Nestled in the Andaman Sea, just off Thailand’s east coast, Koh Hong (also known as Hong Island) offers an idyllic escape into a world of crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. This gem is part of a cluster of small, uninhabited islands in Krabi province. Featuring two pristine sandy beach areas and an inland lagoon, it stands out as one of the most beautiful destinations in southern Thailand. Here, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes, featuring towering limestone cliffs and clear waters that reveal coral reefs filled with colorful tropical fish, making Koh Hong a true paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.
Tips&Tricks: Our accidental discovery of Koh Hong during a half-day tour turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of our travels through South Thailand.
How to get to Koh Hong
Reaching Koh Hong is an adventure in itself. You can access Koh Hong by booking a long-tail boat or speedboat from Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or Phuket. These boats offer a scenic ride, filled with breathtaking scenery, sailing past towering limestone cliffs rising from the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea looking like something out of a postcard. Many tour operators provide half-day or full-day trips that include stops at nearby islands, snorkeling gear, and lunch, providing exciting and affordable experiences.
For a more personalized experience, you can also hire a private boat. This option allows you to set your own schedule, avoid the crowds, and spend as much time as you like exploring Koh Hong’s beautiful beaches and lagoon.
Tips&Tricks: Koh Hong is part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. If you choose to visit independently, you’ll need to pay a 300 THB entrance fee in addition to your transport costs.
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Top Guided Tours and Activities (our favorite choices)
A Snorkeler’s Paradise
The marine life around Koh Hong Island is incredibly diverse, attracting a wide variety of creatures, from clownfish hiding among anemones to parrotfish nibbling on coral, alongside sea cucumbers and sea urchins. As soon as we geared up for snorkeling, we were surrounded by schools of colorful fish swimming curiously around us, making us feel as if we were in a giant aquarium. One of the highlights was encountering a few small yellow-striped fish that seemed to enjoy our company a little too much.
Tips&Tricks: For the best experience, visit the island in the morning. Now the fish come closer to the shore, making it an ideal time for snorkeling and observing marine life up close. As the tide shifts and the water starts to recede later in the day, swimming among the coral reefs becomes more challenging.
Exploring the Island
Koh Hong is part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, which means it’s protected and remains largely unspoiled, so after snorkeling take some time to also explore the island itself. There are several walking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and islands.
One of the most popular spots on the island is the hidden lagoon, known locally as “Hong Lagoon”. Accessible through a narrow passageway, this lagoon is a shallow area of water surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few peaceful moments floating and admiring the natural beauty. For a bit of adventure, rent a kayak and paddle along the shoreline above the beautiful coral reefs.
Tips&Tricks: The crystal-clear waters make it easy to view the underwater world even from the surface while paddling a kayak.
Where to stay in Krabi (our favorite choices)
