Koh Poda (Poda Island) – Krabi

The Poda Island, also known as Koh Poda is a beautiful island in South Thailand. It is found just off the coast of Krabi. It’s the largest of four islets in the Poday Group of Islands. What makes it easy to explore is that its near major holiday spots like Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Klong Muang. So you only need a day or half a day tour for you to cover this holiday destination. This islet is heavenly… from the smooth sandy beaches to the clear turquoise sea water that just invites you to jump in, the reefs which are perfect for snorkeling a magnificent backdrop with rock formations, this is a place worth visiting… It’s dreamy I tell you. If you are looking for a place to unwind, then this is the perfect spot.

How to get to Koh Poda

Ko Poda island can only be accessed by boat. The long tail boar tour is an experience to die for. So if you are planning a boat tour when in Krabi, then this is your first choice island. This island is owned by Had Noppharatthara – Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. So you will have to pay a National Park fee to park – which is about 400 baht per person. And the fee needs to be paid to the park rangers.

How to get from Ao Nang to Ko Poda Island

Good old national park fees will bleed you dry in Thailand. It’s like a tax you can’t avoid and you’ve no idea what it actually contributes to. At each end of Ao Nang beach, you will find the long tail boat ticket offices where you can choose your Krabi boat tour.

What to expect and explore

the stunning Ko Poda with a speedboat flashing past in the foreground and a unique rock formation in the background

Ok. You have to hand it to Ko Poda. It’s a beautiful island. The surroundings alone are just enough. But once you get to that amazing shore, trust me, you will be tempted for more…

The Poda island is very popular despite being small and with no fancy bars, restaurants and beach resorts. There are plenty of long-tail boars and speedboats at the shores ready for customers.

One thing I have never understood is why tourists normally crowd themselves in a small patch of water while swimming when there are the other sides of the island that are pretty much empty. Catching up, maybe? So when you find people crowded in one place, this is me letting you know that there is more to explore and you can find your own perfect spot.

Activities to enjoy

Koh Poda is surrounded by fine white sand and super clear water that’s ideal for swimming as well as snorkeling. Don’t get me started on the coral reef that has a numerous number of colorful fish. If you are planning on snorkeling while visiting Poda island, there are some tour companies that will sort you out equipment-wise. However, if you are not using a tour company you might have to carry your own snorkeling equipment. You can get them at a fair price from shops around Ao Nang beach before getting on the boat. Snorkeling Phuket is the perfect way to explore the crystal clear turquoise water and the colorful fish that the region has in huge supply.

Seeing as the waters are calm and clear, they make the island a great place for kayaking. This is also included in most tour packages. Plus, you could also rent the boats and kayaking gear from vendors on the island. So how about booking a kayaking excursion and paddle the amazingly beautiful corners of Ko Poda as you take pictures of the beach scenery.

The calm, clear waters of Poda island also make it a great place to enjoy a spot of kayaking, which are often included in tours but can also be rented from vendors on the island itself.

Of course, if you are in Krabi for a sustained period of time, it is always worth considering scanning more than just Ko Poda. This is best achieved as part of a boat tour with one of the credible operators in the area. Of course, boats can get crowded in the region, especially in the summer months. This is why choosing a boat tour that provides smaller intimate groups is the way to go, and nobody does this better than Simba Sea Trips. Book a Krabi Island Tour with Simba today and you’re guaranteed a day to remember.

The perfect view

Ko poda is about a kilometer in diameter. So before settling on a spot just because you see a number of people there, you could easily walk through the entire and pick a spot that is perfect for you. If you are looking for a breathtaking view, then the northern shore is the place to go. Then there is an amazing view of limestone karst from the beach protruding out of the sea. This image is similar to that one used to market Poda island to tourists.

At the center of the island is the perfect mix of pine trees and palm trees so you need not worry about the sun much as there is plenty of shed. That said, sunscreen is still important.

Food, drinks and accommodation

The Poda island has a small bar that sells drinks and snacks. Nothing too fancy. If you are using a tour company, lunch comes included in the package. IF you are on your own on the other hand, you must make your own lunch arrangements. OR… work with what’s available.

There is a beach kiosk where visitors can buy food. Alternatively, one can grab a snack from the beach vendors. Just a heads up… there are some monkeys there so watch out for your stuff… especially food.

Koh Poda has one resort that provides bungalow accommodation. However, they are a bit on the higher side in terms of pricing. That said, the island is close to the mainland so most visitors feel no need to stay overnight. It’s the perfect day trip tour. So if you are a tourist, get accommodation on the coast of Krabi. Here are some places to stay:

  • Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa (RailayKrabilife Resort (Klong Muang):
  • The Krabilife Resort
  • Holiday Inn (Ao Nang): Holiday Inn Krabi Resort Ao Nang Beach

This island is a place that can be visited all year round. It has become a popular destination for tourists who visit Krabi, especially on weekends and peak season. So it’s important to start your day early. This island is worth the choppy conditions you have to endure to get there, as well as the national park fees.