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View all Krabi toursHong Islands Emerald Lagoon and 360-Degree Viewpoint Day Trip in Krabi
Slip into Hong Island's hidden emerald lagoon, climb to the 360-degree cliff viewpoint and swim off quiet beaches, all with far less boat time than Phi Phi.
Highlights
- Enter Hong Lagoon through its narrow cliff passage
- Climb to the 360-degree island viewpoint
- Swim at the photogenic Koh Lao Lading beach
- Snorkel over sheltered reef in calm water
- Shorter crossings than the Phi Phi day trips
Full description
The Hong archipelago sits a short run north of Ao Nang, which is exactly why it makes such a good day out. You spend less of the day crossing open water and more of it in the water itself, drifting between limestone islands that rise almost vertically out of a shallow, unusually clear sea.
The centrepiece is the lagoon at the heart of Hong Island, reached through a narrow gap in the rock that opens into a still, green pool ringed by cliffs. Later the boat calls at the island's main beach, from where a stepped trail climbs to a platform with an uninterrupted view across the whole cluster of islands and the channels between them.
Smaller stops fill out the day: Lao Lading with its curved beach and leaning cliff face, and quiet snorkelling spots where the crew know the coral is still healthy. Lunch is included and the pace stays relaxed throughout.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Hotel pickup
Transfer from your hotel to the departure pier and short safety briefing.
Koh Lao Lading
Swim and photo stop at a small beach beneath an overhanging limestone wall.
Hong Lagoon
Enter the enclosed emerald lagoon through the gap in the cliffs and swim in the sheltered water.
Hong Island beach and lunch
Lunch on the main beach with free time to swim or snorkel from the shore.
360-degree viewpoint
Guided climb up the stepped trail to the panoramic viewpoint above the islands.
Return transfer
Boat back to the pier and drop-off at your hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
Pickups begin around 08:30 and the boat leaves the pier once everyone has been briefed. The first stop, roughly an hour later, is Lao Lading, a small crescent of sand where most people swim straight off the boat.
By late morning you reach Hong Lagoon. The entrance is a narrow slot in the rock, and the water inside is shallow, still and distinctly green. After a swim the boat moves round to the main beach, where lunch is served around noon and there is time to snorkel from the shore.
Early afternoon is reserved for the viewpoint climb. The trail is short but steep, with steps and handrails most of the way, and the platform at the top looks out over the whole archipelago. The boat starts back around 15:00, reaching hotels in the late afternoon.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Speedboat transfers between islands
- English-speaking guide
- Lunch
- Drinking water and soft drinks
- Snorkelling equipment
- Life jackets
- Insurance
Excludes
- National park entrance fee
- Towels
- Alcohol
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Important information
Meeting point
Hotel pickup in Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara or Krabi Town
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts
About this activity
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Traveler Reviews
We did Phi Phi earlier in the week and this was better, mostly because you are not spending four hours getting there and back. The hidden lagoon is reached through a narrow gap in the rock and the water inside is a flat, milky green. Climbing the 360-degree viewpoint takes about twenty minutes of steps and metal ladders.
The viewpoint is the reason to book this over the standard island day. From the top you can see the lagoon on one side and the sandbars on the other, and there is a proper platform to stand on. Take a small towel because you will be dripping by the top.
Seven hours split nicely between swimming, the lagoon and the climb. The beaches on the far side of Hong were almost empty at midday. Guide explained how the lagoon fills and drains with the tide, which we could see happening.
Water in the lagoon was warm and calm, easy for my mother who is not a strong swimmer. There is a boardwalk section and then real steps for the viewpoint so decent shoes help. Fruit and water were provided throughout.
The lagoon and the viewpoint were both excellent. The climb is genuinely steep and hot, so anyone with knee trouble should know that before booking. Everything else about the day was well managed.
We arrived at the lagoon early enough that there were only two other boats, and by the time we left there were ten. Ask for the earliest departure if you can. The green colour really is that saturated in the morning light.
Much less boat time than the Phi Phi trips and you still get the postcard scenery. Snorkelling was fine rather than spectacular, but the lagoon and the viewpoint carry the day. Good sized group of about fourteen.