4 Islands

Get to Know 4 Islands

The 4 Islands tour is one of the most iconic day trips in Krabi, perfect if you want to see a bit of everything in one outing—beautiful beaches, snorkeling spots, limestone cliffs, and unique sandbars. It usually includes Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Poda Island, and Tup Island (plus the sandbar that connects the last two during low tide).

This trip has a little something for everyone. The vibe is relaxed and scenic, with options to swim, explore, or just kick back on the boat. It’s great for couples, families, and anyone short on time but wanting to experience Krabi’s coastal beauty in a single day.

Located on the Railay Peninsula, Phra Nang Cave Beach is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and the sacred Princess Cave, which holds local spiritual offerings. The beach has soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and scenic views of the surrounding karsts. It’s only accessible by boat and is a popular stop for swimming, relaxing, or exploring on foot.

Chicken Island gets its name from a rock formation that looks like a chicken’s head. It’s a great snorkeling spot, especially around the reef just offshore. The waters are usually calm and clear, making it easy to see schools of tropical fish. It’s also a good photo stop thanks to its quirky natural shape.

Tup Island is small but known for something special—at low tide, it connects to Chicken Island via a sandbar, letting you walk between the two. This phenomenon, called "Talay Waek" (divided sea), is one of Krabi’s most photographed natural sights. The island itself is peaceful, with a narrow beach and clear, shallow water.

Poda Island is the most spacious and relaxing of the four. It has a wide sandy beach, shady casuarina trees, and a large limestone rock just offshore. It’s a great spot for swimming, picnicking, or just enjoying the quiet. The beach is usually less crowded, especially if you arrive early or on a private tour.

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Why Visit 4 Islands?

The 4 Islands trip is a great way to experience the variety of Krabi’s coastline in just one outing. Each stop offers something different—from dramatic cliffs and sacred caves to snorkeling reefs, sandbars, and wide open beaches.

You get a mix of activities too. Swim, snorkel, explore caves, walk across a sandbar, or just stretch out on the sand. It’s the perfect tour if you’re short on time but want a taste of everything.

Compared to longer island-hopping trips, this one is easy, efficient, and just as scenic—ideal for families, couples, or first-time visitors to Krabi.

Explore Tours That Include 4 Islands

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4 Island Tour by Longtail Boat

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Duration: x hours

Explore four beautiful islands near Krabi by longtail boat. Snorkel, relax, enjoy Thai lunch, visit Chicken Island.

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4 Island Tour by Speedboat

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Duration: x hours

Join an island tour to Krabi’s 4 stunning islands by speedboat. Swim, snorkel, unwind, explore, and enjoy lunch.

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Location

The 4 Islands are located just off the coast of Ao Nang, making them one of the most accessible island trips in Krabi. Each island is part of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, which helps preserve their natural beauty.

Here’s where you’ll find each one:

Phra Nang Cave Beach is on the Railay Peninsula, reachable only by boat due to the steep limestone cliffs surrounding it.
Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island are all offshore from Ao Nang, floating in the calm waters of the Andaman Sea.

Most tours start from Ao Nang, with travel times between 10 to 25 minutes by longtail boat depending on sea conditions. Their close distance makes this a great half-day or full-day option for travelers staying in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, or Klong Muang.

How to Get to 4 Islands

Getting to the 4 Islands is simple and convenient—one of the reasons this tour is so popular.

From Ao Nang: Most longtail boat tours leave directly from Ao Nang Beach. The ride to the first island takes about 10–15 minutes.
From Railay or Klong Muang: You can also join a tour or arrange a private boat from Railay Beach or Klong Muang Pier. Travel times are similar.
From Krabi Town: If you're staying in Krabi Town, you'll usually transfer to Ao Nang first (about 30 minutes by car), then continue by boat.

Tips for a smooth trip:

Tours are often timed around the tide, especially for the Tup–Chicken sandbar.
Bring dry bags to keep your belongings safe during boat transfers.
During the monsoon season (roughly May–October), boat trips may be adjusted or canceled due to weather. Always check the forecast and go with a reliable local operator.

