Koh Hong, or better known as Hong Island, is an island off the coast of Krabi. Hong Island is part of the Than Bok Khorani national park and can only be reached by boat. Hong Island is a place for peace and quiet and relaxation. The island has many beautiful coves that are only accessible through narrow passages between towering limestone cliffs. This creates a very hidden, secluded feel. Once inside, you are able to swim and snorkel in the shallow areas as well as rent kayaks and take a lap around the island in the open waters. If you’re planning to visit Thailand, Hong Island is definitely an island that should not be missed!
HOW TO VISIT TO HONG ISLAND
I visited Hong Island while staying in Krabi at Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. My trip to Hong Island was arranged by the staff at the resort the day prior, which was very convenient. If you are a guest at Phulay Bay, the long tail boat ride to Hong Island is complimentary, however you must pay the island fee of 300 Baht per person. The resort can even arrange a Champagne picnic lunch on Hong Island if you’re interested in a private and romantic lunch. Hong island can be reached within 15 minutes from Phulay Bay, which makes it the perfect island to visit for just a few hours or a day trip.
If you’re not staying at this particular resort, you can still visit Hong Island from other areas of Krabi and even Phuket, Phang Nga and Ao Nang. Options include:
- Longtail Boat (45 minutes – 1 hour)
- Speedboat (20-30 minutes)
The long-tail boat trip to Hong island is the classic must-do breathtaking experience that you shouldn’t miss, but if you’re traveling from an area that is further away then a speedboat might be necessary. You can find many tour companies that offer day trips to Hong Island and include round trip transfer from your hotel, lunch, snacks, kayak, and snorkeling equipment. If you’re interested in a more personal experience and don’t have a budget, you can hire a long-tail boat or speedboat a little later in the day when all the tourist are gone and have the island to yourself! The trip to Hong Island from Phulay Bay was from 9 am – 2 pm.
WHAT TO BRING TO HONG ISLAND
- Beach Towel
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Bottled Water
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Go Pro or any other Camera
EXPLORING HONG ISLAND
As I previously mentioned, our trip to Hong Island was arranged by the wonderful staff at Phulay Bay. We met our Butler and other hotel staff down by the sand around 8:30 AM. At that time, we were given a brief overview of what our trip to Hong Island would involve and then jumped on our long-tail boat as we headed for paradise! Throughout the journey, we witnessed a number of rock formations and beautiful natural habitats and sceneries.
Hong Island is such a peaceful and tranquil island as compared to most of the other Thai islands. Hong island is a place to relax, swim and float! Our first stop was Hong Island beach, where we were given about an hour and a half to sunbathe, swim and snorkel.
I recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the majority of tourists. I did notice that when we were leaving many boats were arriving at the beach area. Clearly, it’s inevitable to avoid tourists at any island or beach in Thailand, but Hong Island is more relaxing and less crowded then other island I visited during my trip.
After enjoying our time at Hong Island Beach, we headed over to the famous lagoon. Since the only way to get there is by boat, we jumped back on our long-tail boat and began our ride around the island in order to make this grand entrance.
The passage to enter the lagoon is so dramatic and beautiful. As you ride through the small, yet tall opening, you will notice aqua water and massive limestone rock formations. I had never seen something so beautiful and jaw dropping like this in person. I honestly was so mesmerized by the view that I forget to snap some photos! Fortunately for you, the photography alarm in my brain went off, so I was able to catch a few good shots.
Words fall short to describe the incomparable beauty of the secret lagoon. The sense of peace and tranquility it emanates is magical due to it being enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs. A hundred shades of green glistened on the limestone walls as the choppy water smoothed to a calm emerald. You will see that some people kayak within the lagoon, however we just swam off the boat in about shoulder deep water and floated around while taking in the scenery. The lagoon was crystal clear and again incredibly breathtaking! Since the lagoon is completely sheltered from the wind the water is so calm and smooth.
After a deep breath, we emerged from the lagoon and made our short journey back to Phulay Bay. As we arrived at the shore to disembark, the resort personnel were there to assist us off the boat and greet us with refreshing cucumber-lemon water. We shared the memories of our day at Hong Island with some of the staff and ended our day with a signature cocktail at the beach bar. The trip to Hong Island was a wonderful experience and I highly recommend you visit during your visit to Krabi. However you decide to travel to Hong Island, it will be an unforgettable day! Of the many small islands off the coast of Krabi that can be reached only as day trips, this is one you MUST do!
Would you visit Hong Island?
If you enjoyed this post, please comment below or share on social media!
PIN IT!
Looks like paradise! Someday…. And and I’ll refer back to the info you shared, when I do go! Thanks!
Thanks Darla! It is one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand without a doubt!
Would 100% visit! We had our honeymoon in Thailand, but didn’t make it to Hong Island…guess we have to go back!
Yes! You definitely have to go back! I’m sure your honeymoon was amazing! Thailand is beautiful!
I would absolutely visit Hong Island. We went to Thailand a few years ago and LOVED it. We didn’t make it over to Krabi (spent our time on Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Bangkok) but I’ve been wanting to go back to check out this area in Thailand. Love your photos.
Thanks Krystle! Hong Island is definitely worth another visit! Hope you have a chance to go back soon!
This looks so lovely!! That’s incredible that it can be arranged by the hotel. Easy peasy way to paradise!
Exactly! Phulay Bay went above and beyond during our stay!
The limestone cliffs are massive and incredible! From your explanation and pictures, it looks like the beaches are quiet and no big waves. Maybe because it’s surrounded by cliffs?
Yes, exactly! The lagoon is enclosed by the limestone cliffs so it is very peaceful and calm! A very beautiful island!
I visited Bangkok for a short visit during my transit and could not visit these beautiful Thai islands. Your beautiful pictures of Hong island makes me tempt to go again to Thailand for this exotic island tour.
Aw! You must go back to visit the islands, they are all gorgeous in different ways!
Beautiful pictures! I´ve been to Krabi a few years ago and loved it but unfortunately I missed hong island.
Thank you! I loved Krabi! Beautiful island too!
I’ve never been to Thailand so far but I heard that Hong Island is undoubtably one of the most beautiful islands ! I would love discover this exotic lagoon surrounded by beautiful limestone rock formation 🙂 It seems a very well-protected area like all the other natural wonders !
You would love Thailand Céline! The islands are amazing and have something for everyone. I hope you make a trip there soon! Don’t miss Hong Island!
Looks stunning, we backpacked around Thailand years ago and stayed in Krabi but never checked out the islands there, will have to go back and do it in style one day.
Wow! You must go back for the islands! They are incredible and each are uniquely different!
This place looks so pretty. I’d love to visit Hong island some day.
Indeed, a very pretty Island! I hope you have the chance to visit one day Eve!
I would love to visit Hong Island! Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to go to any of the islands when I was in Thailand, so I’ll have to go back for that for sure. I love how you can see the rock formations right off the beach, and the secret lagoon looks incredible. I’d be very tempted to jump out and go for a swim (or float) in the serene waters.
He lagoon was my favorite part! I could have easily stayed there all day! I hope you get to visit your next time to Thailand Diana!
Thank you for posting this! I am going in April and staying down the beach a little at Klong Muang Beach and this is on the list! We’d like to get our own boat and avoid the crowds. Would you reccomend going earlier or later? And did you do the Tab Kak hike?
Thank you so much for reading Sian! I would recommend taking a boat out early to avoid the crowds. I believe we went out around 8:30-9 am, but we did not do the Tab Kak bike.