How Much Does a Hong Islands Tour Cost?
If you are planning to visit the stunning Hong Islands in Thailand, you might be wondering how much does a Hong Islands tour cost. The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of tour, the duration, the season, and the inclusions. In this blog post, I will help you find the best Hong Islands tour for your budget and preferences. I will also share some tips and tricks to save money and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Whether you want to explore the islands by speedboat, longtail boat, or kayak, I have the answer for you.
The average cost of a Hong Islands tour is about 1,500 Thai Baht (THB) per person, which is equivalent to $45 USD. However, the price can vary depending on the type of tour, the duration, the season, and the inclusions. The most common types of tours are speedboat tours, longtail boat tours, and kayak tours. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as different prices and schedules.
In this blog post, I will compare the different types of Hong Islands tours and help you choose the best one for your needs. I will also give you some useful information about the Hong Islands, such as their history, geography, wildlife, and attractions. You will learn what to expect from each island, what to pack, what to do, and what to avoid. By the end of this post, you will be ready to book your Hong Islands tour and have an amazing time in this paradise. So, keep reading and discover the secrets of the Hong Islands.
How Much Does a Hong Islands Tour Cost
The Hong Islands are a group of four islands in the Andaman Sea, located about 25 kilometers from the coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand. They are part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, which covers an area of 121 square kilometers and protects a rich diversity of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The Hong Islands are famous for their natural beauty, pristine beaches, crystal clear water, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and lagoons. They are also home to various wildlife species, such as monkeys, hornbills, sea eagles, and monitor lizards.
If you are looking for a relaxing and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of Krabi town or Ao Nang beach, the Hong Islands are a perfect choice. You can spend a day exploring the islands by boat, kayak, or snorkel, and enjoy the stunning views and tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit some of the attractions on the islands, such as the Hong Lagoon, which is a hidden lake surrounded by limestone cliffs that can only be accessed by a narrow opening at low tide. Or you can relax on the white sand beach of Koh Hong, which is the largest and most popular island in the group.
But how much does a Hong Islands tour cost? And what are the best ways to experience the islands? As I said previously, a typical Hong Islands tour cost is about 1,500 Thai baht or $45. But it ultimately depends on the type of tour, duration, season or inclusions. In the following paragraphs, I will delve deeper into how much a Hong Islands tour would cost depending on the type of tour.
Speedboat Tours
If you want to visit the Hong Islands in the shortest time possible, speedboat tours are the best option for you. Speedboat tours are the fastest and most convenient way to explore the islands, as they can reach the destinations in less than half an hour. You can also cover more islands and attractions in one day, such as Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, and Koh Rai. Speedboat tours are also more comfortable and spacious than longtail boats, and they usually provide snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and lunch for the guests.
However, speedboat tours also have some disadvantages. First of all, they are the most expensive way to visit the Hong Islands, as they can cost up to 2,000 THB ($60 USD) per person. Second, they are not very eco-friendly, as they produce a lot of noise and pollution that can disturb the wildlife and damage the coral reefs. Third, they are not very suitable for people who suffer from motion sickness or back problems, as they can be very bumpy and jumpy on the waves. Fourth, they are not very flexible, as they have fixed schedules and routes that cannot be changed according to your preferences.
Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of speedboat tours:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast and convenient | Expensive |
| Comfortable and spacious | Not eco-friendly |
| More islands and attractions | Not suitable for some people |
| Snorkeling equipment and lunch provided | Not flexible |
Here are some examples of speedboat tours that you can book online:
- One-Day Tour at Hong Islands by Speedboat from Krabi: This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, a full-day excursion to Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, and Koh Rai, a beach buffet lunch, drinking water and fruit, a tour guide, first aid kit, accident insurance, and snorkeling equipment. The price is $47.75 USD per person. However, you have to pay an extra 300 THB ($9 USD) per adult or 100 THB ($3 USD) per child for the national park fee.
- Hong Island Speed Boat Tour by Sea Eagle from Krabi: This tour includes hotel round trip transfer from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, a full-day adventure to Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, and Koh Rai, lunch package, drinking water and fruit, a tour guide, first aid kit, accident insurance, and snorkeling equipment. The price is $37.70 USD per person. The national park fee is also not included in this tour.
