Discover the wonders of Krabi
White sand shores. Turquoise lagoons. Shimmering seas. Dramatic limestone cliffs. Krabi is a treat for the senses.
Whether you land in Krabi from the air, arrive on the beach in a longboat or drive into Krabi Town, adventure awaits. Dip under the water to discover tropical fish and coral, hop on a boat or kayak to explore islands and caves, and take in the dramatic sunsets every night.
Visiting Krabi from the US
What to expect and when to come
Thailand promises a slower pace of life than home. You’ll slip your shoes off and feel white sand between your toes. Dip your feet in crystal clear waters and let the world go by as you sip a cool drink on a secluded beach. And in Krabi, there’s adventure around every corner too. From exploring temples to rock climbing and from kayaking to jet skiing. You’ll feast on curries – from red to green and yellow. The Tom Yum soup is spicy and reinvigorating and Pad Thai is always a treat. The best time to visit Krabi is November to March for slightly cooler temperatures and less rain.
Spots to explore in Krabi
Rest your head or get out for adventure
Whether you’re looking for places to stay in Krabi or locations to explore, these are the key areas to get to know.
Ao Nang
Heart of the action
Ao Nang is the destination for luxury accommodation seekers right through to backpackers. It’s the main bustling hub of Krabi famed for its nightlife, water sports, top hotels and beaches. Stretch out on Ao Nang Beach, Monkey Beach, Nopparat Thara Beach and Klong Muang Beach. Don’t miss the night market either.
Railay Beach
Serene and secluded
Only accessible by boat, the Railay Peninsula promises pristine white sand and huge limestone cliffs. It’s famous for rock climbing, scuba, snorkelling and kayaking. Come here for secluded beaches and an adventure. Phra Nang Cave is an intriguing fertility shrine that always makes a great photo too.
Krabi Town
Authentic Thai life
Head to Krabi Town for an authentic Thai experience away from the beaches. Sample Thai street food at the bustling night market, and spend the day exploring some of the best temples in the region including Tiger Cave Temple and Wat Korawaram.
Koh Lanta
Island getaway
Just off the coast of Krabi, lies the island network of Ko Lanta. Hop on a ferry to discover Lanta Old Town on the biggest of the islands, Ko Lanta Yai. Don’t miss the diving off the islands’ shores and trekking through Mu Ko Lanta National Park.
Phi Phi Islands
Thai island paradise
Take the ferry for less than two hours from Krabi and you’ll land in the Phi Phi islands. The waters are packed with marine life making for a snorkelling and diving paradise. Make sure you visit Maya Bay, the setting of The Beach. It’s packed full of tourists today, but still worth a visit and a photo.
Things to do in Krabi
Spend your time in Krabi exploring:
Emerald Pool
Shimmering and inviting
One of the best natural attractions of the region, make a beeline for the Emerald Pool and hot springs. You’ll trek 1.4km into Thung Teao Forest Natural Park passing streams, small yellow ponds and huge tropical plants and trees before finding the emerald pool’s turquoise waters.
Take a dip and cool yourself in the pool then walk the 400m long footpath to the blue pool/hot spring. Slide in and wash your worries away.
Tiger Cave Temple
Worth the climb
Sitting 270 metres high, you’ll need to climb 1260 steps up and around the limestone mountain to reach the temple. It’s a fairly simple climb, but it’s a good workout and always worth it for the panoramic views at the top.
Tiger Cave Temple is famed for the ‘tiger’ prints in the cave from the big cats that were once thought to roam the area. You’ll see many impressive Buddhist statues too.
Ao Nang Beach is the longest in Thailand, at 20km long.
There are more than 150 islands in Krabi to explore.
Phra Nang Cave is the largest cave in Southeast Asia.
Phra Nang Cave Beach
An interesting photo opp
Part of the Railay Peninsula, you can walk to Phra Nang Cave Beach from Railay or see it as part of a Four Islands tour. It’s a beautiful beach in its own right, and famed for its cave and shrine. Inside the cave you’ll find many wooden phalluses as shrines to fertility – always a fun picture. Don’t miss the monkeys on the beach either.
Krabi Night Market
Authentic and alive
This authentic night market in Krabi Town never disappoints. Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm to 10pm, it’s a treasure trove of stalls selling handmade jewellery, woven baskets, wooden elephants, decorative masks and more. Don’t leave before sampling the Pad Thai, curries and seafood and watching the live performers.
Krabi Elephant Sanctuary
Ecotourism at its best
This haven for retired and rescued elephants is a sustainable and safe habitat for these majestic animals and the perfect spot if you’re looking for ethical tourism on your Krabi adventure. No longer will these elephants have to carry humans, now they’re in a loving environment. Visit in the morning or afternoon to meet the elephants, understand their history and interact with them.
Ao Luk Mangrove and Caves
Get out on the water
Take to the waters and book a kayaking tour to Ao Luk mangroves. You’ll paddle out following your tour guide to discover the three caves within the mangroves – Tham Lod Neua, Tham Lod Neua and Tham Phi Hua Toh. They each offer stunning rock formations, cave exploration and a true day of adventure.
Krabi Hotels
Whether you’re looking for all-out luxury or a budget-friendly option, these are four of our favourite hotels in Krabi.
Pimann Buri Pool Villas Ao Nang
Your private villa
This upscale villa has its own private pool and is just a 15-minute drive away from Ao Nang Beach. Rent a bike to explore or simply take in the views from the terrace or garden.
AONang 3 Monkeys Pool Resort
Quiet and peaceful
This budget-friendly option is just 2.12km from Ao Nang Beach and promises a quiet sanctuary away from the bustling areas of Ao Nang.
The 9th House
Heart of Krabi Town
This family-run hotel in Krabi Town is the perfect base to explore Krabi. Krabi Night Market is right on your doorstep, whilst Tiger Cave Temple is just 8km away.
Seava House Ao-Nang
Hit the beach
This 3-star resort in Ao Nang is the ideal spot to enjoy Krabi’s beaches. Ao Nang Beach is a 15-minute drive, and you’re just 3km away from beautiful Nopparat Thara Beach.
Krabi Costs
Thailand is much cheaper than home, offering a slice of paradise at low cost. In Krabi, you can expect to pay:
Local Beer: 60-80 THB
Meal at a nice restaurant: 200-400 THB
Street Food: 30-50 THB
Taxi Ride (within city): 100-200 THB
Massage: 200-300 THB
Krabi’s crystal clear waters, soft white sands, islands, lagoons, national parks and sunsets are waiting.
Thinking of travelling to Krabi? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car rental deals for your next trip.
