Krabi: Hong Island Tour by Longtail Boat with Kayak Option

Krabi: Hong Island Tour by Longtail Boat with Kayak Option
Location: Gulf of Thailand, Thailand
Price: $43 per person
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (13 reviews)
Supplier: Guide Kratae Pateaw Tours

When you think of Krabi, picture shimmering white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and a calm, inviting sea. This tour offers a taste of all that—visiting several islands, including Hong Island, Daeng Island, and Paradise Island (Koh Lao Lading)—by longtail boat, with options to snorkel and kayak. It’s a full-day adventure that costs around $43, which for the variety and scenery, feels quite reasonable.

What we really like about this tour are two things: First, the viewpoints atop Hong Island give you a 360-degree panorama that’s honestly worth the trip. Second, the Thai-style mini buffet lunch on Paradise Island hits the spot after some snorkeling and swimming. The tour strikes a nice balance between active fun and laid-back relaxation, perfect for those who love scenic views, water activities, and a taste of Thai hospitality.

One potential consideration is crowd levels—some reviews mention that the beaches and snorkeling spots can get quite busy, which affects visibility and serenity. If you prefer quiet, this might be less ideal during peak times. This tour is best suited for travelers eager for Instagram-worthy vistas, snorkeling, and a bit of kayaking, rather than those seeking off-the-beaten-path solitude.

Key Points

• Beautiful islands and snorkeling spots, especially Daeng Island and Hong Lagoon, offer colorful coral and small fish.
• Breathtaking views from the Hong Island viewpoint provide a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding islands.
• Delicious Thai-style buffet lunch on Paradise Island offers good value and a chance to relax on the beach.
• Guides are highly praised for their attentiveness, making the experience more enjoyable—especially in rainy weather.
• Crowds can be a drawback, with some spots feeling crowded and water visibility affected by boat traffic.
• Flexible options for kayaking around Hong Island add an active, sightseeing element to the trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Hong Island Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins bright and early, with hotel pickups happening around 8 AM from various locations like Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. This door-to-door service is a small but appreciated detail, saving you from the hassle of navigating to the pier yourself. The transport is typically on a comfortable vehicle, and the trip to Nopparat Thara Pier is smooth.

Once at the pier, the main journey kicks off—longtail boats are the vessels of choice, providing a classic Thai sea travel experience. The first stop is Daeng Island for snorkeling, where clear waters, small fish, and coral formations promise a lively underwater scene. One reviewer notes that despite rainy weather, the guides kept the atmosphere upbeat, and the boats’ covered roofs protected passengers from rain while still enjoying the water.

Next, the tour moves to Paradise Island (Koh Lao Lading) for a Thai-style mini buffet lunch. The meal is served on the beach, offering local flavors and a chance for everyone to relax. The choice of a buffet makes it easier to cater to different diets—vegetarian options are available on request, and vegetarians, vegans, or those with special diets should inform the operator a day ahead.

The afternoon continues with a cruise through the narrow opening into Hong Lagoon, where emerald-green waters and limestone cliffs surround you. This scenic passage is a highlight, with many reviewers mentioning stunning photo opportunities and the peaceful beauty of the setting. Some note that the lagoon can get crowded, which makes it harder to find a quiet spot or enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear water, especially if other boats are present.

After the lagoon, you’ll climb up the viewpoint at Hong Island for a panoramic 360-degree outlook. This is the moment to linger, take photos, and appreciate the patchwork of islands and the shimmering sea below. The climb isn’t strenuous, but sturdy shoes are helpful, and the effort is rewarded with some of the best views on the tour.

Water Activities and Kayaking

For those who select the kayak option, paddling around Hong Island offers a close-up view of the mangroves and shoreline. Some reviewers found this part particularly enjoyable, appreciating the chance to explore at their own pace. Snorkeling, swimming, or simply sunbathing round out the leisure options on the pristine beaches—perfect for recharging before heading back.

The Return Trip and Practical Tips

By mid-afternoon, the boat heads back to Nopparat Thara Pier, with an expected arrival between 3 and 4 PM. It’s a good time to reflect on your day and enjoy the scenery during the ride back.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour offers round-trip transfers, an English-speaking guide, basic accident insurance, snorkel masks, kayaking gear (if chosen), life jackets, drinking water, seasonal fruit, and a Thai buffet lunch. This all adds up to a solid value, especially when you consider that the National Park entrance fee (around 300 THB for foreigners or 60 THB for locals) is paid separately in cash on the day. Fins are not included, so bringing your own or renting locally might be worthwhile if you want better underwater visibility.

The Realities of Crowds and Weather

While the scenery is spectacular, some reviews caution about crowded beaches and snorkeling spots, which can detract from the experience. The water can be churned up by boats, reducing visibility underwater, and the beaches may feel busy and noisy. Weather can influence the trip—rain is possible, especially during the rainy season, but guides are attentive to safety and comfort, often adjusting plans or skipping snorkeling if jellyfish or bad weather threaten.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation in a beautiful setting. If you’re excited about viewpoints, snorkeling, and kayaking, you’ll find plenty of value here. Families with children over 2 years old, couples, or small groups looking for a well-organized, scenic day out will appreciate the smooth logistics and friendly guides.

However, if you’re a very quiet, solitary seeker or prefer less crowded places, you might find the popularity a bit overwhelming. During peak times, expect busy beaches and water, which slightly diminishes the peacefulness. But overall, the scenery, food, and friendly guides make this a wholesome, fun experience.

Final Thoughts

This Hong Island tour combines the best elements of a beach holiday with light adventure—snorkeling, kayaking, and breathtaking views. The well-organized service, friendly guides, and inclusion of a tasty Thai buffet lunch make it a good deal for the price. Although crowded spots can be a drawback, the beauty of the islands and the variety of activities deliver plenty of photo-worthy moments and refreshing breaks from the land-based routine.

It’s particularly suited for those who want to see multiple islands in one trip without breaking the bank, and for travelers eager to enjoy scenic vistas, underwater life, and a taste of local cuisine. Just remember to bring your sun protection, waterproof bag, and a sense of adventure—rain or shine, this tour offers a memorable day in Krabi’s stunning waters.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 2 years old can join. However, very young children or those with mobility issues may find some parts like climbing to the viewpoint more challenging.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs from about 8 AM to around 4 PM, including pickup, island visits, and return.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, change of clothes, towel, camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothing, flip-flops, water shoes, cash, and a waterproof bag.

Are dietary options available?
Yes, vegetarian and other dietary requests can be accommodated if you inform the operator a day in advance.

What is the price?
The tour costs about $43 per person, which includes most activities and meals but excludes the national park entrance fee.

Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, basic snorkeling masks are provided. Fins are not included, so consider bringing your own for better underwater visibility.

What about the crowds?
Some spots, especially beaches and lagoon, can be crowded, which affects the tranquility and water clarity.

Can I kayak around Hong Island?
Yes, kayaking is available if you select that option, offering a more intimate way to explore the shoreline and mangroves.

What happens if weather turns bad?
The tour operator will contact you, and trips may be rescheduled or canceled with a full refund if conditions are unsafe.

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic views, water activities, and tasty local food, making it a solid choice for those looking to enjoy Krabi’s islands without too much hassle. Just keep the crowds in mind, and you’ll have a memorable, picture-perfect day.

You can check availability for your dates here: