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Everything You Need to Know about Koh Poda
- Where is Koh Poda?
- How to Get to Koh Poda
- What to See and Do in Koh Poda
- Laze around the beautiful white sands of Koh Poda Beach
- Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Poda Cafe
- Swim in peace at Koh Poda’s east end
- Find your way to Koh Poda’s Secret Beach
- Explore the island’s coastline with a rental kayak
- Admire Koh Poda’s sunset view
- Observe the diverse marine life at Koh Poda’s snorkeling spots
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Poda
- Del & Dia Cafe
- Wanna’s Place Restaurant
- Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant
- Where to Shop in and Near Koh Poda
- Ao Nang Local Market
- Makro Food Service
- De' Marco Fashions
- Where to Stay in and Near Koh Poda
- Tan Hostel x Cafe
- Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
- Rayavadee Resort
- FAQs about Koh Poda
Koh Poda is an accessible island paradise in Krabi. Much like the fantastic tourist attractions of the province, it boasts stunning white sand beaches and coral-filled waters rich with marine life, making it a popular snorkeling destination.
Close to Koh Kai and the Tub Islands, it’s also appealing to people who enjoy island-hopping adventures and private charters. Koh Poda’s on-site resort and bar also mean visitors are covered for accommodation, food, and drinks.
But if that’s not for you, the top-tier hotels and resorts in Ao Nang are just one boat ride away. Overall, Koh Poda is one paradise getaway you shouldn’t miss.
Where is Koh Poda?
Koh Poda is in the Andaman Sea and off the coast of western mainland Krabi. It’s bounded by mainland Ao Nang, Koh Kai in the south, and Laem Nang Hak in the northwest.
How to Get to Koh Poda
Tourists can only get to Koh Poda by boat from the beaches in Ao Nang, a crown jewel and Nong Thale, so you must travel to these districts of Krabi Province first. This includes Ao Nang Beach, Tonsai Beach, Railay Beach, and Klong Muang Beach.
Longtail boat: The cheapest way to get to Koh Poda is to ride the standard longtail boats in the Ao Nang and Nong Thale districts. These boats operate like public utility vehicles so you’ll board them alongside other tourists.
Private charter: If you prefer a more luxurious experience, charter a private longtail boat in Ao Nang or Nong Thale. This includes an English-speaking guide, a longtail boat skipper, and a Thai lunch.
Motor yachts and catamarans are also excellent charter options, especially for those who don’t worry about prices. You can charter them with or without a crew at Ao Nang, Phi Phi Islands, and Phuket.
What to See and Do in Koh Poda
Laze around the beautiful white sands of Koh Poda Beach
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Koh Poda Beach is the island’s main attraction for good reason. It’s not only where longtail boats dock but also the island’s largest beach so most tourists stay here to enjoy relaxing beach activities.
This beach is also massive—there’s plenty of space for everyone even when it’s packed with visitors. Its thick lines of trees also serve as natural protection from the sun and are great spots for setting up picnic blankets and hammocks.
The giant rock formation in front of the beach is also a plus. It’s a popular subject and backdrop for photographs but also a breathtaking sight to admire while sunbathing or picnicking on this beach.
Enjoy a refreshing drink at the Poda Cafe
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Poda Cafe is the only beachfront bar in Koh Poda Beach, so it’s the best place to enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the relaxing atmosphere. It serves a good selection of hot and iced coffees, smoothies, canned sodas, and Italian sodas.
They also sell potato chips, so you’re covered for snacks during your stay. The prices are slightly expensive, but it’s definitely worth it when you’re parched for an ice-cold drink.
Swim in peace at Koh Poda’s east end
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The eastern side of Koh Poda is popular with visitors who want to avoid crowds. It’s also great for swimming because its calm crystal-clear waters are protected from the strong winds blowing from the island’s west end.
It’s connected to Koh Poda Beach so it’s also a bit long, perfect for those who enjoy pleasant beach walks. If you like taking beach photos, the numerous dry fallen trees and rock formations here are also a big plus.
The rock formations at the southern tip are its best photo spots.
Find your way to Koh Poda’s Secret Beach
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If you’re looking for a picturesque spot that’s also great for swimming, Koh Poda’s Secret Beach is a no-brainer. This is a hidden bay between two massive rock cliffs, so it’s also protected from strong winds even though it’s on the island’s west end.
It’s also small and can only be reached by boat so only a few visitors come here at a time, perfect if you like to avoid the throngs of tourists. Moreover, Secret Beach’s rocky seabed is home to many tropical fishes so it’s great for snorkeling.
The rock cliffs on each side also provide exciting photo opportunities.
Explore the island’s coastline with a rental kayak
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Kayaking is a popular activity in Koh Poda, and you can easily rent a kayak from the island’s small on-site resort. The activity is also included in most boat trips to this island, so there are plenty of ways to access one.
The best kayaking spot is on the east side since it lets you avoid the strong western winds. Also, you can paddle your way to Secret Beach via the south side.
Other must-visit kayaking locations are the islands and rock formations near Koh Poda. This includes Koh Ma Tang Ming in the north and Thale Waek, Koh Kai, and Koh Khom in the south.
Admire Koh Poda’s sunset view
Koh Poda is also known for its incredible sunset view so it’s certainly worth waiting for before you head back to the mainland, especially if you’re on a chartered boat. Aim to get fabulous photos of the nearby rock formation with the setting sun behind it.
