Phuket to the 4 Islands, Krabi: Day Trip Guide

The 4 Islands trip is one of the best known island days in Krabi: limestone pinnacles rising from the sea, a sandbar you can walk across at low tide and a beach framed by cliffs on the Railay peninsula. Most people do it from Ao Nang in Krabi, but you can also do it from Phuket. This guide explains what the route covers, the ways to get there from Phuket, how the tides affect the day and whether it is worth the journey.

What the 4 Islands trip visits

• Koh Poda: a white sand beach with a tall limestone rock standing just offshore. It is a popular place for a swim and a break on the beach.
• Chicken Island (Koh Kai): named after the rock pinnacle at one end that looks like a chicken's head and neck. Boats usually stop nearby for snorkeling.
• Koh Tup and the sandbar: around low tide a sandbar appears that links Koh Tup with the islets next to it, and you can walk across with the sea on both sides. At high tide it disappears under the water.
• Phra Nang Beach: on the Railay peninsula, which has no road access. The beach is framed by tall limestone cliffs, and at one end a cave shrine is filled with offerings left by local fishermen.

The islands are part of a national marine park. Park fees are paid in cash to the rangers on the day and are not included in the private charter price, so bring enough Thai baht.

How to do the 4 Islands from Phuket

The 4 Islands lie off Ao Nang in Krabi, on the other side of Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. There are two practical ways to reach them on a day trip, plus the option of staying in Krabi.

Option 1: A private speedboat from Phuket

This is the only way we offer the 4 Islands. Our private 4 Islands speedboat charter gives your group the whole boat for one price per boat, shown on the charter page for your date, with up to 6 hours on the water. The route covers Poda Island, Chicken Island, the Tup Island sandbar and Phra Nang Beach.

• Included: captain and crew, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, fuel, insurance, soft drinks and water, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Not included: national park fees (cash on the day), lunch (ask about options when booking) and alcohol.
• Timing: hotel pickup is at around 08:00, and the exact pickup time and departure pier are confirmed before your trip.
• The crossing: around an hour each way from Phuket to Krabi, and it can be choppy.
• Who it is not for: speedboat rides can be bumpy, so it is not recommended for pregnant women or guests with back problems.

Because the price is per boat, it works best for families and groups. Split between six people, for example, the cost per person can come close to a shared tour, before park fees and lunch. For a couple, it is a real splurge. Our honest take on whether a private speedboat is worth it walks through the numbers.

Option 2: By road to Ao Nang, then a local tour

You can also travel by road from Phuket to Ao Nang, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours each way, and join one of the many 4 Islands tours that leave from Ao Nang beach by longtail or speedboat. It is cheaper, but it means 5 to 6 hours in a vehicle, a very early start and a tight connection. It makes much more sense if you stay at least one night in Ao Nang. We do not sell these tours.

Option 3: Stay in Krabi for a few nights

If Krabi is already part of your trip, save the 4 Islands for your time there. The boats from Ao Nang reach the islands in a short ride, and you can add Railay and the Hong Islands. Our 7 day Phuket and Krabi itinerary shows how to split a week between the two.

Tides and the sandbar

The sandbar is the highlight for many people, and it depends entirely on the tide. It appears around low tide and is under water at high tide. Tide times shift later by roughly an hour each day, so check a tide table for your date before you book. On a private charter you can ask the crew to time the Tup Island stop for the lowest water, if the tide on your date allows it. If low tide falls very early or late, you will still see the islands, but you may not be able to walk the sandbar.

When to go

The dry season, roughly November to April, brings the calmest crossings and the clearest water. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings more rain and rougher seas on the Andaman side. Many days are still fine and trips often run, but the open crossing from Phuket to Krabi is more likely to be bumpy or cancelled. Operators and the national park can change or cancel programs for weather and sea conditions.

If the forecast is poor, Phang Nga Bay is sheltered and runs all year. The James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay speedboat tour is the reliable alternative.

Is it worth it from Phuket?

It is a good choice if:

• you have already done Phi Phi and James Bond Island and want something different;
• you want to see Railay's cliffs without moving hotels;
• you are a family or group who can share the cost of a private boat.

Think twice if:

• you are on a tight budget as a couple or solo traveler, because the charter is priced per boat;
• you get seasick easily, because the crossing is on open water;
• you only have time for one island day, in which case the Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour gives you the most famous views at a per person price.

If a quieter lagoon appeals more, the private Hong Islands charter (priced per boat) visits the enclosed lagoon of Koh Hong and the beaches of Lao Lading and Pakbia. You can compare all four routes on the private speedboat page.

What to bring

• Cash in Thai baht for national park fees.
• Swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
• Reef-friendly sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
• Water shoes for the sandbar and rocky patches.
• A dry bag for your phone and valuables.
• Lunch plans: ask when booking, or bring snacks.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the boat ride from Phuket to the 4 Islands?

Around an hour each way by speedboat, and it can be choppy. The charter includes up to 6 hours on the water in total.

Are national park fees included?

No. They are paid in cash to the park rangers on the day.

Can I always walk the Tup Island sandbar?

No. It only appears around low tide, so it depends on the tide on your date.

Is lunch included on the private charter?

Lunch is not included. Ask about the options when you book, or bring your own snacks.

Do you offer a shared 4 Islands tour from Phuket?

No. From Phuket we offer the 4 Islands as a private speedboat charter only.