Experience Koh Poda – the Stunning Limestone Islands of Andaman Sea

**CLICK HERE for special room rates, discounts and reservations on Krabi Hotels**

Besides jungle trekking, swimming and visiting traditional and cultural buildings in Krabi, another exciting activity worth experiencing is island hopping. Island hopping is the hottest thing in Krabi and there are a lot of boat trips along the beaches of Ao Nang, and Railay serving tourists with varied rates. What are the best islands to visit? Of course, the limestone Koh Poda islands, which are composed of Tub Island, Poda Island, Moor Island and Chicken Island.

The Poda Group Island can be found on the southwest part of Thailand, specifically 8 kilometers from south of Ao Nang. The islands are year-round attractions and an ideal place for snorkeling and fishing since it isn’t affected by monsoon winds. Each island has its own unique beauty and scenery; hence, visitors can really have an excellent time exploring these islands. Also known as Muh Koh Poda in Thai, the islands are under the administration of Haad Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, and this institution is responsible for the promotion and maintenance of the island’s natural resources.

The nearest islands from Ao Nang and Railay are the Poda Island and Chicken Island, which can be reached via longtail boat for 25 minutes. Poda Island is a small island, with more or less a kilometer in diameter and mainly composed of limestone outcrops. However, this is the largest among the four islets. It is surrounded by white sand beaches and lined with palm trees, great for sunbathing and swimming. The rich coral reef which extends 20 meters offshore is also an excellent snorkeling stop. Visitors can also do kayaking on the east part of the island.

Chicken Island is another limestone island in Mu Koh Poda and is well-known for the bizarre rock formation at the tip portion of the island, resembling the neck and head of a chicken. The island is mainly composed of steep cliff; however, on the west side, you can further appreciate its pristine beaches lined with pine trees. It is also an excellent snorkeling stop and diving place with its clear blue water and coral reefs in the area. During low tide, a narrow sand path appears where you can walk across to the Tub Island. Tub Island is a typical small island and is commonly circumnavigated by boat operators in Krabi for snorkeling, diving and fishing purposes.

Another reason these islands are popular is because of the phenomenon during low tide in which the islands are connected, dividing the middle of Andaman Sea into two sections. This reveals a long white sand passage joining Tub Island, Chicken Island and Moor Island, commonly known as Talay Waek or ‘divided sea’.

If you plan on getting there, there are plenty of longtail boats and speedboats running daily on the beaches of Ao Nang. When going to Ao Nang, drive along Highway 4034 and turn left until you reach Highway 4202 which is heading to Ao Nang. Fortunely, Koh Poda islands are not affected by monsoon winds so they are open to visitors all-year round.