The cafe on Koh Poda Beach is also open until sunset so you can enjoy a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful sky.
Observe the diverse marine life at Koh Poda’s snorkeling spots
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A trip to Koh Poda won’t be complete without snorkeling around its crystal-clear waters. There are meter-long coral reefs around the island, so expect to see a wide range of soft and hard corals, tropical fish species, mollusks, and more.
You can also ride a boat close to Koh Ma Tang Ming to observe numerous reef fish species like clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, hawkfish, etc.
Watch out for yellow safety buoys around the island because they’re visible markers for the best snorkeling spots around.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Koh Poda
Del & Dia Cafe
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Address: 290/25, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 32 425 707
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast and halal food
Del & Dia Cafe is an excellent option if your diet is restricted to halal-certified food. But that doesn’t mean their menu is limited because they serve a wide range of dishes, from burgers to Thai curries!
However, its biggest draw is its reasonably priced breakfast offerings, especially its loaded American breakfast set with toast, bacon, ham, omelet, etc. The place also serves healthy breakfast options, which is a plus.
Their extensive drink menu is also notable, from coffee and tea to fruit drinks and mocktails!
Wanna’s Place Restaurant
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Address: 32/1, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 75 637 484
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 7 a.m. – 11 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
- 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast
Wanna’s Place Restaurant is one of the best breakfast spots in Ao Nang, so it’s definitely worth checking out before boarding a boat to Koh Poda. Their menu is also massive, you can choose from a wide array of Thai and international cuisines.
Our go-to is their affordable breakfast buffet, which includes made-to-order eggs, pancakes, seasonal fruits, etc. They also serve various top-notch labels and cocktails so it’s a solid drinking spot.
Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant
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Address: 262/7 Leela Valley, Ao Nang Soi 11 Road
Phone: +66 89 735 0605
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
- 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for authentic Thai food
If you’re craving authentic Thai food, the nearest and best option is Ton Ma Yom Thai Food Restaurant in Ao Nang.
The seafood fanatics on our team particularly swear by their poo pang pong curry. It’s a traditional crab dish stir-fried in a rich, creamy, and spicy coconut-based curry sauce.
If you want more crabby goodness, we suggest getting their crab-fried rice as well. It’s packed with crab meat—it’s so irresistible!
Where to Shop in and Near Koh Poda
Ao Nang Local Market
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Address: Ao Nang
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 1:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
Good to know: Good for budget shoppers
Ao Nang Local Market is perfect for shoppers looking for a traditional Thai market experience near Koh Poda. This place is packed with local vendors selling a wide range of affordable products, from Thai street food to fresh produce and dried goods.
Don’t miss out on the stalls selling numerous tropical fruits like dragon fruit, durian, mango, and more. Some fruits are seasonal but many varieties ripen all year round so you won’t run out of options.
Makro Food Service
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Address: 739 Ao Nang
Phone: +66 75 814 901
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. -10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for grocery shopping
Makro Food Service is a chain supermarket known for its great selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats. Their biggest draw is the focus on wholesale products which gets you a sizable discount!
This place is particularly great for tourists who want to cook and pack food for their trip to Koh Poda. They also have a good selection of imported products, which is a big plus.
De’ Marco Fashions
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Address: Aonang Villa Resort, 113, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 95 283 8778
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for formal attires
If you’re in search of high-quality formal attire near Koh Poda, De’ Marco Fashions is your best option. The place excels at bespoke and tailor-made suits for both men and women!
For a more convenient ordering process, send them your measurements and style preferences online. You can even send them a fabric of your choosing in case you’re particular about the material used on your clothes.
Just note that each suit can take up to four weeks to complete. They do accommodate rush orders so be sure to tell them if you need the clothes ASAP.
Where to Stay in and Near Koh Poda
Tan Hostel x Cafe
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Address: 249/2 4 5, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 81 566 3695
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
Tan Hostel X Cafe is a popular budget-friendly option among backpackers. Expect clean dorm-style rooms with bunk beds so you can share your room with a companion or fellow tourist.
They also have common areas, so you have plenty of opportunities to meet new people during your trip. Think communal kitchen, balcony, and lounge area with tables, cushions, guitars, and books.
The best part is it’s only 750 meters from Ao Nang Beach!
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
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Address: 981 Moo 2, Ao Nang Subdistrict
Phone: +66 75 815 999
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi is a solid choice for tourists looking for a private hideaway with easy access to Koh Poda. It’s tucked away at the quieter end of Ao Nang Beach, so it’s so peaceful!
What’s most impressive are the beachfront and pool views from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the modern villas. The pricier units also get a private pool and hot tub on top of all the basic amenities.
It’s also within walking distance of many beachside local bars and restaurants—convenient, right?
Rayavadee Resort
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Address: 214 Ao Nang
Phone: +66 2 301 1861
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and nature lovers
Rayavadee Resort is arguably the most popular resort in Railay Beach. This luxurious property is smack in the middle of a tropical forest, so expect top-tier accommodation, stunning natural scenery, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.
It’s particularly known for decked-out private pool villas with lush courtyards and exquisite traditional-style interiors. If you have a Pink ID, you can also take advantage of their special discount for Thai residents.
What we like most about Rayavadee Resort is its private luxury longtail trips for couples to Koh Poda, Koh Kai, and Koh Tub. This trip includes a picnic lunch, fresh fruits, drinking water, and snorkeling gear—perfect for a romantic getaway!
