Thailand

Escape on a day trip to Koh Hong Island. From the crystal-clear waters outside the island to the vibrant green waters in the inner lagoon, the island still appears untouched and wild, as if humans had never set foot there. Less touristy than Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi, it offers you landscapes that are still very pristine. A postcard-perfect setting where you can immerse yourself for a few hours to enjoy the sea, play explorer, or simply relax on the beach.

Koh Hong, a still-preserved island

Although the most well-known island for excursions from Krabi, Koh Hong Island, located in Phang Nga Bay, still remains preserved from mass tourism. Its emerald green water, which reveals incredibly white sand between immense limestone peaks at low tide, will enchant even the most hesitant.

The island is generally visited in two stages, each composed of very different landscapes:

• The beach, where the boat will drop you off upon arrival. This part provides a panoramic postcard view while cooling off in the sea. You also have the opportunity to go snorkeling.
• The lagoon: it is a point of emerald green water surrounded by limestone peaks that gives visitors the impression of being in a chamber. It is thanks to this corner of paradise that the island was named Koh Hong (Hong means chamber in Thai).

It is possible to take a trekking path, climb to a breathtaking viewpoint, or even rent a kayak on-site to tour the island by sea.

Note: Due to currents and the fact that the beach is the most frequented part of Koh Hong, the water is sometimes relatively murky, which can cause disappointment when observing fish. Thus, for snorkeling, we recommend heading to a destination specialized in this activity.

Itinerary of the excursion to Koh Hong

On most excursions to Koh Hong Island, you will find these different stages:

• Pick-up at the hotel
• Transport by speedboat (be mindful of seasickness; consider taking a pill before departure).
• Picnic lunch

Additionally, you will probably be accompanied by a guide who is proficient in English. On the boat, most excursion companies will provide snorkeling equipment. However, diving equipment is not always included. So, make sure to inquire if you intend to explore the seabed during your excursion.

About

Koh Hong Island is located in Than Bok Khorani National Park. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The earlier you go, the less likely you are to encounter a horde of tourists. The visit will be more enjoyable.

The entrance fee to the National Park is 100 THB per child and 300 THB per adult.

Than Bok Khorani National Park Entrance: 300 THB per adult and 100 THB per child. Open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The earlier you go or around 4:00 pm, the fewer people there will be.

For the crossing, you have two options:

• Go to Koh Hong by traditional long-tail boat. This will be slower, less polluting, and, in addition to being traditional, it will be private. However, long-tail boats only depart from Ao Nang, so you will need to take a minivan ride upstream if you are leaving from Krabi.
• Go on an excursion by speedboat, faster. This mode of transport is necessarily taken in groups as it is very expensive to privatize. Expect around twenty tourists on board, but assume that once on the island, everyone goes their own way, and you probably won't be bothered.

For a group tour by speedboat, prices are generally between 1500 and 2500 THB per person, depending on the type of boat chosen and the daily program offered by your excursion organizer.