Poda (Thailand) is the nearest island located off the coast of Ao Nang, near Raili and Phra Nang beaches. Poda heads the island group, which also includes Chicken Island, Tab Island, and Mor Island. The attraction is located in Krabi province, 8 km from the mainland of Thailand, so the road to the island takes no more than 20 minutes. On the shore, travelers will find soft, fine sand, a large accumulation of vegetation, and many monkeys live here, who feel like full owners of the island and behave accordingly-they brazenly steal things of tourists and food.
General information
Poda Island covers an area of 1 km by 600 m and is covered with palm trees and is undoubtedly one of the most visited natural sites in Thailand. The main attraction of the island is its picturesque cliffs and comfortable beaches. Many travelers note that such a clear sea is difficult to find all over the world. The main purpose of a trip to Podu in Thailand is to swim, sunbathe, and go for a swim in a mask.
Interesting fact! Two dozen meters from the shore there is a coral reef. If you plan to go snorkeling, take a banana with you – the aroma of the fruit will attract marine life.
Tourist operators in Thailand are required to pay a fee in the price of the excursion tour. This amount is used to clean the island of garbage that remains after vacationers. The island is famous for an original and rather dangerous entertainment for rock climbers-boats take travelers to the rock, people climb on the rock and jump into the sea.
Previously, there was only one hotel in the center of the island, tourists were offered to stay in traditional bungalows, but today there is no such possibility, so you will not be able to spend the night on Poda.
How to get to an island in Thailand
There is only a waterway leading to Poda Island in Krabi, and there are several ways to get here, each of which differs in convenience and cost.
Public boat
Transport in Thailand is called a longtail boat, it is an ordinary motor boat. Departs from Ao Nang Beach from 8-00 to 16-00. Boats depart for the island in the morning and return to Ao Nang in the afternoon.
The ticket price is 300 baht. Be sure to check with the boatman – what time the boat will leave back, because passengers leave on the same transport that brought them to Poda. The boats are numbered, so remember her number.
Individual boat
The boat is usually hired for half a day, the cost of such a trip will cost 1700 baht. This option is suitable for companies of at least three people. In this case, you do not need to coordinate the rest time with other passengers in the boat.
4 Islands Tour
This tour is called one of the most interesting, you can buy it on the beach in Ao Nang in Thailand. During the trip, tourists visit the islands of Poda, Tub, Chiken, as well as Pranang Beach. The trip starts at 8-9 in the morning, by 16-00 tourists are brought back to Ao Nang. If you want to save money, choose a trip on local speedboats, the tour will cost 1000 baht. You can buy a tour at the beach or at the hotel. The only drawback is the strictly regulated time and nothing depends on tourists. The tour of Poda Island takes no more than an hour and a half.
Useful to know! This is the most inexpensive way to visit the four islands in Thailand, relax on the beach and go snorkeling. The price of the trip includes a transfer from the hotel and lunch.
What the island looks like
The island is small and uninhabited, located south of Ao Nang, and is part of the National Park of Thailand. There is no infrastructure, hotels, shops, and even more roads. From the facilities there are only:
- toilet;
- gazebos;
- a bar serving drinks and traditional Thai dishes;
- washbasins.
Beaches of the island
In fact, there is only one beach surrounding the island in a semicircle. The southern part is less suitable for swimming and recreation, as there is a rocky shore and a lot of stones in the sea. South beach is considered wild, even at the peak of the tourist influx, it is quiet and peaceful. In addition, it is quite difficult to move around the island on foot due to the mountainous landscape and the lack of hiking trails.
Numerous boats bring travelers to the North beach of the island. It is here that a single rock rises from the sea, which gives the landscape a certain mystery and color. Despite the abundance of boats and tourists, the water in the sea remains clean and clear. The entrance to the water is smooth and soft. The beach is quite wide, so there is no feeling that the beach is crowded, everyone will find a secluded place for themselves.
Things to do on Poda Island
The main attraction of Poda Island is a rock rising directly out of the water. Locals call it the “Green Pillar”. All tourists will definitely be photographed against the background of the rock. The shots are bright, especially against the sunset background.
If you love nature, Poda Island is a pleasant discovery. It is best to visit the attraction before 12-00 or after 16-00, when there are fewer tourists. At this time, the island’s atmosphere is particularly conducive to rest and relaxation.
Useful to know! Before you go to an island in Thailand, stock up on food and drinks, as the local bar may be closed, and prices in it are several times higher than on other beaches in the Thai province of Krabi.
Useful tips
- First of all, the island is suitable for those who like a calm, measured rest in nature. There are no attractions here, the only thing you can enjoy on Poda is a beach holiday.
- The best time to visit is before 12-00 and after 16-00, the rest of the time crowds of tourists come here.
- Many tourists come to the island and have a picnic right on the shore or on the grass.
- The local bar is closed during low season, so it’s best not to take any risks and take food and drinks with you.
- At first glance, it may seem that the island of Poda is small, but there is enough space for everyone. If you walk along the shore, you can find a more secluded shore.
- As for snorkeling, the opinions of tourists are mixed. Experienced athletes are not interested here, but beginners will surely enjoy watching the life of marine life. Some travelers recommend snorkeling off the coast of Chiken Island in Thailand. If you plan to dive, choose rocky areas or swim to a coral reef.
- On the left side of the beach is a small lagoon-beautiful and deserted.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, a large towel, glasses and a mask, as well as a garbage bag to the island, as tourists are required by Thai law to clean up after themselves.
- Stay on Poda Island in Thailand for a fee of 400 baht per person. Money from tourists is collected by boaters near the shore before arrival.
- When going swimming, do not leave food on the shore, monkeys behave impudently and steal food.
Poda Island (Thailand) is sure to appeal to connoisseurs of natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. Here the beauty of the tropics is preserved, there is no city noise and the usual bustle.
