Private Tour to Hong Islands & 4 Islands with Sunset & Night Snorkel

Taking a boat trip around Krabi’s famous islands is a little like stepping into a postcard—crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and dramatic limestone formations. This private tour, offered by Thalassa Tour, promises a personalized experience that takes you beyond the crowds, with opportunities for snorkeling, beach lounging, and catching that unforgettable sunset. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews, it sounds like a bucket-list-worthy adventure.

What we love? The flexibility of a private tour, the chance to snorkel in bioluminescent waters, and the expertly guided island stops. A potential downside? With such a full itinerary, it’s quite a long day, so you’ll want to be ready for a lot of boat time.

This experience suits travelers who crave tailored, intimate adventures, those eager to explore lesser-visited spots, or anyone looking for a mix of relaxation and active sightseeing. If you’re after socializing in groups or prefer a more structured tour, it might be worth considering other options.

Key Points

• Private boat tour ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Includes snorkeling gear, lunch, and park fees, offering good value.
• Upgradable to include sunset and night snorkeling, perfect for unique experiences.
• Guided by knowledgeable, friendly guides who enhance the day with live commentary.
• Comfortable pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang or nearby locations.
• Ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, less touristy trip with stunning scenery.

Why You’ll Love This Tour: The Highlights

This private tour is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of Krabi’s island beauty without the chaos of larger group trips. From the moment your day begins at 11:00am with hotel pickup, it’s all about comfort, exclusivity, and detailed attention.

The tour includes longtail boat cruising, which itself is an experience—riding through turquoise waters with the wind in your hair and a guide sharing insights about the islands’ features and wildlife. The itinerary takes you to a variety of islands, each offering something unique: from lagoons and sandy beaches to famous photo spots.

Exploring the Hong Islands

Your first stop is the Hong Islands, famed for their stunning lagoons and pristine beaches. With admission tickets included, you’ll spend around four hours exploring these untouched surroundings. Reviewers mention the area as “beautiful lagoon and unspoiled islands,” emphasizing the peaceful, almost secretive vibe—perfect for relaxing swims or snapping photos of the dramatic limestone cliffs.

Tup Island and Poda Island: Beach Bliss

Next, a quick hop to Tup Island, where the highlight is its famous sandy spit that connects to another tiny island at low tide. Here, you get a brief 30-minute visit, but many guests love the chance to walk across the sandbar and admire the turquoise waters from different perspectives. “Sightseeing from the boat or short visit,” captures how flexible this stop is—allowing time to snap photos or just soak in the scenery.

Poda Island follows, known for its pristine white sand beaches and clear waters. Here, too, guests can enjoy a short visit, but what makes Poda special is its untouched vibe. Reviewers note it as “beautiful unspoiled island with white sand beach,” emphasizing how perfect it is for a quick swim or a relaxing break.

Chicken Island and Railay Bay: Iconic Photo Ops and Sunset Views

The trip’s highlight for many is the stop at Chicken Island, renowned for its rock formation resembling a chicken’s head, making it a favorite for photos. While only a brief stop, the iconic shape lends itself to memorable images.

Your final destination is Railay Bay, celebrated as one of Thailand’s best sunset spots. With roughly an hour here, you’ll witness the sky turn fiery, creating a picture-perfect ending. Reviewers repeatedly mention the sunset at Railay as a genuine highlight, describing it as “beautiful” and “a perfect way to finish the day.”

The Optional Add-On: Sunset & Night Snorkeling

One of the biggest draws is the upgrade option. You can extend your experience with sunset viewing at Railay and night snorkeling in bioluminescent waters. Guests who’ve opted for this praise the unique, almost magical, glow of the waters—something you can’t easily see everywhere. It elevates the tour from a day of sightseeing to a truly memorable adventure.

Night snorkeling is described as a chance to see glowing plankton and bioluminescent organisms, adding a surreal element to the usual snorkeling experience. However, some reviews note that weather can impact the experience—like a heavy storm that made the ride bumpy and caused some cancellations, including night snorkeling.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour package covers many essentials that add value and comfort:

• Private boat with a professional, certified guide ensures tailored service and safety.
• Snorkel gear, life jackets, and safety equipment are provided, making it easy to jump right in.
• Lunch, with vegetarian options available upon prior request, is served during a stop at a less-visited island—many reviewers mention the “outstanding variety of food.”
• Fresh fruits and drinks including water, coke, iced tea, and coffee keep you refreshed.
• Park fees (700 Baht per person) are included—an often overlooked cost that hikes up the real value.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang or nearby areas streamline logistics, saving you time and hassle.
• Insurance and all taxes are covered, offering peace of mind.

