4 Island Tour by Traditional Big Longtail Boat from Krabi

Taking a day trip around Krabi’s famed islands by traditional longtail boat promises a blend of scenic beauty, water activities, and laid-back island vibes. This tour offers a chance to visit four highlights—the Tup Islets, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Railay Beach—each with their own unique charm. The experience is well-suited for travelers looking for an affordable yet authentic way to see Krabi’s coast without breaking the bank.

One of the best things about this tour is the personalized boat ride—it’s not a speedboat packed with dozens of travelers, but a traditional longtail that offers a more intimate, traditional experience. Plus, the included hotel pick-up and drop-off make logistics hassle-free. However, potential travelers should be aware that the tour can be quite busy, with some reviews mentioning that time at each stop feels a bit rushed, and weather conditions can impact the experience.

This tour is perfect for those who want a full-day adventure with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, relax on powdery beaches, and take in some of Krabi’s most iconic scenery. If you’re okay with a somewhat fast-paced schedule and want a cost-effective, fun way to explore multiple islands in one day, this could be a great fit.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Travel on a traditional longtail boat for a more genuine vibe.
• Multiple Highlights: Visit four popular islands with lots of photo opportunities.
• Water Activities: Snorkeling equipment and opportunities to swim in sheltered lagoons.
• Inclusive: Lunch, water, fruit, and snorkeling gear are included.
• Flexible: Hotel transfers, with most travelers booking 32 days in advance.
• Potential for Rushed Stops: Some reviews mention tight schedules and short time at each location.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Itinerary Breakdown: What You Should Expect

This tour kicks off early, with hotel pickups as early as 7:50 am, setting the stage for a full, six-and-a-half-hour adventure. You’ll meet the crew at Nang An Pier in Ao Nang, then hop aboard a traditional big longtail boat—a vessel that exudes local charm and offers a more relaxed ride compared to speedboats.

First stop: Tup Island. Here, you can walk across a sandbank that connects to Mor Island and Chicken Island during low tide, making it a perfect spot for a gentle stroll or some snorkeling at high tide. Reviewers mention feeling like “a stroll along the beach,” and many enjoy the chance to admire the tropical fish swimming just beneath the surface.

Next, the boat takes you to Chicken Island, famous for its rock formation resembling a chicken’s head. It’s a photographer’s dream. Here, snorkelers can enjoy colorful reef fish, and some reviews note that the steep cliffs add a dramatic backdrop to your aquatic adventures.

Poda Island follows—a white sandy paradise where many simply lie back and soak up the sun. We loved the way this island’s quiet beauty contrasts the busier stops, providing a genuine chance to relax. Lunch is served here—a picnic spread with fresh fruit and Thai cuisine, which reviews describe as “delicious” and “very refreshing,” especially after a morning in the sun.

The tour wraps up at Railay Beach, specifically visiting the Phranang Cave. This limestone-cliff-framed beach is a highlight, with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in the cave, and the chance to swim in crystal-clear waters. Some guests mention that the stop here feels a bit rushed—about 30-60 minutes—but the iconic scenery makes up for it.

Finally, the boat heads back to Nang An Pier, with drop-offs at your hotel if included, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos of Krabi’s stunning seascapes.

What Makes This Tour Shine?

Guides and Crew: Multiple reviews praise the guides—mentioning that they are “professional,” “friendly,” and “full of energy.” One guest called Abi “brilliant,” highlighting how helpful and engaging the guides are throughout the day. The crew’s support was noted especially during unexpected weather issues, like a storm at Poda Island, where they helped wade over rocks to get back to the boat, turning a stressful situation into an adventure.

Scenic Beauty and Water Activities: Expect to snorkel in sheltered lagoons, which many reviews mention as “great for seeing colorful reef fish.” The sandbanks connecting Tup and Mor Islands are a highlight, especially at low tide, offering prime photo opportunities and gentle walks on powdery beaches.

Value for Money: At around $31.64 per person, this tour includes hotel transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, and water, which makes it a good deal for a full day of sightseeing. The reviews show that many guests feel they get value from a well-organized, all-inclusive experience, though some mention that the pace is a bit brisk, possibly limiting leisure time.

