The 4 island tour Krabi offers is the classic day out from Ao Nang. In a few hours you visit Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island (Koh Kai), Koh Tup and Koh Poda, with time to swim, snorkel and walk the sandbar that appears between the islands at low tide. It is short, close to shore and good for families, which is why almost every visitor to Ao Nang does it.
This guide explains the route, the difference between longtail and speedboat tours, what is usually included, how to choose a good operator, and how to book.
In short: a 4 island tour Krabi is a half or full day from Ao Nang visiting Phra Nang, Chicken Island, Tup and Poda. Choose a longtail for value and a relaxed pace or a speedboat to beat the crowds. GetYourGuide listed around 20 options on 13 November 2026.
- Departs
- Ao Nang / Nopparat Thara
- Duration
- Half or full day
- Boat
- Longtail or speedboat
- Best season
- November–April
- Good for
- Families, first-timers
Compare 4 Islands tours
Longtail and speedboat options with reviews, pickup and free cancellation.
4 Island Tour Krabi: The Islands You Visit
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Often the first stop. A white beach backed by cliffs on the Railay peninsula, with the Princess Cave shrine at one end. Swim in the clear water and look up at the overhangs.
Chicken Island (Koh Kai)
Named for its rock formation shaped like a chicken’s head. Boats usually stop nearby for snorkelling over shallow reef.
Koh Tup
At low tide, a sandbar connects Koh Tup with neighbouring Koh Kai and Koh Mor, letting you walk across the sea between islands. It is the photo highlight of every 4 island tour Krabi.
Koh Poda
A larger island with a long white beach, shade trees and a view of a rock tower just offshore. Most tours stop here for lunch and free time.
Longtail or Speedboat?
| Longtail | Speedboat | |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Slower, relaxed | Fast, more time at each stop |
| Price | Usually cheaper | Usually higher |
| Comfort | Open boat, sun and spray | Seats and a canopy, bumpier at speed |
| Crowds | Often arrives with the main wave | Can leave earlier or later to avoid crowds |
| Best for | Budget, couples, short half day | Families who want comfort, tight schedules |
Both boat types follow the same 4 island tour Krabi route. A longtail is the traditional, atmospheric choice; a speedboat suits people who want more time on the beaches or a combined tour with other islands.
What a 4 Island Tour Krabi Usually Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Ao Nang, sometimes Krabi Town or Klong Muang.
- Boat and guide or boatman.
- Snorkel mask, and sometimes fins.
- Lunch on full-day tours (often at Koh Poda).
- Drinking water and fruit.
- Life jackets.
National park fees
The islands are in a national park, and an entrance fee is charged. Some tours include it, others collect it on the day in cash. Check the listing before you book.
Compare 4 Island Tour Krabi Options
GetYourGuide returned around 20 options for 4 Islands tours from Krabi and Ao Nang on 13 November 2026, from shared longtails to private speedboats and sunset trips. Compare inclusions, group size and pickup area, not just price.
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Best Time for a 4 Island Tour Krabi
The dry season, roughly November to April, has calm seas and clear water; this is when a 4 island tour Krabi is at its best. Go early in the morning to reach Phra Nang and the Tup sandbar before the crowds, and check the tide: the sandbar is only exposed at lower tides. In the monsoon months tours still run on calm days but may be cancelled when the sea is rough.
Tips for the Day
- Wear water shoes: coral fragments and rocks are sharp.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a dry bag.
- Take cash for park fees and drinks.
- Do not feed fish or touch coral.
- Ask the boatman about the tide so you catch the Tup sandbar.
If you only have one boat day, compare the 4 island tour Krabi with the Hong Island tour: Hong is quieter, with a lagoon and kayaking, while the 4 Islands trip is shorter and easier.
Private 4 Island Tour Krabi
A private longtail lets you set the timing, stay longer at the beaches you like and leave before or after the crowds. For a family or group, the price per person can be reasonable. Private speedboat tours often combine the 4 Islands with Hong or the Phi Phi islands. Agree the route, stops and park fees in advance.
A Typical 4 Island Tour Krabi Day
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30 | Hotel pickup in Ao Nang |
| 09:00 | Boat leaves from the beach or Nopparat Thara |
| 09:15 | Phra Nang Cave Beach: swim and the Princess Cave |
| 10:30 | Chicken Island: snorkel stop |
| 11:15 | Koh Tup: sandbar walk at low tide |
| 12:00 | Koh Poda: lunch and beach time |
| 14:30–15:00 | Back to Ao Nang |
Times vary by operator and tide, but this is the usual rhythm of a full-day 4 island tour Krabi. Half-day tours cut the time on each island.
4 Island Tour Krabi with Children
This is one of the most family-friendly boat trips in Thailand: the crossings are short, the beaches are calm in the dry season and there is shade at Koh Poda. Pack rash vests, water shoes, snacks and a change of clothes. Children’s life jackets are usually provided, but confirm sizes when booking. For toddlers, a half-day 4 island tour Krabi in the morning is often enough.
Photography Tips
- Arrive at Phra Nang early for the cliffs without crowds.
- The Tup sandbar looks best from the small viewpoint on Koh Tup and at low tide.
- Keep your camera in a dry bag during longtail crossings.
- Chicken Island’s shape is clearest from the boat on the approach from Koh Tup.
Sunset and Plankton Tours
Some operators run an afternoon 4 island tour Krabi that ends with sunset at sea and, on dark nights, a swim with bioluminescent plankton. These trips are less crowded at the islands because most day tours have left. Check reviews and whether dinner is included.
Combining with other trips
With more time, add the Hong Island tour for kayaking in a lagoon, or a day to Phi Phi. See things to do in Krabi for the full list.
How to Choose a Good Operator
- Read recent reviews for punctuality, safety briefings and how crowded the boat was.
- Check the group size: smaller groups mean more time at each stop.
- Confirm what is included (park fees, lunch, snorkel gear, pickup area).
- Prefer operators that brief guests on reef etiquette and collect rubbish.
- Choose free cancellation in case the sea is rough on your date.
Booking a 4 island tour Krabi online lets you compare these details at a glance; booking from a stall on the beach can be cheaper on quiet days but makes comparison harder. Either way, ask exactly where and when the boat leaves, and whether the price includes the national park fee, so there are no surprises on the beach.
If the weather turns, reputable operators will move your 4 island tour Krabi to another day or refund you. Keep a free morning later in your stay as a backup.
Park Rules and Responsible Snorkelling
All four islands lie within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Rangers collect entry fees and may close beaches or reefs to let them recover. On a 4 island tour Krabi, stay on the sand when walking the sandbar, avoid standing on coral while snorkelling, use reef-safe sunscreen, and take all rubbish back to the boat. Drones may require permission in national parks, so check the rules before flying one. These small habits keep the islands beautiful for the next visitors.
4 Island Tour Krabi: FAQ
Is the 4 island tour Krabi worth it?
Yes, especially on a first visit: it is short, scenic and suits all ages.
How long is the 4 Islands tour?
Half-day tours last around four to five hours; full days add more time at each stop.
Which is better, 4 Islands or Hong Island?
4 Islands is easier and more varied; Hong Island is quieter, with a lagoon and kayaking.
Can kids do the 4 island tour?
Yes. Choose calm weather, bring life jackets and water shoes.
Sources: Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park (Wikipedia) and GetYourGuide listings, checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: Maksym Kozlenko (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Stefan Fussan (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Jason Hutchens (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Disclosure: InsideSamui may earn a commission when you book through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and timetables quoted here were checked on 13 November 2026; they change by season and operator, so confirm when you book.