Chicken Island: best day trips and tours from Krabi

By Paula Parker

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 it's more commonly known name as Chicken Island because of a large rock formation that undoubtedly resembles the head and neck of a chicken.

Koh Kai is somewhat of a local landmark; on one side there is 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 are able to 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 we 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

The best way to see Chicken Island is to book a 4 Island Tour with Easy Day Thailand. 
Easy Day Thailand offers a couple of different tours.

Option 1 - 4 Island Tour (available daily)

This 4 Island tour is available daily; all year round, weather permitting and includes snorkeling and swimming at Chicken Island, Koh Poda, Tub Island and a visit to the stunning Phra Nang Beach and Phra Nang Cave. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant, transfer pickups start at 9.15am for a 10.30am departure.

Option 2 - VIP 4 Island Tour ( available every Thursday )
The VIP 4 Island tour is by far the best tour as it includes the picturesque Koh Hong Island, throughout the day you will also explore the sights of Pak Bia Island, Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island & Koh Mor. This tour also includes a picnic lunch at either Koh Poda or Pak Bia island and longer snorkeling stops. Transfer pickups for this tour start at 6.30am for a 7.30am departure.

Tours with Easy Day Thailand also include:

• Experienced Tour Guide | Snorkel Guide
• Insurance
• Snorkeling Equipment
• Life Jacket
• Lunch | Snacks | Drinking Water 
• Round Trip Transfer from your Krabi Hotel

For further information about the above tours contact Easy Day Thailand on the link below.

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 be waiting 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.