosphere. Famous for:
- World-class rock climbing opportunities on its limestone cliffs
- Four distinct beaches (Railay West, Railay East, Tonsai, and Phra Nang)
- The stunning Princess Cave (Phra Nang Cave) with its unique fertility shrine
- Emerald Lagoon and viewpoint for adventure seekers
Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai): Pristine Simplicity
This small, flat island offers the quintessential tropical paradise experience:
- Powdery white sand circling the entire island
- Shallow, clear waters ideal for snorkeling
- Minimal facilities, emphasizing its natural, unspoiled beauty
The island is small enough to walk around in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those seeking simplicity and natural beauty.
Chicken Island (Koh Kai): Nature’s Sculpture
Named for its distinctive rock formation resembling a chicken’s head, this island offers:
- A sandbar (called Talay Waek or “Divided Sea”) that appears at low tide, connecting it to neighboring islands
- Excellent snorkeling spots with colorful coral and diverse marine life
- Relatively fewer tourists compared to more famous islands
Poda Island (Koh Poda): Postcard Perfect
Just a 30-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang, Koh Poda delivers:
- A circular island with beaches on all sides
- Striking views of nearby limestone karsts
- Clear waters with extensive coral reefs
- Basic facilities including restaurants and restrooms
Planning Your Island-Hopping Adventure
Best Time to Visit
The optimal period for island hopping in Krabi is during the dry season from November to April. During these months, you can expect:
- Calm seas and clear visibility for snorkeling
- Less rainfall and more predictable boat schedules
- Peak season prices and more crowds (especially December-February)
The rainy season (May-October) offers fewer tourists and lower prices but comes with the risk of tour cancellations due to rough seas.
Tour Options
Several tour options are available:
- Speedboat tours: Faster, covering more islands in a day but more expensive
- Longtail boat tours: More authentic experience, slower pace, and usually more affordable
- Private charters: Customizable itineraries with flexibility on timing and destinations
- Overnight tours: For those wanting to experience sunset and sunrise on the islands
Sustainable Tourism Tips
As these beautiful destinations face increasing environmental pressure, consider these responsible tourism practices:
- Choose tour operators with eco-friendly policies
- Avoid touching or stepping on coral while snorkeling
- Take all trash back to the mainland
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Respect restricted areas and wildlife
What to Pack
For a successful island-hopping day, be sure to bring:
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Swimwear and quick-dry clothes
- Water shoes (some beaches have sharp coral fragments)
- Snorkeling gear (though this is often provided on tours)
- Cash (ATMs are limited or non-existent on most islands)
- Reusable water bottle
Krabi’s islands represent some of Thailand’s most spectacular natural treasures. From the famous shores of Phi Phi to the tranquil beaches of Koh Hong, island hopping in this region provides unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. By planning ahead and practicing responsible tourism, you can enjoy these paradise islands while helping preserve them for future generations.
Whether you have just a day or several weeks, the islands of Krabi will captivate you with their beauty and diversity. Each island has its own character and charm, ensuring that island hopping here is not just a tourist activity but a journey of discovery through some of Thailand’s most precious natural wonders.