The Real Value

At $428.10 per group (up to 2 people), this tour is definitely a premium experience, but it’s packed with inclusions that justify the price. Compared to group tours, the private setup means no waiting for strangers and the flexibility to customize your day.

Who Might Not Love It?

While the tour is highly praised, some guests note that it can be quite long—up to 9 hours—which might be tiring for very young children or travelers who prefer shorter excursions. Also, weather can impact the experience, especially the sunset and night snorkel, so it’s worth considering the season and weather forecast.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Hong Island is the star of the tour, famous for its lagoons and unspoiled environment. Reviewers find the scenery “hard to beat,” and many appreciate the chance to snorkel in clear waters among colorful fish. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation, photography, or gentle swimming.

Tup Island offers an iconic sandbar connection, making it a fun stop for quick explorations or photos. Many guests mention that even a short visit leaves them feeling satisfied, especially when the tide is just right for walking across.

Poda Island impresses with its white sands and calm waters. Visitors often comment on how unspoiled and peaceful it feels—great for a picnic, a swim, or just lounging in the sun.

Chicken Island is a quick photo stop, but its unusual rock formation makes it memorable. Reviewers highlight how easy it is to snap a photo here, making it a fun, lighthearted addition.

Railay Bay is the perfect finale with its dramatic cliffs and sunset views. Many note it as “the best sunset location,” and the quiet beauty here makes it a peaceful ending to a busy day.

Authentic Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides—names like Tuna, Ekky, and Sakee come up as particularly friendly and attentive. Reviewers rave about how guides help with setting up meals, taking photos, and even assisting with health issues, such as one guest who appreciated the team’s support when their husband hurt his foot.

The food quality stands out, with many describing the buffet lunch as “outstanding” and the included snacks as a welcome treat. The tour’s emphasis on local, fresh ingredients shines through, and vegetarian options are available if booked in advance.

The snorkeling experience is another highlight. Guests mention finding vibrant coral and lots of fish, often noting that the guides are well-prepared with fish ID briefings and snorkeling tips. The bioluminescent waters during night snorkeling are described as a “surreal glow,” turning an ordinary activity into something extraordinary.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance—the tour is popular, often booked 59 days ahead.
• Prepare for a full day—wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, and a hat.
• Bring a waterproof bag for your valuables during boat rides.
• Communicate any dietary needs ahead of time to ensure vegetarian or special meals.
• Consider weather conditions—bad weather can affect sunset and night snorkeling plans.
• Plan for a longer day if you want to experience the full upgrade package, including sunset and night snorkeling.

This private tour offers an excellent balance of relaxation, adventure, and personalized service. The expertly guided stops at Hong Islands, Tup Island, Poda Island, and Railay Bay give you diverse scenery, from lagoons and white beaches to iconic rock formations. The inclusive meals, snorkel gear, park fees, and hotel transfers add significant value, making it a hassle-free way to explore Krabi’s natural beauty.

Ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking a tailored experience away from crowds, this tour shines in its attention to detail and the quality of guides like Tuna, Ekky, and Sakee. The option to add sunset views and night snorkeling elevates it to a truly memorable adventure that offers more than just sightseeing—it’s about creating lasting memories in Thailand’s stunning waters.

If you’re after a private, flexible, and immersive island experience, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just keep in mind the length of the day and the potential weather variables, and you’ll be set for an extraordinary journey.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Ao Nang and surrounding areas, making logistics straightforward.

What is the tour price for?
The listed price is for a group of two. Additional adults cost 2,100 Baht each, and children are 1,500 Baht. It covers boat, guide, lunch, park fees, snorkeling gear, and transfers.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private tour, you can discuss your preferences with the guide, especially regarding timing or specific islands.

What about the park fees?
The 700 Baht per person park fee is included in the cost, so there’s no hidden expense upon arrival.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear and fish ID briefings are provided, and guides help ensure safety and comfort.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour operates only in good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 7 to 9 hours, depending on optional upgrades and weather conditions.

This detailed review hopefully helps you visualize what to expect and decide if this private island adventure matches your travel style. Whether you’re after stunning scenery, delicious Thai food, or a peaceful snorkel among glowing waters, this tour aims to deliver a memorable day in Krabi.