Koh Poda: best day trip from Krabi

By Paula Parker

Mu Koh Poda is a group of small limestone islands located within the Haad Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park.

The island is located only 30 minutes by longtail boat, south west of Krabi’s main tourist area, Ao Nang.

Koh Poda is also known as Poda Island and is the largest of the four islands that make up the Poda Group of Islands.

The smaller islands in the group are called Koh Kai, Koh Mo and Koh Thap.

Poda Island is a small island no more than a kilometre in diameter, fringed by clear, clean turquoise waters, a white sandy beach and coral reefs. 

This island is a top spot for day trips from the nearby Ao Nang, Phra Nang and the Railay Beaches.

As Poda Island is one of Krabi’s main tourist attractions; it can get somewhat busy.

More so during the high season when day trips and tour groups arrive for lunch, after spending the morning island hopping and snorkeling around all the beautiful offshore islands.

The best areas for swimming and snorkeling on Koh Poda are at the northern tip of the Island, just in front of the towering limestone islet that sits just offshore, or along the eastern facing beach.

Other activities available at Poda Island include kayaking, swimming.

To enter Koh Poda, there is a National Park Fee of 400 baht per person, which you pay to the National Park Ranger on the Island.

Getting to Koh Poda

Koh Poda is included in the Four Island Tour which is one of the best day trips offshore from Krabi.

The other islands that are visited during the four island tour include Koh Kai also known as Chicken Island and Ko Thap or Tup Island, plus the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach which is located on the Railay peninsula.

From Ao Nang you can get a return longtail boat to Poda Island for 400 baht per person. The downside to this is you may have to wait for other passengers to join you before the boat will leave, which is normally a minimum of eight people.

Or alternatively you can charter a long-tail boat with a driver to take you island hopping to all four islands for around 2,200 baht.

We took this option and had a wonderful day snorkeling, swimming and exploring Krabi’s beautiful offshore islands. Just check to ensure that the boat driver includes snorkeling gear in the price.

Long-tail boats can also be found at Klong Muang, Nopparat Thara and the Railay beaches or at the Chao Fah pier in Krabi Town. The prices from these areas may be slightly different from those in Ao Nang.

If you want to take the stress out of planning your Krabi 4 Island tour, we highly recommend that you contact our friends at Easy Day Thailand.

You can also read what other travelers have to say about their trip to Poda Island on TripAdvisor.

Poda Island Resort