It was our last day in Krabi. After experiencing hot stream waterfall and Emerald pool (I shared the itinerary in my last blog); Exploring Krabi in 3 days plan was to just seat back and relax on the last day.However during dinner, the restaurant owner highly recommended 4 Islands tour.Not wanting to miss the major attraction, we somehow reluctantly booked a day tour to 4 Islands by Long tail boat.
Well it proved out to be quiet a day! It was like Murphy’s Law working!
Here’s our experience of the island hopping tour and some of the learning’s, which may help you too.
Tour usually costs 1000 TBH+ 400 TBH entry to bio reserves, but you can negotiate it to 800 TBH + 400 TBH. Speedboat option is available too. We opted for the tail boat since we were travelling with our 18 month old toddler and it was suggested to to opt for Speedboat.
Our pickup from the Hotel was at 8.15 a.m. Groggy from the previous days excursion, we some how managed to get up, just to realize that the booking receipt was misplaced. In our quest to search the receipt, we were delayed by 45 mins. Still all the effort was in vein. We had to leave without breakfast.
A day not started well at all!
However we got into the Mini Van, hoping that they will allow us to get into the boat. Thankfully we had the travel agents number. Finally, upon her confirmation, we could get in the tail boat after a long wait.There were many boats in an open area from where the journey was supposed to start. This place was crowded with tourists and the humid weather added to it.
Tail boat again is not a very comfortable option if you are travelling with baby, certainly better than speedboat. But cruise is the best!Since the sea was little rough because of rains, our boat was kind of shaking, which made our little one scared and uncomfortable.
Anyways after some time we settled. About half an hour later, we reached our first destination, the Phra Nang cave beach in the Railey peninsula. The cave beach, without any second thoughts was breathtaking with its blue water, clear blue skies and limestone rocks dramatically jutting out of water in the backdrop. On one side towards the end of the beach we could see large caves. We were given 20 mins to spend on the beach, which was not sufficient. We did not had much time to explore the caves and beach. So we seat in the shade enjoying the view in front of us.
Getting into the boat was quiet a task, with high waves and boats being too close next to each other. In our attempt to get into the boat with Little one, water splashed my phone
Second disaster of the day!
Next spot was Chicken Island or Koh Gai, we dint got down on the Island, but the boat stopped nearby in the shallow water for Snorkeling. Snorkels were provided to all those who were interested. Though I couldn’t get down in the water (as I was too upset about my phone and only thought of loosing all the memories of the trip had clouded my mind), but from the boat I could spot a variety of fishes passing by. After spending about half an hour to 45 mins there, we headed to the next Islands- Koh Tub & Koh Mor, which was 5 minutes away. Lunch was served here, which was plain rice and some kind of boiled vegetable, which I dint like.Anyways we decided to enjoy and live the moment, ignoring these discomforts.
These Islands were very scenic and the white sand reflects the sunlight, which makes it even brighter. The fact that you can walk between the 3 Islands makes it really unique. View of the sea and islands is just amazing! We could spot 2 different colors in the sea, turquoise and dark blue at some spots.
We could walk between 2 Islands only after which we headed towards the last Island – Koh Poda.
By the time we reached Koh Poda, we were really exhausted partially because of how the day progressed, partially heat & humidity, rest blame it on getting off and on the boat with baby. This Island was again beautiful with long stretches of white sand and greenish blue water. We could spot some unique birds on the tall trees. However instead of exploring it further, we just took a small nap on the beach to relax our flexing muscles.
Finally it was time to head back to the hotel, on the way it started raining.It took us around half an hour to 45 mins to reach back to the pick up point from where we were dropped to the hotel. End to a long day!
Looking Back:
Well come to think of it now, I don’t even remember the fatigue, discomfort and irritation. But memories of mesmerizing Islands and tropical Sea will last forever.
No doubts these exotic Islands are a must visit, but given a chance I would go for a private long tail boat or speed boat, so that you can stop by and relax as per your convenience. The private long tail boat for whole day costs 2500 TBH and speed boat costs 6000 TBH.
Irrespective of whatever mode you choose, here are few suggestions that can be helpful:
Suggestions:
- I wouldn’t recommend this tour if you are travelling with a small baby at least less than a year old is no. As it gets really tiring.
