Ko Poda Beach
Ko Poda is a small island off the coast of Ao Nang in Krabi, renowned for its fine white sand, clear shallow water, and the dramatic limestone cliffs that rise along the shoreline. The beach is visually striking in a way that feels almost cinematic, with the rock formations providing a natural backdrop that sets it apart from more open stretches of coastline elsewhere in the region. Forest along the tree line offers genuine shade during the hottest part of the day, and a restaurant on the island makes it practical to stay for several hours without needing to pack supplies. The atmosphere is relaxed and unhurried. The beach has enough length that visitors tend to spread out naturally, easing the sense of crowding even during busier periods. Swimming conditions are generally excellent close to shore, with calm, shallow water that suits most comfort levels. Ko Poda fits naturally into a multi-island itinerary alongside nearby Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands, though it holds its own as a destination in its own right. Good to know: Longtail boats depart from Ao Nang Beach and take roughly 30 minutes to reach the island. The return fare is typically around 300 baht per person, with an additional national park entry fee of approximately 200 baht per person payable on arrival — often collected by the boat driver. Departing early in the morning helps secure a quieter experience before the main wave of day-trip boats arrives. The calmest seas and most reliable weather fall between November and April.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Ko Poda Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
This was the highlight of our private island tour and honestly exceeded all expectations. We've done multi-island hops around Krabi before, but Ko Poda stands out. The beach itself is genuinely stunning—fine white sand stretching generously enough that even during high season you're not fighting for space like at some of the more famous spots. That breathing room makes such a difference when you actually want to relax rather than navigate through crowds. What surprised us most was the snorkeling. We'd tried several spots in the region and found them underwhelming, but Ko Poda delivered just fine. Plenty of tropical fish swimming close to shore and we even spotted a few small sand sharks—not something we expected. The water clarity was excellent for the area. The facilities are better than you'd think for an island this unspoiled. There's a small restaurant, toilet facilities, picnic tables, and shaded areas for groups—everything you need for a comfortable full day without roughing it. My advice: if the multi-island tours feel rushed or expensive, just book a longtail directly to Ko Poda and give yourself the whole day here. It's the kind of place that rewards lingering.
We had a lovely day on Poda Island. We took a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach. It was 300 baht/person round trip and 200 baht/person for national park fees (we paid this to our boat driver when we arrived at the island). We got our ticket at 8:30 am, but had to wait at least 45 minutes until we had the minimum seven people. It was about 15 minutes to the island and we were to return on the same boat and had to decide as a group if we wanted to go back at 3 or 4 pm - so know it is an all day thing. On the island there are toilets, plenty of shade, picnic tables, and a few stands selling grilled corn, drinks, and snacks. There is a lot of nice, soft white sand and beautiful blue water. It starts getting a lot busier once the tour boats arrive, but it never feels overwhelming - there is plenty of space to spread out. You can also walk further from the main area to find fewer people. I recommend going when the boats start running (8 am) to have some quiet before the tours arrive. I definitely recommend this as a nice day in Krabi.
Fantastic beach. Like a postcard. Must see it to belive it. We hired a longtail boat, and left Railay East Beach Pier 8:00 in the morning. Half hour drive an we were there. Silky soft sand. A tropical paradise. Advice. Go early. After 10:00 its crowded. Rent private boat, 2800 bath. If you like beer, bring it. No alcohol sale on Islands. Coffee, soft drink, water and snack is for sale. Read rules for entering island carefully. Its easy to get a 100 000 bath fine if you do something not allowed. Super highly recommended.
Also Popular in Krabi

Koh Lipe
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Ko Lanta
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Ko Phi Phi Don
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Emerald Pool
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Ko Poda Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ko Poda Beach worth visiting?
Ko Poda Beach holds a 4.8★ rating from 1,615 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated beaches in Krabi.
When is the best time to visit Ko Poda Beach?
The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Ko Poda Beach located?
Ko Poda Beach is at XRF6+QR, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Ko Poda Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand

Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.

Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's largest beach, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya, with clear water and a lively shoreline.
Where to stay near Ko Poda Beach
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental