Krabi Island Hopping: 10 Stunning Islands to Add to Your List

If you’re coming to Krabi, you’re probably planning to go island hopping. Good call. The islands near Krabi are absolutely stunning.

But while island hopping in Krabi looks effortless on Instagram, choosing where to go is another story. There are so many options—Poda, Hong, Chicken Island, Phi Phi—and every tour promises a “perfect” Krabi island hopping itinerary.

So I teamed up with a few fellow travelers to narrow it down to the islands that truly blew us away. These are the ones genuinely worth adding to your day out on the water, especially if it’s your first trip to Krabi.

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The 10 Best Islands Near Krabi You Can’t Miss

Thailand is packed with romantic spots, but some of its most beautiful islands are tucked around Krabi. Whether you’re after a quick island-hopping adventure or planning a longer beach escape, this guide rounds up the best Krabi islands—from tourist favorites like Koh Lanta and Phuket to off-the-radar gems worth discovering.

You’ll also find plenty of travel tips to help plan the perfect Krabi island trip. By the end, you’ll know exactly which islands are worth your time—and which ones to skip. Let’s dive into 10 of the best.

Koh Hong

Koh Hong (or Hong Island) absolutely belongs at the top of your Krabi island-hopping bucket list. Part of Than Bok Khorani National Park, this dreamy cluster of islands is known for its powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, dramatic limestone cliffs, and a postcard-perfect turquoise lagoon.

It also happens to be one of my favorite beaches in Krabi—and hands down my top pick for the best island tour from Krabi. That’s exactly why it kicks off this list.

How to Get There

Hong Island is only open for day visits. The easiest way to get there is to join a Krabi day tour. Speedboats and long-tail boats depart regularly from Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang, or Railay. It’s a quick trip, taking less than 20 minutes by speedboat and 45 minutes by long-tail boat.

If you’d rather tackle this trip independently, you can also charter a private long-tail boat, which is a great way to explore Krabi’s coastline at your own pace. Boats seat up to six people and cost around 3,000 THB for a round-trip.

What to Do

Beach lounging and snorkeling? Yes, please. Koh Hong’s reef is teeming with marine life, and you don’t need to swim far to spot parrotfish, sergeant majors, and rabbitfish right off the shore.

If you’re feeling active, rent a kayak near the pier (around 300 THB per hour) and paddle your way to the hidden lagoon. It’s only accessible through a narrow opening in the cliffs, so time your visit with low tide for easy access. The views along the way are absolutely stunning.

There’s also a short jungle trail near the small restaurant that winds past limestone cliffs and lush greenery. It’s only about 500 meters long, but it’s a cool little adventure, and who knows, you might get to spot some white-faced gibbons or water monitors. (They look scary, but don’t worry, they’re harmless. Still, they’re best admired from a distance.)

Top Tip: If you’re coming over with a private tour, try to arrive early or visit outside peak times. That way, you can enjoy the beach and lagoon with fewer crowds.

Koh Poda

With its turquoise water, powdery white sand, and dramatic limestone backdrop, Koh Poda is yet another picture-perfect spot just off the Krabi coast. It’s part of the Haad Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park and one of those spots that really feels like a tropical postcard come to life.

This little island is also a great option if you’re short on time. It’s easy to reach and explore, and ideal for a half-day trip.

How to Get There

The easiest way to visit Koh Poda is on a day tour. I booked this one, and yes—it was fab. Highly recommend it if you want a hassle-free experience.

Speedboats and long-tail boats leave regularly from Ao Nang or Nopparat Thara Pier, with travel times ranging from 15 to 25 minutes depending on the boat.

If you prefer to go at your own pace, you can also hire a private long-tail boat. Just remember to bring 400 THB in cash for the national park entrance fee.

What to Do

Koh Poda is tiny. At just 1 km in diameter, it can get crowded, especially when the tours start rolling in. Your best move? Walk a little farther from the drop-off zone to find a quieter patch of sand.

Once you’ve claimed your spot, this is the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or simply chill out. The water is calm and clear, making it great for a quick dip or a lazy float.

There’s also a small beach restaurant serving basic Thai meals, drinks, and snacks—but honestly, I saw plenty of people unpacking picnic baskets and instantly felt jealous for not doing the same. If you can, definitely pack one.

Another cool thing about this little island? You can actually spend the night here. Poda Island Resort is the only place to stay on the island, and while it’s far from bougie, the real luxury is having the island almost entirely to yourself once the day-trippers leave.

Koh Tup & Koh Mor

Koh Tup and Koh Mor are two tiny islands near Krabi that are absolutely worth adding to your Krabi island-hopping day. What makes them special is the natural sandbar, Talay Waek (meaning “divided sea”), which connects the islands at low tide.

The easiest way to visit is on a Krabi 4 Islands tour, which, as the name suggests, also includes a few other stops in the Andaman Sea. If you’d rather not go with a group, hiring a private long-tail boat from Ao Nang, Railay, or Nopparat Thara Pier is a great alternative. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs roughly 3000 Baht return.

