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Last Updated on May 13, 2024
Ko Hong is everything you imagine from a tropical island – turquoise waters, lush green forests, beautiful coral reefs, and amazing landscapes. Not as famous as Ko Phi Phi, the beauty of Ko Hong is gaining more attention, so it can be a bit crowded at specific times.
No worries, though; with some smart timing, you can enjoy those dreamy beaches almost all to yourself for a good hour or so.
We kicked off our adventure from the peaceful Ko Yao Noi. Quick tip – Instead of basing yourself in Krabi or Phuket, consider smaller islands. We found Ko Yao Noi to be a chill spot – not a party island, though, so if you’re into nightlife, maybe give it a pas
How to Visit Ko Hong
The best way to experience Ko Hong is by hopping on a tour. If you have the budget, consider doing a private one – you get your own boat and guide, tailoring the experience to your liking.
We started our tour at around 7 am – and this is the best tip we can give you: Start early! We were the first boat to arrive at the beautiful lagoon and were alone for quite a while. If you just want to enjoy the beach, you can ask your tour guide to go straight to Ko Hong – but do visit it on your way back!
What to Expect From a Ko Hong Tour
If you do a private tour, you can tailor it to your taste. There are a few islands nearby you can visit and you can always snorkel. Usually tours include your lunch.
In our case, after spending some time at the Hong Lagoon, we headed to Ko Hong and were one of the first boats to arrive. The beach is quite big, and even with a few people, it will feel pretty much empty.
When crowds started to come, we decided to climb to the 360-view platform. It will take you around 20 mins to climb up – some stairs are a bit tall, but it’s a fairly easy climb. What makes it challenging is how hot it is – get ready to sweat. But your effort will be rewarded with a great view over the area.
After taking in the views, you can either stay at the beach or choose to do some island hopping. To be completely honest with you, Ko Hong is the most beautiful island, and we could easily spend the day there and skip the other islands. If this is something you want to do, discuss it with your tour guide!
The other islands/spots you’ might explore:
There will be a chance to stop for snorkeling around the waters surrounding the island; they’ll provide you with all the equipment you need for it. Just be careful because there might be jellyfish in the area – we had an encounter with one in Ko Yao Noi, where they are not that common. So for your safety stay vigilant when you’re in the water.
Quick note: Visiting the lagoon can be dependent on the tides. Check with your hotel and your guide before, to set the right expectations for the tour.
How to Book a Tour
Depending on where you’re staying, you might have different options. If you’re based in Krabi or Phuket, you can check for tours on platforms like GetYourGuide or book directly with your hotel.
We booked the tour directly with our accommodation, and everything was perfect. The tour included lunch and it cost approximately 100€ for the two of us. We had a taxi picking us up to take us to the port.
Where to Stay Near Ko Hong
You cannot stay in Ko Hong, so the best way to ensure you enjoy the island for yourself is to stay close to it. If you want to stay on a calmer island we recommend Ko Yao Noi. It took us no more than 30 mins to get from the hotel to the Hong Lagoon, so if you start around 7am you’ll be one of the first people to arrive.
We stayed in this cute hotel Simple Ko Yao Noi and can highly recommend it. For a more exclusive experience, they also have a private beach apartment.
You can also opt for the sister island, Ko Yao Yao, which has more hotels you can choose from.
Is it worth it?
This is a no-brainer for us – Ko Hong is a beautiful island that is totally worth your visit. Follow our tips, and you’ll increase your chances of having this bit of paradise all to yourself!
So, when booking your trip, remember to:
Happy travels, and see you out there!