- Private Tour Hong Islands from Krabi & Ao Nang: This tour allows you to charter a private speedboat for up to 12 people. You can customize your itinerary according to your preferences. You can choose to visit Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, Koh Rai, or other nearby islands. You can also decide how long you want to stay at each island. The tour includes hotel transfers, soft drinks & water, snorkeling equipment, and travel insurance. The price is $318.72 USD per group (up to 2). The national park fee and lunch are not included in this tour.
Longtail Boat Tours
If you want to visit the Hong Islands in a more authentic and affordable way, longtail boat tours are the best option for you. Longtail boats are wooden boats with a long propeller shaft that are commonly used by local fishermen and villagers in Thailand. They are slower and less comfortable than speedboats, but they have their own charm and character. You can enjoy the scenic views of the islands and the sea at a leisurely pace, and feel closer to nature and the local culture.
Longtail boat tours are also the cheapest way to visit the Hong Islands, as they can cost as low as 500 THB ($15 USD) per person. You can also find some tours that include kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking activities for a slightly higher price. Longtail boat tours usually provide lunch, drinking water, fruit, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment for the guests. However, they do not include the national park fee, which is 300 THB ($9 USD) per adult or 100 THB ($3 USD) per child.
However, longtail boat tours also have some disadvantages. First of all, they are slower and less stable than speedboats, which means they can take longer to reach the destinations and can be affected by the weather and the waves. They can also be noisy and smoky, which can be annoying for some people. Second, they are less spacious and comfortable than speedboats, which means they can be crowded and cramped. They also have no toilets or showers on board, which can be inconvenient for some people. Third, they are less flexible than speedboats, as they have fixed schedules and routes that cannot be changed according to your preferences.
Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of longtail boat tours:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap and affordable | Slow and unstable |
| Authentic and charming | Noisy and smoky |
| Close to nature and culture | Crowded and cramped |
| Lunch and snorkeling equipment provided | No toilets or showers |
| Kayaking, snorkeling, or hiking activities available | Not flexible |
Here are some examples of longtail boat tours that you can book online:
- Hong Islands Longtail Boat Tour with Kayak Paddling: This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off from Ao Nang, a full-day excursion to Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, and Koh Rai, a beach buffet lunch, drinking water and fruit, a tour guide, first aid kit, accident insurance, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. The price is $56.24 USD per person.
- Hong Islands Day Tour and 360 Viewpoint by Longtail Boat From Krabi: This tour includes hotel round trip transfer from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, a full-day adventure to Hong Island, Hong Lagoon, Koh Pakbia, Koh Lading, Koh Rai, and 360 Viewpoint on Koh Pakbia Island (a short hike), lunch package, drinking water and fruit, life jacket, snorkeling mask. The price is $38.46 USD per person.
- Krabi: Hong Islands Longtail Boat Tour with Kayak & Viewpoint: This tour provides hotel pickup from Krabi Town or Ao Nang (except Railay Beach), a full-day journey to Hong Island by longtail boat with stops at Koh Daeng for snorkeling and Pak Bia Island or Koh Lao La Ding for relaxing on the beach (depending on the tide), a Thai lunch on Hong Island with free time to explore or kayak around the island (kayak rental not included), a visit to Hong Lagoon by kayak (kayak rental included), a panoramic view of the sea from 360 Viewpoint on Koh Pakbia Island (a short hike). The price is $44.25 USD per person.
Kayak Tours
If you want to visit the Hong Islands in a more active and environmentally friendly way, kayak tours are the best option for you. Kayak tours allow you to paddle your own kayak around the islands, exploring the hidden lagoons, caves, and mangrove forests that are inaccessible by boat. You can also get closer to the wildlife and the coral reefs, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the nature. Kayak tours are also more flexible than boat tours, as you can choose your own pace and route, and stop whenever you want.
Kayak tours are also more affordable than speedboat tours, but more expensive than longtail boat tours. They can cost between 800 THB ($24 USD) to 1,500 THB ($45 USD) per person. Kayak tours usually include hotel transfers, lunch, drinking water, fruit, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. However, they do not include the national park fee, which is 300 THB ($9 USD) per adult or 100 THB ($3 USD) per child.
