About Krabi
Krabi Province in the South of Thailand offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, stunning islands, cultural experiences, and a lively atmosphere.
It boasts stunning landscapes with its picturesque beaches and towering limestone cliffs, making it a must-visit destination in Thailand.
You can enjoy various water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking to explore the vibrant marine life and breathtaking underwater and overwater landscapes.
Additionally, Krabi is a great place for adventure seekers as it offers thrilling activities like rock climbing on limestone cliffs, training Muay Thai with experienced trainers, or hiking some really cool trails through dense jungle.
But the most important information is that Krabi, like Phuket, is a base for exploring the nearby islands on island hopping day trips, like Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands, and Hong Island.
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Krabi Travel Tips
But first, before we jump into the top things to do in Krabi, let’s cover the essentials and tips to help you have a more fun, enjoyable, and safer trip to Krabi, Thailand.
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Book trusted tours
Krabi has some amazing island-hopping and lots of activities. Book top-rated Krabi tours on Viator or GetYourGuide.
Get travel insurance
While Krabi is a safe destination, we recommend getting travel insurance for any trip outside your country. We highly recommend an insurance package from Heymondo. And as our reader, you get 5% off the price.
ATM fees
Krabi still relies heavily on cash. So we recommend taking out a good amount each time you visit an ATM. Note: There is an 8.5 USD fee for each withdrawal (most Thai ATMs).
Get a Wise card to save money on additional conversion fees and ATM transactions from your bank.
Hotels in Krabi
The best areas to stay in Krabi are Ao Nang or Railay Beach. To secure the best deals, we recommend booking in advance.
Read more: Where To Stay in Krabi
Travel map
We have compiled a Krabi Travel Map, which you can refer to when exploring.
Top things to do in Krabi
In this travel guide, we give you the most comprehensive list of the top things to do in Krabi, from the best activities to the best day trips, as well as the absolute best tourist attractions that are worth visiting on your trip.
1. Visit Tiger Cave Temple – Wat Tham Suea
One of the best places to see in Krabi is the Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Suea, a sacred site famous for a cave where a meditating monk once saw numerous tigers.
A 1260-step staircase leads to The Tiger Cave Temple atop a 300-meter-high limestone mountain, where some steps are even as high as 30 cm.
- Must read: Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai
Once you’re at the top of The Tiger Cave Temple, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view of Krabi town, the surrounding areas, and other limestone mountains. Moreover, you can explore the temple area and the big Buddha statue, and there are even some archeological findings inside the cave.
Also read: Top Things To Do in Koh Tao
Travel tip: On the way up, be careful when monkeys are around, as they might snatch your belongings if they see or smell that you have food or drinks (including water bottles).
The Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi is open daily from 8 am until 5 pm, and there is no entrance fee, although donations are appreciated. However, you can start the hike to Krabi’s Tiger Cave Temple already very early, at around 5 am, if you want to avoid the high heat.
Getting to the Tiger Cave Temple from Ao Nang involves a 30-minute drive, and from Krabi town, it takes just 10 or 15 minutes. You can get there by renting a bike or catching a taxi/Grab.
And if you want to explore Krabi’s main highlights on an organized trip, there are also Tiger Cave Temple Tours you can join.
Best tours to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi:
- Hot Spring, Emerald Pool & Tiger Cave Temple Tour
- 4-Hour City Tour with Tiger Cave Temple
- Tiger Cave, Hot Springs and Emerald Pool Jungle Tour
2. Explore Railay Beach
Exploring Railay Beach is one of the best things to do in Krabi.
Krabi’s Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, and some of the things that you can do at Railay Beach include rock climbing, exploring caves, swimming and relaxing on the beautiful beaches, as well as hiking one of the viewpoints.
- Must visit in Thailand: Khao Sok National Park
Many consider Railay Beach in Krabi as an island, as it’s cut off from the rest of the Krabi, much like an island.
BOAT FROM AO NANG TO RAILAY
- Boat services from Ao Nang to Railay Beach are available daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
- The one-way ticket costs 100 THB per person, while the return trip fee is 200 THB.
- There’s an additional charge of 50 THB after 6 pm.
2.1. Phra Nang Princess Cave
Dedicated to a princess goddess, Phra Nang Princess Cave is a sacred place for local fishermen and seafarers. You’ll see numerous phallic offerings besides incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Right next to Phra Nang Princess Cave is also one of the best rock climbing walls in Krabi. It’s where we went rock climbing with Real Rocks for the first time. Such a cool location.
2.2. Railay Viewpoint East
Railay Viewpoint East is a well-known spot to enjoy breathtaking views of the East Railay.
Hiking to the viewpoint at East Railay is one of the best things to do in Krabi, as it involves going through a muddy jungle path and climbing rocks, as well as using ropes at some parts.
Find the Railay East Viewpoint Loop on AllTrails.
2.3. Visit the Bat Cave and West Railay Viewpoint
As the name suggests, the Bat Cave at Railay Beach houses a colony of bats. But that’s not the only thing you’ll see here. There are also spectacular mineral formations plus a viewpoint where you can take in a fascinating view of Railay West.
The viewpoint at the top of the Bat Cave overlooking Railay West is hands down the best viewpoint in Krabi. And the way to get there, going through a cave and even climbing a bamboo ladder, makes it even better.
Find the trail from Phra Nang Beach to Bat Cave on AllTrails.
Tip: Don’t forget to explore some paths inside the Bat Cave to find the other cool viewpoints overlooking Phra Nang beach.
2.4. Visit the Diamond Cave
The Phra Nang Nai Cave at Railay Beach, also known as Diamond Cave, got its name from its large pool, which creates a sparkling effect in the rainy season. Inside, you’ll see wood passageways and illuminated stalagmites and stalactites.
The entrance fee to Diamond Cave at Railay Beach is 200 THB ($6) per person.
2.5. Swim or paddle to Ko Rang Nok Island
Ko Rang Nok Island is just off the shore of the beautiful Phra Nang Beach. You may swim, kayak, or walk (at low tide) to get there and then relax on its pristine beach or swim in its clear waters.
2.6. Hike to the Railay Princess Lagoon
Railay Hidden Lagoon is concealed in an open-ceiling cave, hence its name. It may have cloudy waters and sharp rocks, but it’s still a must-visit site, thanks to the surrounding foliage and tranquility.
Find the trail to Princess Lagoon on AllTrails.
Please note that the hike to the Princess Lagoon at Railay is very strenuous, and you need to use ropes to descend. And after rain, it’s incredibly slippery and somewhat dangerous.
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3. Visit the four islands on a boat tour
A must-do thing in Krabi and one of the best boat tours is the Four Islands Boat Tour. You visit the islands that can be seen from both Ao Nang and Railay’s Phra Nang Beach.
The usual trip starts on Koh Tub (Ko Thap), famous for its beautiful white sandbar that links to the next stop, Chicken Island, where you can find a chicken-shaped rock formation. From there, you can visit Poda Island and Phra Nang Beach to experience their sandy shores and clear turquoise waters.
Tip: There is a national park fee of 400 THB ($12) you must pay at the “local” islands of Krabi. The fee includes all the islands in the island group. Usually, you pay this on Poda Island or Chicken Island.
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We highly recommend the Private 4 Islands Tour that starts in the early morning with watching the sunrise from one of the beaches.
Otherwise, the much more affordable option is the Shared 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat or the 4 Islands Day Trip by Speedboat Including Lunch Box.
4. Day trip to Hong Island
A must-visit destination in Krabi is Hong Island, which is also Phang Nga Bay’s best island.
Hong Island is a superb day trip destination, as you can enjoy its stunning beach, as well as hike up to the incredible 360 viewpoint of Phang Nga Bay (one of the absolute best).
- Read more: Hong Island Travel Guide
You can get to Hong Island by a longtail boat tour or a speedboat tour. Most tours also include other spots around Hong Island, but if you go on a private tour, you can stay only on Hong Island if you prefer to do so.
Best Hong Island tours from Krabi:
- Hong Islands Day Trip and Lunch by Speedboat
- Hong Island Sunset Tour and BBQ Dinner by Longtail Boat
- Private Standard Longtail Boat Hong Island Tour
- Private Luxury Longtail Boat Island Hopping Tour
- Private Hong Island & 4 Islands with Sunset & Night Snorkel
5. Visit the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool
Hidden in the Khao Phra-Bang Khram Nature Reserve are the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool, the two top attractions in Krabi.
The Emerald Pool will leave you in awe with its emerald-green water and the perfect temperature for a dip or short swim.
A short walk from the Emerald Pool is the Blue Pool, where you can admire its blue water and take pictures, but only from afar, as you can’t go inside. The Blue Pool is protected, and the water’s temperature is far too hot for a dip anyway.
Best tours to Emerald Pool and Blue Pool in Krabi:
- White Temple, Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Tour
- Hot Spring, Emerald Pool & Tiger Cave Temple Tour
- Discover Krabi Tour
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
The Emerald Pool is open daily from 8 am to 3:30 pm, and the Blue Pool opens at 10 am. The entrance fees are 400 THB ($12) for adults and 200 THB for children.
Note: The Blue Pool may be closed from May to October to prevent disturbing local birds during their breeding period.
6. Check out Krabi Hot Springs
Krabi Hot Springs is another one of the best places to visit in Krabi if you’re looking for a thermal pool experience. One of the main highlights of the natural Krabi Hot Springs is its waterfall flowing into a river.
There are also three constructed thermal pools that can give you a jacuzzi-like bath experience. And there’s even a Thai Massage parlor where you can treat yourself to a relaxing body massage.