Things to Do in 4 Islands

The beauty of this tour is the variety—you can mix beach time, snorkeling, sightseeing, and light adventure all in one day. Here are some highlights:

Swim in clear, calm water: All four stops offer great spots to cool off, especially Poda Island and Phra Nang Beach.
Snorkel around Chicken Island: The reefs near Chicken Island are home to colorful fish and soft coral. It’s shallow and beginner-friendly.
Walk the sandbar between Chicken and Tup Islands: During low tide, a natural sandbar connects the two—one of Krabi’s most iconic photo spots.
Explore Phra Nang Cave: Learn about local legends at the Princess Cave, a unique spiritual site set inside the cliffs.
Picnic or relax on Poda Island: Bring snacks, chill in the shade, or simply enjoy the peaceful views and sea breeze.

This tour is flexible and relaxed—perfect if you want to enjoy a bit of everything without rushing.

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Places to Stay & Eat

You won’t find hotels or restaurants on the islands themselves—they’re part of a national park and kept natural. But there are plenty of great options nearby, depending on where you’re based.

Where to stay:

Ao Nang is the most convenient place to stay, with easy access to boat tours and a wide range of accommodations—from budget guesthouses to beachfront resorts.
Railay Beach offers a more scenic, secluded vibe, but with fewer hotel options. It's ideal if you want to stay closer to nature.
Klong Muang and Krabi Town are quieter alternatives, with more of a local feel and good transfer options.

Where to eat:

Before or after your trip, Ao Nang has the most choices—everything from Thai street food to international restaurants. You can also bring snacks or a picnic on your tour (just be sure to take all trash with you). Some private tours include lunch or can arrange a stop for local food along the way.

Best Time to Visit 4 Islands

The 4 Islands are beautiful year-round, but weather and sea conditions can affect your experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:

High Season (November to April): This is the best time to visit. Clear skies, calm seas, and great visibility for snorkeling. It’s also the busiest, so booking early—especially for private tours—is a good idea.
Low Season (May to October): Expect occasional rain and rougher seas, especially in the afternoons. Some days are still great, but trips may be delayed or rescheduled due to weather. The upside? Fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Best time of day: Morning tours offer cooler temps and calmer water. Afternoon or sunset tours are ideal if you prefer softer light and fewer boats around—plus, the golden hour views are hard to beat.

To catch the famous sandbar between Tup and Chicken Islands, ask your tour provider about tide times. It only appears for a few hours during low tide.

Tips Before You Go

A little preparation can make your 4 Islands trip even more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your day:

Bring reef-safe sunscreen: You'll be in the sun most of the day, and many areas are protected marine zones.
Pack light: A dry bag, towel, swimwear, hat, and sunglasses are usually all you need.
Wear sandals or water shoes: They’re useful for hopping on and off boats and walking on the sandbar.
Charge your phone or camera: These islands are incredibly photogenic, especially the sandbar and cliffs.
Respect the environment: Don’t leave any trash behind, and avoid stepping on coral while snorkeling.
Double-check the tides: The sandbar at Tup Island only appears at low tide. If it’s on your must-see list, ask your guide in advance.

Whether you're going on a private longtail boat or joining a small group tour, a little planning goes a long way toward a smooth, memorable day.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still wondering about something? Just send us a quick message. We’re happy to help.

1. Is the sandbar between Tup and Chicken Island always visible?
The sandbar only appears during low tide, usually for a few hours each day. If it’s a must-see, ask your tour operator to plan around the tide.
2. Do I need to be a good swimmer to enjoy this tour?
Not at all. Life jackets are provided, and many spots are shallow. You can enjoy the beaches, explore the islands, or stay on the boat—no pressure to snorkel.
3. What’s usually included in a 4 Islands tour?
Most tours include snorkeling gear, life jackets, drinking water, and a local guide or boat captain. Some offer lunch or fruit—best to check when booking.
4. Are there facilities or food on the islands?
There are no shops or restaurants. A few islands have basic toilets, but it’s best to bring your own snacks, water, and anything else you might need.
5. Is it safe to go during the rainy season?
Yes, on calm-weather days. Tours run year-round, but sea conditions can change quickly. Private tours give more flexibility if the forecast shifts.