One thing that makes Krabi so special is its Islands. This province in southern Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful Islands in the country. The islands are renowned for their dramatic limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and clear turquoise waters.
But with such a diverse range of islands to choose from, it can be tricky to know which ones to visit. And to help you out, I’ve put together a list of the 12 best islands in Krabi, Thailand, according to travelers.
Islands In Krabi
1. Koh Lanta
The largest of Krabi’s islands, Koh Lanta is a popular destination for nature lovers and families. The Island is home to several National Parks, as well as mangrove forests, jungle-covered hills, and over 20 beaches. And because the Island is large, it’s actually made up of two sections, Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, connected by a short bridge.
Koh Lanta Yai is where most visitors spend their time. It’s here that you’ll find the Island’s best beaches, including Kantiang Bay, Klong Dao Beach, and Long Beach (Phra Ae Beach). In addition, Koh Lanta Yai is home to the majority of the Island’s accommodations, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, head to Koh Lanta Noi. This smaller Island is mostly undeveloped, with only a handful of resorts, restaurants, and bars. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Koh Lanta Yai and still be close enough to enjoy all the Island has to offer.
All in all, Koh Lanta is ideal for travelers who want a little bit of everything. There are plenty of beaches to relax on, but there’s also jungle to explore, waterfalls to swim in, and caves to spelunk.
The Island is also home to a number of interesting historical sites, including the Chao Leh Chinese Village, Mu Koh Lanta National Park, and the Khao Mai Kaew Cave. So whether you’re looking to relax or explore, Koh Lanta should be high on your list of the best islands to visit in Krabi.
Read More: Best Beaches In Krabi
2. Koh Phi Phi
Who doesn’t know Koh Phi Phi? This archipelago of six islands is world-renowned for its natural beauty. The Island gained international fame after being featured in the 2000 movie, The Beach. And while the movie may have put Koh Phi Phi on the map, it’s the Island’s stunning beauty that keeps visitors coming back.
The most famous islands of Koh Phi Phi are Koh Phi Phi Leh and Koh Phi Phi Don. Koh Phi Phi Leh is uninhabited and only accessible by boat, but it’s well worth the visit. The Island is home to Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, as well as a number of other breathtaking beaches and limestone cliffs.
Koh Phi Phi Don, on the other hand, is home to the majority of the Island’s accommodations, restaurants, and bars. It’s here that you’ll find the Island’s main town, Tonsai Village. Tonsai Village is a lively place, with plenty of places to eat, drink, and party. But if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet, Long Beach is just a short walk away.
No matter what you’re looking for, Koh Phi Phi is sure to have something for everyone. So if you’re looking for one of the most popular islands to visit in Krabi, look no further than Koh Phi Phi.
Read More: Best Beaches In Thailand
3. Koh Yao Yai
Want to spend your day lounging on a beautiful white sand beach? Or exploring a hidden lagoon? Or going for a hike through the verdant jungle? Then head to Koh Yao Yai, one of the most diverse islands in Krabi.
This is the perfect Island for travelers who want to get away from it all. You’ll find some of the most beautiful, unspoiled beaches in Krabi here, as well as hidden coves and lagoons. Many tourists prefer to visit Laem Had Beach, which is well-known for its powder-soft sand and turquoise waters.
This Island is also a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, as it is home to a number of reefs teeming with colorful marine life. This is due to its position in Phang Nga Bay, which is known for its clear waters and abundance of coral.
For those who want to explore, there are plenty of options. There are a number of hiking trails that wind through the jungle, lead to hidden coves, and offer panoramic views of the Island. Or you could rent a kayak and paddle around the Island, stopping to swim in hidden lagoons.
The Island has a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to more affordable guesthouses, so you can find a place to stay that fits your budget. This makes it one of the best islands in Krabi for those looking for a relaxing getaway.
4. Koh Poda
Koh Poda is one of Krabi’s most popular day-trip islands. This small Island is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters.
