Krabi is the perfect base for exploring southern Thailand!
We spent quite a bit of time in Krabi and did lots of awesome excursions and tours. We consider it a really great starting point for so many day trips, and it easily matches Phuket’s best tours, plus some!
It offers many island-hopping tours with stunning landscapes and amazing snorkeling opportunities. But it also offers cultural experiences and adventure activities like kayaking in the mangrove forests and rock climbing – we really enjoyed this one!
While you can explore a lot of Krabi on your own, you need to join a tour to experience some things like island-hopping. Tours are also great if you’re short on time or uncomfortable driving in Thailand but want to explore Krabi’s mainland attractions easily.
There is something for every type of traveler.
And in this guide, we’ve handpicked all the must-do tours in Krabi that are absolutely worth it, with tips and things to know before booking.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Most Krabi day trips include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in the tour price, which is perfect if you don’t want to arrange the transport yourself.
- If you’re looking for the best area to stay in Krabi, read our Where to Stay in Krabi blog, which lists the best areas and hotels to stay at.
- There are many small group experiences in Krabi, but also private ones, so you can find options both as a solo traveler and a bigger group.
Our top 3 must-do Krabi tours
After multiple trips to Krabi and doing many tours ourselves, we found must-do experiences that you can’t go wrong with.
But before we list all of the options, here are our top three selections for Krabi tours.
Beat the tourist crowds with an early start. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, snacks, and soft drinks.
Sunset Cruise to 4 Islands & Snorkeling
Board a wooden junk with snorkeling gear, a kayak, and a SUP. Enjoy a Thai buffet dinner and, the highlight, swim in bioluminescent plankton waters.
We took a private luxury boat trip to the Hong Islands, but you can also take it to the 4 Islands and Phi Phi Islands. The trip includes lunch, snacks, and drinks.
Best Krabi Tours You Should Book
Here is our carefully chosen list of the best Krabi tours that will take you to some of the best places to see in Thailand.
TRAVEL TIP
We booked all Krabi tours online here. You can also check out our Viator Shop, where we have already preselected some of the best Thailand tours. Most of them have free cancellation, so go ahead and book now!
1. Four Islands Tour
One of the best Krabi tours is the classical Four Islands Tour. It’s one of those Krabi experiences where people say, “Have you even been to Krabi if you didn’t do the Four Islands trip?”.
On this adventure, you will explore four beautiful islands in Krabi: Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor. You will also visit stunning Phra Nang Beach on the Railay Peninsula.
Get ready to be amazed as you arrive on soft, white-sand beaches with clear, blue waters inviting you to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the tropical setting.
Krabi’s Four Islands Tour is perfect for anyone who loves to snorkel, wants to sunbathe, or simply enjoy the beauty.
We suggest booking this private Four Islands tour for the best experience, as you’ll get to choose how long you want to stay in which spot.
Otherwise, we also recommend the sunset 4 islands cruise that we did on our Krabi visit. It’s a bit different spin on the classic tours, perfect for avoiding the crowds and fully enjoying whatever you want (chilling, sunbathing, swimming, paddle boarding, or snorkeling) on a big boat that looks a bit like a pirate ship. Read more about it later in the article.
Did you know? We spent 6 months in Thailand and wrote over 50 Thailand travel guides to help you plan your trip! ❤️ And we keep adding new ones!
2. Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands Excursion
No visit to Krabi is complete without seeing the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Beach from the popular movie “The Beach.” Therefore, this is one of the must-do tours in Krabi.
While swimming in Maya Bay is no longer allowed (read more about it in our Maya Bay travel guide), it’s still absolutely worth visiting. And it’s genuinely one of the most beautiful sceneries we’ve ever seen due to its fascinating beach in a closed bay. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, breathtaking limestone cliffs, and gorgeous white sand beach, it’s also the most unique bay in Thailand.
On the Phi Phi Islands trip from Krabi, you’ll also visit some other stunning spots and have lots of opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
While we highly suggest visiting Phi Phi Islands for a few days, if you’re short on time, a day trip to Maya Bay and Phi Phi is perfect! It’s exactly what we did during our first visit.
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3. Hong Island Tour
One of our favorite tours in Krabi is the Hong Island tour. The Hong Island in Phang Nga Bay is home to some of the most beautiful spots in Thailand, including the Hong Lagoon and the Hong Island viewpoint.
Depending on your chosen tour, you can also kayak in this stunning area. Check the tour price here.
We did the Hong Island trip on a half-day private luxury longtail boat tour. It was a splurge, but for us, it was a perfect spot to do so. We had a hearty lunch tailored to our wishes and could choose a spot to have it – we chose the Hong Lagoon.
While we only did the half-day one, we’d highly recommend a full-day tour instead if possible. It’s worth it! You can read more about our experience here.
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4. James Bond Island Trip
Another top Krabi tour is to the famous James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. This limestone island is well-known from the movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’.
You can take all the classic photos of the tall limestone formations that rise sharply from the green water, plus visit some hidden caves and lagoons around James Bond Island. Check the tour price here.