However, kayak tours also have some disadvantages. First of all, they require more physical effort and stamina than boat tours, which means they can be tiring and challenging for some people. They can also be affected by the weather and the tide, which can make paddling harder or easier. Second, they require more skills and experience than boat tours, which means they can be risky and dangerous for some people. You have to know how to control your kayak, how to deal with waves and currents, how to avoid obstacles and collisions, and how to rescue yourself or others in case of emergency. Third, they require more time and planning than boat tours, which means they can be less convenient and spontaneous for some people. You have to book your tour in advance, check the weather and the tide conditions, pack your essentials and valuables in waterproof bags, and follow the safety instructions and rules.
Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of kayak tours:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adventurous and fun | Tiring and challenging |
| Eco-friendly and quiet | Risky and dangerous |
| Flexible and independent | Time-consuming and planning-intensive |
| Affordable and value-for-money | National park fee not included |
| Lunch and snorkeling equipment provided | Skills and experience required |
Here are some examples of kayak tours that you can book online:
- Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane & Optional Full-Day Hong Island: This tour offers hotel pickup from Krabi Town or Ao Nang (except Railay Beach), a half-day or full-day kayaking adventure in Ao Thalane Bay with stops at mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, caves, lagoons, canyons, wildlife habitats (monkeys, birds, crabs), a Thai lunch at a local restaurant (full-day option only), an optional visit to Hong Island by longtail boat (full-day option only), drinking water and fruit (full-day option only), a tour guide with basic English (full-day option only), accident insurance (full-day option only), kayaking equipment. The price is $28.50 USD per person for the half-day option or $56.24 USD per person for the full-day option.
- Hong Island Tour by Longtail Boat with Snorkeling & Kayaking: This tour includes hotel round trip transfer from Krabi Town or Ao Nang (except Railay Beach), a full-day excursion to Hong Island by longtail boat with stops at Koh Daeng for snorkeling and Pak Bia Island or Koh Lao La Ding for relaxing on the beach (depending on the tide), a Thai lunch on Hong Island with free time to explore or kayak around the island (kayak rental not included), a visit to Hong Lagoon by kayak (kayak rental included), drinking water and fruit. The price is $52.66 USD per person.
- Hong Islands Sunset + Bioluminescent Plankton Trip From Krabi: This tour provides hotel pickup from Krabi Town or Ao Nang (except Railay Beach), a full-day journey to Hong Island by longtail boat with stops at Koh Daeng for snorkeling and Pak Bia Island or Koh Lao La Ding for relaxing on the beach (depending on the tide), a Thai lunch on Hong Island with free time to explore or kayak around the island (kayak rental not included), a visit to Hong Lagoon by kayak (kayak rental included), a sunset dinner on Pak Bia Island with barbecue seafood or vegetarian options (depending on availability), a night snorkeling session with bioluminescent plankton (snorkeling equipment included). The price is $46.89 USD per person.
As you can see, the price can vary depending on the type of tour you choose.
How to Find the Best Deals on Hong Islands Tours
If you want to visit the Hong Islands without breaking the bank, you need to know how to find the best deals on Hong Islands tours. There are many factors that can affect the price and quality of the tours, such as the type of tour, the duration, the season, the inclusions, and the booking platform. In this section, I will give you some tips and tricks on where to look, when to book, and what to compare when searching for the best Hong Islands tours.
Where to Look
There are many places where you can look for Hong Islands tours, such as online travel agencies, local tour operators, hotel desks, or even at the pier. However, not all of them offer the same deals and services. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
- Online travel agencies: These are websites that sell tours from different tour operators, such as Viator, Tripadvisor, or KAYAK. The pros of using online travel agencies are that you can compare prices and reviews from different sources, book in advance and secure your spot, pay with your preferred method (credit card, PayPal, etc.), and get customer support and cancellation policy. The cons are that you may pay higher fees or commissions than booking directly with the tour operator, you may not get the exact tour or boat that you booked (depending on availability), and you may have to print or show your voucher or confirmation code at the pier.
