🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The 4 Islands Tour is Krabi's most popular boat trip. It mainly sets off from the Ao Nang shore and loops past four spots in a single morning or afternoon. If it's your first time in Krabi and you're not sure which sea trip to take, this is the one that covers the most ground, because you get pretty beaches, a snorkel stop, a sacred cave, and the Talay Waek sandbar phenomenon all in one go, instead of buying several separate tours.
Which four islands are they?
The name "4 Islands" really means four main stops, though some stops have several islands sitting next to each other. Here's what you'll see, in the order most tours run them.
Phra Nang Cave + Railay Beach
The first stop on many tours, this is a cave on Phra Nang Beach next to East Railay. Inside there's a shrine to the local princess and hundreds of carved wooden "palad khik" phalluses that fishermen have left as offerings, following the legend of a princess lost in a shipwreck. It's a spot for photos and a wander along the white sand, ringed by limestone cliffs.
Chicken Island (Koh Poda Nok)
Named for a rock that juts out like a chicken's head and neck. The water around the island is clear with shallow coral, and this is the trip's main snorkeling stop — you'll spot clownfish and small schools of fish easily. It isn't deep, so it suits weaker swimmers.
Talay Waek (Chicken–Tup–Mor Islands)
The highlight of the trip and of Krabi itself. At low tide a strip of white sand surfaces and links three islands together, so you can walk across the sand from one island to the next, with clear water in two different shades on either side. Catch the tide right and this is the shot that pulls people to Krabi.
Poda Island
The biggest island of the group, with a long white-sand beach, clear shallow water, and a pointed limestone stack (Khao Kwai, or Buffalo Horn) as a backdrop. Many tours use it as the lunch stop on the beach. It's good for swimming, lazing about, and a long photo session before heading back to shore.
Get the names straight
"Poda Island" and "Chicken Island" are two different islands, though some places call Chicken Island "Koh Poda Nok." When you book, check clearly that the program covers all four stops: Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Talay Waek, and Poda Island.
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Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
What is Talay Waek, and why does the tide matter?
Talay Waek is a strip of fine white sand that stretches out to connect Chicken Island, Mor Island, and Tup Island. It only surfaces when the tide drops low; as the tide comes back in, the sandbar slowly sinks out of sight underwater. Because of this, seeing Talay Waek in full comes down to the "low-tide timing" of the day you go — not every tour on every day will catch the sandbar at its fullest.
- When the sandbar is clearest — roughly 5 days before and after the full moon (the 15th day of the waxing moon), when the tide drops the lowest.
- Best season — roughly November to early May, when the Andaman is calm, with little swell and clear water.
- Time of day — low tide falls at a different hour each day, so tours arrange the order of stops to line up with that day's low tide. Ask the operator beforehand what time the tide goes out.
To be sure you'll see Talay Waek
Check Krabi's tide chart for the day you're going, then pick the morning or afternoon slot that lines up with low tide. Go on a day when the tide doesn't drop much and you might see only a thin strip of sand, or none at all. I'm being straight with you here, because plenty of people come away disappointed for not checking the tides first.
Longtail or speedboat — which to pick?
The 4 Islands Tour comes in two main forms, with a fair gap in price. Choose by your budget and your travel style.
Longtail boat
The cheapest option, around ฿900–1,600 per person on a shared boat. You get the local, low-key vibe and stay closer to the Ao Nang–Railay shore. Travel between islands takes longer, so it suits people who aren't in a rush and want a relaxed day.
Speedboat
Around ฿1,600–2,600 per person. Faster, so it fits more stops into the same time, and it's a smoother ride when there's swell. Good if your time is limited or you want to make the most of a half-day.
Both usually include hotel pickup and drop-off around Ao Nang, Ao Nam Mao and Railay, and some operators cover Khlong Muang–Tup Kaek too. They also include life jackets, snorkeling gear, drinking water, and a boxed lunch or buffet on Poda Island. Check clearly whether the national park fee is included, because some operators charge it on the spot.
What does a half-day tour look like?
Sample half-day morning 4 Islands trip
Afternoon option (good for late risers)
What to prepare and good to know
- National park fee — these islands sit within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so there may be an entry fee charged on the spot. Ask clearly when you book.
- Reef-safe sun protection — skip sunscreens with chemicals that harm coral. A long-sleeve sun shirt helps protect both your skin and the reef.
- What to bring — strap-back sandals for walking on sand and rock, a waterproof pouch for your phone, a towel, and cash for fees and food on the islands.
- Mind your valuables — there are no lockers on the boat or the islands, so bring only what you need and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch the whole time.
- Prone to seasickness — if boats make you queasy, take the speedboat and take motion-sickness tablets before you set off. Sitting in the middle of the boat is steadier.
Booking ahead beats hunting on the day
In high season (December–April) tours fill up fast. Booking online through Klook or Trip.com 1–2 days ahead gets you a slot that matches the tide and a clear price, instead of haggling with a beachfront stall and ending up on a slot when the tide isn't out.
Want a full-day Krabi plan that takes in other islands too?
See the Krabi travel guide →