When talking about Krabi’s stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and million-dollar sea views, many of you have probably heard of the 'Hong Islands,' right? This is one of Krabi’s must-visit island destinations for sea lovers, and in this article, Traveloka has gathered a full list of top attractions and popular accommodations on the Hong Islands. Enjoy fun trips, comfortable stays, and amazing photo spots that you can post for an entire week without repeating the angles!
Bonus! For those who want to visit the Hong Islands without the hassle, book your flight to Krabi and book a hotel near Koh Hong on Traveloka. You'll find a wide range of things to do in Krabi, from kayaking to exploring the inland sea. It’s all worth it without the need to spend time planning.
The Hong Islands, one of the hidden gems of Krabi’s sea, is a must-visit. If you’re looking for an island getaway with breathtaking natural views, crystal-clear waters, smooth white sand beaches, and exciting activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relaxing, this is the place to add to your travel plans immediately.
This is the main island of the Hong Islands and the first stop for most tourists to relax. “Hong Island,” also known as “Laobaile Island” by locals, has a white sandy beach surrounded by large limestone cliffs, emerald-green seawater, and a coral reef around the island where you can enjoy snorkeling. There is also a nature trail where you can explore mangrove species and spot rare birds.
📸 Recommended Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and taking photos of the limestone cliffs.
The latest highlight in 2025 is the “360° Viewpoint” at the top of Hong Island. The trail up has natural stairs leading you to about 400 steps. Once you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands. It’s so beautiful you’ll want to snap endless photos!
⏱ Best Time: Morning or evening for the soft sunlight and the perfect view.
The Hong Island Lagoon, or “Inland Sea,” is another Unseen Thailand destination you must not miss. This large water basin is hidden within the surrounding limestone cliffs, accessible only by boat through a narrow passage! The water inside the lagoon is emerald green and clear, making it an ideal spot for kayaking, floating in the water, or quietly enjoying the peaceful nature.
🌿 Special Feature: The water is very still since it’s surrounded by mountains, like a natural swimming pool.
Nicknamed “Paradise Island,” Laoling Island is a small beach surrounded by steep cliffs with only one entrance and exit, making it feel like a private world. The clear blue water is perfect for those who enjoy privacy and want to immerse themselves in nature.
🌟 Recommended Activities: Kayaking, taking chic photos from the boat, and relaxing by the beach.
This small island is known for its diverse coral reefs and marine life. Pak Bia Island has both shallow and deep reefs, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced divers. You’ll see colorful fish, schools of parrotfish, and even starfish!
🐠 Recommended Activities: Snorkeling, Scuba diving, and underwater photography.
Daeng Island is another must-visit spot near the Hong Islands for sea lovers! The surrounding waters are very clear, and the coral reefs are stunning. The highlight is the underwater rock formations and the schools of fish swimming around.
📷 Recommended Photo Spot: The view from the boat looking down at the underwater limestone formations with the crystal-clear sea, no need for editing!
If you're at Hong Island, not kayaking in the “Inland Sea” is a big miss! This is a closed sea area hidden in the island's natural beauty, with a narrow entrance that feels like passing through a magical door. Once you enter... wow! The emerald-green water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom. If you love photography, it feels like a scene from a fantasy movie. Whether you paddle slowly, enjoying the sounds of birds and water, or race your friends, it’s equally fun!
If you want to post an Instagram-worthy photo that will get tons of likes, you have to hike up to the Hong Island viewpoint. The walk is a bit challenging, with about 400 steps of alternating stone and wooden stairs, but trust me, it’s totally worth it! Once you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360° panoramic view of the islands, kayakers paddling in the Inland Sea, and the stunning contrast between the blue sky and the sea. It’s absolutely amazing!
If you want to experience the beauty of the underwater world without the hassle of deep diving, head to “Saiya Island” in the Hong Islands group! True to its name, the water is crystal clear, with colorful coral and small fish swimming around to greet you. It's perfect for both beginners and casual snorkelers. You don’t need much gear—just put on a snorkel and float, and you'll be immersed in an underwater world that feels like a documentary.
After a day of exploring the Hong Islands, we know everyone wants to find a great place to relax, with a beautiful view to unwind, right? Today, we've selected premium accommodations near Krabi and the Hong Islands, offering great ambiance, beautiful rooms, and breathtaking sea views, all easily accessible by boat to the islands. Check out these top picks.
Koyao Bay Pavilions is located on Koh Yao Noi, not far from the Hong Islands. It’s perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle and experience the slow-paced, authentic local island life. The highlight of this Krabi accommodation is its contemporary Thai-style villas that blend seamlessly with nature. You can enjoy private beachfront villas with pools, and the property is only a 15-20 minute long-tail boat ride from the Hong Islands pier.
Thailand
Koyao Bay Pavilions
Ko Yao Noi
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Another great option near Krabi (on Koh Yao Noi) is Cape Kudu Hotel, often described as bringing the Maldives to Phang Nga Bay! With the concept of “Simple Luxury,” this place is elegantly simple and offers a sense of comfort that makes you not want to check out. The highlight here is that every room faces the sea, with balconies to enjoy the sunrise views. The hotel features an infinity pool, a poolside bar for relaxation, and the Sea Deck restaurant serving spicy Thai and international cuisine. They also offer speedboat services and tours to the Hong Islands right from the resort.