Koh Poda is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The sand is soft and white, and the water is warm and calm. There are also shaded pavilions available for picnics, making it easy to spend a whole day lounging on the beach.
And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, there’s plenty to do on Koh Poda as well. The Island is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers, as the waters around Koh Poda are teeming with marine life. There are also a number of hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking the Island and its surroundings.
Koh Poda is a part of the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, and as such, is subject to the same entrance fees and tour regulations. The majority of visitors come on day trips from Krabi or Ao Nang, although there’s one resort on the Island if you’re looking to stay overnight. But I have to warn you it is a bit pricey and many tourists prefer just to do a day trip.
5. Koh Talabeng
I don’t want anyone to miss out on the beauty of Koh Talabeng, so I had to include it on this list of best islands in Krabi. After all, it’s often referred to as the “little sister” of Koh Phi Phi Le.
Koh Talabeng is a tiny, uninhabited island located on the east coast of Koh Lanta. The Island is often overlooked by visitors in favor of the Island’s more popular west coast. But those who do make an effort to visit Koh Talabeng are rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in Krabi.
The Island is best known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, which soar straight out of the azure waters. It has small secluded beaches and grottoes, perfect for a romantic picnic or an afternoon of solitude. And it’s one of the best places in Krabi to go snorkeling.
I was lucky enough to spend a day on Koh Talabeng with my friends, and it is truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The water is so clear, and the scenery is just breathtaking. We spent the day swimming, sunbathing, and just generally relaxing.
Koh Talabeng is best visited as part of a day tour from Koh Lanta. You can book a tour through your hotel or resort or through one of the many tour operators in Krabi.
6. Koh Jum
Many tourists never make it to Koh Jum, which is a shame because it’s one of the most beautiful and laid-back islands in Krabi. In addition, this Island is easily accessible, located just a 10km ride from Krabi’s Laem Kruat Pier.
What makes Koh Jum so special is its untouched natural beauty. The Island is still largely undeveloped, with only a few small resorts and guesthouses. There is no chaos or crowds here, just serene beaches, jungle-covered mountains, and idyllic villages.
This is also a great place to enjoy some of Krabi’s best snorkeling and diving, as the ocean around the Island is teeming with marine life.
Overall, Koh Jum is the perfect place to relax and recharge. You can spend your days lounging on the beach, hiking through the jungle, or kayaking around the Island.
And when you’re ready for some social interaction, head to one of the Island’s small restaurants or bars for a cold beer and some fresh seafood.
7. Koh Gai
Want to get away from the crowds but don’t want to miss out on Krabi’s famous limestone cliffs? Then head to Koh Gai, one of Krabi’s lesser-known islands.
This small Island, also known as Chicken Island, is located just off the coast of Krabi town and is accessible by longtail boat.
The Island gets its name from its unique rock formations, which are said to resemble a chicken head.
The Island is uninhabited and boasts beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Krabi town and soak up some sun.
But Chicken Island is more than just a pretty face. The Island is also home to a number of interesting coral reefs, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
There are also several hiking trails that wind through the Island’s jungle, offering stunning views of the coast.
So if you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, Koh Gai is one of the best islands in Krabi to visit.
8. Koh Hong
One good thing about Krabi’s islands is that there’s something for everyone. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but some islands are better suited for certain activities than others. For example, if you’re looking for an island perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking, Koh Hong is the place for you.
This beautiful paradise is shielded from the open sea by a ring of limestone cliffs, making the water calm and crystal clear. It’s an uninhabited island, so you can expect to find plenty of peace and quiet here. The beaches are also some of the best in Krabi, with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s plenty to explore on the Island as well. There are a number of hiking trails that wind through the jungle, leading to hidden coves and secluded beaches. There’s also a small lagoon on the Island that’s perfect for swimming.