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
Krabi Hot Springs is open daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm, and the entrance tickets cost 200 THB ($6) for adults and 100 THB for children.
7. Go rock climbing
The abundance of limestone cliffs makes rock climbing one of the best activities to do in Krabi.
The most famous world-class climbing walls in Krabi are at Tonsai Beach and Railay Beach at stunning locations set right at the beach.
We went rock climbing at Railay with Real Rocks and can highly recommend them if you’re just starting off with rock climbing. It was our very first time rock climbing right here, and we had a blast!
Best rock climbing in Krabi:
- Beginner Half-Day Rock Climbing at Railay Beach
- Full-Day Rock Climbing and Caving at Railay Viewpoint
8. Go kayaking
While in Krabi, kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the natural landscapes that are usually inaccessible on foot.
8.1. Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane
The best kayaking in Krabi is at Ao Thalane, which lies next to impressive mangrove forests, canyons, caves, coves, wildlife, and hidden lagoons.
These mangrove forests are usually best explored on a kayak or boat ride. But the great advantage of doing it by kayak is that you can get really close to the trees, plus take some paths that you can’t by boat.
You can rent a kayak and explore the area by yourself, or you can get a guide to join you and take you around. Expect to pay about 700 THB (20 USD) for a few hours of kayak rental in Ao Thalane.
Find the Ao Thalane Kayaking Loop on AllTrails.
Otherwise, a great option is to book the Ao Thalane Kayaking online in advance, which also includes a hotel pickup and dropoff. And you can choose between a morning or afternoon tour, as well as to include lunch or BBQ dinner.
8.2. Kayak through clear Klong Root canal
Klong Root Clearwater Canal, also known as Nong Thale Crystal Lake is a freshwater canal where you can swim and paddle through crystal-clear emerald-green waters between an unspoiled rainforest.
The kayak rental at Klong Root costs 300 THB ($9), and the site is open daily from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. There is also an option of a guided 1-hour kayak tour for 450 THB ($13) – including kayak and guide.
You can also book the Klong Root Kayaking With Hotel Pickup online in advance.
8.3. Kayak at Sa Kaeo (Blue Lagoon)
Another similar location to the Klong Root canal in Krabi, with equally beautiful crystal clear water you can swim in and kayak through, is at Sa Kaeo (Klong Srakaew), also known as Blue Lagoon.
Check out this Kayaking Tour at Sa Kaeo Blue Lagoon.
8.4. Kayak from Ao Nang to Railay
One of the best kayaking experiences in Krabi is from Ao Nang to Railay, as you can get close to several islets, limestone cliffs, rock formations, turquoise waters, white sandy shores, and lagoons.
Kayak rentals on Ao Nang Beach cost between 500 and 1000 THB for one day (14-28 USD).
9. Hike to Dragon Crest Mountain
Hiking Dragon Crest Mountain is one of the best adventurous things to do in Krabi, as it’s known for its scenic views from the viewpoint.
The trail to Dragon Crest Mountain is 4 km long and can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete. Once at the summit, you are rewarded with sweeping views of the Krabi coastline, the far-off islands, and limestone hills.
Find the Dragon Crest Mountain hike on AllTrails.
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
The Dragon Crest Mountain trail is open from 8 am to 2 pm daily, and the entrance fee is 200 THB ($6) for adults and half for children. It’s part of a national park, thus the entrance ticket.
The starting point of the Dragon Crest hike is about a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang. The best and cheapest way to get there is by renting a bike, otherwise just book a taxi. For the return trip, taxis can be found near the hotels down the road.
If you don’t want to organize this yourself, you can book a Private Dragon Crest Mountain Hike Tour, including other things in the day, like an ATV ride and kayaking.
Another option is to organize your day with a Private Car or Minibus Rental with a Driver.
10. Enjoy the beaches
At the top of the list of the best places to see in Krabi are, of course, its beautiful stretches of sand, from the easily accessible Ao Nang beach to the incredible Phra Nang Beach at Railay, as well as the more remote Tubkeak Beach.
- Also read: Phuket Travel Guide
Ao Nang Beach is a gorgeous beach where you can experience vibrant nightlife and a breathtaking sunset with a view of the nearby islands of Krabi province.
Along Ao Nang Beach, you can find many restaurants and shops, and everything else you might need. It’s also why it’s the most common area to stay in Krabi.
Railay Beach is divided into four main beaches, and the best one is Phra Nang Beach.
Klong Muang Beach is one of the most relaxed coastlines in Krabi that still offers all the amenities nearby.
Tubkaek Beach is Krabi’s most secluded beach with clear and calm waters where you can enjoy great views of Hong and the nearby islands right from the beach. And the sunsets there are amazing.
