Ao Nang Hong Islands Boat Tour: An Honest Review with Lunch (2024)

So, are you thinking about hopping on a boat trip to the Hong Islands from Ao Nang? That’s a top choice for lots of folks swinging by Krabi, and honestly, it’s almost impossible to resist that picture-perfect island vibe. I took the tour that includes lunch, and that’s very much what I want to give you the lowdown on. Get ready for everything, from the gorgeous scenery to whether the food is any good, that helps you make the call if this adventure is the one for you.

Why Choose a Hong Islands Tour from Ao Nang?

That clear, emerald water, super white beaches, plus the really interesting limestone cliffs? The Hong Islands have them all. I mean, they seriously look straight out of a postcard. Compared to some other spots that are super popular near Krabi, like, say, Phi Phi, Hong Islands, in a way, tend to be a bit less crowded. The tour from Ao Nang is generally pretty easy to get to and, also, well organized, which is why they are a popular choice. Most trips usually include some great things: snorkeling spots where, too it’s almost, you can spot super vibrant marine life, plus plenty of chances to relax on those unbelievably beautiful beaches. For folks wanting a combination of adventure with lots of relaxation, this could be the perfect mix. Keep reading and I will share everything.

What’s Included in a Typical “Hong Islands Tour with Lunch?”

Alright, so what exactly do you get if you sign yourself up for one of these trips? Typically, that includes round-trip transport from your hotel over in Ao Nang. It might be a minibus or maybe a shared van, and that, too it’s almost, just depends on which company is running the tour. There is always a stop where, typically, you would need to buy a ticket to enter the National Park and, then, you go straight to the boat. So, that bit, I am aware, isn’t usually included in the tour itself.

The boat ride itself? Well, expect it to be on a traditional longtail boat (super charming!) or a bigger speedboat, depending on the company you book with. Speedboats might be a bit faster, anyway longtail boats just feel way more authentic. Inside the deal, you can also expect some snorkeling gear (mask and snorkel, anyway fins sometimes come at an additional cost), plus a pretty basic lunch. Oh, bottled water should be provided, plus some tours throw in stuff like fresh fruit as a snack, too it’s almost. So, remember that itineraries vary, just make sure to check what’s up for grabs before you book.

My Experience: A Breakdown of the Day

My hotel pick-up was right on schedule, so that part was definitely smooth. The minibus was, actually, comfortable enough. Once we arrived at the pier, there was, of course, the slight chaos that always comes with these things – everyone trying to find their boat, lots of people chatting. After we hopped on the longtail boat (yes!), the scenery was really amazing. The ride to the first island was really nice, that gentle breeze and unreal views made me quickly forget that I’m with strangers. As I was saying, the tour guides do have information about each of the islands, that made it a little bit better. As a matter of fact, I find myself getting motion sickness at times but this boat trip didn’t bother me. The stop after was Laem Lading Beach, so it’s a cozy little cove, plus a great place for swimming. What stood out was the pure white sand and the warm water.

The spot for snorkeling, it was okay – you can spot lots of fish, anyway the visibility that day was pretty average. Still, it was super enjoyable just bobbing around in the sea. We, then, had lunch on one of the main islands (I believe it was Koh Hong itself). You know, that food wasn’t really a highlight. Standard Thai fare. After lunch, so it’s almost we had plenty of free time for sunbathing plus just exploring that area. By late afternoon, it was, actually, time to head back. Honestly, that ride back felt peaceful and calm. The whole thing, at the end of the day, felt like a great day out, some little hiccups.

The Beaches: Paradise Found (or Not?)

Right, so let’s, kind of, focus on what you’re probably most curious about: those famous beaches. And that, clearly, Hong Islands definitely delivers here. Laem Lading Beach is one place where you’ll love to stay as much as possible. That sand is seriously soft and powdery, plus that water is super clear, too it’s almost perfect for swimming. The spot does tend to get crowded, yet still that’s almost has this feel like you are on your own private island.