- Keep your booking receipts safely. Save your travel agents Mobile number for any emergency.
- Always carry some eatables while on the Island tour; especially carry separate food and snacks for baby, as the food provided was not very hygienic.
- Please buy waterproof pouches for your mobiles and waterproof bag also for keeping your other stuff.
Have you visited the 4 Islands in Krabi? How was your Experience?
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Very exciting place with netural beauty.
It was beautiful ☺
Nice blog Madhu. Memories of Thailand are still fresh even after a year 🙂
Thanks Sundar. I am sure it’s such a nice place to be ☺
Nice post Madhu. Love all the photographs.
thanks so much Syam 🙂 the place was really beautiful !
Nice rocks!
thanks , yes they are stunning !
Great place to visit! It’s one of my bucket list trips. I love the sea and the beach! The views are truly spectacular!
Thanks Ana..I love the beach vacations too .glad that you liked my blog 😊
This sounds amazing! All I want to do is island hopping and I will definitely keep this on my radar 🌴
Thanks hayley. Yes it’s a must try experience 😊
Oh no, I hope your phone was still working. My phone had water damage in Cuba and I was devastated. I loved Phuket but didnt mention the island that you discussed. It seems like the island hopping was rushed and you could have used more time. Glad you were able to focus on the beauty of the islands vs. on the challenges that occured throughout the day 🙂
Yes tiffany thankfully my phone started and most importantly I dint lost even a single pic. I would hv preferred a private tour to enjoy the island to the full. However we had a great time and good deal n it was worth the effort 😊
I have never been to Thailand but you have convinced me to visit these islands when I do go haha. Sounds like you had a great adventure.
When I do go, I’ll make sure to follow your tips, it truly seems like a wonderful (and naturally busy) place to visit 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration Madhu Xx
Hey Divya. I am glad that my trip inspired you to visit Thailand.its fun place and beautiful at the same time.hope you get to visit soon 😊
This tour looks amazing! I’m so sorry to hear about your cell phone! What a bummer! Hopefully you still enjoyed your day island hopping!
Hey thanks..Yes was upset for sometime but decided to enjoy the trip. Thankfully phone started working after 2 days 😊
Krabi is always postcard perfect with its nude beaches and blue waters. Looks like you had an incredible vacation. It is on my travel list and hope to visit it soon 🙂
Thanks ketki. Yes we had a great time ..those beaches are so beautiful 😊
Your pictures are great!! And hopefully your phone is still alive! Humidity can indeed be quite a killer combined with heat (I don’t blame you for being exhausted, I know all about it!!)
Such a beautiful corner of the world!!! Some excursions can be a little tiring but as you say, you really just leave with memories of picture perfect paradise! 🙂
Thanks Claire..it’s amazing and worth the effort 😊
This looks and sounds like an AMAZING trip. It makes me regret not going down South when I was in Thailand. Guess I’ll have to go back 😉
Hey glad u liked it. Next time you must plan and explore these places
Thanks for putting the prices in, that always helps! Those boats and tall mountains right by the water look so amazing!
Hey carly glad that you found it useful. The view was really amazing 😊
Sounds like a fun adventure, but tiring! I stayed on Koh Lanta for a week and thought about doing a similar tour… but didn’t! Part of me regrets it since it would have been nice to see other islands.
Thanks Sarah yes it was tiring but fun.. you should try it next time 😊
You always make me dream with your posts. And if we ever make it to this idyllic corner of the world, a private boat would indeed do the trick. As slow travelers, we need way more time to discover a place! 🙂
Thanks so much for your kind words. Hope you get to visit soon.given a chance i would love to discover the world your way at slow pace enjoying each and every moment 😊
Such a lovely read this morning! I’ve never been to Thailand but I would love to experience island hopping to these places!
Thanks Zoe. Hope you a chance to visit thailand soon 😊
Thailand is on my bucket list but I have not found the right time to go just yet but your post is making me want to go sooner rather than later. This is such a beautiful country, I hope to go soon!
Thanks. Hope you find time to visit soin. Its worth visiting 😊
Each of these islands looks stunning but it’s a shame you didn’t get enough time to explore all of them. Your photos bring back memories from when I was in Thailand.
Ya i know probably next time we will hv to take it slow and enjoy each of them