TRAVEL TIP
If you plan on hiking the Dragon Crest trail, you can cool off after the hike at Tubkaek Beach, as it’s just down the road from the trail’s starting point.
11. Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands tour
One of the best things to do in Krabi is to go on a Maya Bay and Phi Phi Islands day trip, where you can see all the highlights of Phi Phi Islands, like Maya Bay.
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.
Our recommendation for the best experience is to book the early-bird Phi Phi Islands tour, which will pick you up very early in the morning in Krabi and take you to Phi Phi Islands right at sunrise.
We did a similar trip from Phuket, and it was well worth it, as we managed to see the best of Phi Phi Islands in just a day.
Best Maya Bay tours from Krabi:
- Early Bird Maya Bay & Phi Phi Islands Tour
- Phi Phi Early Bird & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch
- Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Tour with Lunch from Krabi
- Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Tour
- PRIVATE Phi Phi Islands Speed Boat Tour
Planning to stay in Phi Phi Islands?
Read our Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide, which highlights the top things to do and gives you practical information on how best to explore the islands, as well as where it’s best to stay for a better experience.
12. Go on a Phang Nga Bay day trip to James Bond Island and beyond
With its emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs, Phang Nga Bay offers breathtaking natural beauty. A day trip to explore the best of Phang Nga Bay is a must while in Krabi, as Krabi is located on the outskirts of Phang Nga Bay.
Beyond the most popular trip to Hong Island, boat trips from Krabi also visit places in Phang Nga Bay like James Bond Island, Sea Caves, Koh Panyee, Koh Yao, and more.
Visiting Malaysia next? Read our Malaysia Travel Guides!
While Phuket is the closest and the most common starting point for trips to Phang Nga Bay, there are still plenty of tours from Krabi that you can choose from.
Best Phang Nga Bay tours from Krabi:
- Phang Nga Bay Island Hopping to James Bond Island, Hong Island and more
- James Bond Island, Kayak, Koh Panyee Tour
- Full-Day James Bond Island, sea caves by canoe and more
- Phang Nga Bay Private Speedboat Tour
13. Visit the best viewpoints in Krabi
Two of the best viewpoints in Krabi are Khaothong Hill and Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint, where you can either watch the sunset or sunrise.
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13.1. Sunset at Khaothong Hill
Khaothong Hill is a must-visit sunset spot in Krabi. It’s a scenic café-restaurant perched on a mountain with spectacular views of Phang Nga Bay, the Andaman Sea, distant islands, and magical sunsets.
The restaurant offers both local and international food, so you can enjoy some food and drinks while taking in the incredible view.
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
Khaothong Hill opens at 10 am and closes at 7:30 pm.
The ticket costs 50 THB per person ($1.5) and includes a 30 THB café coupon and 20 THB for transportation up the hill (you are not permitted to drive up yourself).
13.2. Sunrise at Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint
Catching a sunrise at Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint is a must-do when visiting Krabi. And much like Khaothong Hill, Din Daeng Doi is situated on a hill with a charming café.
After a short hike up the Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint, you will find a platform for viewing a magnificent sunrise and the surrounding landscape. And there are also several benches and other picture-taking spots. You can enjoy all these while eating breakfast or sipping coffee.
OPENING HOURS AND TICKETS
Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint is open from 5:30 am to 7 pm, and the entrance fee is 50 THB ($1.5).
Check out this tour that includes transport, sunrise at Din Daeng Doi Viewpoint, breakfast, and then kayaking through Klong Root Canal!
14. Train Muay Thai
For centuries, Muay Thai has been one of Thailand’s most effective martial arts. And while it is native to Thailand, it has become one of the most popular fighting styles in the world.
You can find Muay Thai gyms in every city and town in Thailand, and Krabi is no exception.
It offers various gyms, classes, and workshops for all experience levels – from beginners to advanced fighters.
When walking along Ao Nang, we constantly heard “Ay!”, “Ya!”, “Huaa!” and all kinds of hitting sounds from the various Muay Thai gyms.
Best Muay Thai experiences in Krabi:
- 90-Minute Muay Thai Lesson at Khun Suek
- Watch Muay Thai at Ao Nang Krabi Stadium
- Watch Muay Thai at William Ao Nang Landmark Stadium
Along with regular Muay Thai gyms, you can also join a Krabi Martial Arts Training Camp, lasting anywhere from a week or two to half a year.
Best Muay Thai training camps in Krabi (including accommodation):
- 1 Week All Inclusive Muay Thai Training
- 2 Weeks Affordable Muay Thai Training
- 1 Month Affordable Muay Thai Training
15. Check out Krabi Town
While most tourists skip Krabi Town, it’s still worth a visit, even though it’s a small typical Thai market community.
Also read: Top Things To Do in Bangkok
15.1. Eat at Krabi Night Market
Krabi Night Market is the best place to try delicious and affordable Thai street food and drinks. It’s open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 pm to 11 pm.
