Both tours leave from the same pier near Ao Nang, so the choice is about the day you want: the 4 Islands is the beach day with the sandbar walk and is back at about 2:00 pm, the Hong Islands is the scenic day with the lagoon and the 360° viewpoint and is back at about 3:30 pm. The Tup sandbar only appears at low tide. This guide covers the Krabi 4 Islands or Hong Islands by Speedboat from the pickup to the last stop — the mood, the route and the tips guides mention in passing.
By SB Excursions · Published 24 October 2026 · Updated 24 October 2026
Tour on this route: Krabi 4 Islands or Hong Islands by Speedboat — From $35 per person, about 6-8 hours.
4 Islands or Hong Islands: which should I choose?
The 4 Islands tour is shorter and more about beaches, with the famous sandbar walk to Chicken Island. The Hong tour is a little longer and more scenic, with the lagoon inside Hong Island and a viewpoint. Both leave from Ao Nang.
This guide also answers:
- How much is the national park fee?
What makes the Krabi 4 Islands or Hong Islands by Speedboat worth your time
A minibus collects you from your hotel in Ao Nang or the Krabi area between about 7:30 and 8:40 am. At the private pier there is coffee and a light breakfast, and the speedboat leaves at about 9:00 am. On the 4 Islands tour you visit Phra Nang Cave Beach, the Tup and Chicken Island sandbar, a snorkeling reef and Poda Island for lunch. On the Hong Islands tour you visit Pakbia, Lading, the Hong lagoon, a beach for lunch and snorkeling or the viewpoint.
Route highlights at a glance
The standout moments of the Krabi 4 Islands or Hong Islands by Speedboat.
- Tup sandbar walk — At low tide a sandbar joins Tup Island and Chicken Island, and you walk across the sea between them.
- Phra Nang Cave Beach — The beach at Railay under the cliffs, with the shrine of the sea princess in the cave.
- Hong Island lagoon — On the Hong tour the speedboat enters the lagoon inside Hong Island, closed off by limestone walls.
- Short boat rides — Krabi's islands are 20-45 minutes from the pier, so most of the day is spent on the beaches.
How the day unfolds, step by step
The route in order; exact pickup times and what shifts by season are in the schedule.
- Hotel pickup — Minibus from your hotel in Ao Nang or the Krabi area, about 7:30-8:40 am.
- Private pier — Coffee and a light breakfast; the speedboat leaves at about 9:00 am.
- 4 Islands: Phra Nang and the sandbar — Phra Nang Cave Beach, then the walk across the Tup and Chicken Island sandbar and a swim.
- 4 Islands: snorkeling and Poda — Snorkeling over a reef, then a picnic lunch on Poda Island; back at about 2:00 pm.
- Or Hong Islands: Pakbia, Lading, the lagoon — Sea caves at Pakbia and Lading, then the lagoon inside Hong Island.
- Hong Islands: lunch and viewpoint — Lunch on the beach, snorkeling or the climb to the 360° viewpoint; back at about 3:30 pm.
Insider tips
The details a guide mentions on the day — worth knowing before it.
- Have cash for the national park fee at check-in: 200 baht per adult on the 4 Islands tour, 300 baht on the Hong Islands tour (children half).
- Fins are not provided; water shoes help on the coral and the shells.
- Jellyfish appear in some seasons: long swimwear helps.
- Railay and Tonsai guests are collected from the beach; there is no pickup from Phuket, Koh Lanta or Phi Phi.
- The climb to the 360° viewpoint on the Hong tour is steep: skip it with small children.
- Not recommended for infants under 4, pregnant women or people with back or neck problems.
Best time of year
November to April is the best time for the Krabi islands, with calm water and low tides that show the Tup sandbar in the middle of the day; in the wet season the tours run on most days but can be cancelled for weather.
Whether it is worth the money and what the price covers is in why book it.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 Islands or Hong Islands: which should I choose?
The 4 Islands tour is shorter and more about beaches, with the famous sandbar walk to Chicken Island. The Hong tour is a little longer and more scenic, with the lagoon inside Hong Island and a viewpoint. Both leave from Ao Nang.
How much is the national park fee?
200 baht per adult and 100 per child on the 4 Islands tour; 300 baht per adult and 150 per child on the Hong Islands tour. It is paid in cash at check-in.
Can I walk to Chicken Island?
At low tide a sandbar joins Tup Island and Chicken Island and you can walk across. At high tide the sandbar is under water and you see it from the boat.
Do you pick up from Railay or Krabi Town?
Yes for Ao Nang, Krabi Town and the main areas; Railay and Tonsai guests are collected from the beach. There is no pickup from Phuket, Koh Lanta or Phi Phi.