- Local tour operators: These are companies that operate their own tours or boats, such as My Thailand Tours, Sea Eagle Tour, or Krabi Spesialisten. The pros of using local tour operators are that you can get lower prices or discounts than booking through online travel agencies, you can get more information and details about the tour or boat that you will get, and you can support the local economy and community. The cons are that you may have to book in person or by phone or email (which can be inconvenient or unreliable), you may have to pay in cash or with a limited choice of payment methods, and you may have less customer support or cancellation policy.
- Hotel desks: These are counters or kiosks at your hotel lobby or reception that sell tours from different tour operators. The pros of using hotel desks are that you can book easily and conveniently at your hotel, you can get recommendations and advice from the hotel staff, and you can get free pickup and drop-off service from your hotel. The cons are that you may pay higher prices or commissions than booking directly with the tour operator or online travel agency, you may have limited choices of tours or boats (depending on the hotel’s partnerships), and you may have less flexibility or control over your booking.
- Pier: This is where you can book directly with the boat drivers or captains at the pier where the boats depart from. The pros of using this option are that you can get the lowest prices or bargains (if you know how to negotiate), you can see the actual boat that you will board, and you can book last-minute or spontaneously. The cons are that you may have to deal with crowds or touts at the pier, you may have no guarantee or reservation for your spot (especially during peak season), and you may have no customer support or cancellation policy.
When to Book
The best time to book your Hong Islands tour depends on several factors, such as the season, the demand, and the availability. Here are some general guidelines on when to book:
- Season: The high season for visiting the Hong Islands is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear. The low season is from May to October, when the weather is rainy and cloudy, and the sea is rough and murky. The peak season is from December to January, when there are many tourists and holidaymakers. The best time to book your Hong Islands tour is during the low season or the shoulder season (the months before or after the high season), when there are fewer tourists and lower prices. However, you also have to consider the weather and sea conditions, which can affect your safety and enjoyment. You should avoid booking during the peak season or major holidays (such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, Songkran Festival), when there are many tourists and higher prices.
- Demand: The demand for Hong Islands tours depends on several factors, such as the popularity of the destination, the number of tourists in Krabi or Phuket, and the events or festivals in Thailand. The higher the demand, the higher the prices and lower availability. The lower demand means lower prices and higher availability. The best time to book your Hong Islands tour is when there is low demand for it. You can check online reviews, ratings, or rankings to see how popular the destination is. You can also check the tourist arrivals or occupancy rates in Krabi or Phuket to see how busy the area is. You can also check the calendar of events or festivals in Thailand to see if there are any special occasions that may attract more tourists.
- Availability: The availability of Hong Islands tours depends on several factors, such as the number of tours or boats operating, the capacity or size of the tours or boats, and the regulations or restrictions of the national park. The higher the availability, the lower the prices and higher the chances of getting your spot. The lower availability means higher prices and lower chances of getting your spot. The best time to book your Hong Islands tour is when there is high availability for it. You can check online websites, brochures, or flyers to see how many tours or boats are operating. You can also check the specifications, features, or photos of the tours or boats to see how big or small they are. You can also check the rules, policies, or fees of the national park to see if there are any limitations or requirements for visiting the islands.
What to Compare
The best way to find the best deals on Hong Islands tours is to compare different options and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Here are some aspects that you should compare when looking for Hong Islands tours:
- Price: This is the most obvious and important factor to compare when looking for Hong Islands tours. You should compare not only the base price of the tour, but also the inclusions and exclusions, such as transportation, guide, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, national park fee, etc. You should also compare the payment methods, fees, commissions, taxes, etc. that may affect the final price of the tour. You should look for tours that offer value-for-money, meaning that they provide good quality and service for a reasonable price.
- Duration: This is another important factor to compare when looking for Hong Islands tours. You should compare not only the total duration of the tour, but also the breakdown of time spent on each island or activity, such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, etc. You should also compare the departure and return time of the tour, and how they fit with your schedule and plans. You should look for tours that offer enough time to enjoy each island or activity, without being too rushed or too long.
- Type: This is another important factor to compare when looking for Hong Islands tours. You should compare not only the type of boat (speedboat, longtail boat, kayak), but also the type of tour (group tour, private tour, customized tour), and how they affect your experience and comfort. You should also compare the features and facilities of each boat or tour, such as speed, stability, noise, pollution, space, comfort, toilet, shower, etc. You should look for tours that offer your preferred type of boat or tour, depending on your budget and preferences.
