The closed lagoon of Hong Island in Krabi

Hong Island, Krabi

The closed lagoon between the limestone cliffs, Hong Beach, and a full day on the water, with hotel pickup and lunch.

Check availability and price

Prices

From 1,600 THB, when booked in advance.

What varies between the options is the vessel, the travel time and the comfort at sea. Differences in route or departure point, if any, are noted with each option.

Important information:

  • The national park entry fees are not included: 400 THB for an adult and 200 for a child, paid on-site.
  • The departure time is set according to that day's tide. We confirm the exact time with the booking confirmation, not in advance.
  • Babies up to age 3 join for free, accompanied by an adult throughout the day. The child price is for ages 4 to 10.
  • The boat is not wheelchair accessible, and we do not recommend the trip for pregnant women.
  • Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure.

Pickup and arrival

from your hotel in Krabi, ten minutes before the time

The pickup is from the hotel itself and not from a meeting point. You need to be in the lobby ten minutes before the time you were given, because the vehicle picks up several hotels in a row.

The exact pickup time is sent in a separate confirmation after booking - it depends on the tide and on the hotel you're staying at, so it's not known at the time of booking itself.

The drop-off at the end of the day is to the same hotel.

When to travel

and the season that changes the water

December to March are the best time on the Andaman coast: the sea is calm and rain is light. November and April are shoulder months.

May to October is the rainy season. The trips run on most days, but the sea is rougher and underwater visibility drops.

in high seas a sailing ban is issued by the port authority, and then the trip is cancelled and you get an alternative date or a full refund. This is not the operator's decision and does not count as a cancellation on your part.

Rain alone does not cancel the trip. in the area it comes in short bursts, and the boats continue.

In every season An early departure is preferable: The sea is calmer in the morning, and the sites are empty before the large groups arrive.

What is Hong Island

A limestone island in Phang Nga Bay, with a hollow inside it

The closed lagoon of Hong Island in Krabi
The closed lagoon of Hong Island in Krabi

"Hong" in Thai means "room," and that's exactly what this island is: a ring of limestone cliffs enclosing an inner lagoon. From outside it looks like a single rock; from inside there's calm green water and walls rising from every direction.

Alongside the lagoon is Hong Beach itself, a strip of white sand with shallow water, and the place where you stop to eat and swim.

Hong is located north of Ao Nang, and it's far enough that the journey there is part of the day, not just a transfer between points.

What's not included, and why it matters

The national park fee is the only extra charge you need to know about in advance

National park fee

400 THB for an adult and 200 for a child, in cash at the gate. This is a park fee, not a tour fee, and it's not included in any of the options.

Tips and personal expenses

are not included. There's no obligation to tip, and it's up to you.

Snorkel gear

It is not on the included list for this tour. On the Four Islands tour it is. If snorkeling matters to you, ask us before booking.

Accessibility

The boat is not wheelchair accessible. We also do not recommend the trip for pregnant women.

How to prepare for a day on the water

What goes in the bag, and what to set aside for the gate

The boat is open, so sun and water are part of the day. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses, and wear swimwear under your clothes so you do not have to change halfway. A light towel and dry clothes for the way back make a big difference. A small bag that is easy to carry is better than a large one, because you get on and off the boat several times during the day.

The national park fee is paid on the spot, so it is worth preparing cash for the whole family in advance instead of looking for it at the gate. A waterproof pouch for your phone and money keeps your things safe during the crossing. If snorkeling matters to you, ask us before you book, because the equipment is not included on this trip, and you can decide in advance what suits you.

With children, the life jacket is included, and it is best that it stays on them whenever they are near the water. Infants join with an adult throughout the whole day, so decide in advance who looks after whom at every stop. Shoes that can get wet suit both the beach and the steps up to the viewpoint.

Longtail or speedboat

The difference is time on the water, not what you see

Longtail

The traditional boat with the exposed engine. slower, so more of the day is spent traveling. It's also open-air, and for some people that's what makes the experience.

Speedboat

arrives faster, and therefore more time remains on the island itself. The price difference is 800 THB for an adult, and it's mainly about buying time.

What's the same in both

Lunch, hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, a life jacket and insurance, included in both options.

