10 Best things to do in Krabi
Krabi is a destination that offers endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation. Here are some of the best things to do in Krabi during your visit.
1. Hike to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Located in a lush jungle, the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) is an iconic attraction in Krabi. The temple is known for its 1,237 steps leading to a giant golden Buddha statue at the top.
The journey to the top may be challenging but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and a sense of accomplishment for completing the hike.
You can also explore the caves and shrines along the way, making this a unique and spiritual experience.
Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes and plenty of water for your hike.
In the temple area, remember to cover your knees and shoulders. However, during the hike, you can wear shorts and a top.
Read more -> Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi: Complete guide to Wat Tham Suea
2. Visit Railay Beach
Railay Beach is a must-visit destination in Krabi for its stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs. This secluded paradise can only be reached by boat, making it a peaceful and serene escape from the busy tourist areas.
Apart from relaxing on the beach, there are many activities to do in Railay Beach such as rock climbing, kayaking, and exploring the caves. Don’t miss out on witnessing the breathtaking sunset at Phra Nang Cave Beach.
If you join the 4 Islands tour, they will also make a stop at Railay Beach. However, if you have the time, it is worth considering spending more time exclusively at Railay Beach. You can also book accommodation there.
3. Island hopping to Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands, located 1-hour speed boat ride away from Krabi, is another must-visit destination. Famous for its crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, it has become one of the most iconic destinations in Thailand.
You can join a group tour or charter your own private boat to explore the islands. Some popular activities include snorkelling, kayaking, and visiting the famous Maya Bay where the movie “The Beach” was filmed.
Phi Phi Island is also a popular scuba diving destination. You may even spot some sharks there.
Instead of just taking a day tour to Phi Phi Island, we decided to extend our stay to 2 days. Although the speed boat ride takes only 1 hour each way, it’s not the most comfortable option (and can even be risky during the rainy season). There are plenty of activities to enjoy on Phi Phi Island itself, so I would recommend staying at least one night. For the best experience, visit Maya Beach really early in the morning before it gets crowded with large groups of people.
Read more -> Exploring the Wonders of Phi Phi Islands: 11 Best Things to Do
4. Take Four Island tour
One of the best ways to experience all that Krabi has to offer is by going on an island hopping tour. There are numerous islands and beaches in the area, each with its own unique charm and activities to enjoy.
One really popular tour is the Four Island tour. As the name suggests, it takes you to four different islands – Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Phranang Cave Beach (Railay Beach).
Koh Poda is known for its picturesque white sand beach surrounded by clear turquoise waters. It’s a great spot for relaxing on the beach or snorkelling.
Chicken Island gets its name from a rock formation that looks like a chicken head. The island is also home to some great snorkelling spots and you may even spot some blacktip reef sharks while exploring the waters.
Tup Island is famous for its unique sandbar that connects two islands during low tide, creating a breathtaking view.
Phranang Cave Beach is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and beautiful caves to explore.
We went on a speed boat tour (due to the rainy season) with a group of people. It was great, but we prefer tours with fewer people or private tours because they allow for more flexibility in spending more time at certain places and less time at others. By taking a private tour, you can have time on some islands when there are almost no other people there, as most tour groups follow similar itineraries.
If you’re travelling with a group of people, a private tour may also be more cost-effective compared to joining a tour group.
5. Experience the Krabi Night Market
For a taste of local culture and cuisine, make sure to visit the Krabi Night Market. Here, you can find an array of street food stalls selling traditional Thai dishes such as pad thai, mango sticky rice, and grilled seafood. You can also shop for souvenirs, clothes, and accessories at affordable prices.
The market is open every evening from 5 pm until late at night. It’s a great place to soak in the lively atmosphere and try new foods that you may not find at restaurants.
Don’t forget to bargain with the vendors for better prices!
6.Relax at Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is the most popular beach in Krabi and for a good reason. With its long stretch of white sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of limestone cliffs, it’s the perfect spot to spend a day lounging under the sun.
You can also find various restaurants, bars, and shops along the beachfront, making it a convenient place to stay. Take a dip in the refreshing water, or go on a boat tour to explore nearby islands and beaches.
7. Try Rock Climbing
For those seeking a bit of adventure, Krabi is a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. With its limestone cliffs and stunning views, it’s a great place to test your skills or try rock climbing for the first time.
There are various tour companies and climbing schools that offer courses and guided climbs for all levels of experience.
8. Explore the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
For nature lovers, the Emerald Pool and Krabi Hot Springs are a must-visit in Krabi.
Located in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, these natural wonders offer a refreshing and relaxing experience.
The Emerald Pool is a crystal clear freshwater pool surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for swimming and cooling off from the hot weather.
9. Take a Day Trip to Koh Lanta
If you have more time in Krabi, consider taking a day trip to the nearby island of Koh Lanta. Known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning sunsets, this island is the perfect spot for a day of relaxation.
