Four Island Railay Bay

About this trip

The Four Island Railay Bay trip is the classic Krabi day on the water, and for a lot of people it is the reason they came to Ao Nang in the first place. It links four of the closest and best known spots off this stretch of coast, adds Railay, and gives you most of the day to swim, snorkel and walk between islands on sand. The boat leaves at 09:00 and you are back around 14:30, roughly six hours, on either a traditional longtail or a speedboat.

What the day looks like

Pickup is between 08:00 and 08:30 and the boat departs at 09:00. Order depends on the tide, since one of the stops only works properly when the water is low.

Tup Island is the sandbar stop. At low tide a strip of sand rises out of the sea and links the island to its neighbors, and you can walk from one to the other with clear water on both sides of you. It is the photograph everyone takes home, and it exists for a few hours a day only, which is why the schedule is built around the tide rather than the clock.

Chicken Island gets its name from a limestone formation on one end that really does look like a chicken's head and neck once someone points it out. The water around it is one of the better snorkeling spots on the trip, so this is usually where masks come out properly.

Poda Island is the postcard: white sand, shallow clear water, limestone stacks offshore. It is a relaxing stop rather than an active one, and most groups spend a decent stretch here.

The trip finishes at Phra Nang Cave Beach and Railay Beach. Phra Nang has a Buddhist shrine at the cave where visitors leave offerings and pray for blessings, fertility in particular, and it is worth a quiet look before you swim. Railay itself is only reachable by boat, hemmed in by cliffs, and a good last stop before heading back.

Who this trip suits

This is the trip for a first visit to Krabi. It suits couples, families, groups of friends and anyone who wants to see a lot of the coast in one go without a long crossing. Children do it comfortably, since the water at most stops is shallow and calm on a normal day. It suits swimmers and non swimmers equally, because plenty of it is beach and sandbar rather than open water. If you are after a quieter, less visited itinerary, ask us about the Hong Islands instead.

What to bring

Swimwear under your clothes, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Sandals or water shoes are useful for the sandbar and the rocky edges. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets and drinking water are provided, so you do not need to bring your own gear. Bring cash for the national park entrance fee, which is not included, and for lunch and personal expenses, which are also not included. A dry bag for your phone is a good idea, since you will be getting in and out of a boat all day.

Good to know

The calmest, clearest months on this coast run roughly from November to April. May to October is the monsoon and the sea is more variable, though the trip still runs on many of those days. The program may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions.

Pickup is between 08:00 and 08:30 from Ao Nang and the surrounding areas. Tell us your hotel when you book and we will confirm the time and pickup point. One thing worth knowing in advance: guests staying at Railay itself visit three islands rather than four, because the trip picks you up and drops you within your own bay.

You can choose your boat. The longtail is the traditional shared open-air boat. The speedboat is faster, covered, and runs in smaller groups. There is also a private speedboat option for just your group with flexible timing, which is worth asking about if you are a family or a larger party and want the day on your own schedule.

The 4 Islands national park entrance fee is not included in the tour price. It is ฿200 per adult and ฿100 per child aged 4 to 11, charged per person.

Booking

Send us a message on WhatsApp with your dates, the number of adults and children, and the name of your hotel. We will confirm availability, tell you your pickup window, and let you know which boat suits your group. If you are staying at Railay, mention it, so we can explain how the three island version of the day works before you book.