Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of Koh Hong, considered to be among the most beautiful beaches in Krabi province with incredible white soft sand reminding me of a smaller version of Maya Bay
While staying in Ao Nang we took a day trip to visit some of the islands. We walked down to the huts on the beach to enquire, however these were quite expensive. One of the boatmen was there and cut us a good deal. Jumping on a longtail took us around 45 minutes to reach the first island Koh Hong. There is a 400 baht each national park fee, so make sure you take some cash with you, this will cover the whole group of islands in the national park, not per island.
Before going to Koh Hong beach we made a stop at the back of the Island where there’s a hidden lagoon. Entering the lagoon you go through a narrow rock opening about 10m wide. Once inside you’re surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Unfortunately for us the tide was out, what is usually a blue lagoon paradise was more mud flats with small sharp broken coral, it all looked seemingly lifeless. You’ll want to keep your flip flops on so you don’t cut your feet open. It wasn’t completely lifeless though as my friend Daisy did find a small starfish. I wandered to the far end and into the mangrove forest where the mud was really soft, I had to remove my flip flops here as I would have lost them. If I stood still long enough I quickly sank into the mud up to my ankles. When the tide is high, long tail boats are able to enter the lagoon and you can swim in what’s meant to be crystal clear water with a depth of around one metre around chest height.
The next stop was Koh Hong beach, you’ll arrive on the jetty where longtail and speedboats arrive and where you’ll pay the entrance fee of 400 Baht per person for the National Park Thanbok Kharanee. After that, you’re free to go and explore!
Hong beach is separated into two parts by an impressive limestone rock in the centre. You’ll want to leave the jetty side and walk to the otherside located behind the big rock where you will find the stunning little swimming pool like bay where you can swim and snorkel amongst all the small fish in the shallow water. I was suffering from sunburn so I didn’t spend long in the water before I found the hammocks mounted between the palm trees to relax in the shade.
The sand on Hong beach is incredibly white, soft and the water is a stunning picturesque turquoise blue, reminding me of a smaller version of Maya Bay.
There are 2 small shops opposite the beach in amongst the trees where you can buy snacks and drink. Obviously the prices are much higher than on the mainland, so it may be best to eat beforehand or take your own to save some money.
The island is rightly considered to be among the most beautiful in Krabi province and I would definitely recommend visiting.
Next stop Koh Lao Lading.
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Ko Hong is the largest island of Laopilae archipelago that is located in Thanbok Khoranee National Park. The island has been called ‘The Emerald of Krabi’s Sea’ because it has stunning scenery and clear water and is surrounded by coral reefs.
- The main beach on the island is called Pilae beach.
- On arrival to Koh Hong you will be required to pay an additional fee for the national park, 400 Baht per person (200 Baht Children). This is due once for the whole group of islands, not per island.
Koh Hong was a collection point for the nests that provide the ingredients for bird’s nest soup. People risking their lives climbing up bamboo poles to great heights to collect them, which could fetch up to 100,000-120,000 baht for a kilo of unprocessed nests!
There are 2 small shops opposite the beach in amongst the trees where you can buy snacks and drink. Obviously the prices are much higher than on the mainland, so it may be best to eat beforehand or take your own to save some money.
- Kayaking
- Lagoon
- Nature trail
- Snorkelling
- Viewpoint
There is a small bar that serves basic food with toilets.
- With a captive audience the prices are expensive for the food you get.
- Longtail boat, boats leave constantly from the jetty and will take you to the lagoon.
- Kayak, you can hire kayaks amongst the trees behind the beach. Beware it is a 30 minute kayak just to get to the lagoon from the beach.
- Walk, there is no other way while on the main beach.
While staying in Ao Nang we took a day trip to visit some of the islands. We walked down to the huts on the beach to enquire, however these were quite expensive. One of the boatmen were there and cut us a good deal. Jumping on a longtail took us around 45 minutes to reach the first island Hong Island. If you choose to pay extra and go by speedboat the trip will only take around 15 minutes. There is a 400 baht each national park fee (200 Children), so make sure you take some cash with you to cover this and the other islands entrance fees.
- Longtail boat, be aware that you’re expected to walk out several metres into the surf before getting on a boat (depending on the tide). It might be best to change into clothes suitable for getting wet, or at the very least be sure you don’t have more luggage than you can carry a few metres into the ocean. Getting waterproof bag for your photo, video equipment and phone is highly recommended. They like to have at least eight people to fill a boat before they will depart or you can pay a little extra.
- Speed boat, costing more than double that of the longtail, but it will get you there in 15 minutes. However expect a bumpy ride.
- From Ao Nang, jumping on a longtail took us around 45 minutes to arrive.
- You can hire kayaks from behind the beach. Beware it takes around 30 minutes just to get to the lagoon from the beach.
- The prices are much higher than on the mainland, so it may be best to eat beforehand or take your own to save some money
- When travelling to islands around Krabi, it may be preferable to purchase only a one-way ticket so that your trip can be easily altered and you can easily arrange your departure.
- Longtail boats leave constantly from the beach. There is no pier so expect to get at least your feet wet, probably more. Getting waterproof bag for your photo, video equipment and phone is highly recommended. They like to have at least eight people to fill a boat before they will depart or you can pay a little extra.
- Negotiate with long-tail boat drivers.
- Get a group together and charter a longtail boat. Split between four or more people, it should be cheaper than an organized tour.
- Haggle in the markets, especially if buying in bulk.
- If you eat the street food like the locals, you’ll be hard-pressed to spend more than 200 THB a day on food (maybe not even that).
- If you travel during May through October, you will be missing the peak season, and save quite a bit, even though you might catch some rain.
The dry season is from November-April and corresponds with the tourist high season. May-October is the rainy season with south-westerly breezes bringing rain in between the sunshine. Statistically, the highest chance of rain is during June and September (80% chance) with the lowest chance from November-March (5% chance).
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