Koh Poda

Ko Poda is a small limestone island off Ao Nang, Krabi, with a long crescent beach on its north side facing the mainland. It sits inside Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park — the same park that covers the Phi Phi archipelago — and has its own ranger station, so the island fee applies here too: 400 THB for foreign adults, 200 THB for children, 40/20 THB for Thai nationals, usually collected on landing or folded into a tour price.

The beach itself is the draw: fine white sand, shallow and calm enough for casual swimming, with a low limestone outcrop at one end that most visitors climb for photos rather than technical rock climbing. A fringing reef sits just offshore in a few metres of water — bring your own mask if you have one, since rental gear from boat crews is inconsistent. Koh Kai and Chicken Island sit within sight and are often bundled into the same day trip.

Ko Poda gets busy. Most visitors arrive between 10:00 and 14:00 as part of “four island” speedboat tours out of Ao Nang, so the beach fills with day-trip groups at midday and empties again by late afternoon. There’s little natural shade beyond a handful of trees near the ranger post — bring your own shade if you’re staying more than an hour or two.

Insider Tip: Charter a private longtail for an early departure, around 07:30-08:00, and you’ll have the beach mostly to the boat crews and a handful of other early groups before the speedboat fleets arrive.

Watch out: The 400 THB landing fee is separate from whatever you pay for the boat. Ask your operator whether it’s included before you go — some quote a boat-only price and collect the park fee at the pier.

Longtail boats and speedboats both leave from Ao Nang beach, taking roughly 25 minutes each way. A shared longtail seat is the cheapest option; a private longtail costs more but lets you set your own schedule; speedboat “four island” tours run 900-1,200 THB per person and add Chicken Island and Tup Island to the day.