Krabi Day Trips: Four Islands, Hong, Phi Phi
Three separate boat days leave from Ao Nang, and they differ more than the brochures suggest. The Four Islands trip is the gentle one, the Hong Islands day is the scenic one, and Phi Phi is the long one. Choose by how much time you want on the water.
Four Islands: the easy longtail day
This half-day trip runs on a traditional wooden longtail around Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub and Phra Nang Beach. At low tide a sandbar surfaces between Chicken, Tub and Mor islands, and Koh Poda has the best snorkelling reef of the stops. Listings show roughly ฿800 to ฿1,200 per person with a lunch box and snorkel gear, and the national park fee is extra. It is the best fit for families and anyone nervous about speedboats. You can compare Four Islands trips on Viator to see departure times.
Hong Islands: lagoon and viewpoint
Hong is a full speedboat day to Than Bok Khorani National Park. You swim and snorkel in shallow green water, enter the hidden lagoon on Koh Hong and climb the viewpoint stairs, roughly 400 steps, for a wide look over the bay. The park fee is payable on top of the tour price. Of the three days, this one gives the most scenery per hour.
Phi Phi: the long haul
Phi Phi is the farthest, a long speedboat day that takes in Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach and snorkelling at Viking Cave. Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is closed to landings every year from 1 August to 30 September, and it reopened on 1 October. Outside that window the visit is timed, boats dock at a pontoon on the far side, and visitors walk over on a boardwalk. Swimming is banned in the bay, and boats do not enter it. A national park fee is payable on the day, and the amount varies by source, so confirm it with your operator.
One inland day
For a day without boats, drive to Khlong Thom for Hot Springs Waterfall, Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool. Fees are paid in cash at the gates, and the Khao Phanom Bencha National Park page covers the waterfall hike nearby. Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island are in the neighbouring province of Phang Nga, so ask how long the transfer takes before booking.
Monsoon rules
From May to October, swells build and boats cancel at short notice. Never rely on a morning boat to catch an international flight, and wear a life jacket throughout. Overloaded boats and rough seas are the cause of most accidents, so decline any boat that looks packed.
If you need a rainy-day alternative, the Krabi attraction tours page lists cave and park options on land.
Tip: book the Hong or Phi Phi day for the first morning of good weather in your stay, and keep the Four Islands trip as the flexible backup.