Thailand
Cape Kudu Hotel
•
9.1/10
Ko Yao District
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This luxury Krabi accommodation near the Hong Islands is located amidst the natural beauty of Koh Yao Noi, offering a peaceful yet luxurious environment. It’s perfect for anyone looking to truly recharge. The resort consists of open-air villas with sea breeze flowing through every corner, situated on a private beach with a panoramic view of the Hong Islands. Activities like seaside yoga, spa treatments, and private tours are available, with attentive staff who don’t miss any detail.
Thailand
Koyao island Resort
Ko Yao Noi
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Before booking your trip to the Hong Islands or packing your bags to check in at the islands, the first thing many people ask is: “When is the best time to go to make the most of it? When can I get beautiful photos, swim, and just enjoy myself?” … The answer is: “It depends on what you like,” because each season has its own charm.
This is the “golden season” for Krabi’s beaches, and of course, the Hong Islands are no exception! The weather is perfect, with clear skies and the emerald-green sea sparkling under the sunlight, making the view almost breathtaking. The underwater visibility is excellent, making it perfect for snorkeling, kayaking in the Inland Sea, or just relaxing on the beach and snapping stunning photos for your IG.
Wait, can you still travel during the rainy season? Absolutely! If you prefer peace and quiet, don’t want to deal with large crowds, and want to take photos without anyone photobombing, plus get a much cheaper tour price, this is the time for you. While there may be occasional rain, there are many days when the sky clears up beautifully, especially in the early morning or evening. The soft mist over the sea creates a stunning, serene atmosphere.
❗But remember, check the weather forecast in advance and bring a light raincoat just in case. That’s all you need for a chill trip!
The Hong Islands are one of the highlights you can’t miss when visiting Krabi! Located within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the islands are about 25-30 minutes by boat from Ao Nang Beach. This group of small islands includes the main Hong Island and several surrounding islands such as Lao Ding, Pak Bia, and Lao Ka. What makes the Hong Islands stand out compared to other beaches is the “complete package” in one place: white sandy beaches, emerald-clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs that give you the feeling of stepping into a Jurassic-era world. Additionally, there’s the famous “Hong Lagoon,” a hidden highlight located in the center of the island. It’s like a “natural swimming pool inside a mountain.” The still, crystal-clear green water lets you see the sandy bottom clearly, making it perfect for kayaking or light snorkeling.
Activities in the Hong Islands are plentiful, including:
Another fascinating aspect of the Hong Islands is the tranquility and lack of crowds. Since they are in a protected national park area, the islands aren’t as crowded as other famous islands, giving you a more private and immersive nature experience without the need to fight for space.
If you’re thinking about visiting the Hong Islands but are unsure about the travel logistics, I’m happy to tell you it’s easier than you think! Even with just a weekend getaway, you can comfortably visit, as the Hong Islands are conveniently located not far from Krabi town and are easily accessible in no time.
If you're flying direct from Bangkok, it takes just about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the airport, take a taxi or private car to Ao Nang or Tub Kaek Beach, which is the main departure point for boats. The drive takes about 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.
📍 Distance from Krabi Airport to Tub Kaek Beach: Around 30 km, and the drive takes approximately 40 minutes by taxi or private car.
Wed, 3 Sep 2025
Thai VietJet Air
Bangkok (BKK) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from THB 886.00
Sat, 23 Aug 2025
Thai Lion Air
Bangkok (DMK) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from THB 780.05
Mon, 1 Sep 2025
Scoot
Singapore (SIN) to Phuket (HKT)
Start from THB 2,165.26
Once you reach the pier, it’s time to embark on a breathtaking boat ride to this paradise of the Andaman Sea! You can choose between two main types of boats, depending on your preferred style.
Here are a few tips that will make your trip smooth and enjoyableใ
To ensure a seamless, fun, and fully enjoyable trip to the Hong Islands, here’s a checklist of essentials you shouldn’t forget to bring.
Item | Why You Need It |
Swimsuit + Spare Clothes | For swimming, snorkeling, or changing after your boat ride. |
Reef-Safe Sunscreen | Protect your skin and help preserve coral reefs from harmful chemicals. |
Waterproof Camera or Phone in Waterproof Case | Capture underwater moments and stunning sea views. |
Hat + Sunglasses + Shawl | Protect yourself from the sun while on the boat or beach. |
Small Amount of Cash | For entrance fees to the park (Thai citizens: Adults 40 THB / Children 20 THB) or for drinks and snacks. |
Mosquito Repellent / Motion Sickness Medicine | For areas with some shade or to ease seasickness. |
Flip-flops or Water Shoes | Easy to wear and comfortable when boarding boats or walking on wet sandy beaches. |
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💡 Extra Tip: If you're worried about getting wet, try bringing a small towel or plastic bag to separate your wet clothes, so your bag stays dry.
Since the Hong Islands are located within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, which follows strict environmental protection practices, visitors must cooperate to keep this stunning destination pristine for years to come.
What to Do:
What Not to Do:
⛔ Penalties for Violations: If you break these rules, you could face fines or even be banned from entering the area in the future.
The Hong Islands are not just your average small islands in the Andaman Sea; they offer an entire experience that combines tranquility, fun, and excitement in one stunning location. Whether it’s crystal-clear waters, soft white sandy beaches, snorkeling spots filled with vibrant coral reefs and diverse fish species, or the magnificent “Hong Lagoon” – a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs – every spot here offers a unique beauty that you can only truly appreciate by seeing it with your own eyes. Whether you’re here with your adventurous group of friends, on a honeymoon with your loved one, or spending quality time with your family, the Hong Islands cater to all kinds of travelers. With various activities and serene, untouched nature, it’s a destination that promises to offer something for everyone, allowing you to unwind and recharge in its peaceful surroundings.