The inner lagoon
Emerald among cliffs.
Wolfgang Holzem — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wolfgang Holzem — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wolfgang Holzem — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wolfgang Holzem — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Steve Cornish from Marlow, UK — CC BY 2.0
A group of towering limestone islands north-west of Ao Nang within Than Bok Khorani National Park, best known Ko Hong, which hides an emerald inner lagoon enclosed by cliffs on every side, entered from the sea only through a narrow channel; its name means «room» in Thai. Longtail boats and kayaks slip into the lagoon at high tide between rock walls draped in plants; the tour then stops at Ko Hong's small white beach for swimming and snorkelling, where a short stairway climbs to a viewpoint over the bay. Tours usually take in other nearby islands with quiet beaches too. The national park fee for foreigners is about three hundred baht per adult, usually not included in the tour price. Half-day and full-day tours run by longtail or speedboat from Ao Nang. May to October is the Andaman rainy season, when the sea is rough and boat trips may be cancelled. Choose a tour that enters the lagoon by kayak at the right tide, the highlight of the trip, and bring sun cream and a waterproof bag.
Emerald among cliffs.
Between rock walls.
Above Hong beach.
Than Bok Khorani National Park, north-west of Ao Nang
The Four Islands are closer and easier with young children; Hong is more dramatic with its inner lagoon but farther. With two days, do both.