15.2. Visit Khao Khanab Nam Cave
Khao Khanab Nam Cave is a cave system with several caverns you can explore for free.
However, to get to Khao Khanab Nam Cave, you need to take a short 10-minute boat ride across the river, costing about 300 THB ($9).
15.3. Check out Wat Kaeo Korawaram
Featuring a white exterior and blue roof tiles, Wat Kaeo Korawaram is a mountain temple providing nice views of Krabi Town and Pak Nam River. It is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day.
15.4. The Mangrove Walkway
Krabi’s Mangrove Walkway is a natural attraction just outside Krabi Town that you can enter for free. The trail is short, and besides mangrove trees, you will find a watchtower overlooking the mangrove forest and Pak Nam River.
16. Take the Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach
Monkey Trail in Krabi is a jungle path with wooden steps that starts at the south end of Ao Nang Beach and takes you to the Pai Plong beach at the popular Centara Grand Beach Resort.
Krabi’s Monkey Trail got its name from the countless monkeys you can spot there. But it can easily happen that you won’t see any depending on the time of the day.
The trail takes about 10 to 15 minutes to finish and is not that strenuous. However, some parts are narrow, making passing difficult when many people are on it.
Fun fact: When it’s low tide, you can actually walk from Ao Nang Beach to Pai Plong Beach.
Once on Pai Plong Beach, you can enjoy the sandy beach or rent a kayak to explore more of the area. However, the kayak rental price on Pai Plong Beach is much higher than elsewhere (at least for non-hotel guests). So, if you plan to do a full day of kayaking, we recommend renting a kayak at Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
Find the Monkey Trail on AllTrails.
Note: Be careful when walking the Monkey Trail in Krabi, as the monkeys there, as in most places in Thailand, can be a bit aggressive if they suspect you carry any food or drinks, as they will want to steal it. And they often get agitated when irresponsible tourists taunt/provoke them.
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17. Go Diving
While there are some great dive centers in Ao Nang, if you’re looking for better diving opportunities in Krabi province, we recommend going to Phi Phi Islands or Koh Lanta. There, you can learn to dive or go on plenty of fun dives if you’re certified, as the diving sites are much closer than to Ao Nang.
- Check our Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide for more information.
We personally got our diving certificate in Koh Tao, which is one of the best places to get certified in Thailand.
Best scuba diving spots in Krabi province:
- Phi Phi Islands
- Koh Haa
- Hin Daeng and Hin Muang
- Ao Nang Local Islands
Best scuba diving options in Phi Phi Islands:
Best scuba diving options in Koh Lanta:
18. Go on a sunset snorkeling cruise
The best boat tour in Krabi is the Krabi 5 Island Sunset Snorkeling Cruise. We absolutely loved that trip, as we went to some really cool snorkeling spots and enjoyed a really lovely time onboard the impressive boat.
Michael and the rest of the crew were great, and the super cool boat made the experience so much better. We could even jump in the water from the roof!
A great option for families/groups
Another great option for groups or families is to book the same exact boat but for the whole morning. It’s super spacious, and you get snorkeling gear, a paddle board, and a kayak, as well as a delicious gourmet breakfast (with champagne!).
19. Enjoy a private boat trip
For the ultimate experience in Krabi, we recommend booking a private boat trip, as it allows you to explore the nearby islands in a more relaxed and intimate fashion.
And if you’re traveling as a group, booking a private boat might turn out to be just a little more expensive than booking a shared day trip together.
There are many private boat options you can book in Krabi, and you can customize them to fit your needs. But most have prepared travel itineraries, like a day out around the four islands, or to Phang Nga Bay’s Hong Island and nearby spots, or even a combination of Phi Phi Islands and four islands.
19.1. Four Islands Private Boat Charter
Enjoy a pickup from your hotel and choose between a 4 or 6-hour trip to the “local” 4 islands in Krabi on a traditional long-tail boat.
Private 4 Islands Local Tour is the most affordable private trip you can book in Krabi, and it’s really worth the money.
A similar trip, but on a bit more comfortable longtail boat with a sun bed in the front as well as a covered inside space with a table, is the Private 4 Islands Tour.
And the most comfortable and luxurious option is the Private 4 Island Gourmet Breakfast Cruise. Super cool boat with a great crew and a well-planned itinerary with nice snorkeling spots.
19.2. Phi Phi Islands Private Boat Charter
The most popular trip both from Krabi and Phuket is the Phi Phi Islands day trip. And this one especially makes sense to book a private one if you have the budget or you’re traveling as a bigger group/family.
Booking a private Phi Phi Islands trip will allow you to adjust the itinerary so you come to Maya Bay as soon as possible in the morning and then choose other places you want to be at according to the crowds.
We recommend the Private Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour.
19.3. Hong Island Private Tour
We went on a private tour to Hong Island, and we can highly recommend it for a more comfortable day out.
