Krabi Islands: Private boat tour with guide & lunch

Summary

Private day trip to Hong Islands, Railay Beach & Koh Yao Yai

On this private Krabi Islands day trip, you’ll swim off white beaches at Koh Yao Yai, snorkel near Chicken Island’s coral reefs, enjoy lunch at Railay Beach among locals and travelers, and explore Hong Islands’ hidden lagoon with your guide. It’s an easygoing day full of small surprises and moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water around Koh Yao Yai to be so clear — almost glassy, like you could just step out and walk across it. Our guide, Somchai, handed me a cold bottle of water as we left the pier (he called it “Thai air conditioning,” which made us all laugh). The boat ride was smoother than I thought it’d be; I kept catching whiffs of salt and sunscreen mixed together. There were only a few other boats out there — nothing like the crowds I’d seen in photos of Phi Phi.

We stopped at Chicken Island next (Koh Gai), which really does look like a chicken’s head if you squint at the rock formation. Somchai pointed out the best spot for snorkeling — he even helped me adjust my mask when I fumbled with the strap. Underwater, I saw these little flashes of blue and yellow darting around the coral. It’s funny how quiet everything feels when you’re floating face-down, just your own breath in your ears. Afterward, we sprawled on the sand for a while; I tried to say “beautiful” in Thai and got it wrong, which made Somchai grin but he said it was close enough.

Lunch at Railay Beach was simple but good — fried rice with shrimp and some sweet pineapple on the side. We ate outside one of those open-air restaurants where you can hear people chatting in half a dozen languages. There were monkeys up in the trees (one stole someone’s bag of chips nearby), and kids running barefoot along the edge of the mangroves. The sun felt heavy by then but not unbearable; there’s always a breeze coming off the water here.

The last stop was this lagoon tucked inside Hong Islands — Somchai called it “the island with a room.” You have to catch it at just the right tide or you can’t get in at all. The water inside was cooler somehow, almost greenish-blue, and echoey with our voices bouncing off limestone walls. We swam for a bit before heading back toward sunset, eating slices of watermelon that tasted way better than they do at home. I still think about that view from inside the lagoon — kind of quiet and unreal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Krabi Islands Private Tour

• Check in and tour briefing
• Relax at Long White Sandy Beach
• Snorkel and relax at Chicken Island
• Explore Railay Beach and have lunch
• Swim and explore Hidden Lagoon
• Enjoy fresh fruits and sunset at final stop

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Krabi Islands private tour?

No, pickup is from the operator’s office or pier; hotel pickup isn’t specified in the inclusions.

What islands are visited on this Krabi Islands tour?

The tour visits Koh Yao Yai, Chicken Island (Koh Gai), Railay Beach, and Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong).

Is lunch provided during the Krabi Islands day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at Railay Beach during your private day trip.

Are snorkeling opportunities available on this tour?

Yes, there are several chances to snorkel—especially near Chicken Island where marine life is abundant.

Are national park fees included in the price?

No, national park fees are not included; payment is made in cash to your guide on the day of your tour.

Is this Krabi Islands private boat tour suitable for children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the trip?

Bottled water, soda/pop, snacks, fresh fruit, and cool drinks are included throughout your day.

How crowded are these islands compared to Phi Phi?

The Krabi Islands tend to be less crowded than more famous spots like Phi Phi or James Bond Island.

What’s included

Your private Krabi Islands day includes transportation by boat with a local guide onboard, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the journey, snacks including fresh fruit after swimming stops, access to restrooms onboard for comfort between islands, plus lunch at Railay Beach before returning to shore in time for sunset views over the bay.