The Potential Drawbacks

While many travelers rave about the trip, some reviews highlight certain downsides. The most common concerns are:

• Rushed stops: Some visitors felt they had just 10-30 minutes at each island, which can be frustrating if you want to linger longer. One review suggested that the timing was “a little rushed,” especially at Railay Beach.
• Weather Dependency: The tour is weather-dependent, and rough seas or storms can impact the experience. A guest mentioned that a boat broke down after a storm, resulting in a wait on rocks—though the crew’s support was appreciated.
• Late Start and Delays: Pickups can be late or disorganized, especially during busy periods or festivals like Songkran, leading to longer wait times, as some reviews describe.

The Experience on the Water: Comfort and Safety

Travelers generally find the traditional longtail boat comfortable enough for a day trip, though some mention that getting on and off can be hazardous—especially for older guests or those with mobility concerns. The boats are equipped with life jackets and snorkeling gear, and basic accident insurance is included, adding a layer of safety.

The boat’s size allows for a more relaxed, scenic ride, and many appreciate the authentic feel compared to larger motorized tours. The crew’s attentiveness during storms or rocky landings was praised, emphasizing how safety was a priority, even in unexpected situations.

Food and Refreshments

Lunch is a significant part of the day—offering a picnic-style meal on Poda Island, with options for halal and vegetarian diets. Multiple reviewers describe the food as “delicious,” “fresh,” and “plenty of water,” which is important given the tropical heat. Some guests, however, note that the lunch may not be gourmet but is sufficient and satisfying for a day on the water.

Drinking water and fresh fruit are plentiful, helping you stay hydrated during busy, sun-drenched stops.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive, all-inclusive day exploring Krabi’s iconic islands. It’s ideal if you’re okay with a slightly faster pace and don’t mind short visits at each stop. Those who appreciate authentic boat rides and want to avoid large crowds will find the traditional longtail boat a plus.

It’s also excellent for families, first-time visitors, or solo travelers wanting a taste of Krabi’s best without high costs or complicated logistics. But if you’re seeking a completely relaxed, leisurely experience with lots of time at each island, you might find this tour a bit rushed.

The Sum Up

This 4 Island Tour by Traditional Longtail Boat offers a genuine slice of Krabi’s tropical charm. With knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and inclusive amenities, it provides excellent value for money, especially for travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day. The authenticity of traveling on a local longtail boat, combined with snorkeling and relaxing on powdery beaches, creates a memorable experience.

However, the pace is brisk, and weather can influence the overall enjoyment. If you’re comfortable with short stops and a lively schedule, you’ll find this tour packed with variety and scenic beauty. It’s particularly suitable for those on a budget who want to maximize island time without spending a fortune.

For anyone craving a fun, immersive, and scenic day exploring Krabi’s coast, this tour does a solid job of delivering just that—on a traditional boat, in a friendly atmosphere, with enough adventure to keep you entertained.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most bookings include a round-trip hotel transfer from Krabi or Ao Nang, making logistics straightforward.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 6 hours and 30 minutes, starting early in the morning and ending in the late afternoon.

Are snorkeling equipment and water provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, along with drinking water and fresh fruit.

Can I request special dietary options?
Yes, lunch is available as halal or vegetarian on request, ensuring dietary needs are accommodated.

What are the main stops during the tour?
The key stops are Tup Islets, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Railay Beach (Phra Nang Cave).

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but older guests or those with mobility issues should be cautious about getting on and off the boat and walking on uneven surfaces.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and possibly waterproof camera or phone cases for snorkeling.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, rough seas or storms can cause cancellations or delays. The tour program is subject to weather conditions.

How many people typically join?
Up to 60 travelers can participate, but most are in smaller groups, especially if booked privately or with limited participants.

What is the value for money?
Considering the included transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, and guided experience, most reviews say it’s a good deal for a full day of island exploring.

This tour combines the best of Krabi’s islands into a lively, scenic, and culturally authentic adventure. Whether you’re snapping photos on sandbanks, snorkeling over reefs, or simply soaking up the sun, it delivers a memorable taste of Thailand’s coastal beauty.