Island Hopping from Krabi: 2-Day Private Boat Tour in Thailand’s Andaman Sea

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Our Thailand adventure began with a blend of culture, fitness, and beachside bliss. We kicked things off in Phuket, where John reconnected with a lifelong friend and Muay Thai gym owner for a special training session before we set off to explore the southern coast. After an overnight stop in Phang Nga, we headed to Krabi for a longer stay, complete with white-sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a private boat charter that turned out to be the highlight of our trip.

Why We Chose a Private Boat Tour

To make the most of our time in the islands, we booked a two-day private speedboat tour through GetMyBoat. This allowed us to customize our itinerary, avoid the crowds, and reach off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Andaman Sea with ease.

Day One: Hong Island & Hidden Gems

Our first day of island-hopping started with calm waters, sunny skies, and a friendly crew ready to guide us through some of Krabi’s most picturesque islands.

Ko Lao Lading

Our first stop was Ko Lao Lading, a quiet paradise with limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and shaded beaches perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing. We arrived early and had the beach almost entirely to ourselves—a peaceful contrast to the long lines of boats arriving as we were leaving.

Koh Pakbia

Next, we visited Koh Pakbia, a small island with soft sandbars and calm, turquoise water. We snorkeled and relaxed under the sun before heading to our main destination for the day.

Hong Island

The crown jewel of the day, Hong Island features a breathtaking lagoon with waist-high water surrounded by towering limestone walls. Our crew served fresh pineapple and watermelon en route (though John’s fruit allergy made for a slightly dramatic moment!).

We swam through mangrove channels, shared a picnic lunch on the beach, and took a short nature walk across the island, passing the Tsunami Evacuation Point, a sobering reminder of the 2004 disaster. We ended our day back on the mainland just in time to explore Krabi Town in the evening.

Day Two: Phi Phi Island Adventure

We were up early the next day for our final adventure before flying to Chiang Mai that evening.

Tha Le Waek (Separated Sea)

Our first stop was Tha Le Waek, a natural sandbar that appears only at low tide, connecting two islands. We explored carefully, dodging coral and rocks to soak in the stunning views. Scraped feet were a small price to pay!

Monkey Beach

Though the monkeys were elusive, the beach’s crystal-clear waters offered some of the best snorkeling of the trip. We spotted a vibrant angelfish among the coral before heading to a nearby lagoon for shopping, beach massages, and more exploring.

Maya Bay

Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, was a surreal stop. While boats are no longer allowed to dock directly on the shore to protect the fragile ecosystem, we admired its pristine beauty from a respectful distance. The white sand, emerald cliffs, and protected marine life made it easy to see why this place is so iconic.

Snorkeling Stop & Chicken Island

Our final adventure included snorkeling in a secluded cove surrounded by schools of colorful fish. After a peaceful lunch on the boat, we cruised past Chicken Island for some quick photos before heading back to Krabi to catch our flight north.

Our two-day private boat tour through Krabi and Phuket’s surrounding islands was the absolute highlight of our Thailand itinerary. From discovering hidden beaches to swimming in clear lagoons and navigating natural sandbars, every moment felt like a dream.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between, island-hopping in the Andaman Sea is an experience not to be missed. A private charter through GetMyBoat gave us the flexibility and comfort to enjoy it all on our own terms, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.