The Four Islands tour is the standard first boat trip from Ao Nang, and it earns the title. The route loops through the bay between Ao Nang and Railay, stopping at four or five of the most photogenic spots in the province: Tup Island and Mor Island, joined by a sandbar called Thale Waek that appears at low tide and lets you walk between them; Chicken Island, named for the rock that looks like a chicken's head and a fine place to snorkel; Poda Island, a wide white beach with shallow turquoise water; and Phra Nang Beach beneath the cliffs of Railay. Many operators sell it by longtail or speedboat in the middle of the day, when every boat arrives at once. The Tiqets listing we link to is a sunrise departure, which leaves around 5 a.m. on a vintage wooden boat and runs about six hours, with hotel pickup, breakfast snacks, soft drinks, snorkel gear and a life jacket, plus extras like a paddleboard. The trade-off is an early start, but the sandbar and beaches are far quieter before the day boats arrive, and the light on the cliffs is excellent.
What the stops are like: Tup and Mor are small, forested islets with a sandbar between them that emerges as the tide drops. Time of day and tide decide whether you can walk across it, so ask your crew. Chicken Island is a snorkelling stop more than a beach stop, with a rock stack that is the symbol of Krabi tourism. Poda is the most beach-like of the four, with room to spread out and eat lunch, and Phra Nang has the cave, the cliffs and some of the best sand on the coast.
Choosing a version: longtail boats are slower, louder and more traditional, and they take the route at a leisurely pace; speedboats cover more ground quickly but are bumpier and more crowded. The sunrise vintage boat in our link sits in between, with a small group and a calmer atmosphere. The national park fee is not included in the Tiqets listing, so budget a little cash for it. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, a dry bag and a change of clothes, and expect to wade ashore at some stops.
When to go and what to avoid: November to March is the dry season and the best time, with calm seas and clear water. In the green season from May to October, some departures are cancelled or shortened when waves are high, so book with a free-cancellation option and keep a flexible day. Do this tour early in your stay, since it also shows you which beach you want to return to. Pair it with Railay Beach, Hong Island or the sunset kayaking in Ao Thalane for a full island week.
What to expect
The experience
A guided boat loop from Ao Nang with hotel pickup, stops at Tup, Chicken and Poda islands and Phra Nang Beach, snorkelling gear and snacks on board.
Best time
Dry season from November to March; the sunrise departure gives the quietest beaches and the softest light.
How long
About six hours from pickup to drop-off on the sunrise tour; day-boat versions run longer.
Tips
Bring cash for the national park fee, reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag, check the tide for the Tup sandbar and confirm the cancellation terms in rough-weather months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want the headline islands in one go without a long drive or a crowded boat.
- Families
- Good for children who swim confidently with life jackets, but the 5 a.m. start can be hard for little ones.
- Couples
- The sunrise departure is quiet and romantic, with a beach to yourselves before the day boats arrive.
- Pair with
- Railay Beach, Phra Nang Cave, Hong Island and a Thai cooking class for the afternoon after an early finish.
- Time needed
- Half a day, finishing around lunchtime so the afternoon is free.
Good questions
Is the Four Islands tour worth doing?+
Yes, it is the easiest way to see Krabi's signature scenery in a single trip. Choose an early departure or a small-group boat to avoid the midday crowds.
Which islands are included?+
Most versions visit Tup Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island, and many add Phra Nang Beach or Mor Island. The Tiqets sunrise listing includes Tup and Mor, Chicken, Poda and Phra Nang.
Is the national park fee included?+
On the Tiqets sunrise listing it is not included, so carry a little cash. Many Viator and day-boat versions include it, so check the inclusions list before you book.
Can I do it in the rainy season?+
It runs in the green season too, but waves can force cancellations or shorter routes. Book a free-cancellation rate and keep a spare day.
Do I need to know how to swim?+
Not strictly, because life jackets are provided and the water is shallow at the beach stops. Weak swimmers should stay close to the boat when snorkelling.
