Chasing light
The 4 Island Sunset Tour
As the sun begins its slow descent into the Andaman Sea, a longtail boat glides across turquoise waters, carrying a handful of dreamers toward a horizon painted in molten gold. This is the 4 Island Sunset Tour—an unforgettable journey through Thailand’s coastal jewels, where nature performs its most breathtaking show.
The Cast of Islands
Each island on this tour is a character in a mythic tale:
Koh Poda: A solitary sentinel rising from the sea, crowned with limestone cliffs and fringed by powdery white sand. It’s the perfect place to stretch out, let the sun kiss your skin, and feel time dissolve.
Chicken Island (Koh Gai): Named for its quirky rock formation resembling a chicken’s head, this island offers snorkeling in coral gardens teeming with clownfish and parrotfish. Beneath the surface, it’s a kaleidoscope of life.
Tup Island & Mor Island: These twin islets are connected by a sandbar that emerges at low tide—a fleeting bridge between worlds. Walking across it feels like stepping into a legend, especially as the tide creeps back in.
Phra Nang Cave Beach: Sacred and surreal, this beach is home to a cave shrine dedicated to the spirit of fertility. As the sun dips lower, the cave glows amber, and the beach becomes a canvas for silhouettes and serenity.
The Rhythm of the Sea
The tour isn’t just about destinations—it’s about transitions. The lull of waves, the laughter of fellow travelers, the scent of salt and grilled seafood wafting from the boat’s galley. As the light shifts, so does the mood: from playful exploration to quiet awe.
Sunset, the Final Act
Anchored offshore, the boat becomes a floating amphitheater. The sun, now a blazing orb, kisses the sea in a slow, fiery embrace. The sky erupts in hues of tangerine, lavender, and rose. Cameras click, but the heart captures more than pixels ever could.
Some tours offer a barbecue on deck, others a quiet toast with chilled drinks. Either way, it’s a moment of communion—with nature, with others, with yourself.
A Note on Mindful Travel
As you explore these islands, tread lightly. Respect the coral, the wildlife, the local customs. Leave only footprints, take only memories—and maybe a shell or two, if it’s already loose and waiting.