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.
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.
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.
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…
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! 🙂
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Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Thailand is awesome! I love the tips, what is the price that you paid for this trip?
Been to Phi Phi Lei — looks like need to try some a little more south. Great pics, by the way!
Thanks Scott! 🙂
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.
Oh wow! Sea urchins can be pretty scary!
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.
Oh wow, I can see what it brings back so many emotions. Hopefully you will be able to go back one day though.
Chicken Island. LOL I love the looks of that Cave Bay, really stunning! Glad you had such a great time, the beach suits you.
Thanks Melody! 😀
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. 😉
Haha!!! Thanks Howard! 😉
Beautiful photos and nice reminder about shopping around for better tour prices. You must have been tired, glad you got some nap time in. 🙂
Thanks Debra! 😉
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.
lol I definitely was!
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.
Glad you enjoyed it Megan 🙂
If you love Thailand, you should come to the Philippines, Vicki and Buddy!!!
It’s on my list! 😀