There isn’t a long list of activities here. And that’s kind of the beauty of it. Think walking across the sandbar, swimming and snorkeling in the shallows, and enjoying some quiet beach time.

If you’re up for a short scramble, you can also climb the rocks for a view over the sandbar and surrounding islands. You’ll need to pay a small conservation fee, so remember to bring along some cash. 

Top tip: The sandbar only appears at low tide, and these islands are only accessible during the day. Check the tide schedule before you set out from Ao Nang to avoid disappointment.

Koh Phi Phi

If you’re looking for a postcard-perfect island destination near Krabi, it doesn’t get much better than Koh Phi Phi. With soft white-sand beaches, crystal clear water, mind-blowing views, and a booming party scene, Koh Phi Phi is one of the top tourist spots in the area. If you want a deeper look, I’ve shared my favorite things to do in Koh Phi Phi (including tips on avoiding the worst of the crowds).

How to get there

There are plenty of day trips from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi, but if you have time, staying a night or two is worth it. It gives you a chance to really enjoy the island once the tour boats leave.

The easiest way to get there is by ferry (book your ticket here). Boats run about four times a day from Nopparat Thara Pier or Klong Jilad Pier. The journey takes around two hours and drops you at Tonsai Pier. Tickets cost roughly 400 baht. You can also arrange a transfer directly from Krabi Airport, which includes the boat and makes the trip easier.

If you’re coming from Phuket instead, I’ve also put together a guide on how to get to Koh Phi Phi from there with all the transport options broken down.

What to Do

The most popular thing to do here is head out on a Phi Phi island-hopping tour. Beyond that, diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, and sunbathing are easy ways to fill your days. And for panoramic views over the islands, hike to the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint. It’s only about 30 minutes, and the payoff is worth it.

Phi Phi isn’t as laid-back as it used to be, but it’s still easy to escape the party crowd and day-trippers. The east coast and the far western end of Ao Tonsai are usually quieter. If you’re after a peaceful stay by the water, Phi Phi The Beach Resort is a good option. ChaoKoh Phi Phi Hotel & Resort is better if you want to be close to restaurants and nightlife.

Koh Phi Phi is easily one of the most breathtaking islands near Krabi and is definitely worth visiting.

Koh Pu/Koh Jum

Recommended by Emily, Wander-Lush

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Southern Thailand’s party islands, Koh Pu / Koh Jum is the perfect escape from Krabi. The northern half is known as Koh Pu (“Crab Island”), while the southern half is called Koh Jum. It’s just off the coast north of Koh Lanta, and while it may be lesser-known, it’s one of the most accessible islands to access from the mainland

The easiest way to get here is to take a local ferry from Laem Kruat Pier in Krabi to Ban Koh Jum. It costs around 100 Baht, runs year-round, and takes about an hour. You can also catch a tourist ferry to Koh Lanta and get off early, but it’s pricier (about 400 Baht) and only runs during high season (November–April).

What to Do

When you arrive at Koh Jum, the first thing you’ll notice is how laid-back it is. You won’t find taxi vans waiting at the pier, so arrange transport with your accommodation in advance.

For the best beach access, head to the northwestern coast (technically Koh Pu). Here, you’ll find a few bungalow-style accommodations that sit right on the water. My top pick is Bonhomie Beach Cottage — a locally run, private bamboo bungalow resort. There’s a kitchen on-site (you won’t find many restaurants or bars on this part of the island), and a mountain shades the beach in the morning for perfect swimming conditions. From the beachfront hammocks, you get uninterrupted views of the Andaman Sea, and the sunsets, as you can imagine, are out of this world.

There is absolutely nothing to do on Koh Pu except enjoy the empty beaches and perhaps take a walk or hire a bicycle or motorbike to ride through the island’s green interior. You’re almost guaranteed to find beaches all but deserted – a refreshing change to most other Krabi islands.

Phuket

Recommended by Yen, Wandering Journal

At first sight, Phuket might seem like a typical beach destination in Thailand. But there’s much more to do here than relax by the sea, including tours around the island and day trips to places like the Similan Islands.

Whether you’re visiting Phuket with kids, solo, or on a romantic getaway, you’ll never be bored! While the island can be pricey in places, there are also plenty of free and cheap activities. One of the best is hitting the viewpoints by motorbike. Don’t miss Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, about an hour from Phuket Town — the panorama over Phang Nga Bay is incredible.

The easiest way of getting from Krabi to Phuket is by bus or minivan. Head to the Krabi bus terminal and simply buy the ticket. It costs about 140 Baht per person and takes about 3 hours. (For a stress-free trip, book your Phuket transfer online here.)

If you want to save the hassle, simply book with your hotel manager to get it sorted. If you’re asked whether to drop off at Phuket Bus Terminal 1 or 2, I’d suggest Terminal 1, since it’s more central and has plenty of accommodation nearby.

When it comes to choosing a base, Phuket Old Town is full of charm, with colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, street art, cafés, and the lively Sunday Walking Street Market. It can feel quite touristy at times, though. If you want beach time or a more mellow base, Kata Beach is a great spot. It’s good for swimming and surfing, has plenty of food options, and has a relaxed vibe.