Another great option is taking a combo tour to Hong Island and James Bond. That way, you visit two must-visit spots in Thailand in one day. Just be prepared for a long day. 🙂
We recommend checking out this tour, which also includes visiting beautiful Koh Yao Noi island.
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5. Sunset Cruise with Bioluminescent Plankton on a Night Snorkel
One of the most unique experiences in Krabi is snorkeling with bioluminescent plankton at night. And the best way to experience it is to combine it with another day trip.
We went on this exact tour, and it’s a highlight of our Krabi trip. It’s essentially a sunset cruise exploring hidden spots of the Four Islands in Krabi without the crowds. After sunset and a delicious dinner, we swam with bioluminescent plankton as a cherry on top for the end of the day. Read more about it here.
This was a really fun day out in Krabi. It was perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and chilling aboard the cool boat.
The glowing plankton lights up the water beautifully when you splash around in the warm water at night.
As we had never experienced it before, this was a very special Krabi experience for us. The plankton gave off a stunning blue-green light with every move we made. It was like swimming through a sea of twinkling stars. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch it on camera!
The photo below shows what it can look like at the beach, but it’s completely different and cooler when you’re in the water in complete darkness!
6. Krabi Jungle Tour: Emerald Pool, Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave Temple
Besides island-hopping, Krabi has some beautiful sights inland as well. Some of the top Krabi attractions are the Emerald Pool, Krabi Hot Springs, and Tiger Cave Temple. All of these attractions are easy to visit by yourself if you rent a car or scooter.
However, if you’re not comfortable driving in Thailand, your best choice is the Krabi Jungle Tour.
It’s a perfect way to visit the famous Krabi hot springs, where you can relax in warm, mineral-rich waters. Plus, you can visit the Emerald Pool and take a cool dip in the clear emerald-green waters surrounded by greenery (these amazing colors come from mineral deposits).
At the end of the day, you visit the iconic Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi (Wat Tham Suea), which has stunning views of the surrounding area and tall limestone cliffs. But first, you need to challenge yourself by climbing up 1,237 steps to reach the top. Check the tour price here.
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7. Kayaking Through Mangroves
Besides the standard Krabi island hopping tours, there are also so many kayaking tours that take you to cool kayaking spots in Krabi, like through mangrove forests, lagoons, or cool clear-water canals.
Tip: If you take a mangrove forest kayaking tour, look closely at the mangrove roots, which are home to many creatures and provide a crucial habitat for different species – especially crabs. We did similar tours in other places in Thailand and really liked it! And we always saw many crabs crawling all over the trees’ roots in Thailand’s mangroves.
Recommended Krabi Kayaking Experiences
8. Full-Day Tour to Cheow Lan Lake from Krabi
Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake are some of the best places to visit in Thailand.
While Cheow Lan Lake is best explored on an overnight tour while staying in Khao Sok Floating Bungalows, if you don’t have enough days to visit Khao Sok separately, you should consider the full-day tour from Krabi. Just be prepared for a lot of driving. Check the tour price here.
This trip takes you through the green landscapes and tall limestone cliffs of Khao Sok National Park. You can enjoy a longtail boat ride on the clear green waters of Cheow Lan Lake, then explore quiet coves, go into hidden caves, or go for a short hike.
9. Adventure Krabi activities
If you’re looking for something fun or adventurous to do in Krabi other than a boat trip, there are lots of options!
We’ve selected the top 3 most fun and adventurous Krabi tours, and you can find even more of them by browsing through more options here.
Rock climbing
Krabi is one of the best places in Thailand for rock climbing. Here, you can experience the thrill of rock climbing even as a complete newbie.
The stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters make Krabi the perfect destination for adventure seekers. And the best spot is at Railay Peninsula, where we personally went on a rock climbing tour. We conquered our fears, challenged ourselves, and created unforgettable memories.
You can read about our experience and rock climbing in Krabi in our rock climbing guide.
ATV Adventure
The terrain around Krabi allows you to go on an exhilarating ATV adventure and experience the thrill of exploring rugged terrain and lush landscapes. Check the price and availability here.
Zipline Krabi Experience
Thailand is famous for its many zipline spots, and Krabi is definitely no exception. You can experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a zipline tour in Krabi (and it’s available for all ages). Check the price and availability here.
Other Recommended Experiences
10. Cultural Krabi Tour: Authentic Thai Cooking Class
Krabi Province has a great food culture that is waiting for you to explore. And the best way to do so is by hitting the night markets and local restaurants.
But if you’re interested in cooking, you can also dive into the tasty world of Thai cooking by taking an authentic Thai cooking class. This is a fun and informative experience for anyone who loves food, no matter your skill level!
In these classes, you will learn how to balance flavors and use fresh, local ingredients to make delicious meals with help from skilled local chefs. They will help you master cooking popular Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup. Check the list of best Krabi cooking classes.
Are private Krabi tours worth it?
If you want a special and personal experience, a private tour is a great way to find Krabi’s hidden spots or avoid the crowds by visiting outside the peak hours at your own pace. This especially applies to Krabi boat tours.