There are a few options, from the Standard Longtail Boat Hong Island Tour to the Luxury Hong Island Longtail Boat Island Hopping Tour, as well as a Hong Island & 4 Islands with Sunset & Night Snorkel.
19.4. Phang Nga Bay Private Tour
For Phang Nga Bay, we recommend the James Bond Private Speedboat Tour, where you can not only visit James Bond Island, but also Koh Panyee, Ko Yao Noi, and Hong Island, including some other stops on nearby small islands.
A bit more affordable is the Private Phang Nga Bay Longtail Boat Tour, which visits James Bond Island, Koh Panyee, but also the incredible Samet Nangshe Viewpoint.
20. Get your adrenaline pumping
Krabi is the adventure capital of Thailand, and beyond rock climbing, you can get your adrenaline-pumping on activities like Ziplining, ATV rides, and stand-up sea paddleboarding in the mangroves.
20.1. Zipline
One of the most thrilling activities in Krabi is the Zipline Adventure Experience, where you spend a thrilling day riding zip lines 70 meters above limestone mountains and rubber trees, as well as rappel down cliffs.
20.2. ATV Tour
ATV tours are a standard offer in most Thai tourist destinations, and Krabi is no different, with really good trails that offer an exciting day out. Check the Krabi ATV Adventure, and choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour ATV ride through durian plantations, palm trees, and mud roads.
20.3. Stand Up Paddleboard
A cool activity you can do by yourself is to rent a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and go paddleboarding along the beaches or inside the mangroves.
A great option you can pre-book online is the SUP Board Sunrise or Sunset Tour, which includes hotel pickup from Ao Nang and then takes you to a cool paddleboarding spot right by the mangroves.
Another option is this Stand Up Paddle Board Rental on Ao Nang Beach (options: 1, 4, 8 hours, sunrise/sunset), including board delivery.
20.4. Horseriding
We usually avoid recommending any kind of animal tourism in South East Asia, as it’s unfortunately often the case that places don’t take care of their animals or straight out abuse them.
However, we saw that Ao Nam Mao Horse Riding in Krabi operates a proper horse-riding business and cares for the horses. You can walk along the beach with them, plus if your horse is up for it, you can even go in the water.
But please, before you hop on a horse, check if there are any obvious wounds on them and if they generally look malnourished. Although keep in mind, that the horses you see there are a bit smaller and skinnier by nature.
21. Join a cooking class
If you’re interested in exploring the local culture, joining a Krabi cooking class is a great way to do just that.
At Thai cooking classes in Krabi, you can learn about traditional Thai ingredients, techniques, and recipes while creating delicious dishes showcasing the unique culinary heritage of Krabi, such as mouthwatering massaman curry, tom yum soups, the famous Pad Thai, and more!
Find the best cooking classes in Krabi on Viator or on Cookly (the best platform for booking cooking classes worldwide).
Best cooking classes in Krabi:
- Half Day Thai Cooking Class in Ao Nang
- Traditional Thai Cooking Class
- Cooking class at Thai Charm Cooking School
- Evening Thai Cooking Class at Ya’s Cookery
22. Attend a Yoga Retreat
In addition to the famous yoga retreats on Koh Phangan, you can also find quality yoga retreats in Krabi. These retreats offer excellent facilities, skillful teachers, and a serene environment. Some longer yoga retreats in Krabi even include day trips and other activities.
Best Yoga Retreats in Krabi:
- 6 Day Affordable Yoga and Meditation Holiday in Ao Nang
- 3 Day Reiki Energy Healing Workshop and Yoga Retreat
- 8 Day Sacred Waters Yoga Retreat
23. Enjoy a Thai massage
With lots of massage parlors and spas to choose from, you can easily find the perfect spot to unwind and indulge in some self-care while in Krabi.
Whether you prefer a traditional Thai massage or a more modern technique, Krabi offers a variety of options to suit your needs. So take a break from exploring the beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes and treat yourself to a blissful massage in this tropical paradise.
The best massage places can be found in Ao Nang.
Best Thai massage places in Ao Nang, Krabi:
- Radarom Spa Experience
- Boossabakorn Spa & Beauty Experience
- Let’s Relax Spa Experience at Wake Up Hotel
24. Go cycling in the countryside
For a bit different experience from all the boat trips, water activities, or rock climbing in Krabi, we recommend checking out one of the cycling tours around Krabi’s countryside.
It’s a perfect way to experience a bit of a different side of the area and learn more about the culture.
Best Krabi cycling tours:
- Half-day Koh Klang culture cycling
- Guided Mountain Biking – Grand Tour – Trails of Ao Nang
- Krabi Multiple Cycling Options Tour
25. Day trip to Similan Islands
Another must-do day trip from Krabi or Phuket is to Similan Islands, one of the most breathtaking islands in Thailand.