The tide determines

The departure time and the order of stops change according to the water level that day. It is not up to you to choose, and not up to us either.

How to choose between the two boats

And what to do with your time on the beach

If you want more time on the island, the speedboat is the choice, because less of the day goes to the crossing. If you like an open boat at a slow pace, the long tail suits you, as long as the ride itself is part of the day you want. Both options include the same things, so the only question is how you want to feel on the way.

Families with young children will usually prefer the faster crossing, because children tire quickly on a boat. Anyone prone to seasickness should remember that the sea is rougher in the rainy season, and choose the calmest departure possible. In any case, an early departure is better, and the guide will help you understand what to expect that day.

At Hong beach it is worth dividing your time. Swim first, eat, and only then decide whether to climb to the viewpoint. The steps suit anyone comfortable with a climb, and whoever prefers to sit can stay on the beach by the shallow water. There is no beach in the lagoon itself, so there you swim, look around and take photos.

Before you book, check that everyone in your group is suited to a day like this. The boat is not accessible to a wheelchair, and we do not recommend the trip for pregnant women. If you are in doubt, ask us in advance and we will help you work out whether this is the right day for you or whether another plan is better.

the lagoon, and what you need to know about it

this is the reason people come

Hong Island is known for The closed lagoon inside it: a ring of limestone cliffs surrounding shallow, emerald-colored water, with one narrow opening through which you enter.

Entry to the lagoon depends on the tide. At a deep low tide the entrance is too shallow for boats, and at high tide the lagoon is full and especially beautiful. The captain plans the order of the stops accordingly.

inside the lagoon No beach, the water is surrounded by cliffs on all sides. You swim, take photos and leave.

Hong Beach itself is on the other side of the island: white sand, shallow and calm water, and that's where you stop for swimming and the meal.

above the beach there is Viewpoint which you climb via stairs, about 15 minutes up, and the view from there is the photo identified with the place.

The lagoon

A ring of cliffs around emerald water, with one narrow opening. There's no beach there.

depends on the tide

At a deep low tide the entrance is too shallow for boats. The order of the stops is set according to that day's schedule.

Hong Beach

On the other side of the island, white sand and shallow water. That's where you stop for the meal.

The viewpoint

About 15 minutes up the stairs above the beach. The view identified with the place.

Gallery

Photo gallery

Frequently asked questions

What to know before you book

When is the best season?
December to March: calm sea and little rain. November and April are shoulder months. From May to October the trips still run but visibility drops.
What happens in high seas?
The port authority issues a sailing ban and the trip is cancelled. You get an alternative date or a full refund.
Does rain cancel the trip?
No. In the area, rain comes in short bursts and the boats continue.
What's special about the lagoon?
It's enclosed by a ring of limestone cliffs with one narrow opening, and the water inside it is shallow and emerald-colored. There's no beach there: you swim, take photos and leave.
Do you always enter the lagoon?
It depends on the tide. At a deep low tide the entrance is too shallow for boats, so the order of the stops is set according to that day's schedule.
Is there a viewpoint?
Yes, above Hong beach, about 15 minutes up the stairs, and the view from there is the photo identified with the place.
How much does it cost?
฿1,600 for an adult on the longtail and ฿1,000 for a child, or ฿2,400 for an adult on the speedboat and ฿1,600 for a child. Both options include hotel pickup, lunch and a guide.
Are the park entry fees included?
No. 400 THB for an adult and 200 for a child, paid in cash at the gate. This is a national park fee.
What is the difference between a longtail and a speedboat?
Just speed. The speedboat arrives faster, so you stay longer on the island; the longtail is slower and more open. What's included is the same in both options.
From what age does the child price apply?
From age 4 to 10. Babies up to age 3 join for free, accompanied by an adult throughout the day.
What time do we depart?
The time depends on that day's tide and is sent in a separate confirmation after booking. The pickup is from the hotel, and you need to be in the lobby ten minutes earlier.
Is there snorkeling?
Snorkel gear is not included in this tour. If that's what you're looking for, the Four Islands tour includes it - talk to us before booking.
Can it be cancelled?
Yes, free of charge up to 72 hours before departure.