You can rent a traditional longtail boat or a luxury longtail boat. Then, work with your skilled captain to make a plan that best fits your interests. A private longtail boat tour really gives you the freedom and comfort to discover Krabi in the best possible way.
We took a luxury longtail boat to Hong Island, and it was absolutely worth it, because of the customized itinerary, delicious lunch, and a more comfortable boat.
By taking a private Krabi tour, we managed to avoid the crowds at least a bit and visit less-known spots.
Need more Thailand 🇹🇭 inspiration?
North Thailand: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Central Thailand: Bangkok – Floating Markets – Dragon Temple
South Thailand: Phuket – Phi Phi Islands – Krabi
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
Tips before booking Krabi tours
- Many Krabi attractions have entrance fees. However, many tours don’t include these in the price. You can check the inclusions and exclusions in the description of each tour. Read more about the entrance fees in our Krabi Travel Guide.
- For the most popular spots, like Maya Bay, we recommend joining sunrise or sunset tours. That way, you’ll have a much better experience with fewer people at the most beautiful spots.
- When booking Krabi tours, consider those with a small group size. Smaller groups often provide a better and more personal experience, allowing you to interact more with your guide and other travelers.
- If your budget permits, book a private tour. If you’re a family or a group of friends, this can even be a similar price as normal tours (depending on location). Private Krabi tours give you the most freedom and flexibility and can help you discover Krabi according to your wishes and needs. This is also a great way to avoid crowds as you’re flexible with the schedule, so you don’t follow the itinerary of all the other Krabi tours. It worked well for us for our Hong Island boat trip.
- During the high season (November to April), most popular tours are likely to be booked out. If you’re limited with time, make sure to book your Krabi tour in advance so you get the desired date! If you book it online, there is usually free cancellation until the day before. Book now!
- Most Krabi tours are half-day or full-day, but from our experience, we’d recommend booking a full-day tour for island hopping, as half-day tours might feel rushed. That happened to us with the Hong Island tour, and we regret not booking a full-day tour to have a more relaxed time.
- The islands and beaches of Krabi Province are really beautiful. However, you should also take time to see the inland Krabi areas and try activities beyond regular tours.
Need a hotel to stay in Krabi?
Check our hand-picked list of the top 3 Krabi hotels for all budgets! Or browse through all Krabi hotels.
Tip: If you want more information on where to base yourself, read our Where to stay in Krabi guide, with info on each area and the best hotel recommendations for all budgets.
Also, check our dedicated best Railay hotels guide or Ao Nang hotels guide to find where to stay in Krabi’s two best areas.
The top 3 Krabi hotels for all budgets
Rayavadee – Best Luxury Hotel in Krabi
Hidden 5-star resort with two-story pavilions, luxurious villas with private pools, four restaurants, and an activities center.
Navinda Krabi – Best Mid-Range Hotel in Krabi
Within walking distance of Nopparat Thara, the hotel boasts contemporary rooms, a restaurant with all-day dining, and a rooftop infinity pool.
TAN Hostel – Best Budget Hotel in Krabi
A top-rated 2-star hostel comprising dorms, private rooms, and a café serving delicious food and drinks, including roasted coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to join most Krabi tours is during the dry season, which is from November to April. This is when the weather is sunny and dry, great for island hopping and outdoor fun. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so don’t forget to book your tours early to get the dates you want. Also, read our Best time to visit Thailand guide.
If you need special food because of allergies or diets, it’s important to tell your tour guide or tour operator beforehand. This way, they can ensure you have the right food options. Most tour operators in Krabi are helpful and will try hard to meet your needs if you inform them beforehand. For example, we had no problem getting vegetarian or vegan meals when needed.
Most Krabi tours are family-friendly and suitable for people of all ages, including children. However, make sure to read the tour details to check if there are any age (or other) restrictions. This is usually clearly stated in every tour description.
While you can sometimes book tours on the same day, it’s best to book in advance. This is especially important during busy months, as popular tours can fill up fast. If you book early, you may also find better prices than waiting until the last minute.
We always pack a waterproof backpack for Krabi island hopping tours, as boats tend to get wet (especially when you’re going in and out of water). Don’t forget a towel (we love microfiber towels, as they dry fast) and a hat to protect you from the sun. And, of course, reef-safe sunscreen is a must! On top of that, to capture photos, our must-have for Krabi island tours is an action camera, which is great for water activities.
Our thoughts on Krabi tours
Southern Thailand is absolutely beautiful, so we highly recommend spending a few days in Krabi and using it as a base to explore this region. That’s exactly what we did, and we got some truly unforgettable memories.
Like Phuket, Krabi offers many island-hopping trips and exciting jungle adventures. Exploring Krabi through different tours allowed us to have amazing experiences, plus see the nature and culture.
And if you follow our travel tips about Krabi tours, you’ll definitely have a great time as well!
Thank you for reading our Guide to the best Krabi tours. We hope we helped you plan your trip. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. 🥰
Continue planning your Thailand trip
Find a list of over 60 travel guides to Thailand’s South, Central, and North.
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
Similan Islands – Surin Islands
