Hong Islands Tour From Ao Nang

After our time on Koh Phangan, Thailand, Andy and I hoped to get to Koh Yao Noi, but things didn’t work out that way. Since we wanted to see the Hong Islands and didn’t have time while we were in Krabi Town, we decided to go to Ao Nang. The Hong Islands Tour is similar to the 4 Islands Tour but a different set of islands. Not only did we end up with the same tour company, but we even had the same guide for another day of gorgeous island hopping.

The water was a bit choppy that day, and unfortunately one of the four islands we were supposed to visit got cut from the itinerary. We still made it to Hong Island itself, but I’m not even going to pretend I know what the other islands were called.

First stop – snorkeling

The longtail boat stopped near a small island where we could jump out and snorkel. Knowing the snorkeling wasn’t all that great on the 4 Islands Tour, and I could see a handful of striped fish from the boat, I decided to just enjoy the view. Besides, snorkeling in choppy water didn’t seem like much fun. From there, our longtail boat took us by dozens of tiny islands and bits of rock jutting up from the sea on our way to our next stop.

Lunchtime in a cove

Our next stop was a cove that we couldn’t tell was there until we were really close to it. Several speedboats and longtail boats were already there when we arrived, but within a half hour, some left and the crowd was more manageable. We had some time to swim and enjoy the impressive rock walls that almost surrounded us before having lunch on the beach.

Hong Lagoon and Hong Island

Finally we made our way over to the island the tour was named after. First the boat took us into Hong Lagoon, which was even more hidden than the cove we had just left. Jagged rock walls came straight up through the water and far above us. We slowly circled the lagoon and then went out to dock at the main part of Hong Island. There was a kayaking option from there, but Andy and I decided to hang out on the beach instead and relax.

Taking the Hong Islands Tour

Just like with the Krabi 4 Islands Tour, we booked our tour at the last minute. We got a great deal and paid 600 baht per person (about 13.35€ or US$18.18) but the going rate seemed to be between 800-1200 baht, so definitely negotiate. We took the longtail boat option, but there is a speedboat option for more money. You can also book the kayaking option at Hong Island for a little more money if that interests you. You can book the Hong Islands tour online ahead of time if you would prefer to avoid the haggling or you would rather have a specific date nailed down.

The tour companies seemed to be similar, so I don’t think it matters which one you end up with. They will pick you up from your hotel or guesthouse as long as you’re staying in the Ao Nang or Krabi Town area, and they’ll drop you back off at the end of the day. The tour includes lunch, as well as some fruit and bottled water. It was the same exact lunch we got on the 4 Islands Tour, nothing exciting but perfectly fine. There is a vegetarian option for those who don’t eat meat.

Remember to wear flip flops or some other kind of sandals, wear your bathing suit, bring a towel, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen, and enjoy the pretty views on the Hong Islands Tour!

Click here to book the Hong Islands Tour ahead of time!

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• How Much We Spent Traveling in Thailand
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