A tropical island paradise located in the Thanbok Kharanee National Park, Hong Island is a must-visit day trip destination for tourists coming from Phuket and Krabi.
There are a number of ways to visit Hong Island, including a speed boat tour and long tail boat tours. However, a private tour is the most luxurious way to experience this secluded Thailand island.
1. The Hong Lagoon
Located within the Bok Khorani National Park, Hong Island is famous for its scenic beaches, tranquil treks, lush green mountains, gushing waterfalls, and amazing seaside restaurants. It is a secluded beach destination which caters to tourists of all ages and is a must-visit while in Krabi.
The island’s most popular attraction is the Hong Lagoon. This exclusive location is only accessible by speedboat or longtail boat and can be entered via a narrow rock opening which leads to a stunning landscape of turquoise water that is surrounded by mighty limestone cliffs.
The lagoon is a popular destination for snorkeling and swimming. The waters are incredibly clear and calm making it the perfect place to slip on your snorkeling mask and explore the azure reefs beneath. It’s also the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of exotic marine life like damselfish and colorful coral. At night, bio-luminescent plankton can make the ocean look like it’s full of stars.
2. The Beach
Hong Island is one of Krabi’s most beautiful beaches, boasting a pristine white sand beach surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and turquoise water. It’s part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park and is a truly relaxing place to spend a day lazing on the sands and admiring the beautiful views.
The best way to experience Hong Island is by boat. You can choose a traditional long tail boat or a small speedboat that will take you to the Islands for a full day of island hopping and sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a more intimate tour experience, then opt for a private boat instead. This can be the perfect option if you’re travelling with a group of friends or celebrating a special occasion.
Once you arrive at the Island, you’ll be given a tour of the main attractions. You’ll be able to snorkel in the secluded lagoon or hike around the island. It’s a wonderful day of tropical adventures and you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated!
3. The Nature Trail
Hong Island is one of the most popular islands to visit in Krabi. It's a great place for snorkelling, swimming or a hike if you're up for a challenge.
It's also a great place for families as the beach is child friendly and there are plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained. There's also a small nature trail that runs behind the beach and is perfect for spotting some of the local wildlife including butterflies, monitor lizards and cool looking birds.
The nature trail is a 600 metre walk that is well maintained and surrounded by tropical plants. There are signs and information boards throughout so you can learn more about the island's natural features. It's a short walk but very rewarding and a great activity for kids to do.
4. The Viewpoints
Getting around the Hong Islands by longtail boat is an experience in itself. The highlight of the day however is probably the trip to Koh Daeng for a snorkel in the coolest waters you'll see all year round. The Hong Islands are also home to the impressively named Pakbia Island with a fancy BBQ on the beach to top it off.
The Hong Islands are not for the faint of heart, but there are ways to get there in style and comfort. The most memorable way is by cruising in style with a group of like-minded travelers on the aforementioned longtail jumbo jumbo. If you're in the mood for a splurge, make it a night time excursion with an optional glow in the dark bioluminescent plankton display and dinner on the beach.
