Hong Islands Longtail Boat Tour with Kayak Paddling

A full-day adventure exploring the breathtaking Hong Islands by longtail boat, with options for snorkeling, kayaking, and sightseeing.

Starting from Krabi, this tour takes you through the iconic limestone karsts and turquoise waters of Hong Island, Koh Daeng, and other hidden gems in the area. For around $47.45 per person, you’ll enjoy approximately 7 hours of exploration, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, making it a convenient way to see some of Thailand’s most photogenic islands.

What we love most about this experience are the chance to paddle through mangrove forests in Hong Lagoon — a peaceful, wildlife-rich spot — and the opportunity to snorkel over coral reefs teeming with colorful fish. Plus, the scenic viewpoint offering 360° panoramas of the limestone islands is a real highlight, perfect for snapping memorable photos.

One consideration is the length of the boat ride, which can be quite long, sometimes close to three hours round-trip. This might be tiring for some, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more relaxed pace.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic natural beauty, active adventures like kayaking and snorkeling, and a well-organized itinerary. It’s especially good for those who want a taste of the islands beyond just lounging on the beach.

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics easier.
• Snorkeling gear and kayaking equipment are provided, encouraging active exploration.
• The scenic viewpoint offers panoramic views of the limestone islands.
• Wildlife spotting includes monitor lizards, gibbons, and tropical birds.
• Good value for the experience—lunch, equipment, and guides included.
• Some guests found the boat ride lengthy, so prepare for a long journey.

In-Depth Look at the Hong Islands Longtail Boat Tour

Traveling in Krabi, you’re spoiled for choice with island-hopping tours, but this one stands out with its focus on Hong Island’s natural charms and interactive activities like kayaking and snorkeling. The tour operates from Nopparat Thara Pier, with a pickup service in Krabi, saving you the hassle of arranging transport.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Nopparat Thara Pier:
Your day begins early, usually with a hotel pickup around 9:00 am. After a brief health check-in, you’ll hop aboard a traditional longtail boat, which is part of the experience — expect a scenic, if somewhat lengthy, boat ride. As one reviewer noted, “almost 3 hours of the trip was on the boat,” so settle in with some water and patience. This long ride sets the tone, offering a chance to enjoy the sea breeze and views of limestone cliffs.

Stop at Koh Daeng for snorkeling:
About an hour on the way out, you’ll pull into Koh Daeng, a small yet striking island with crystal-clear waters and a vibrant coral reef underneath. Here, snorkeling gear is your ticket to see brilliant marine life in a relatively quiet spot, away from the crowds. Travelers praise this segment: “snorkeling was amazing, lots of colorful fish,” making it one of the tour’s highlights.

Main island experience at Koh Hong:
Once you arrive at Koh Hong, your focus shifts to kayaking and discovering the mangrove forests in Hong Lagoon. The sit-on-top kayaks allow you to paddle close to the mangroves and explore hidden corners. As one guest put it, “kayaking into the lagoon was very good, a very nice experience.” You might also enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters or simply relax on the beach with a delicious Thai buffet lunch.

Exploring Hong Island:
The island itself offers a mix of wildlife sightings, such as monitor lizards and gibbons, stunning rock formations, and beach time. One reviewer describes it as “very beautiful and worth seeing,” especially if you appreciate natural scenery and less commercialized beaches.

The Viewpoint – A panoramic highlight:
A recent addition to the tour, the scenic viewpoint offers a 360° view of the limestone islands. It’s a short stop but well worth the effort for stunning photos and a sense of the islands’ scale.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness, with many reviews mentioning guides like “Brown” or “Joon” who make an effort to interact and personalize the experience. This personal touch enhances the overall enjoyment, especially when navigating the sometimes busy islands.

Snorkeling and kayaking are the real gems here. Multiple reviews mention how these activities provided a hands-on experience of the area’s marine and terrestrial wildlife. For example, “kayaking was definitely the highlight,” and “snorkeling over the reefs was incredible,” are common sentiments.

Lunch is included in the package, prepared Thai-style, and often described as “good enough,” with some reviewers noting it exceeded expectations. It’s served on the beach, offering a chance to refuel amid stunning surroundings.

Challenges and Considerations

Some travelers note the boat ride can be quite long, with one reviewer mentioning almost three hours at sea, which could be taxing for those with seasickness or limited stamina. Others highlight occasional issues with tour organization, such as time constraints or overcrowding in certain spots, especially during peak season.

A few reviews mention less-than-friendly behavior from certain guides or less smooth logistics, like overloaded transport or delays. Weather can also influence the experience — during rainy or stormy days, parts of the trip may be less enjoyable or cut short, with some guests reporting rough seas.

Value for Money

At just under $50, this tour offers a comprehensive day of island exploration — including snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and guided sightseeing — all with hotel transfers. Many reviewers find it good value, especially given the inclusion of equipment and lunch. However, the lengthy boat ride could be a point of fatigue, so it’s worth considering your comfort with long sea journeys.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers who love active pursuits like kayaking and snorkeling, and are okay with spending a good portion of the day on a boat. It suits those seeking natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and amazing viewpoints. If you prefer shorter trips or less time on the water, this might feel a bit too long.

The Sum Up

The Hong Islands Longtail Boat Tour offers a well-rounded, authentic look at some of Thailand’s stunning islands. It combines scenic boat rides, active snorkeling and kayaking, and opportunities to see local wildlife and panoramic views. The inclusion of lunch and transfers makes it a practical choice for those staying in Krabi.

While the long boat ride can be tiring, the chance to paddle through mangroves, snorkel over reefs, and climb viewpoints makes this tour worthwhile for many travelers. It’s best suited for those who value nature, adventure, and a bit of physical activity over luxury or a relaxed, sunbathing day.

If you’re looking for a full-day, reasonably priced tour that combines adventure with scenic beauty and you’re comfortable on the water, this tour will likely deliver a memorable experience.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride?
Expect around two to three hours on the boat, which is quite typical for island-hopping tours in Krabi. It’s part of the adventure, but be prepared for a lengthy journey.

Is the snorkeling equipment included?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, so you can easily explore the underwater life at Koh Daeng and other spots.

What activities are available at Koh Hong?
You can kayak into the mangroves, swim in turquoise waters, relax on the beach, and enjoy a Thai buffet lunch. Kayaking appears to be a highlight for many guests.

Is there a viewpoint included?
Yes, a scenic viewpoint offers a 360° panorama of the limestone islands, perfect for photos and taking in the view.

Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, drinking water and fresh fruit are provided throughout the day.

What about the wildlife?
You might see monitor lizards, gibbons, and tropical birds, adding a wildlife encounter to the natural scenery.

Are there any extra costs?
You’ll need to pay a national park entrance fee of 300 THB per adult and 150 THB per child, payable onsite. The tour price covers most activities, but this fee is separate.

This well-balanced tour offers a genuine taste of the islands’ natural beauty and adventurous spirit, making it a solid choice for travelers eager to see the best of Krabi’s waters and shores.