Baygrass Top Excursions - Island Hopping in Krabi (#5)

From the beautiful beaches in popular islands like Phi Phi, to lesser-known gems like Koh Lanta, from the splendid views of limestone cliffs, to the clear waters, the Krabi region in Thailand is a paradise for beach lovers. With more than 200 islands and ability to reach conveniently from India, island hopping in the province of Krabi is a must do experience.

The port town of Krabi in the province with the same name, forms a base for exploring the region surrounding it. It offers

• a wide range of islands to tour,

• towering limestone cliffs to marvel at,

• lush green jungles to trek and explore,

• caves with Buddhist shrines to immerse in the local culture (Tiger Cave Temple),

• rafting adventures,

• Snorkelling & diving experiences,

• rock climbing expeditions, and

• the last and the best - mouth watering street food

With so many activities to undertake and proximity to several islands, Krabi, in our view is a better base as opposed to staying in Phuket.

Travellers from India can easily reach Krabi by air. Krabi town has an international airport and one can reach here from major cities in India via connecting flights from Bangkok, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Another option is travel to Phuket by air and take a ferry or speedboat from Krabi. Speedboats usually get you to Krabi in 1-2 hrs of time.

From Bangkok, and Phuket, you can also travel to Krabi by road. This however is not a preferred choice owing to the duration.

Krabi is renowned for its numerous islands and one would be remiss to not take an island tour. Here are some of the best islands to have on your itinerary :

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands or Koh Phi Phi is a group of six islands. Koh Phi Phi Don, and the Koh Phi Phi Leh are the bigger and most popular of these. These islands, especially Maya Beach in Koh Phi Phi Le, burst into the tourism scene after being featured in the Leonardo de Caprio starrer “The Beach”.

The journey from Krabi town to Koh Phi Phi Don takes about 2 hours by ferry, with a drop off point at Ton Sai pier. Most tours also offer a hotel pick-up for stress free travel. Tourists can also choose to stay at various resorts on Koh Phi Phi Don unlike Koh Phi Phi Leh which has no accommodations.

Some of the popular attractions on Phi Phi island include : Maya Beach, Monkey Beach, Mosquito island, and Viking cave. Snorkelling or diving in the crystal clear water of the islands is a thrill one would not want to miss when visiting these islands.

Did you know that edible bird’s nests , a delicacy in Chinese cuisine, are harvested in the viking cave ? Edible bird’s nests are made out of solidified saliva of the bird edible-nest swiftlet and are known to be rich in protein.

Hong Islands

Hong Islands are a group of tiny islands with dreamy beaches and white sands. They are part of Thailand's Thanbok Koranee National park.

The biggest of them, Koh Hong is often referred to as “The Emerald of Krabi’s Sea”. Koh Hong makes for an ideal day trip and takes about 30 minutes to reach from Krabi.

Hong Island has a beautiful lagoon, a shallow pool of emerald water, surrounded by cliffs and mangroves. When the weather is right, you can choose to swim here. TThe long tail boat tours generally include a trip here.One can also trek to the Hong Island viewpoint for an astounding aerial view of the island.

7-Island Tour

The 7-island sunset cruise is a popular longtail boat tour to explore seven different islands which include:

• Swimming and relaxing at Poda Island,

• Snorkelling at Chicken Island, which gets its name from the big limestone rock resembling a chicken.

• Visiting Tup Island. When the tide recedes, one can see a sand line that connects Tup Island and Chicken Island.

• The most wondrous part of the tour is to snorkel at the Phra Nang beach which in the night is illuminated with bioluminescent plankton.

4-Island Tour

The 4-island tour, similar to the 7-island tour, includes Poda Island, Chicken Island & Tup Island, and Phra Nang Beach.

For island hopping in Krabi, you can choose various tours like :

• The 4-island tour by speedboat - Lasts for 5-7 hrs and costs anywhere between Rs 2500 - Rs 3500 per head, inclusive of lunch.

• The 7-island tour by longtail boat - 6-7 hrs long and costs between Rs 3500 to Rs 4500 per head, inclusive of dinner.

• Phi Phi island day tour by speedboat - Costs around Rs 4500 per head. This is exclusive of the National Park fee which is about Rs 1000 per head.

• Koh Hong Day Tour - Costs between Rs 3000 - Rs 4000

• James Island tour by speedboat - Costs around Rs 2500 - Rs 3500.

When planning your island-hopping adventure in Krabi, selecting the right area to stay is crucial. The top places for easy access to island tours include Ao Nang , Railay Beach , and Krabi Town . Each location offers unique experiences, with various accommodations that cater to different budgets.

Budget Stays: (Rs 1,500 - Rs 4,000)

• Railay Princess Resort & Spa  - Situated near Railay Beach, this resort features comfortable accommodations and a relaxing spa to unwind after a day of exploring.
  

• Krabi Cozy Place  - A friendly guesthouse in Krabi Town, this offers easy access to the night market and authentic Thai experiences.
  

Mid-Range Stays: (Rs 4,000 - Rs 10,000)

• Krabi La Playa Resort  - A short walk from Ao Nang Beach, this resort offers spacious rooms and a beautiful pool area, perfect for relaxation.
  

• Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa  - With stunning views of the cliffs in Railay, this resort combines comfort with an on-site restaurant and spa services.
  

• Krabi Resort  -This hotel features modern amenities and is within walking distance of the Krabi Pier, making it convenient for island tours.
  

Luxury Stays: (Rs 10,000 - Rs 60,000)

• Rayavadee - Rayavadee, located on a private peninsula, offers luxurious villas, spa treatments, and exclusive island tours, including snorkelling and kayaking experiences.

•  Amari Vogue Krabi - Situated on the tranquil Tubkaak Beach, this resort offers activities like yoga classes and snorkelling trips, providing a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

•  Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve - Located along the sores of the Andaman Sea in Krabi, this exquisite resort offers lavish villas, personalised services, and access to island-hopping tours, ensuring a memorable stay in paradise.