Most tourists visit Koh Hong with tour companies that include the Island in their day trips. The tour includes stopovers for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking, as well as a delicious lunch on the beach. So if you’re looking for an active day of exploring, Koh Hong should be high on your list.
9. Bamboo Island
Let’s now move on to Bamboo Island, which is located in the Phi Islands archipelago. Bamboo Island is a small island, measuring just 700 meters long. And as the name suggests, the Island is covered in dense bamboo forests. So it’s not that tropical.
The beach on Bamboo Island is nothing short of stunning, with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. And because the Island is small and flat, you can walk around the entire Island in just an hour or two. This means that you can easily find a secluded spot on the beach to relax and soak up the sun.
There are no accommodations or restaurants on Bamboo Island, so you’ll need to bring your own food and water. And because there’s no shelter on the Island, make sure to pack some sunscreen and hats to protect you from the sun.
Accessing the beach will cost you around 400 THB (11 USD). But it’s worth it for the pay as this is one of the most beautiful and secluded islands in Krabi. Plus, it receives far fewer visitors than some other islands on this list. So it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
10. Koh Ngai
Another one of the most beloved Krabi islands is Koh Ngai, a small island located just off the coast of Koh Lanta. This idyllic Island is home to white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush jungle.
The Island is just five square kilometers, so it’s easy to get around. You can spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the sea, admiring the corals, or exploring the many hiking trails that wind their way through the jungle. When you’re ready for a break from all the adventuring, head to one of the Island’s restaurants for some fresh seafood.
A few resorts on Koh Ngai offer accommodation, but the Island is mostly undeveloped. That said, there are a few bungalows and guesthouses if you’re looking for something more rustic.
Koh Ngai is one of Krabi’s best-kept secrets, but it won’t be secret for long. So if you’re looking for a truly unspoiled island, hurry before it’s discovered by the masses. This is where you come to escape the crowds and really disconnect from the world.
11. Koh Tub and Koh Mor
For travelers looking to get off the beaten path, the small islands of Koh Tub and Koh Mor are well worth a visit. These two uninhabited islands are located just off the coast of Krabi and can be easily reached by longtail boats.
These two islands are very popular because when the tide is low, a natural sandbar is exposed that connects the two islands. This makes for a great place to sunbathe, swim, and explore. It’s also a lot of fun just to walk from one Island to the other. In addition to the sandbar, Koh Tub and Koh Mor are also home to some of Krabi’s best snorkeling and diving.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb to the top of either Island for some stunning views of the coastline below. And if time permits, you can make your way to the chicken island (Koh Gai), which is just a short walk on the shallow water from these islands.
You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to get to Koh Tub and Koh Mor, but it’s well worth it. These two islands are some of the most unique and beautiful places in Krabi. Just remember to carry plenty of sunscreen and water, as there is no shade on these islands.
12. Koh Yao Noi
I saved the best for last! In my opinion, Koh Yao Noi is one of the best Islands in Krabi if you’re looking for a truly authentic Thai experience. This Island is located between Krabi and Phuket, and it’s still largely undeveloped. But that’s part of its charm.
Koh Yao Noi is a beautiful island with plenty of jungle-covered hills and limestone cliffs. And while there are a few beaches on the Island, they’re nothing compared to some other islands in Krabi. I say this because the beaches on this are still relatively untouched by tourism. And this makes them more special.
But what really makes Koh Yao Noi unique is its people. The locals here are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. And because the Island is still relatively undeveloped, you really get a sense of what Thai life is like.
When it comes to accommodation, Koh Yao Noi has a wide range of options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. The most popular luxury resort on the Island is the Six Senses Yao Noi, which features private pools and villas.
In Summary
Krabi is home to some of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. So if you’re looking for amazing beaches, azure waters, and lush jungles, Krabi should be high on your list. And while all of Krabi’s islands are worth visiting, these 12 islands are the best of the best. So pack your bags and head to Krabi for an unforgettable island-hopping adventure.