11 Best Islands near Krabi

Bamboo Island (Koh Phai in Thai) is one of the 6 islands belonging to the small Phi Phi archipelago in southern Thailand’s Province of Krabi. Lying approximately 5 kilometres northeast off Koh Phi Phi Don, Bamboo Island is a tropical dream come true. It's only 600 metres wide and 700 metres above sea level at its tallest point. The island is entirely surrounded by a strip of white sand, and its central part is covered with lush vegetation, including Bamboo trees that gave its name to the island in its central part.

Ideal for a day trip, Bamboo Island hosts great snorkelling opportunities with the presence of superb coral reefs lying at a short distance off its shore, mostly on its western side. A small bar serves drinks and snacks. Day and overnight trips (sleeping in tents) are available from Koh Phi Phi Don, or you could visit the island on a Phi Phi day trip by speedboat from Phuket.

Chicken Island (also known as Koh Gai or Hua Khwan) is named after its strange rock formation.  The natural feature looks like the head and neck of an ostrich, chicken or similar member of the fowl family. 

One end of the island consists of steep cliffs, while the other end has beautiful beaches along a peninsula. At high tide, this peninsula gets flooded, creating a small island. There is no accommodation on Hua Khwan island, but you'll find excellent snorkelling opportunities in clear water that's rich in coral and marine life.

The Hong Islands are located 25 kilometres away from Ao Nang Beach on the mainland. Not to be confused with the other Koh Hong in Phang Nga Bay, these tiny islands are simply beautiful. It has spectacular beaches and hidden lagoons with shoals of colourful fish that literally eat out of your hand.

Go sea kayaking – quietly glide through shallow water and explore around caves inaccessible to larger boats. Permanent residents include sea eagles soaring above and starfish just below the surface. Limited camping facilities are available, though not easy to book. A National Park fee is applicable when visiting this island. If you take a tour, check if the fee is included in the price.

Koh Jum is an island with a mind-puzzling peculiarity that it has 2 names. The hilly northern part of the island is called Koh Pu (Crab Island), while the flat southern part is known as Koh Jum. 

Koh Jum remains the official name, yet it's good to know both names in case you have a conversation with one of the 1,500 residents (who take great pride in the fact that their home has 2 names) of this charming small island located right between Krabi Town and Koh Lanta.

Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 km south of Krabi Town. 

Koh Lanta's scenic beauty may not quite compete with some other areas in the province. However, if you're looking for complete peace and quiet away from the bustling tourist areas, with a few home comforts, head here!

Koh Pak Bia is a small island that belongs to the Koh Hong archipelago. Located right between Koh Yao Noi and Krabi coast, it's a popular destination for island-hoppers and day-trippers in search of a quiet place to spend a relaxing time. 

Koh Pak Bia’s situation toward the southern side of Phang Nga Bay makes its surrounding waters more emerald than turquoise, yet snorkelling at a short distance from its main beach allows visitors to see a great range of fish species.

Koh Poda is a small island around 1 km in diameter, covered in palm trees, and almost entirely encircled by a soft white-sand beach. It's located just 8 km offshore (around 25 minutes by boat) from Ao Nang.

A coral reef lies about 20 metres from the beach with a variety of sea life. The irresistible combination of excellent snorkelling, scenery and soft sand make the island a popular choice with snorkelers and day-trippers, but surprisingly, it's not crowded.

Koh Talu is a small island that rises to about 45 metres high with strange rock formations. Literally, the name "Talu" means "to pass through" and in the centre of the island is a 30-metre hole – the result of natural erosion. Talu Island is home to a large number of birds, especially swifts. 

Koh Tup and Koh Mor are 2 islands that offer easy snorkelling adventures. If the tide is low, you can walk along the white, sandy causeway from one island to the other.

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi are 2 large islands right in the middle of Phang Nga Bay between Phuket and Krabi. Together, they measure about 138 sq km. While fishing remains the predominant economic activity and way of life here, the islands are slowly opening up to tourism. 

Some innovative, community-driven eco-tours and small-scale, mostly family-run bungalows and resorts have been developed. They're a great place to enjoy nature and get a taste of local culture.

Phi Phi Islands are part of a marine national park that's one of the world's most unforgettable destinations. They are located southwest of the Krabi coastline. The stunning Phi Phi Don, the larger island, offers sheer limestone cliffs, fine-sand beaches and hidden coves. Not far away, coral gardens and deeper reefs are sensational for diving and snorkelling. 

There are no cars on Phi Phi, just simple small tracks that crisscross the island, so getting around is easy – simply take a local longtail boat or walk.