Tup Island: best day trips and tours from Krabi

By Paula Parker

Tup Island also known as Tub Island, Koh Tap or Koh Thap is one of the most popular offshore islands around Krabi for day trips and tours.

Most island hopping tours come here to witness and photograph the amazing parting of the seas.

At low tide a sandbar emerges from the clear waters linking the larger Chicken island to the two smaller islands of Koh Mor and Koh Tap.

This picturesque and unique occurrence is commonly referred to as Talay Waek; which means divided sea or separated sea.

Things to do at Tup Island

Koh Tap is located in the Mu Koh Poda archipelago, just south west of Ao Nang, between Koh Poda and Chicken Island.

Tup Island is much smaller than the other islands in the group, however it has a nice beach and the waters that surround it provide an excellent spot for snorkeling, with an abundance of tropical fish.

The main attraction at Tup Island is witnessing Talay Waek, and being able to walk across the sandbar.
In the image above we were standing on Chicken Island, to the left is Koh Mor, and to the right is Tup Island.

The whole area is picturesque with stunning panoramic views of the Krabi coastline in the background.

The shallow waters at Tup Island makes for a safe haven if you are island hopping with young kids, the water is deep enough on either side of the sandbar to go swimming, or for sun lovers to enjoy relaxing on the beach and taking in the incredible views.

When walking across the sandbar it is wise to take a pair of reef shoes, or at least wear a pair of flip-flops, as sharp corals and shells emerge from the water, making it quiet uncomfortable under foot.

Tup Island is included in Krabi’s 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, plus the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach which is located on the Railay Peninsula and Ko Poda.

The Best Time to Explore Tup Island

You can explore Tup Island all year round; however, the best time is from November until April when the weather is at it's best and the seas are calm.

As this is one of Krabi’s main tourist attractions, Tup Island can get be very busy with day trips from Krabi and Phuket, and even more so during the high season.

To witness the Talay Waek and see the divided seas, ensure your visit is on low tide.

Most tours will try to plan your tour around the tides, but if your not going to do a tour, let your boat driver know that you want to see Talay Waek and get him to check the tides.
 

Getting to Koh Tap

From Ao Nang you can get a return longtail boat to Tup for 400 baht per person, the only 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 private longtail boat with a driver to take you island hopping to all four islands for 2,200 baht.

We decided to take this option and thoroughly enjoyed our day snorkeling, swimming and exploring Krabi’s beautiful offshore islands.

Just make sure that the boat driver includes snorkeling gear in the price of the boat.

You can also get longtail boats at other beaches including Klong Muang, Nopparat Thara, Railay and also at Chao Fah pier in Krabi Town.

The prices from these areas may be slightly different from those that we paid in Ao Nang.

If you would like to pre-book your Krabi tours you can, contact Easy Day Thailand who will take care of everything for you, they hold all the appropriate licenses and insurance.

What to Bring to Tup Island

If your travelling as part of a tour group on a four island tour, your snorkeling equipment, lunch and drinks will be supplied by the tour company.

However, if your travelling independently, by hiring a longtail boat and driver to take you to the offshore islands, check with the boat driver to see if snorkeling equipment is supplied. 

Other items to take:

• Sunblock
• Insect Repellant
• Dry bag
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Footwear such as flipflops or reef shoes to protect your feet

Please Note:
There are no restrooms at Tup Island, you can find restrooms at both Chicken Island and Koh Poda.