Hong Islands: Secret Lagoons Near Krabi
Where Are the Hong Islands?
The Hong Islands (also called Koh Hong or Hong Island Krabi) are a small group of islands located in the Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi province, about 30 kilometers from Ao Nang and roughly 80 kilometers from Phuket by sea. The main island, Koh Hong, is the star attraction, famous for a large enclosed lagoon (the "hong") at its center that is accessible through a narrow opening in the surrounding limestone cliffs.
Despite being in Krabi province rather than Phuket, the Hong Islands are reachable as a day trip from Phuket, especially by private speedboat. They are less visited than Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay, making them a great choice for travelers seeking a quieter experience.
The Famous Hong Lagoon
The word "hong" means room in Thai, and it perfectly describes the main lagoon on Koh Hong. The lagoon is a large, enclosed body of water surrounded by towering limestone walls, open to the sky above. You enter through a narrow channel in the cliff face, either by kayak or swimming (depending on tide levels).
Inside the hong, the water is calm, clear, and shallow. The walls rise steeply around you, covered in vegetation, creating an atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate. The lagoon changes character with the tide: at high tide, you can kayak deep inside; at low tide, more of the interior is exposed and some areas become too shallow to paddle.
Pelay Beach (Hong Island Beach)
On the eastern side of Koh Hong, Pelay Beach is a stunning crescent of white sand backed by jungle. The water here is crystal clear and the snorkeling is excellent. This is where tour boats typically anchor and where you will find the only facilities on the island: basic toilets and a ranger station.
The beach is not large, so it can feel crowded when multiple tour groups arrive simultaneously. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon gives you the best chance of having more space.
Snorkeling at the Hong Islands
The coral reefs around the Hong Islands are in relatively good condition, supported by the national park protections. Good snorkeling spots include:
- Pelay Beach reef: Directly off the main beach, shallow and accessible
- Between Koh Hong and Koh Lao La Ding: Deeper water with more diverse marine life
- Around the smaller islets: Less visited spots with healthy coral coverage
You can expect to see a variety of tropical reef fish, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, groupers, and the occasional sea turtle. Visibility is usually 5 to 15 meters depending on tide and conditions.
How to Visit from Phuket
Private Speedboat from Phuket
A private speedboat from Phuket can reach the Hong Islands in about 90 minutes. This allows you to combine the Hong Islands with other stops in the Phang Nga Bay or Krabi area. A private charter typically costs 25,000 to 55,000 THB depending on boat size and duration.
Day Trip from Ao Nang (Krabi)
If you are willing to travel to Krabi first, longtail boat and speedboat tours to the Hong Islands depart daily from Ao Nang's Nopparat Thara Pier. Longtail tours cost about 2,500 to 3,500 THB per person, while speedboat tours are 1,500 to 2,500 THB per person.
Combine with Koh Yao Noi
Since Koh Yao Noi is in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, you can visit the Hong Islands as a day trip from there as well, which shortens the boat journey considerably.
National Park Fees
- Foreign adults: 300 THB
- Foreign children: 150 THB
These fees support the conservation and management of the national park. They are payable at the ranger station on Koh Hong.
Best Time to Visit
The Hong Islands are best visited during the dry season from November to April. During this period, the sea is calm, visibility is good, and access to the lagoon is reliable. The islands may be closed during the monsoon season (approximately May to October) when rough seas make the crossing dangerous.
Tidal timing matters for the lagoon visit. Check tide tables if possible, or ask your boat operator. A rising tide in the morning is ideal, as it allows easy kayak access to the hong while still offering good snorkeling on the reef.
Tips for Visiting the Hong Islands
- Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible, as rental equipment from tour boats is often basic.
- Pack lunch and water if you are going independently. There are no restaurants on the island.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. The park is strict about environmental protection.
- Respect the rules: No collecting shells, coral, or marine life. No smoking on the beach.
- Bring a kayak paddle if you have one, though most tours provide kayaks and paddles.
The Hong Islands offer a more exclusive, less commercialized island experience compared to the big-name destinations near Phuket. For travelers willing to make the journey, the reward is genuine natural beauty without the crowds. See our full island guide for more options.
