Hong Island Travel Guide

The essentials are a waterproof dry bag, reef-safe SPF 50, water shoes for the rocky shallows, a quick-dry towel and change of clothes, and cash in Thai baht for the park counter and food shacks. Add a hat, polarised sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, tissue for the toilets and a waterproof camera. Because the island is uninhabited with no shop or ATM, pack everything before you board the boat.

Budget roughly Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per person for a simple day using a shared longtail, once you add the park entry of about Rs 850 to Rs 1,140. A join-in speedboat tour with lunch costs more but is easier. Boat fares change with the season and group size. The authoritative entry fee sits on the Hong Island entry fees page, linked above.

Yes, the lagoon is shallow and sheltered, which is why families like it. Two things to watch: sharp rocks in the shallows, handled by wearing water shoes, and occasional sea lice, tiny larvae that can cause an itchy rash. Rinse off soon after swimming and avoid the water when there is a lot of floating debris. Keep non-swimmers and children in the roped, waist-deep area.

There are no ATMs and no card machines on Hong Island. The national park counter and the food shacks are cash only, so carry enough Thai baht for entry, lunch, drinks and any kayak hire, plus a buffer. Withdraw or exchange cash on the mainland before your boat leaves. Running short on the island is the most common avoidable problem travellers report.

Drones are banned across Than Bok Khorani National Park except over Hong Lagoon itself, where flying is permitted. Keep your drone packed away at the beach, the viewpoint and on the boat, and only fly it over the lagoon. Rangers enforce this, so check the current rule with your boat operator before you launch to avoid a fine or having your equipment held.

No. Hong Island is uninhabited and part of a protected national park, so there is no accommodation and no camping. The island runs on day trips only, opening at 8:00 am and clearing out before it closes at 4:30 pm. Plan a round trip and make sure you catch a return boat in good time. For where to sleep, base yourself in Ao Nang or Krabi Town on the mainland.