That main beach on Koh Hong itself is, like your, bigger, plus has that impressive backdrop of limestone cliffs. Great for photos! Bear in mind, though, this is where the tour boats all drop off, plus things can get pretty busy during peak season. You should check out Paradise Beach. Some people do call it that – even though there may be others elsewhere sharing its name, in some respects, you would discover if there’s one available when you arrive.

Snorkeling: What to Expect Under the Surface

Let’s get something very straight, those Hong Islands provide, maybe, some decent opportunities for snorkeling. Don’t expect super impressive coral reefs here, in some respects, the underwater scenery can’t compare to spots such as the Similan Islands or, actually, Surin. Anyway you’re likely to spot a ton of colorful fish. With my experience, water visibility might vary; some days are great and other times a little bit cloudy.

You will want to make sure your expectations are a bit realistic if snorkeling is actually high on your list. Beginners could find it okay, anyway experts might be a little bit disappointed. Also, when the tours all arrive around the same time, it gets super crowded near that snorkeling areas. This definitely, kind of, affects the entire experience.

Lunch: Fueling Up for More Island Fun

Okay, the million-dollar question, it’s almost, how was the lunch? It’s fine. It’s what I would call super standard tour fare, right so nothing particularly bad. Usually it’s a buffet-style spread and, that usually has the regular staples like rice, some type of vegetable dish, plus a chicken dish or, actually, a fried fish option. There’s also the availability to have a vegetarian dish upon request, but confirm that at least 24 hours prior. Overall, it will do the trick and, that will help with that energy back after swimming.

There are no really places on the islands for eating (except maybe one small snack shop), meaning having this lunch included saves having to worry regarding food. So, bring your own snacks for that boat.

Pros and Cons: Is the Tour Worth It?

Alright, that main question is: that tour even worth your precious vacation time and money? Let’s consider some upsides and some downsides, to begin with.

Pros:

Incredibly gorgeous scenery.
Chance to experience several islands in one trip.
Decent swimming spots and good snorkeling.
Convenient including that hotel transfer and food is a really great deal.

Cons:

Beaches may get really overcrowded, particularly throughout peak season.
That food quality, not the highest standard.
Snorkeling might not be great.
Those Hidden Costs

Consider booking this trip especially if: if it means that you have a tight schedule. Otherwise, you like the advantage with including lunch. For anyone trying to find like your convenient, hassle-free, plus, visually awesome experience, then I’d say sure, check it out! But those folks which are expecting some kind with a unique plus private adventure, maybe consider renting like your private longtail to get further away out from those masses and crowds, too it’s almost.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Hong Islands Tour

Get up early! Those sooner you get there, less people around
Consider getting reef-safe sunscreen – help me take great care in maintaining these coral reefs.
Don’t forget the camera! Trust me.
There are chances you are requested to wear comfortable sandals that can handle wet situations.
Bring a towel! I mean, that seems obvious, anyway still…
Be sure to keep enough Thai Baht for paying for that park entrance payment.

If this might be an enjoyable moment, it depends that. Going earlier than most can assist you feel less hassled; preparing beforehand might just help make that journey even better!

Alternatives to the Standard Tour

You should be aware that are additional methods so that one can take into account! If traveling privately is like your preference over masses and crowds, thinking about a private longtail rental is arguably better if it’s within budget – a person makes a selection like your schedule so therefore you discover more serene spots than simply these regularly provided destinations!Kayak visits appear available that allow an in depth closer that take like your journey in unique spots around caverns coupled by bays even though this choice does indeed call up more effort, anyway it may well show extra special since an overall feeling involving freedom, too it’s almost.

Final Thoughts: A Memorable Day Trip?

So, that trip on a boat around Hong Destinations away in Ao Nang? A quite good adventure, if you would ask personally, too it’s almost! It does an fantastic possibility with getting submerged into outstanding environments where an important day to make, there is an excellent compromise between relaxation by exploring; however, managing expectation regarding particular features happens with ensuring utmost enjoyment throughout those days spent well; keep an available head whilst planning with, arguably, such that you possess an superb chance creating remarkable moments for a self when going. That gets those reminiscences truly final from Thailand through.