Krabi is located in the waters of the Andaman Sea and on the southern coast of Thailand. Islands near Krabi are a paradise for nature lovers as they offer a tropical experience which connects tourists a little more with nature. These islands are an escape from the mainland’s shore and bustle and also provide an array of water sports activities to be done. Some islands are known for their turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Some are simply limestone cliffs with hidden caves, a visit to which promises an authentic experience.
10 Best Islands Near Krabi
From sunsets and viewpoints to sandy shores, these islands near Krabi are the ones offering private relaxation time and multiple watersports activities :
1. Bamboo Islands
Photo: Deror Avi / Wikimedia Commons
Bamboo Island, a tropical paradise, got its name from the bamboo trees which are native to the region. This island is comparatively smaller being 600 metres wide and 700 metres long. Visitors can spot bamboo trees in the central part of this island which is lush green. This island offers many water sports activities to explore the coral reefs just at a distance. Bamboo Island is inhabited by 40 people. The island has many bungalow resorts and restaurants. A tiny bar at the beachside offers drinks and refreshments. This island is also known as Koh Phai in the Thai language and is indeed a pretty one.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 30 minutes
Highlights: Snorkelling and bamboo vegetation
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Krabi On Your Next Vacation To Thailand
2. Chicken Island
Photo: Jukka / Wikimedia Commons
Chicken Island, also known as Koh Gai or Koh Hua Khwan in the Thai language, is named after a strange rock formation. The rock is formed and lies with a structure that depicts the head of an ostrich or chicken. There are steep cliffs on the island with greenery all around. The other end of the island has a beautiful beach. At times of high tide, the water level rises the most. This place doesn’t offer any accommodation but offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling. The water of Chicken Island is very clear and is home to the oldest coral reefs and marine species.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 38 minutes
Highlights: Rock formation, snorkelling and sunset views
3. Koh Hong
Photo: Kriengsak Jirasirirojanakorn / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Hong has spectacular beaches with pretty lagoons which can’t be spotted easily. These hidden lagoons have a narrow entrance and are surrounded by limestone cliffs. The lagoon is purely emerald green and very attractive. Colourful fishes reside in these lagoons. Kayaking is one of the famous water sports performed by tourists in this region. Starfish are spotted under the waters of this island. Tourists can also sunbathe and swim in the clear waters. Koh Hong is a part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park. along with the beaches and lagoons.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Highlights: Kayaking, lagoon and Than Bok Khorani national park
Suggested Read: Hot Spring Waterfall Krabi
4. Koh Jum
Photo: Stefanie Weijsters / Wikimedia Commons
Koh Jum is a beautiful island near Krabi with two names. The northern part of this island is known as Koh Pu as it is hilly and the southern part of this island is known as Koh Pu, which means a crab island. This island has a vibrant local culture and an extremely peaceful atmosphere. Koh Jum remains the official name of this island for tourists to not get confused. There are approximately 1500 residents on this island which depict the local Thai culture and traditional village life. The place offers an array of seafood restaurants and bungalow resorts for tourists to experience authenticity.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 45 minutes
Highlights: Ao Si beach, village life and kayaking
5. Koh Lanta
Photo: Wanjak Atikomchakorn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Koh Lanta is located directly to the south of Krabi and is renowned for its beautiful beaches. This island is located between Phi Phi Islands and the west coast of Thailand. Koh Lanta itself is a cluster of islands with the majority of them being inhabited. Commercialisation and tourism don’t seem to have touched it yet. Visitors are exposed to an authentic island experience with utmost peace in the surroundings. Koh Lanta offers a variety of activities to be done including scuba diving, snorkelling, getting inked, a soothing Thai massage or a boat ride to nearby islands.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Highlights: Long each, Old Town and Mu Ko Lanta national park
Suggested Read: Best Beaches In Krabi
6. Koh Pak Bia
Photo: Erik Karits / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A tiny island near Krabi, Koh Pak Bia is located between Koh Yao Nai and Krabi Coast. This place is an ideal destination for island hoppers in Krabi. The waters of Koh Pak Bia are emerald green and pure. The island is home to a variety of fishes including parrotfish, angelfish and moray eels. Koh Pak Bia is an inhabited island which is more peaceful compared to others. Tourists can take a boat tour to Koh Pak Bia and other neighbouring islands to make the most of this place near Krabi.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 30 minutes from Ao Nang
Highlights: Snorkelling, bird watching and white sand beaches
7. Koh Poda
Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons
This island is the shortest island around 1 kilometre in diameter. Koh Poda is encircled by a soft sand beach. The island is inhabited and is not very crowded. Activities like snorkelling and scuba diving are the most prominent at Koh Poda. A vibrant coral reef lies just 20 metres from the island with both soft and hard corals. The beach showcases a variety of sea creatures which are spotted by tourists. Koh Poda island is a popular choice among tourists for a day trip and some secluded time.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 30 minutes
Highlights: Snorkelling, swimming and a camp For National Park rangers
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Krabi For A Lush Green Holiday
8. Koh Tup And Koh Mor
Photo: Pijarn Jangsawang / PxHere / Image For Representation Only
These two islands offer the best views of the Andaman Sea. The sites offer easy snorkelling adventures. High tides are dangerous at this place. During low tides, tourists can walk on the white sand beaches. A sandy causeway connects one island to another. The sandbar is only accessible during the low tides. In some references, these islands are also known as Koh Tub and Koh Ma in Thai Culture. It is recommended to witness a sunset at this place for breathtaking views. Diverse marine species like angelfish, tuna, snapper and bonefish are prominently witnessed in the waters of Koh Tup and Koh Mor.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 30 minutes
Highlights: Sandbar connection, snorkelling and sceneries
9. Koh Yao Yai And Koh Yao Noi
Photo: Tom Ek / Wikimedia Commons
The bay of Phang Nya has two islands namely Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. They lie in the middle of Phang Nya Bay which is situated between Phuket and Krabi. Together, these islands almost measure a length of 138 kilometres. Fishing remains the predominant activity performed by the residents. The islands are less open for tourism but have recently started to commercialise. The way of life is simplistic. Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are the islands with community-driven tours with a majority of bungalow-resorts for the accommodation. It is recommended to taste the local cuisine at this place.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 30 minutes
Highlights: Kayaking, mangrove Forests and local village life
Suggested Read: Explore The Therapeutic Krabi Hot Springs
10. Phi Phi Islands
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Phi Phi Islands are located to the southwest of Krabi and consist of two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. These islands are known for their limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. At a distance lies the coral gardens and deeper vibrant reefs which are very convenient for scuba diving and snorkelling. Phi Phi is largely inhabited and has a vibrant nightlife along with budgeted guest houses and luxury resorts. A national park in Phi Phi Leh helps visitors navigate through the flora and fauna of the region. The islands are extremely famous for the ‘Maya Bay’ which is closed as of now.
Time Taken To Reach From Krabi: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Highlights: Maya beach, scuba diving, Tonsai village, fire shows
These islands near Krabi create a lasting expression on all those who explore every corner of it. The shore of Phi Phi Island, the bay of Koh Lanta and the turquoise water of other islands await tourists to come and dive into a blend of adventurous and relaxing activities. These islands showcase the best of marine life and coral reefs which are extremely colourful. Tourists prefer island hopping by guided trips and boat rentals. Plan your gateway with Trip XL and explore islands near Krabi, each showcasing unique characteristics.
Cover Photo: Romain Pontida / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only