When you think of Thailand’s “paradise islands,” places like Phi Phi often come to mind. Unfortunately, these well-known spots can feel overrun by boats, exhaust fumes, and endless crowds. By the time I reached the end of my two-week adventure in Krabi, I was skeptical that any truly untouched island experiences still existed. That changed the moment I set foot on the Hong Islands.
Why the Hong Islands Are Special
The Hong Islands belong to Than Bok Khorani National Park, and the largest of them, Ko Hong, is a breathtaking mix of turquoise lagoons, powdery beaches, and jungle trails. Unlike the packed shores of Phi Phi, Ko Hong feels tranquil—especially later in the day when most day-trippers have already left.
I booked a “Hong Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner” for just €43, plus the 300 baht national park fee. It was the most affordable trip I took during my stay, so I didn’t expect much. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the highlights of my entire journey.
If you’re planning to go, bring cash for the entry fee, wear your swimsuit from the start (the first stop involves swimming), and pack a snack since dinner happens later in the evening.
First Stop: Hong Lagoon
We reached the lagoon by long-tail boat, gliding between limestone cliffs that seemed to rise straight out of the sea. The water was a soft, milky shade of turquoise that looked almost unreal. Swimming there, surrounded by jungle trees rooted in the shallows, felt like drifting through a hidden world.
Timing is important here—the lagoon is best visited at high tide. Luckily, our tour lined up perfectly, and the scenery was stunning.
Exploring Ko Hong
After the lagoon, the boat dropped us at a floating pier on Ko Hong. Most visitors were leaving by the time we arrived, which meant we practically had the island to ourselves. I took a short walk through the forest trail, spotting exotic birds, a giant spider, and even a monitor lizard.
Back at the beach, the scene was pure paradise: crystal-clear water, white sand, and silence broken only by waves. By 4 PM, it felt like we had the entire island to ourselves. This peacefulness was exactly what I had been hoping for—a chance to enjoy Thailand’s beauty without the chaos.
Dinner on Ko Lao Lading
As the afternoon ended, we continued to Ko Lao Lading, a much smaller island. Here the water was alive with schools of fish, and pacific reef herons darted into the shallows for easy catches. While our guide prepared a barbecue, we snorkeled and relaxed on the beach.
Dinner itself was far better than expected. The feast included chicken, squid, fresh fish, and corn—generous portions that tasted even better with the sea breeze. For the cost of the tour, the meal alone felt like a luxury.
Although we missed the sunset due to cooking delays, it hardly mattered. The evening atmosphere on the island was magical in its own way.
A Night Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
The final experience of the day was something truly unforgettable—swimming with bioluminescent plankton. Once it was completely dark, we jumped into the sea, and every movement created glowing sparks in the water. It was impossible to capture on camera, but sometimes the best memories don’t need photos. The sensation of being surrounded by tiny glowing lights is something I’ll never forget.
Final Thoughts
The Hong Islands were everything I had been searching for in Thailand: serene, unspoiled, and full of natural beauty. Unlike the overcrowded “paradise” destinations, these islands still carry that magical, untouched feeling. If you want to experience Krabi at its best, an evening tour to the Hong Islands should be at the top of your list.
