Hong Islands Private Long-tail Boat Tour with Pickup

Summary

Private Hong Islands boat tour with local guide & custom stops

You’ll meet locals right from pickup in Ao Nang before gliding across turquoise waters on your private long-tail boat tour to Hong Islands. Swim in quiet lagoons, snack on fresh fruit, and climb up for sweeping views with your guide nearby—no rush or crowds. It’s those small moments—the laughter or sudden silence—you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We were barely five minutes from Ao Nang when our driver, Somchai, grinned at us in the rearview and asked if we’d ever tried mangosteen. I hadn’t — he handed one over at the pier, sticky-sweet and cold from his cooler box. That’s how the day started: not rushed, just easy chatter and fruit juice on our fingers before we even saw the water. Our guide, Dao, met us at Ao Nam Mao Pier — she had this way of pointing out tiny things I’d never notice, like the way the long-tail boats’ paint chips off in patterns that look almost like fish scales.

The ride out to Koh Lao La Ding was quieter than I expected — just the putter of the engine and that salty air you only get in Krabi. We passed limestone cliffs that looked like they’d been dropped there by accident. At Pak Bia Island, Dao showed us where to snorkel (though honestly, it’s more about floating than fish here). The sand was powdery but not hot yet; I kept thinking I should’ve brought less stuff — you really don’t need much on a day trip to Hong Island from Krabi except a towel and maybe some fruit if you’re like me.

Hong Lagoon was my favorite part — Dao called it “the puddle,” which made us laugh because it’s huge, surrounded by cliffs and mangroves that make everything echo. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet for a bit, listening to birds and kids splashing somewhere out of sight. Lunch was simple fruit and bottled water (included), but honestly after swimming it tasted better than anything fancy. On Koh Hong itself, we climbed up to the viewpoint — 360 degrees of green and blue, though my legs were shaking by then. Dao didn’t rush us; she just waited below, chatting with another boatman about last night’s football match.

I still think about that view sometimes — how small all those boats looked from up there. The ride back was sleepy; sunburned shoulders pressed together in the shade of the canopy while Somchai waited at the pier with more cold water for us. It wasn’t perfect (I forgot sunscreen behind), but it felt real — like being let into someone else’s version of Krabi for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hong Island Private Long-tail Boat Tour

• Hotel pickup in Ao Nang area
• Travel to Ao Nam Mao Pier
• Visit Koh Lao La Ding island
• Visit Koh Pak Bia for snorkeling
• Explore Hong Lagoon
• Enjoy Koh Hong beach and viewpoint
• Return to Ao Nam Mao Pier
• Shuttle back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Hong Islands private boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours including transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hong Island tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Ao Nang and nearby areas.

Can I customize which islands we visit?

Yes, you can choose either 2 or 4 islands as part of your private tour program.

Are snorkeling masks provided on this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling masks are included in your tour package.

Does the price include national park entrance fees?

No, national park entrance fees (300 THB per person) are not included.

What is included during lunch or snacks?

Bottled water and fresh fruit are provided during your trip.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Ao Nam Mao Pier near Ao Nang.

Is this tour suitable for people with health issues?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off around Ao Nang (shared shuttle), bottled water and fruit snacks on board, life jackets for safety, snorkeling masks if you want them, plus a cooler box to keep things chilled while you explore beaches or swim at each stop before heading back in the afternoon.