Chicken Island: best day trips and tours from Krabi

Chicken Island is also known as Koh Kai, Koh Gai or Koh Hua Khwan.

This small and unusual-looking island is situated just south of Poda and Tup Islands, about 30 minutes by longtail boat from the west coast of Krabi.

Koh Kai received its more commonly known name, Chicken Island, because of a large rock formation that undoubtedly resembles the head and neck of a chicken.

This page contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through a link, we may receive a very small commission at no additional cost to you, you can read our affiliate disclosure.

Koh Kai is somewhat of a local landmark; on one side, there are sheer cliffs that are covered in vegetation, while the other side boasts a beautiful beach.

What makes this spot so different from the other islands around Krabi is witnessed on low tide when a sandbar emerges from the water.

This sandbar connects Chicken Island to the two smaller islands of Koh Mor and Tup Island, in effect making the three islands become one.

This picturesque and unique occurrence is commonly referred to as Talay Waek.

When the tide is low, you can walk across the Y-shaped sandbar from Koh Kai to the other islands of Koh Mor on the left or Tup on the right.

The whole area is simply stunning with panoramic views of the Krabi coastline in the background.

Snorkeling around the waters is fantastic with spectacular coral reefs and an abundance of tropical fish.

This is just one of the islands you get to visit if you do the Four Island Tour from Krabi.

The other islands that are visited during the tour include the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is located on the Railay peninsula and Tup Island and Poda Island.

Koh Kai is also one of Krabi’s main tourist attractions and can get busy, especially when day trips and tour groups arrive to witness the incredible sandbank that emerges from the sea on low tide.

There is a range of facilities on the beach, including a small restaurant, beach bar and toilets which are located just back from the beach.

We were going to have our lunch at the restaurant, but our driver said that it would be best to eat at Koh Poda, so I can't comment on the food, although the restaurant was fairly busy.

Getting to Chicken Island from Krabi

There are a couple of options to get to the offshore Islands; however, the easiest way to see Chicken Island is to book a 4 Island Tour.

4 Island Day Tour by Longtail Boat

The 4 Island tour is available daily, all year round, weather permitting and includes snorkeling and swimming.

What we really liked about this particular tour is that you have the option to choose between a group tour and a private tour.

The tour includes snorkeling at Chicken Island, a visit to the picturesque Tub Island, swimming and lunch at Koh Poda, and a visit to the stunning Phra Nang Beach and Phra Nang Cave.

Check Rates & Availability for the 4 Island Tour

Hong Island + 4 Island Tour by Speedboat

If time is of the essence, you may prefer to explore Koh Hong and the 4 Islands in one day.

This speedboat tour is ideal if you only have a couple of days to explore the offshore islands around Krabi.

This tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling at the picturesque Koh Hong Island, Ko Lao Lading, Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island & Koh Mor.

Transfer pickups for this speedboat tour start from 8.00 am.

This tour includes:

Experienced Tour Guide
Insurance
Snorkeling Equipment
Life Jacket
Lunch at Hong Island | Snacks | Fruit | Drinking Water
Round Trip Transfer from your Krabi Hotel

Check Rates & Availability for this Tour

Alternatively, you can get to Chicken Island yourself.

From Ao Nang, you can get a return longtail boat to Koh Kai.

The longtail boats usually won't leave until there is a minimum of 8 people in the boat, so you may have to wait for others before the driver will leave.

This option is not ideal if you don't want to wait around.

If you don't want to wait for other passengers, your other option would be to hire a longtail boat with a driver for the day to take you to all four islands. Check the prices first.

You can catch a longtail boat from Klong Muang, Nopparat Thara and the Railay Beaches or if you are staying in Krabi Town at the Chao Fah pier.

No matter which way you choose to see the Islands, you are assured of a wonderful day snorkeling, swimming and exploring Krabi’s beautiful offshore islands.

Please do not feed the fish on your day trip to Koh Kai (Chicken Island).

Fish feeding is illegal in Thailand.