VIP Private Day Trip to Hong island

Traveling around Krabi and Ao Nang, a trip to Hong Island often promises spectacular scenery, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful escape. While many tours offer these sights, this particular VIP private day trip aims to elevate the experience with a decorated long-tail boat and personalized service. Although the promise sounds appealing, it’s essential to understand what you’re really getting—beyond glossy photos and enticing descriptions.

What caught our attention are the intimacy of a private adventure, the opportunity to explore diverse sights like lagoons and viewpoints, and the flexibility of a tailored itinerary. However, some reviewers have expressed disappointment over the actual quality of the boat and the experience, which is a reminder to stay vigilant before booking.

Ultimately, this tour seems best suited for travelers who prioritize privacy and personalized attention and are willing to pay a higher price for a customized day on the water. If you’re after a more authentic and less crowded experience, this could work—if the quality meets expectations.

Key Points

• Private, personalized service with a decorated long-tail boat enhances the sense of exclusivity.
• Multiple island stops offer diverse activities like swimming, snapping pics, and hiking.
• Views from the 360° viewpoint are a highlight, providing stunning panoramic vistas.
• Not all reviews are positive, with some travelers disappointed in boat quality and tour honesty.
• The tour’s flexibility and private nature make it suitable for intimate groups or couples seeking privacy.
• Cost vs. value can be subjective; some feel it’s overpriced given the actual boat quality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off early in the morning with pick-up around 8:00 am in Ao Nang, followed by a short 15-minute ride in a black cab to the departure point. From there, your journey begins on a decorated long-tail boat, which is supposed to set a luxurious tone for the day. However, according to one reviewer, the boat was not the opulent vessel pictured but a “cheap, noisy pier rental” that lacked comfort and serenity. They described it as loud, with “excessive racket,” and only some pillows tossed in for comfort. This discrepancy is a reminder that visuals may not always match reality.

Hong Island & the 360° Viewpoint

The first major stop is Hong Island, famed for its white-sand beaches and emerald lagoon. Here, you’ll have free time to relax, swim, or hike up to the panoramic viewpoint. The views from this high vantage point are widely appreciated, offering sweeping scenes of the surrounding islands and sea. One guest remarked that “the hike up was worth it for the stunning vistas,” though it’s worth noting that the viewpoint can be crowded during peak times.

Lao Lading Island (Paradise Island)

Next, the tour moves to Lao Lading Island, also called Paradise Island. This spot is popular for its iconic beach swing, a perfect backdrop for photos. Visitors enjoy free time here to snap shots, lounge on the beach, or simply soak in the tranquility. One review highlighted the “beautiful, peaceful beaches,” though some found the crowding to be an issue, especially during busy seasons.

Hong Lagoon & Snorkeling at Daeng Island

The Hong Lagoon allows for a quieter, more secluded experience. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and mangroves, it’s a great spot for photos and relaxing away from the crowds. The tour also includes a visit to Daeng Island for snorkeling, where colourful tropical fish swim in crystal-clear waters. If snorkeling is your thing, you’ll appreciate the chance to get into the water, though the reviews note that snorkeling gear was not provided despite being advertised, so bringing your own might be wise.

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Additional Stops: Flexibility and Free Time

The itinerary includes hop-on hop-off stops at key locations, giving you the flexibility to linger or move on. The tour ends with a 15-minute return ride in the black cab back to Ao Nang, arriving around 6:15 pm.

Transportation and Timing: The Details

The private long-tail boat promises exclusivity, but reviews have cast doubt on the quality. For roughly a 12-hour experience, travelers should consider whether the boat’s comfort level aligns with their expectations of a “VIP” experience. The timing is fairly structured, with a balance of sightseeing and free time, but the actual quality of the boat seems to be a sticking point—some felt it was a budget vessel masquerading as a luxury one.

The duration of 1 day makes it a full commitment, but the value depends on your priorities: stunning views and quiet beaches versus boat comfort and honesty about the experience.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re after a private, customizable day with stops at several beautiful islands, this trip offers a convenient way to see some of the best spots around Hong Island. Its flexibility suits travelers who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy personalized service. However, those expecting luxury amenities and a premium boat might find themselves disappointed based on some reviews.

It’s also ideal for couples or small groups looking for a tailored experience, especially if you’re willing to be flexible with boat quality and focus more on the islands and scenery. On the other hand, non-swimmers and those with mobility issues should weigh the itinerary carefully, since some stops involve hiking or swimming.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

This tour could be a great value for travelers seeking exclusivity and variety—if the actual boat and experience meet expectations. The ability to visit multiple islands, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and relax on quiet beaches makes it appealing, especially for those who dislike large tour groups.

However, it’s crucial to manage expectations—reviews point out that the boat might not be the VIP luxury vessel advertised, and some amenities like snorkeling gear are not guaranteed. If you’re budget-conscious or seeking a polished, high-end experience, you might want to consider other options.

For travelers who prioritize the destination over the vessel, this tour offers a chance to see Hong Island’s highlights with privacy and flexibility. Just read the reviews carefully, and consider bringing your own snorkeling gear and comfortable clothes for the hikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat truly VIP and decorated as shown in pictures?
Not necessarily. Some travelers have found that the boat is a basic, budget-friendly vessel rather than the luxurious, decorated long-tail boat depicted online. Confirm with the provider if the actual vessel meets your expectations.

What should I bring for the day?
It’s best to pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag. Since snorkeling gear might not be provided, bringing your own mask and fins could enhance your experience.

How long do we spend at each island?
The tour includes free time at each location, but the exact duration isn’t specified. Expect a mix of relaxing on beaches, taking photos, and hiking, depending on your interests.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
People who don’t swim might find some stops challenging, especially the snorkeling at Daeng Island. Be cautious if swimming or water activities are not your strong suit.

How flexible is the itinerary?
You have some freedom to explore during the free time at each stop, but the overall schedule is structured to fit within roughly 12 hours. The hop-on hop-off stops give some flexibility.

Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be made later, allowing for flexible planning.

To sum it up, the VIP private day trip to Hong Island offers a chance for intimate exploration of some of Krabi’s most beautiful spots. While the genuine value depends heavily on the actual boat quality and your expectations, it’s a good option for those looking for privacy, varied stops, and the possibility of a quieter day. Just be sure to adjust your expectations accordingly and prepare for a day filled with scenic vistas, beaches, and island hopping.

You can check availability for your dates here: