Snorkeling in Thailand: A Information to Koh Phi Phi, Krabi & Koh Lanta

Thailand is a ravishing nation identified for its gorgeous seashores, crystal-clear waters, and plentiful marine life. One of many must-do actions when in Thailand is snorkeling, and with its wealthy underwater world, there are many locations to take action.

On this weblog publish, we are going to deal with three standard locations for snorkeling in Thailand – Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, and Koh Lanta and supply suggestions on the place to remain and eat, in addition to tricks to take advantage of your snorkeling journey.

Associated learn: Scuba Diving in Thailand: An Epic Solo Journey

Koh Lanta Snorkeling

Koh Lanta is a peaceable island positioned within the Krabi province, and it’s identified for having a few of the healthiest coral reefs and numerous marine life in Thailand. The well-known Emerald Cave is a must-visit snorkeling web site, the place you possibly can swim by way of a darkish cave and emerge right into a hidden lagoon. Koh Rok and Koh Haa are additionally standard snorkeling spots, if you’re fortunate, you would possibly even spot some sea turtles!

Emerald Cave

The Emerald Cave will probably be the spotlight of your snorkeling journey in Koh Lanta! This cave is positioned on the west coast of Ko Muk island and is accessible solely by boat and requires a swim by way of a slender and darkish passage of about 80 meters in size. When you emerge on the different finish of the passage, you might be rewarded with a shocking sight of the emerald-colored waters and white sandy seashore.

It’s a distinctive expertise that’s not to be missed! Relying on the time of 12 months you go, the swell is variable. After we went, it was fairly sturdy, so it was tiring to swim again by way of the passage after visiting the emerald cave.

Associated tour: 4 Islands and Emerald Cave Snorkeling Journey

If you’re not comfy with swimming at the hours of darkness, there are different actions that you are able to do in Koh Lanta. Spend time on the seashore, take in the solar, and benefit from the gorgeous surroundings. 

In your snorkeling journey, you might also cease on the paradise island of Koh Ngai for some lunch. This island is so peaceable and it’s the right place to mirror in your expertise on the Emerald Cave.

Different gorgeous snorkeling spots on this journey embody Koh Ma and Koh Cheuk, you might be certain to see azure waters and enormous coral reefs with plentiful marine life and colourful tropical fish!

The place to eat in Koh Lanta

Pal Home Meals and Drinks was one of many locations we went again to many times in Koh Lanta, the costs are inexpensive and the menu has each Western and Thai choices to select from.

Three Sisters Restaurant is one other good choice, it is a bit more costly than Pal Home however the parts are giant, the service is nice and the place is good and clear!

The place Else Backyard is one other barely pricier choice than different locations within the space, however the meals, décor, and environment are value it!

The place to remain in Koh Lanta

Finances: Lengthy Seashore Easy Home

Lengthy Seashore Easy Home is a superb lodging choice positioned within the stunning Ko Lanta. With simply 300 meters away from Lengthy Seashore, it affords friends an incredible terrace to get pleasure from their keep together with free non-public parking and entry to its restaurant and bar. Moreover, this visitor home offers straightforward accessibility as Chill out Bay Seashore is barely round 1.2 km away whereas Secret seashore may be reached inside 2.1 km distance – all of which include complimentary WiFi!

Mid-range: Lengthy Seashore Backyard Resort

Lengthy Seashore Backyard Resort is a unbelievable lodging choice in Ko Lanta, simply 200 meters away from the gorgeous Lengthy Seashore. The resort boasts an inviting backyard and affords free non-public parking for friends’ comfort. There’s additionally a shared lounge space the place you possibly can calm down with different vacationers or get pleasure from some contemporary air on the terrace. This cozy hostel has been rated two stars however offers five-star service together with complimentary WiFi and even options its personal bar!

Luxurious: Lengthy Seashore Chalet – SHA Additional Plus

Lengthy Seashore Chalet affords friends a pleasant keep in Thai-style bungalows and chalets which are elevated on stilts. With the choice of staying by the seashore or amidst lush greenery within the backyard zone, there’s one thing for everybody right here! The property additionally offers complimentary shuttle service to/from Saladan Pier, making it straightforward so that you can discover close by points of interest at your comfort. Plus, with an onsite restaurant serving up scrumptious meals and free WiFi out there all through the premises, Lengthy Seashore Chalet is actually a one-of-a-kind expertise to not be missed!

Find out how to get to Koh Lanta

Attending to Koh Lanta is definitely fairly straightforward, irrespective of the place you’re coming from. Should you’re coming from Bangkok, you possibly can take a flight to Krabi Airport (KBV) after which take a taxi or minibus from there. The journey will take about two hours. You may discover tickets right here.

Should you’re coming from Phuket, you possibly can take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about two hours and the associated fee is round THB800-1,200 per particular person. It’s also possible to take a minivan from Phuket to Koh Lanta, discover ferry and bus tickets right here.

Should you’re coming from Koh Phi Phi, you possibly can take a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about two hours and the associated fee is round THB600-900 per particular person. You should purchase ferry tickets right here.

Koh Phi Phi snorkeling

Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago positioned within the Andaman Sea, and it’s identified for its gorgeous surroundings and vibrant marine life. Pileh Lagoon is a shallow lagoon the place child blacktip reef sharks may be noticed. This can be a thrilling expertise for individuals who love sharks.

Bamboo Island is one other must-visit snorkeling spot, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of colourful fish.  It’s best to do analysis on excursions earlier than reserving to make sure a extremely rated one. You’ll probably go to Maya Bay in your tour (like this one), it wasn’t my private favourite cease because of the variety of individuals there once I went, but it surely was stunning nonetheless.

The place to eat in Koh Phi Phi

In Koh Phi Phi you could find low cost eats and extra upmarket locations. There’s a good mixture of western and Thai meals.
There isn’t a lot avenue meals as a result of the place is so small and the streets are slender, there are principally solely eating places.

Pa-Noi Thai Meals

My favourite restaurant in Koh Phi Phi must be Pa-Noi Thai Meals, it serves quite a lot of genuine Thai dishes and affords very cheap costs for vacationers on a funds.

Brett and I ate there 3-4 instances throughout our keep in Koh Phi Phi. I’d extremely suggest their Yellow Rooster Curry with Rice paired with a refreshing watermelon shake!

Garlic 1992 Restaurant

One other agency favourite of mine is the Garlic 1992 Restaurant. This restaurant is legendary and all the time busy, you will notice indicators promoting it everywhere in the island. I attempted the Panang curry with rice and it was scrumptious. The restaurant additionally sells its personal Garlic 1992 merchandise which is offered to buy on-site. Right here additionally they serve cocktail buckets which had been tried and examined on my own, I can affirm they’re sturdy, tasty, and price 200 baht!

Coco Bella Restaurant

Coco Bella Restaurant boasts inexpensive costs and good service. Their menu is giant and I attempted the fried hen with chips and the loaded nachos which had been each scrumptious! It was a pleasant deal with to seek out Mexican-style meals in Koh Phi Phi!

Is consuming out costly?

How a lot you’ll spend on consuming out will rely upon the place you select to dine. Thai meals is all the time cheaper than western meals, as goes for the entire of Thailand. Thai meals is to die for, and in case you’re not a fan of spicy meals, ask for ‘mai pet’ (not spicy). Nonetheless, be cautious that what Thai individuals take into account ‘not spicy’ should still be too spicy for you!

The place to remain in Koh Phi Phi

Phi Phi Don is the principle island you can keep on, there are many inns, hostels, and resorts to select from and one thing to swimsuit all budgets.

I stayed in a stunning lodge known as Blue View Home, we had probably the most unbelievable view of the island, however we needed to stroll up so many stairs to get to and from the room.

It’s positively value getting a nicer room with a view, it simply relies upon in case you can face climbing up the mountain to get there!

Different Lodging Choices:

Finances: Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island

Blu Monkey Phi Phi Island is a 3-star property positioned in Phi Phi Don. In-built 2017, this 3-star lodge is inside 700 m of Ton Sai Seashore and fewer than 1 km of Laem Hin Seashore.

Finances: Kitty Guesthouse

Kitty Guesthouse is 3.1 km from Lengthy Seashore and 1.3 km from Ton Sai Bay. The property is 1.1 km from Pak Nam Bay.

Upmarket: Phi Phi Villa Resort

Phi Phi Resort is located by the gorgeous Andaman Sea and affords a unbelievable beachfront setting, removed from the busy Tonsai Bay. The rooms are moderately priced and supply breathtaking views of both the ocean or tropical gardens. You may attain this glorious property inside simply quarter-hour on foot from the pier!

Upmarket: Phi Phi Coco Seashore Resort

Phi Phi CoCo Seashore Resort – SHA Additional Plus in Phi Phi Don affords a stunning backyard, terrace and complimentary WiFi. It’s conveniently located lower than 1 km away from Ton Sai Pier and simply 3.6 km from Ao Poh Bay. Company can get pleasure from an out of doors pool with the added comfort of a round the clock reception desk at this property as properly! Viking Cave is barely 5.5km away whereas Pirate Island Adventures are inside strolling distance at simply 800m!

Find out how to get to Koh Phi Phi

You may get to Koh Phi Phi through speedboat or ferry from Phuket or Krabi. Brett and I made a decision to go from Phuket and we stopped for 1 night time in Koh Yao Noi, a ravishing little island near Phi Phi. The speedboats are usually a little bit costlier however in my view, they’re value the additional price as a result of they’re sooner.

Generally you even have the choice to arrange a taxi switch out of your lodge in Phuket or Krabi along with the speedboat ticket. I like this selection since you may be extra sure that you just received’t miss the boat!

I desire to make use of 12GoAsia to e book transport like this in Thailand. One other good choice is to arrange the switch by way of your lodge.

Krabi snorkeling

Krabi is a province positioned within the south of Thailand, and it’s well-known for its limestone cliffs, secluded seashores, and emerald waters. There are lots of stunning points of interest to go to in Krabi, however the snorkeling experiences listed here are simply unbelievable. I extremely suggest happening a snorkeling tour throughout your go to to Krabi! Particularly, I counsel the ‘7 Islands Sundown Tour’ which is a full-day island hopping journey by longtail boat. On this tour, you’ll go to the well-known Railay Seashore, view Rooster Island from afar, picturesque islands and revel in a scrumptious BBQ dinner as you watch the sundown on the island of Koh Poda.

The subsequent cease is at Koh Tub for some seashore time or (at low tide) a stroll throughout the spectacular sandbank that connects it to Rooster and Mor Islands close by. Swim within the crystal-clear water at Koh Tan Ming, a small rock islet in entrance of Koh Poda.

However the spotlight of any snorkeling journey in Krabi is the bioluminescent plankton. Ebook a tour that features a nighttime snorkeling session to witness the magical glow of plankton within the water.

Full the night with a brief swim amidst the bio-luminescent plankton within the surrounding ocean of Koe Raeng earlier than returning to the pier in Ao Nang.

One factor to notice is that snorkeling excursions may be on longtail boats or speedboats. Longtail excursions are cheaper, much less comfy, and have extra individuals, whereas speedboat excursions are sooner, extra comfy, and often take fewer individuals at a time. Be taught from my mistake and don’t sit in the back of the longtail boat proper subsequent to the engine, it’s extremely loud and uncomfortable over the course of the day.

The place to eat in Krabi

Eating places in Railay

Railay Household Restaurant – An inexpensive restaurant in Railay with many Thai and seafood choices.

Mangrove Restaurant – They provide each Thai and western meals, seafood, and vegan choices at inexpensive costs.

Railay Seashore Cafe Thai Noodles – This restaurant could be very extremely reviewed by vacationers having fun with scrumptious noodles at wonderful costs!

Eating places in Ao Nang

BUZZ Natural Meals and Drink – Go to BUZZ for wholesome, contemporary dishes in Ao Nang.

Crimson Chilli Thai Delicacies – This restaurant has wonderful critiques of its tasty and genuine Thai meals, attentive service, and welcoming environment!

CRU Kitchen Krabi – For a extra upmarket eating expertise you may go to CRU Kitchen for some Western-style delicacies.

The place to remain in Krabi

Krabi affords a variety of lodging choices to swimsuit totally different budgets and preferences. Some standard choices embody:

1. Railay Seashore – This can be a standard space for vacationers and affords a variety of lodging choices from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts.

Finances – Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus

Come keep on the Rapala Rock Wooden Resort- SHA Plus and expertise cozy lodging that may make you’re feeling proper at dwelling. Not solely can friends get pleasure from a snug mattress with mosquito netting, however additionally they have the chance to savor scrumptious Thai delicacies cooked contemporary from our out of doors restaurant.

Mid-range – Avatar Railay

Providing an out of doors pool and solar terrace, Avatar Railay is about in Railay Seashore, Krabi. It is just 900 m from Phra Nang Cave. Company can get pleasure from delectable meal on the on-site restaurant and bar in addition to free WiFi.

Luxurious – Sand Sea Resort Railay Seashore 

The resort boasts rooms with non-public balconies that supply gorgeous views of the seashore. And if you wish to discover different areas close by, it’s only a fast 15-minute boat trip away from Ao Nang Seashore and solely 45 minutes by boat from Krabi City.

2. Ao Nang – This space has a variety of inns and guesthouses to swimsuit totally different budgets and is standard with backpackers and households.

Finances – Popeye Guesthouse

Popeye Guesthouse is a 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport. Krabi City and Tup Khaek Seashore are a 20-minute drive from Popeye Guesthouse. The visitor home is only a 10-minute stroll from Ao Nang Seashore.

Mid-range – COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seashore

Set in Ao Nang Seashore, 400 m from Ao Nang Seashore, COSI Krabi Ao Nang Seashore – SHA Plus affords lodging with an out of doors swimming pool, free non-public parking, a health centre and a shared lounge. That includes a terrace, the 3-star lodge has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.

Luxurious – Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA Additional Plus

Take pleasure in a seashore getaway at Krabi Tipa Resort – SHA EXTRA PLUS. Nestled amidst lush greenery, it affords comfy lodging, pleasant service and is only a stroll away from Ao Nang Seashore.

3. Krabi City – That is the principle city in Krabi and affords a variety of lodging choices together with guesthouses, inns, and resorts.

Finances – JP Hometel

A 2-minute stroll from the Evening Market, JP hometel affords clear and cozy rooms. Company with drained muscle tissue can get pleasure from a soothing session of massages, organized by the lodge’s workers.

Mid-range – Sita Krabi Lodge

Situated in Krabi city, inside 1.9 km of Wat Kaew Korawaram and three.4 km of Thara Park, Sita Krabi Lodge offers lodging with a terrace and in addition to free non-public parking for friends who drive. With a shared lounge, the 3-star lodge has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, every with a non-public toilet.

Luxurious – Krabi SeaBass Lodge

Krabi SeaBass Lodge has a backyard, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in Krabi city. Boasting household rooms, this property additionally offers friends with an out of doors pool. The lodging affords a 24-hour entrance desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi all through the property.

* Simply to notice that in case you keep in Krabi City there isn’t an excellent deal to see and do there and you’ll take into account hiring a scooter to go to totally different locations close by.

Find out how to get to Krabi

Krabi is a well-liked vacationer vacation spot in Thailand and there are a number of methods to get there, together with:

1. Flight – Probably the most handy strategy to attain Krabi is by air. Krabi Worldwide Airport (KBV) is positioned simply 15km away from the town middle. A one-way flight from Bangkok to Krabi can price wherever between 1,500 THB – 3,500 THB, relying on the airline and the way far prematurely you e book.
2. Bus: Krabi is properly related by bus with Bangkok and different main cities in Thailand. Buses are an affordable choice, and a number of other firms function every day companies to Krabi from Bangkok. The journey takes round 10-12 hours relying on visitors and may price wherever between 500 THB – 1,200 THB.
3. Prepare: Krabi doesn’t have a railway station, the closest one is in Surat Thani. From there, you possibly can take a bus to Krabi. Trains are a snug choice to journey to Surat Thani from Bangkok or different main cities. Prepare tickets price between 500 THB – 1,000 THB from Bangkok to Surat Thani, relying on the category of journey you select.
4. Ferry: Krabi can also be accessible by sea, and there are common ferries from close by islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. You may catch a ferry from any of those islands to Krabi and the journey takes round 2-3 hour relying on the place you’re departing from. A one-way ticket from Phuket to Krabi prices round 500 THB, whereas a ferry from Koh Phi Phi prices round 350 THB. Costs might fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months and the ferry operator.

Seek for methods to get to Krabi beneath:

Let’s go snorkeling in Thailand

Are you able to go snorkeling Thailand? There are such a lot of unbelievable snorkeling spots across the islands in Thailand – so begin planning your journey now!