We didn’t have time to go there, but it’s on our list for next time. They also offer a wide range of accommodation options, making it a great idea to spend a few days there.
10. Take a trip to Koh Yao Noi
For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting Koh Yao Noi. This small island is known for its authentic Thai culture and stunning scenery. You can explore the island by bike, visit local villages, and relax on secluded beaches.
Due to the rainy season, we couldn’t visit the island this time. However, it remains on our list for the next trip to Thailand.
Where to stay in Krabi?
Krabi has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. From luxurious beach resorts to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone.
Is it better to stay in Ao Nang or Krabi town? It depends on what you want and what your budget is.
Ao Nang
For those looking to stay near the beach and have easy access to restaurants and nightlife, Ao Nang is a popular choice. This bustling town has a wide range of hotels and guesthouses, as well as a lively atmosphere.
Ao Nang has numerous resorts, typically offering pricier options compared to Krabi town. However, there are still affordable choices available in Ao Nang. Additionally, during the rainy season, resorts often offer attractive deals.
We found a great deal at Sea Seeker Krabi Hotel and decided to stay there. The hotel offered beautiful views of limestone cliffs, and we enjoyed the delicious breakfast buffet as well.
Krabi Town
For a taste of local life, consider staying in Krabi Town. This bustling city has a mix of modern amenities and traditional markets, giving visitors a unique experience. There are also some great budget-friendly accommodation options available here.
When visiting Phi Phi island, you can easily hop on a ferry to Krabi town. We decided to take a ferry back to Krabi town and spend our final night there. It turned out to be a great decision as we had the opportunity to experience the local life in Krabi town and enjoy the vibrant night market.
We stayed at Chanchalaya Hip Hostel in a private room. It was a lovely and cute place to spend the night.
Railay
If you’re looking for a more secluded and peaceful experience, consider staying in Railay. This peninsula is only accessible by boat and offers stunning beaches and a laid-back vibe. There are some beautiful resorts and bungalows available, perfect for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
Tonsai
For adventurous travellers, Tonsai is a great option. This small beach town is known for its world-class rock climbing, and there are plenty of affordable bungalows and guesthouses available. It’s also a great spot to meet other backpackers and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
Where to eat in Krabi?
Thai food is world-renowned for its delicious flavours and fresh ingredients. And Krabi is no exception, with a wide variety of restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes.
Street food vendors: You’ll find an abundance of street food stalls throughout Krabi, offering everything from Pad Thai to spicy curry dishes.
Night markets: Krabi Town has several night markets where you can sample a variety of local dishes and shop for souvenirs. Prices are significantly lower compared to regular restaurants, making it a great option for budget travellers.
To witness a spectacular fire show in Krabi, head over to REEVE Beach Club. They host a fire show every day and offer an excellent spot to admire the stunning sunsets in Krabi.
For a more upscale dining experience, give CRU Kitchen and Bar a try. The food there is absolutely delicious.
For a delightful coffee and brunch experience, be sure to visit Café 8.98 Ao Nang.
When should I visit Krabi?
The best time to visit Krabi is between November and April when the weather is pleasant and dry. However, this is also the peak tourist season, so prices tend to be higher during this time.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October).
Keep in mind that June-October is the monsoon season, so there may be occasional heavy rain showers. However, this time of year also offers lower prices and fewer crowds.
We visited during the rainy season in June. Some days were sunny and nice, but other days it rained heavily. Usually, it doesn’t rain the whole day, so you can still enjoy it and it’s warm. However, visiting islands can be problematic as some days the ocean is too rough, making it unsafe and uncomfortable to travel by boat. The weather can also change rapidly from sunny to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
How long to stay in Krabi?
The length of your stay in Krabi depends on personal preferences and the activities you want to do. If you’re just looking for a relaxing beach vacation, 3-4 days would be enough.
But if you want to explore more of the islands and take part in various outdoor activities, a week or longer is ideal.
Krabi also makes a great base for island-hopping, so you can easily extend your stay and visit nearby destinations like Phi Phi Islands or Koh Lanta.
Overall, we recommend staying at least 5-7 days in Krabi to fully experience all the beauty and activities it has to offer.
How to get to Krabi?
Krabi is easily accessible by plane, bus, or ferry.
The most convenient way to get to Krabi is by flying into Krabi International Airport, which has direct flights from major cities in Thailand and other countries in Southeast Asia.
From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle van to your accommodation. If you’re on a budget, taking a bus from Bangkok or other major cities in Thailand is also an option.
Another way to get to Krabi is by ferry, which provides scenic views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands. You can take a ferry from Phuket, Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Lanta to reach Krabi.
Is Krabi worth going to?
Yes, Krabi is definitely worth visiting. Although it’s quite touristy, I still find it to be an amazing place to visit.
With its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush green landscapes, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
Apart from its natural beauty, Krabi offers a wide range of activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. Its laid-back atmosphere also makes it a great place to relax and unwind.