If you’re headed to Koh Lanta after exploring Phuket, this guide on how to get to Koh Lanta from Phuket answers all your questions.  

Bamboo Island

Recommended by Megan, Meganstrarr

Bamboo Island is one of the most beautiful islands you can visit from Krabi — and honestly, its name does it zero favors. It might not have palm trees, but the water surrounding the island is some of the clearest you’ll find anywhere in teh world.

Part of the Phi Phi Islands group, Bamboo Island is small and easily visited as a day trip or as part of another Krabi island-hopping adventure. It doesn’t get as many tourists, and many organized tours leave it off the itinerary, which makes it all the more special when you get to visit.

The island is flat, and you can walk its circumference within an hour or two. There is no official hotel on the island, but there are options for camping overnight, although most people visit as a quick excursion.

When you’re not swimming or snorkeling, you can grab a fresh seafood lunch or a cold drink from the small open-air eatery near the beach. Keep an eye out for marine life along the shores — sea cucumbers and schools of bright fish are common here. If you’re looking for a unique adventure from Krabi, definitely find your way to Bamboo Island for some downtime and relaxation.

Koh Yao Yai

Recommended by Bridget, The Flashpacker

If you’re looking for an unspoiled island near Krabi where life is laid back, and development has been restrained, then you’ve got to visit Koh Yao Yai.

It’s a 50-minute public speedboat journey to Koh Yao Yai from Krabi’s Thalen Pier. Getting there costs around 38 USD, although discounts may be available if you book online. Alternatively, Koh Yao Travel offers shared or private transfers from Krabi Airport for around 35 USD.

If you want a comfortable base with beautiful views, Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort is a solid pick. This 5-star beach resort offers teakwood villas, a gorgeous beach, and a relaxed vibe. Nearby, there’s a small Muslim village with a few local shops, casual spots to eat, and a chilled little beach bar to watch the sunset from.

What to Do

Koh Yao Yai is all about kicking back and retreating from the pressures of day-to-day life in an idyllic setting. Walk along its near-empty, gently sloping white sandy beaches or explore the island on two wheels. If you’re in the mood for something a little more active, many local operators offer day trips. These include boat trips, diving excursions, and off-roading adventures.

Just a heads up — this is not a party island, and nightlife is basically nonexistent here. Outside of the resorts, alcohol can be tricky to come by. But fear not. Some of the restaurants in the villages will serve you a cooling beer, and there is the occasional beach bar.

Koh Lanta

Recommended by Veronica Primm, Travel Geekery

If you’re looking for a slower-paced island where you can properly unwind and still have plenty of conveniences around, Koh Lanta is it.

Getting to Koh Lanta is relatively easy from Krabi Airport, even though the trip includes a ferry ride. At the airport, take a minivan to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about 2 hours, and many providers even offer to drop you straight at your hotel.

One of the best places to stay in Koh Lanta is a tiny mid-range resort called Escape Cabins. It’s within walking distance of Long Beach, yet in a quiet area near a mountain. If that’s not quite your vibe, Lanta Casuarina Beach Resort and Lanta Sand Resort are other good mid-range picks. Plus, they’re right on the beach.

The best thing about Koh Lanta is how laid-back it is, while still providing a developed infrastructure. Whether you prefer to lounge on the beach all day, watch sunsets and fire shows in the evening, visit night markets, or explore the wildlife and nature, you’ll always find something to do here for a few days.

As opposed to other developed islands in Thailand, Koh Lanta doesn’t indulge in big parties. That makes it an ideal spot for relaxation. Get ready to slow down, take it easy, enjoy Koh Lanta’s beaches, get a massage or two, and explore with your taste buds.

Koh Ngai

Recommended by Chris, More Life In Your Days.

Koh Ngai is easily one of the best islands near Krabi. It has perfect white sand, a calm sea for snorkeling, and some of the best views that you can find anywhere. It’s right on the edge of Krabi province, but still straightforward to reach from the mainland.

The quickest option is a high-speed ferry from Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town. Another route is to take a bus to Trang and transfer to a boat from Hat Yao Pier.

Once you’re here, the plan is pretty simple: beach time, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenery. There are some lovely coral patches just offshore, and kayaking is a fun way to explore the coastline and reach Paradise Beach around the corner. If you’d rather stay on land, you can follow rough jungle trails into the island’s interior.

Most accommodation sits along the main beach. Most of them are pretty low-key, as Koh Ngai remains mostly unspoiled by development. Koh Hai Fantasy Resort is a great pick for families, while Coco Resort offers a more upscale, couples-friendly stay.

Not sold on any of the island tours yet? Try Phang Nga Bay instead. You can paddle through caves, float in emerald lagoons, and tick James Bond Island off your bucket list — all in one easy day trip.

Which stop are you leaning toward for your Krabi island-hopping day?
If you’ve got any questions about planning it, pop them below — always happy to help.

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