Krabi 4 Islands Day Trip by Longtail Boat: How the Day Runs

If this is your first boat day in Krabi, the four-islands trip is a sensible choice. It is a classic route off Ao Nang, with hotel pickup, a longtail boat, a Thai lunch and swimming time. It is not a quiet-island experience. The stops are popular, and you will share them with other boats. Helios runs it as a shared small-group tour for up to 15 guests, so expect company.

The trip is about 6 hours, and you travel by road to the pier and by boat from there. Krabi is where you start, not a sight in itself. This is a day trip out of the area, so plan it as a full morning and afternoon.

The day, stop by stop

Hotel pickup and the pier (about 30 minutes)

You are collected from your hotel and driven to the pier, where the boat is waiting. Check the pickup time with your booking confirmation, because it is not set out in the trip facts here. Bring your swimwear on under your clothes if you can.

Chicken Island (about 45 minutes)

The first stop is the island named for the shape of its rock, which rises from the sea in the profile of a chicken's head. You can snorkel nearby, and snorkelling equipment is included. Expect a decent look at fish and coral, not a reef dive.

Koh Tup and the Thale Waek sandbar (about 1 hour)

Next you spend time on the beaches around Koh Tup and walk the Thale Waek sandbar. The sandbar rises out of the sea at low tide, so how much you can walk depends on the tide that day. It is also one of the most photographed spots on the route, so it can be busy.

Koh Poda (about 1.5 hours)

This is the longest stop and the middle of the day. You get a Thai lunch with seasonal fruit, then time to swim and rest on the beach. It is the best place to simply slow down. Drinking water is on board, but other drinks are not included, so bring a little cash.

Phra Nang Cave Beach (about 1 hour)

The last stop is on the Railay peninsula, below tall limestone cliffs. It is the most dramatic setting of the four. The boat then returns, and you are dropped back at your hotel.

What the day really feels like

The stop times add up to roughly four and three quarter hours. Boat transfers and the drive make up the rest of the six hours. The longtail is an open, traditional boat, so you are in the sun and wind, with little shade between stops. Bring sun protection, a hat and a dry bag for your phone.

The national park fee is not included and is paid in cash on the day, so carry it with you. Personal expenses are also extra. Sea conditions change across the year, so check our best time to visit Thailand guide before choosing your dates.

Shared, not private

The booking format for this trip is a shared small-group tour, up to 15 guests. If you want a boat to yourselves, this is not that. A local guide is listed among the inclusions, along with the boat, lunch, fruit, water and snorkelling gear.

What to do on your own

The tour covers the islands, so use the rest of your time for Krabi itself. Ao Nang has the beachfront, restaurants and evening walks, and it is easy to explore without a plan. Railay is also worth a longer visit of its own, because one hour at Phra Nang is a taster. If you want to compare other routes, read Krabi island hopping: 4 Islands, Hong Islands or 7 Islands before you commit.

For the wider trip, two weeks in Thailand shows where Krabi fits, and what to pack for Thailand covers the practical kit. For sea, road and health concerns, see Is Thailand safe?

When you are ready, the trip page has the details: Krabi 4 Islands Day Trip by Longtail Boat with Thai Lunch.

Krabi 4 Islands trip FAQ

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai lunch with seasonal fruit is served on Koh Poda, and drinking water is included. Other drinks are not.

Do I need to bring snorkelling gear?

No. Snorkelling equipment is included. You do need swimwear, a towel and sun protection.

Is the national park fee included?

No. It is paid in cash per person on the day, so have cash ready before you leave.

Is it a private boat?

No. It is a shared small-group tour for up to 15 guests, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

How long is the day?

About six hours in total, including the drive to the pier and the boat time between the four stops.