Island tours in Thailand are a must, especially in the SE region. In this post, we offer tips so you get the most out of your island tour!

Experiencing A Four Island Tour From Ao Nang, Thailand

Island tours in Thailand are a must, especially in the SE region. In this post, we offer tips so you get the most out of your island tour!

 

Island Tours In Thailand

While spending time in Ao Nang, it’s easy to find tours of different islands in the area. There are literally vendors on every street corner. We found one we liked just down the street from the resort we were staying at. For 1,000 Baht (about $28) you are picked up and dropped off at your hotel, taken by longtail boat to four islands and a bay, and provided lunch, water, and fruit.

 

island tours in Thailand from Ao Nang
The longtail boat we rode on

 

Phra Nang Cave Bay

Our first stop was Phra Nang Cave Bay. The bay itself is gorgeous. You have time to swim around and explore the long stretch of beach. There is also a small cave where fisherman leave offerings to a mythical sea princess in hopes of successful fishing trips and a safe return home. Interestingly enough, you can also find many large wooden penises. These phallic offerings are supposed to help with fertility.

 

Phra Nang Cave Bay on a island tour in thailand
Phra Nang Cave Bay
Wooden penises in Thailand
Wooden penises in Thailand
Phra Nang Cave Bay
Phra Nang Cave Bay

 

Chicken Island and Tungming Island

Next we stopped by Chicken Island (you’ll see why it’s named that in a second) and Tungming Island. Chicken Island we just passed by to take pictures, but at Tungming we were given the opportunity to jump off the boat and snorkel. We weren’t quite up for snorkeling so we dozed on the boat.

 

Chicken Island Thailand
On our way to Chicken Island
Chicken Island
Chicken Island

 



 

Poda Island and Tup Island

The third and fourth islands were Poda Island and Tup Island. We had our buffet style lunch on Poda and were given time on both islands to swim and explore the beaches. It honestly felt like we were in a dream because the beaches were just so spectacular. The white sand and bright blue water were amazing. And although we were part of a group tour, since we were given time to explore we were able to wander off and find a section of beach that had no one on it. Again we dozed. Taking a nap under palm trees with the sound of waves crashing is the best thing in the world…

 

Poda Island and Tup Island
Poda Island and Tup Island
Poda Island and Tup Island
We loved the beaches here!

 

A Few Tips For Taking Island Tours In Thailand:

  • – Don’t purchase a tour from the first person you talk to; talk to a few because you may be able to find a lower price.
  • – If you have your own snorkel gear, bring it with you. Tour companies provide them, but we’re sure you’d prefer to use your own.
  • – Bring towels and a change of clothes in a waterproof bag. Getting in and out of the longboat while trying to time it right because of high waves can be tricky. One lady was half way up the ladder when a wave came by and completely soaked the bag she was holding.
  • – If you only put down a deposit when arranging your tour, have cash on hand for the remaining cost. There won’t be any ATMs in the area where the longboats take off from. You’ll also want cash for some smoothies and snacks sold on some of the islands.
  • – Bring sunblock!

 

Have you explored any of the islands in Southern Thailand? Which one was your favorite? We’d love to read your comments below! 🙂

 

Like this post? Pin it for later!

Island tours in Thailand are a must, especially in the SE region. In this post, we offer tips so you get the most out of your island tour!

 

Similar Posts

19 Comments

  1. Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Thailand is awesome! I love the tips, what is the price that you paid for this trip?

  2. Been to Phi Phi Lei — looks like need to try some a little more south. Great pics, by the way!

  3. I literally just got back from Ao nang and I agree, don’t say yes to the first person you talk to, there are lots of them offering things and you can get it lower.

    I loved snorkeling in Poda, there were lots of fish and all that but also those sea urchins were huge.

  4. This brings mixed emotions seeing this, I loved the area and left on early during Christmas seasonay because all the resorts were filled up for the holidays. On the plane ride back to Bangkok is when I heard that a major Tsunami had effected the region and entire Indian Ocean and I haven’t been back since. But I would love to see it whole and beautiful again some day.

    1. Oh wow, I can see what it brings back so many emotions. Hopefully you will be able to go back one day though.

  5. Chicken Island. LOL I love the looks of that Cave Bay, really stunning! Glad you had such a great time, the beach suits you.

  6. Vicky, am I the only travel writer who has not yet visited Thailand? Glad you and Buddy got to go. If the phallic offerings are not enticing enough, perhaps your lovely photos will encourage globetrotters to tour the southern islands. 😉

  7. Beautiful photos and nice reminder about shopping around for better tour prices. You must have been tired, glad you got some nap time in. 🙂

  8. Looks like a lovely way to explore Southern Thailand. I’d be a little taken aback by the giant penis offerings in the cave though lol.

  9. Looks like a great tour. I’d love to visit Phra Nang Cave Bay. It looks absolutely beautiful. Definitely need to get to Thailand one of these days. Thanks for sharing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.