Thalay Wak is a natural attraction in Krabi that has the title “Unseen Thailand”, famous across the world. A natural phenomenon occurs that causes the seas to part. When the tide is low, a Y-shaped sandbank connecting 3 islands appears; Tup Island, Mor Island, and Chicken Island. When the tide rises, the sandbank disappears into the ocean.

If you dont make it to the island when the tide is low, dont worry. Even if you don’t get to see the sandbank, you can still cross it to the other islands although you will have to get wet. The white-sand beach and clear water also makes this area a great place for swimming.

Other than the phenomenon of Thalay Wak, if you are lucky enough, you might get to see a colony of bats fly out of a cave that lasts almost 30 minutes. Imagine how many bats that is.

Touring the “4 Islands” is the combination of Thalay Wak’s islands and Poda Island, which can be completed in a day.

Heading away from Thalay Wak to the West, you will understand why Koh Kai is called Chicken Island. From a distance, the limestone on the island forms a huge chicken head-shaped totem. You’ve got to go there to see it.

Right around the corner of the island is an area of shallow water meant for snorkeling and feeding the Tiger fish that you can view and touch from up close. If the fish arent fascinating enough, you can always look at the coral and reef on the ocean floor.

Poda Island is the next destination. The ocean and sand beach here is clear and clean. Also, the beach is spacious, thus attracting many foreigners who want to sunbathe. Merchants are not allowed to sell goods on the island, so some of the clever locals have transformed their long-tail boats into 7-boats (parody of 7-11 convenience store) or restaurant boats. This allows them to float on the ocean and still sell food and beverages prepared on the spot.

If you are planning a trip to Krabi, be sure to save a day to visit the 4 Islands; Thalay Wak and Poda Island, the Unseen Thailand.

Address : Poda Archipelago, Nopparatthara Beach – Phi Phi Island National Park, Krabi Town District, KrabiPoda Archipelago, Nopparatthara Beach – Phi Phi Island National Park, Krabi Town District, Krabi

GPS : N7 57.647 E98 48.711

Contact no. : 075 697 200, 075 661 145

E-mail : phiphi_np@hotmail.com

Website : Nopparatthara Beach – Phi Phi Island National Park

Entrance Fee : Thai Adult 40 Baht Child 20 Baht , Foreigner Adult 400 Baht  Child 200 Baht

Best time : November – Early May. You should go when the tide is lowest.

Highlight : During low tide, you are able to walk on a sandbank to the other islands. Feed Tiger fish and look at them from up close, or snorkel to look at corals on the ocean floor behind Chicken Island.

Activities : Relaxing, Sunbathing, Snorkling

Talay Wack is about 20 kilometers from Krabi province. Drive along Route 4034 then turn left onto Route 4202 to Ao Nang. From Ao Nang, long-tail boats can be hired to take you for a tour of Talay Wack and Poda Island for 2,200 per boat. You can also choose to buy a guided tour of “4 Islands” from tour agencies in town.