Koh Kai (Chicken Island)

Koh Kai — also called Ko Poda Nok or Koh Dam Khwan — is a single limestone island off Ao Nang, not the cluster of separate islands older listings describe. It’s 800 metres wide, a kilometre long and rises 207 metres out of the Andaman Sea, with a distinctive rock ledge jutting from its southern side. That ledge is the reason for the island’s three names: some visitors see a chicken’s head in the shape, others an axe handle standing on end, and locals have used both descriptions — plus “outer Poda,” for its position beyond the better-known Koh Poda — interchangeably for years.

White sand runs along three sides of the island, backed by a limestone cliff on the fourth and a strip of pine forest above the high-tide line. The surrounding reef is shallow enough for casual snorkelling, with staghorn coral patches, parrotfish and schools of damselfish visible without diving gear. At low tide, sandbars emerge linking the island to its neighbours, Ko Tup and Ko Mor — the walk between them is the basis of the separate Thale Waek sandbar attraction, so a trip out here often doubles as that experience if the tide cooperates.

Don’t confuse this with Koh Poda itself, a larger, sandier island a short boat ride further out that’s better known for its crescent beach and climbing cliffs — the two get lumped together in tour itineraries but they’re distinct stops. This island is rockier and smaller, with no permanent facilities: no shade beyond what the pines offer, no fresh water, and no toilets. Midday brings a steady run of 4-island tour boats from Ao Nang, so the beach and shallows get crowded and choppy by early afternoon.

Longtail boats and speedboats reach the island from Ao Nang in 15-20 minutes, usually as one stop on a longer tour bundling Koh Poda, the Thale Waek sandbar and Phra Nang cave beach. The island sits inside Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, so the 400 THB foreign-adult park fee applies (40 THB for Thai nationals), typically collected by the boat crew or a ranger on landing rather than paid in advance. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water and snorkel gear — nothing is sold on the island itself.

Insider Tip: Ask your boat operator which side of the island you’re landing on before you book — the chicken-head view and the axe-handle view are genuinely different angles on the same rock, and tour boats don’t all circle the island before dropping anchor.

Watch out: The 400 THB park fee is separate from your boat/tour price and is often collected on the day — confirm with your operator whether it’s included, since some budget tours quote a price that excludes it.