- Reviews: This is another important factor to compare when looking for Hong Islands tours. You should compare not only the ratings and scores of each tour or boat on online platforms (such as Viator, Tripadvisor, KAYAK), but also the feedback and comments from previous customers who have taken the tour or boat. You should also compare the photos and videos of each tour or boat that are posted by customers or operators on online platforms or social media. You should look for tours that have positive reviews and testimonials from customers who have enjoyed their experience and service.
By following these tips and tricks on where to look, when to book, and what to compare when searching for Hong Islands tours, you can find the best deals on Hong Islands tours that suit your needs and preferences. Remember to do your research well before booking your Hong Islands tour, and enjoy your trip to this paradise island group in Thailand.
What’s Included in a Hong Islands Tour
One of the most important things to consider when booking a Hong Islands tour is what’s included in the price of the tour. Depending on the type of tour, the duration, the season, and the operator, you may get different inclusions and exclusions in your Hong Islands tour. In this section, I will give you an overview of the common inclusions and exclusions that you can expect from a Hong Islands tour.
Transportation
The first thing that’s usually included in a Hong Islands tour is transportation. This means that you will get hotel pickup and drop-off service from your accommodation in Krabi Town or Ao Nang (except Railay Beach), and boat transfer to and from the islands. The type of boat may vary depending on the type of tour, but it can be either a speedboat, a longtail boat, or a kayak. Some tours may also include a van transfer to and from the pier where the boats depart from.
Guide
The second thing that’s usually included in a Hong Islands tour is a guide. This means that you will get a professional and licensed tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. The guide will provide you with information and commentary about the islands, the attractions, the wildlife, and the culture. The guide will also assist you with any questions or issues that you may have during the tour. The guide may speak English or other languages, depending on the operator and availability.
Lunch
The third thing that’s usually included in a Hong Islands tour is lunch. This means that you will get a meal during the tour, either on one of the islands or on the boat. The type of meal may vary depending on the operator and availability, but it can be either a buffet lunch, a lunch package, or a barbecue dinner. The meal may include Thai or international dishes, such as rice, noodles, curry, chicken, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, etc. The meal may also include drinking water and soft drinks.
Snorkeling
The fourth thing that’s usually included in a Hong Islands tour is snorkeling. This means that you will get snorkeling equipment, such as mask, snorkel, fins, and life jacket. You will also get to snorkel at some of the best spots around the islands, where you can see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Some tours may also include kayaking equipment or other activities, such as hiking or swimming.
National Park Fee
One thing that’s typically not included in a Hong Islands tour is the national park fee. This means that you will have to pay an extra fee to enter the Than Bok Khorani National Park, which covers the Hong Islands and other nearby islands. The fee is 300 THB ($9 USD) per adult or 100 THB ($3 USD) per child. You will have to pay this fee at the point of entry, either at the pier or on one of the islands. Some tours may include this fee in their price, but you should always check before booking.
Other Things
There are some other things that may or may not be included in a Hong Islands tour, depending on the operator and availability. These things include:
- Insurance: Some tours may include accident insurance or travel insurance for their guests.
- First aid kit: Some tours may include a first aid kit for emergency situations.
- Fruit: Some tours may include fresh fruit as a snack or dessert.
- Towel: Some tours may include a towel for drying off after snorkeling or swimming.
- Shower: Some tours may include access to a shower facility on one of the islands or on the boat.
- Souvenir: Some tours may include a souvenir or gift for their guests.
Here is a table that summarizes what’s included and what’s not included in a typical Hong Islands tour:
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Transportation | National park fee |
| Guide | Insurance |
| Lunch | First aid kit |
| Snorkeling | Fruit |
| Kayaking (optional) | Towel |
| Hiking (optional) | Shower |
| Swimming (optional) | Souvenir |
By knowing what’s included and what’s not included in a Hong Islands tour, you can plan your budget and expectations accordingly. You can also compare different tours and operators and choose the one that offers the best value and service for your money. Remember to check the details and fine print of each tour before booking your Hong Islands tour, and enjoy your trip to this paradise island group in Thailand.