While there aren’t as many day tours going to Similan Islands from Krabi, there are still options.
You can book the Similan Islands Day Tour, which picks you up at 6 am from Ao Nang and brings you back at around 7 pm. It’s a full day out, as the transport between Krabi and the starting point in Khao Lak takes about 2 hours one way. But it’s so worth it.
These tours from Krabi, however, don’t operate every day, so if the schedule doesn’t fit, we recommend adding a day either in Phuket or Khao Lak, as you don’t want to miss the Similan Islands.
- Must read: Similan Islands Travel Guide
26. Day trip to Khao Sok National Park
To experience a bit of a different landscape to Krabi’s, we recommend a day trip or overnight trip to Khao Sok National Park.
It’s a great destination to add to your itinerary, as you can go on a nature walk in the jungle, spot some wildlife, explore a cave or two, and take a bamboo raft ride down a beautiful river.
Since Khao Sok is quite a drive away from Krabi, expect to spend a full day out.
One of Khao Sok’s top attractions is Cheow Lan Lake with its floating bungalows, which you can visit on a One Day Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake Tour.
Otherwise, the 2-Day Khao Sok Jungle Safari allows you to explore the main parts of the Khao Sok National Park, like bamboo rafting, night nature safari, and river canoeing while staying overnight in a jungle bungalow.
If you want to experience it all, then you need to stay at least one night at Khao Sok village and one night at Cheow Lan Lake.
- Read all about it in our Khao Sok Travel Guide.
Best time to visit Krabi
The best months to visit Krabi are between mid-November and February, when it’s mostly dry and not too hot or humid. However, this is also a high season for Krabi, so booking hotels and tours in advance is advised!
Book your hotel in Krabi to secure the best deal!
March, April, and May are the hottest months in Krabi and Thailand. Ensure you drink plenty of water and use sun protection during these times. The heat here is no joke!
GOOD TO KNOW
Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) takes place in April. During this time, water fights are organized all over the country.
- Read our comprehensive Songkran Travel Guide to learn everything you need to know if you’re visiting Thailand at this time.
- Watch our YouTube video of celebrating Songkran. 🎉
The wind starts picking up in April. That means the beaches are less enjoyable as the waves get bigger, and trash can be washed on the shore, even on some of the best Krabi beaches. But it’s not always the case, so you might have a completely different experience as well.
Rainy or monsoon season in Krabi generally starts in May/June and lasts till November, with its peak in August, September, and October. This is the time when Krabi experiences lots of downpours and showers.
However, despite the rain, there can still be lots of sunshine and good weather. You just need to be flexible and prepared for the rain.
Remember, Thailand is tropical, and the weather can be unpredictable. Plus, the weather seasons have slightly changed in South East Asia in recent years.
Another thing to note is the air pollution in Thailand in recent years due to the burning season in the north. During this season, the air quality, with less visibility, can be bad. But it all depends on the year. And sometimes, it’s not at all noticeable.
Where to stay in Krabi
The best area to stay in Krabi is Ao Nang, as it’s the most centrally located.
Otherwise, Railay Beach is a great place to stay in Krabi if you want to be close to the incredible Phra Nang Beach, as well as activities like rock climbing and boat trips to nearby destinations. All the tours usually offer pickups in Railay, and it’s easy to get to the mainland.
Staying in Krabi Town is best if you want to be closer to all the amenities. But keep in mind it takes about 30 minutes of a drive to get to the beaches in Ao Nang, as there is no closer one to the town.
For a more luxurious stay experience in Krabi, check out Tubkaek, as it’s where you can find amazing resorts on a more secluded beach.
Choosing the best area depends on what you want from Krabi. The main things to do in Krabi are scattered all over, so whatever you choose, you can’t be close to everything. But if you want to be closer to the beach, don’t stay in Krabi town, it’s just too far.
- Read more: Where To Stay in Krabi
Where to eat in Krabi
While Krabi is less developed than its neighbor Phuket, it’s still full of great restaurants and cafes that offer a wide variety of dishes from local Thai cuisine to international food.
Our favorite restaurants in Krabi were Rainbow Restaurant and Little Govinda’s (vegetarian). Mama Kitchen also had good Thai food, but the service was a bit of a hit-and-miss.
Another excellent option is to get some snacks and street food at Krabi’s night markets. In Ao Nang, you can find street food stalls that open just before sunset at the Ao Nang Mosque Market. This market is much smaller than others, but it offers a good variety of things you can enjoy.
We recommend grabbing a delicious Thai pancake (roti) or some tasty papaya salad and fruit smoothies. Yum!
How to get to Krabi
Krabi’s proximity to other Southern Thai destinations, like Phuket and a nearby international airport, makes it relatively easy to get to.
TRAVEL TIP
Book tickets to Krabi in advance, especially during the high season!
