Key Takeaways:
|
At first glance, travelling to Thailand to see a rock shaped like a chicken may seem unusual. However, once you see this limestone formation in person, its scale and uniqueness quickly become apparent.
If that sparks your curiosity, Chicken Island in Thailand, locally known as Koh Kai, is worth adding to your itinerary. It is located approximately eight kilometres from Ao Nang Beach and offers more than just a rock formation.
What is Chicken Island and What to Do There?
Chicken Island is a limestone formation in the southern part of Thailand that resembles a chicken’s head and neck. The formation developed over millions of years and is protected under Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi Marine National Park regulations.
The island is small, and there are no accommodations available. Travellers come for half- or full-day tours to swim, take photos, and snorkel.
During low tide, the famous Talay Waek sandbar connects Koh Tup and Koh Mor, and from Chicken Island, these islands are just nearby.
Around the chicken-shaped rock, snorkellers can spot clownfish, parrotfish, and angelfish, making it one of Krabi’s most popular snorkelling stops.
Where is Chicken Island?
This beautiful rock is located in Krabi Province, Thailand. If you are staying in popular areas of Krabi, such as Railay Beach or Ao Nang Beach, you can easily reach Chicken Island in 30 minutes via boat ride from there.
How to Get to Chicken Island, Thailand?
Indian travellers can fly directly to Krabi in approximately four hours or choose connecting flights for more schedule flexibility.
Once you land at Krabi Airport, head to Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach to catch a boat to Chicken Island.
Common ways to reach Chicken Island
- Ao Nang: This beach is Krabi’s main attraction, with food stalls and several Indian restaurants as well. The boat departs regularly from Ao Nang Beach, and from here you can reach Chicken Island in just 30 minutes.
- Railay Beach: One of Thailand’s most famous beaches, known for its towering limestone cliffs and rock climbing, offers a variety of boat operators. From here, you can reach Chicken Island in approximately 20 minutes.
Note: A shared longtail boat ride to Chicken Island costs approximately 1,000 INR per person, round-trip. A private boat for a round-trip costs approximately 5,700 INR and can accommodate up to 8 people.
- Guided Tour: This option eliminates the need to arrange boats, transportation, or meals separately. The popular tour to book is the Krabi 4-Island Tour, which includes Chicken Island, Tup Island, Poda Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach.
What does a 4-Island Tour Krabi cover?
These tours include hotel transportation and boat transfers, snorkelling gear and lunch. You will have a few stops to enjoy different views, snorkelling spots and sandbar walking.
- 1st Stop: Chicken Island (Chicken rock formation and best for snorkelling)
- 2nd Stop: Koh Tup (Thale Waek sandbar connecting the two islands)
- 3rd Stop: Koh Poda (Relax, have lunch and sunbathe)
- 4th Stop: Phra Nang Cave Beach (Stunning limestone cliffs and beach with clear water)
Note: Not all tours include the national park fee of approximately 856 INR per person.
Things to Do on Chicken Island, Krabi, Thailand
While the chicken head rock formation is the main attraction, the island offers several other natural experiences. Here are the main activities you can enjoy on Chicken Island.
1. Walk along the Talay Waek Sandbar
One of the most remarkable experiences near Chicken Island is witnessing the Talay Waek (separated sea) during low tide.
This will be your unforgettable experience of walking from one island to another. The best time to experience this is typically in the early morning, around five days before or after a full moon, when the tides are at their lowest.
Tip: It is advisable to wear water shoes, as there are many shells along the path.
2. Snorkelling Near Chicken Head Rock
The water surrounding the chicken head rock is perfect for snorkelling. The reefs here are shallow, allowing for excellent views of marine life such as clownfish, parrotfish, and a variety of colourful fish.
Tip: If you are visiting privately, bring your snorkelling gear; if you are joining a tour, confirm with the tour operator whether gear is included before booking.
Note: These are the two most popular activities on Chicken Island. Apart from these, visitors also photograph the rock formations, swim in turquoise waters, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic.
Chicken Island, Thailand: Price and Tour Operators
- Private boat trips: Approximately 5,900 INR per boat
- Shared boat trips: Approximately 1,000 INR per person
- Guided tour: Starts at approximately 3,500 INR per person
- National Park fee: 856 INR (adults) & 428 INR (children)
Tour operators offering Chicken Island tours in Krabi
- Seven Plus Travel
- Railay Eco Tour
- Anda Krabi Seatour
- Krabi Tours, Day Trips & Excursions
- Sea Eagle Tour Krabi
- Barracudas Tour
Note: Island tours typically start at approximately 3,500 INR per person when booked through operators. The price varies by season and based on the boat you choose.
Best Time to Visit Chicken Island, Thailand
- November to April: This period offers the best weather conditions, with calm seas and excellent underwater visibility for snorkelling. You can expect sunny days with minimal rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C.
- December to February: This is peak season, with slightly cooler temperatures and a comfortable climate. This period is also when the island’s famous sandbar is at its most impressive, as low tides create walking paths across the water.To experience the sandbar at its finest with low tides, consider visiting in the morning between 9 AM and 1 PM, although exact times vary.
- May to October: During the monsoon season, you can expect occasional rain. If you don’t mind rain, you can plan your trip between these months, as prices are lowest and there will be fewer crowds.
Staying in Chicken Island, Thailand
There are no accommodation options on Chicken Island. Visitors come here for a half-day trip or join a Krabi 4-island tour.
Tourists stay in Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach, or Railay Beach, making it easy to explore Chicken Island by tour or to get a long-tail boat.
Dining Options Near Chicken Island
There is one small beach stall on Chicken Island that serves basic Thai food and snacks. Also, the stall is not guaranteed to be open when you visit. Apart from this, there are no restaurants or permanent food stalls on Chicken Island.
Tip: If you plan to have a picnic day at Chicken Island, it’s recommended that you bring all your favourite food.
Note: When booking a 4 -island tour, some include lunch.
Conclusion
Chicken Island offers more than just its iconic chicken-shaped rock formation. The most famous activities are walking across the Talay Waek sandbar, snorkelling among coral reefs, and enjoying the area’s relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you prefer the sunny season with a tourist vibe or the quieter monsoon months, the destination is accessible year-round.
If you want to enhance your Thailand experience, Dimaak Tours can guide you every step of the way. You can start with Bangkok’s city life and travel south to Krabi, Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and many other scenic destinations for beach days.
