Thailand Beaches Day 3: Hong Island

This post is part of a larger trip report from my 17 day trip to Thailand (Krabi, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Bangkok) and Hong Kong!

1. Using Miles to Book Flights on American Airlines Home from Hong Kong
2. Using Miles to Book Flights on Continental to Thailand
3. Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort Review
4. Thailand Beaches Day 1: Phi Phi Excursion
5. Thailand Beaches Day 2 & 4: Railey Beach
6. Thailand Beaches Day 3: Hong Island
7. Massages and Dining in Ao Nang, Krabi
8. Northern Thailand – First Stop Chiang Mai
9. Three Day Trek and the Golden Triangle
10. Spending New Years Eve in Chiang Mai
11. Wandering Around Chiang Mai
12. Le Meridien Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Hotel Review
13. Aloft Bangkok Hotel Review
14. Temples, Activities, and Dinning in Bangkok
15. Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel Review
16. Things to do in Hong Kong
17. A Day in Macau

On our third day in Krabi, we hired a private longtail boat to take us to Hong Island. We met another couple on our excursion a few days prior so ended up coordinating this excursion with them. The only way to get to Hong Island is by hiring a private long tail boat. The benefit of staying at the Sheraton is that you were actually not too far from Hong Island and hiring a boat was less expensive than in Ao Nang. From the Sheraton it was 1600 baht ($55) for 2 people or 2000 baht ($67) for 4. From Ao Nang they charge a flat 2500 baht ($83) for up to 6 people.

From the Sheraton, you just walk right up to the water activities desk at the beach and they’ll get you a private boat in no time. I negotiated with the Sheraton for snorkeling gear as they wanted to charge us something ridiculous and they eventually matched the price that you could get it for from the boat operators in Ao Nang. In hindsight, we actually didn’t even need it as the water was really murky.

Our first stop was Hong Lagoon where we swam off the boat in about shoulder deep water. The lagoon was crystal clear and again another breathtaking site to see.

The lagoons in Thailand are beautiful as they have aqua water and are surrounded by these massive limestone rock formations.

After swimming around in the lagoon (which was free of other boats), we headed over to Hong Island Beach. Since the only way to get there is by a private boat (no group tours go here), there are not as many tourists and provides for a non-crowded relaxing day. Before going, we were told by the Sheraton reception and a friend who had been there a few days previously that there is no food on the island so to make sure you bring a bunch of snacks. Unlike Phra Nang Bay in Railey, no longtail food vendor boats are allowed. So before going, I went to the 7-11 right outside of the Sheraton and stalked up on bunch of snacks and sandwiches to hold us over for the day. However, once we got there, we noticed this little shack a little inland that was in fact selling food! They had a bunch of Thai food on the menu, which was great – clearly we opted for some Thai food then 7-11 sandwiches! The food shack is not publicized and you have to ask for a menu. It seems to be a little shady of an operation, but we were happy! My assumption is no food vendor are allowed on the island.

We attempted to go snorkeling, but the water was a little murky and we could not see much. We spent the day walking around the island, wading in the water, and laying on the beach.

The private longtail boats lined up along the beach.

Hong Island

On our way back from Hong Island, we convinced our driver to take us to one more island. He was great and took us to this uninhabited island with a small sandbar. We only stayed about 45 minutes due to the high seas that were rolling in. We were actually the only people on the island, which was pretty cool!

Mr. Deals was even able to find himself a bamboo hammock to relax!

I absolutely loved our day going to Hong Island and it was nice being able to be on our own timing and not having to do a tour. The beaches were beautiful, the lagoon was great, and the lack of other people was nice and refreshing! I’d highly recommend going! Also, if you stay at the Ritz Phulay Bay or the Sofitel, they have a private boat that will take you there (I know the Phulay Bay boat is complimentary).