Flying into Krabi
The most common way to reach Krabi is by flying into Krabi International Airport, which has direct domestic flights from major cities in Thailand, as well as international flights from Dubai, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to your accommodation in Krabi town or any of the popular beach destinations like Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
There is also a Private Airport Transfer to your hotel that you can book online in advance.
Bus and train connections to Krabi
Krabi is well connected to other places in Thailand by frequent buses and minivans.
Unfortunately, Krabi is not connected to the Thai railroad network. The only option for getting to Krabi by train is to disembark at the Surat Thani Train Station and then catch a bus the rest of the way.
Getting to Krabi from Bangkok
The easiest and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is by direct flight, which will take about 1,5 hours.
Alternatively, you can take a bus, which will take anywhere from 15 to 20 hours from Bangkok. If you decide to take a train, you need to disembark at the Surat Thani Train Station and then catch a bus/van the rest of the way.
Another option is to book a car in Bangkok and drive through Thailand.
Getting to Krabi from Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Lanta
The easiest way to get to Krabi from Phuket or Koh Lanta is by bus/van, or ferry.
The only way to get to Krabi from Phi Phi Islands is by ferry or speedboat.
- Check all the transport options from Phuket.
- Check all the transport options from Koh Lanta.
- Check all the transport options from Phi Phi Islands.
[ ALSO READ ]
Getting to Krabi from Khao Sok or Khao Lak
The best way to get to Krabi from Khao Sok or Khao Lak is by van. These usually include hotel transfers as well.
[ ALSO READ ]
Getting to Krabi from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan
To get to Krabi from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao, you need to take a ferry first and then a bus/van to Krabi. We recommend booking these at once as a combo option.
Otherwise, you can also fly from Koh Samui Airport to either Chiang Mai or Bangkok and then another flight to Krabi Airport.
- Check all the transport options from Kok Samui.
- Check all the transport options from Koh Phangan.
- Check all the transport options from Koh Tao.
[ ALSO READ ]
How to get around Krabi
The best way to get around Krabi is to rent a motorbike to visit most nearby destinations.
Otherwise, renting a car in Krabi is a great idea, as most spots are spread all around the Krabi province, which is quite big. So it’s much easier and more comfortable to explore in a car.
If you’re not interested in driving, you can book a Private Car With a Driver and explore the main Krabi spots that way.
Of course, there are also taxis you can book in Krabi, and most routes have a set price, like from and to the airport, between Ao Nang and Krabi Town, and similar. You can also use Grab (Uber).
In addition to regular taxis, there are also shared minivans you can hail down at the side of the road, as well as motorbike taxis and even a kind of tuk-tuk.
How many days to spend in Krabi
You should spend at least 3 days in Krabi to have enough time to see the province’s main highlights, and do at least one day trip and relax on the beaches.
Anything over three days in Krabi will give you more time to have a more relaxed schedule or do extra activities.
We highly recommend using Krabi as a base for some of the awesome trips to places like the Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay. That’s why it’s absolutely worth adding a few more nights to your itinerary to be able to do these trips from Krabi.
In southern Thailand, Krabi is right behind Phuket as the best place to base yourself.
Prices in Krabi
Whether you want to save money or splurge on the perfect vacation, Krabi offers something for everyone. From high-end hotels and restaurants to great hostels and delicious street food, there are countless options to customize your experience according to your budget.
Accommodation | Food | Transport |
---|---|---|
Hotel: $20 – $150 / night | Inexpensive meal: $2 – $4 | Taxi 1km: $1 – $2 |
Hostel: $5 – $10 / night | Mid-range meal: $7 – $10 | Bike rental: $6 – $10 |
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Internet in Krabi
Krabi has reliable internet with fast speeds, so you can pretty much expect good internet on your visit. The mobile network coverage is also great when exploring the nearby islands.
Although Wifi is readily available, we highly recommend a local phone package.
We’ve used and can recommend the eSIM by Thailandesim packages (get 5% off with code SHIPPEDAWAY).
Stay protected on public WiFi
We’ve been using NordVPN for over 5 years now and can highly recommend the tool for protecting your privacy and freedom while browsing the internet.
It encrypts your connection and hides your data from potential hackers. Also, with a VPN, you can access blocked/restricted content like some Netflix movies or booking sites.
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Is Krabi a safe destination?
Like all of Thailand, Krabi is a safe destination for all travelers, including women and solo travelers.
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Is Krabi worth visiting?
We were positively surprised and can, without a doubt, confirm that Krabi is absolutely worth visiting.
It offers incredible beaches, lots of activities, and fantastic day trips to places like Phi Phi Islands and its famous Maya Bay, then to Phang Nga Bay and the absolutely stunning Hong Island, as well as the local four Ao Nang islands.
Looking for more travel guides and Thailand travel inspiration?
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
Similan Islands – Surin Islands