If time allows, I’ll stay in Krabi for weeks. This famous beach town located on the west coast of Thailand sits in an excellent location near Phang Nga Bay and the offshore islands. Serving as a centerpiece for all types of travelers, Krabi is a slice of paradise where craggy limestone hills and pristine islands are the biggest hooks.
Big foodies will be stunned to know there are two big night markets to stuff their empty stomachs with late-night bites. Outdoor enthusiasts have a whale of a time on a kayak to explore Bor Thor Cave and Ao Tha Lane. Hunting on a hidden gem? The Emerald Pool is definitely the best-kept secret going forest bathing and hiking with a view.
If you’re setting out to Krabi soon, check out this comprehensive travel guide to Krabi which covers the best things to do, the best areas to stay, my favorite food spots, and recommended day trips.
How To Get To Krabi?
By Plane
Krabi Airport is a small airport connected to Krabi downtown on a 20-minute ride. After landing, you can hail a shuttle bus, get on a songthaew, or charter a car directly to your hotel. The Grab app is available in Krabi but it usually gets extremely busy around the airport area so I don’t recommend it to reach downtown.
By Train
There are trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani from where there are public buses and taxis to downtown Krabi in over an hour.
By Bus
There are various types of buses ranging from economy to VIP limousine buses from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Bangkok. It’s better to leave at night as the bus takes 11 hours to reach Krabi.
2 Best Ways To Get Around Krabi
By Taxi
Taxis and songthaew cars are the easiest and most popular means of transportation in Krabi at reasonable prices. Make sure you and the driver both agree on the rate before getting on one.
By Car
If you travel with a big group or wish to cover multiple attractions in a day, charter a car to keep the cost down and save time. Chartered cars are available at Krabi Airport or you can also sign up for an organized tour if you plan on some day trips to other parts near Krabi such as Koh Hong, Ko Phi Phi, or James Bond Island.
Grab, Bolt, and InDriver are some of the best ride-sharing apps you can consider if you don’t want to charter a car.
9 Things To Do In Krabi For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Unwind At Ao Nang Beach
Undoubtedly the most sought-after beach in Krabi, Ao Nang can get pretty scrambled on any given sunny day but is also packed with plenty of water sports such as rock climbing, kayaking, scuba diving, or shopping hubs. Ao Nang also serves as a centerpiece for accommodations and food spots with a sprawling nightlife scene after the sun is out.
Kick Back At The Emerald Pool
As the locals attest, Emerald Pool is a true natural getaway that is dubbed as one of the best excursions out of Krabi. The massive wooded area is home to a network of forested trails that meander through deep turquoise bodies of water, crystal-clear streams, small yellow ponds, and a plethora of tropical flora species.
Take On Wat Tham Suea Hike (Tiger Cave Temple)
A flight of 1260 steps of stairs reaching the mountaintop of a cave hill, beckoning hardcore hikers and mountain climbers to Wat Tham Suea. If your fitness level agrees, that will be a 40-minute hike waiting for you ahead. At the end of the hike, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking sweeping wraparound vista over Krabi’s limestone cliffs and the rainforest. Make sure to put on a proper outfit that covers your knees and shoulders before taking on the hike.
Celebrate The Night At Ao Nang Night Market
Krabi is not short on night markets, but the Ao Nang Night Market is inarguably the top call to celebrate the young night with your buddies. Stroll through a huge collection of clothing and accessories before checking out the series of bag stores and Thai traditional outfits. Ao Nang Night Market also offers an excellent range of handicraft goodies to bring home as a keepsake.
Eat Till You Drop At Krabi Night Market
Teaming up with Ao Nang Night Market, Krabi Night Market is another stellar call if you stay in town for a good couple of nights. As the locals attest, Krabi Night Market gathers more local goods compared to the one in Ao Nang instead of knockoffs. In the middle of the market, they set up a stage with live concerts and performances to sway with your favorite jam. You can also grab a quick bite and find a seat by the river to chill out with some breeze.
Go Rock Climbing At Railay Beach
Railay Beach is more than just an average swimming spot. In fact, it’s known as a paradise for rock climbers with plenty of tours and classes offering training lessons for beginners and rental equipment. Here you can find more than 1000 scenic graded sport routes bolted on gorgeous terrain. These limestone cliffs are not only great for a workout in the sun but also offer incredible views of the coastal regions in Southern Thailand.
Revive Your Tired Muscles At Let’s Relax Spa
Repeated visitors to Krabu know for sure how to keep their bodies relieved and alive at the end of a busy day exploring Krabi. A curated treatment to ease your tired bones at Let’s Relax Spa is the best way to cap off your day on a high note. There are plenty of treatments to choose from, targeting different parts of your body in various techniques such as Back and Shoulder Massage, Thai Massage, Foot Massage, Aroma Oil Massage, and Body Scrub.
Don’t forget to book your treatment ahead of time with Klook to keep the cost down and get a hold of your own schedule without waiting!
Set Sail On A Kayak To Bor Thor Cave
Looking to give your arms an exercise? Sign up for a kayak tour deep into the mystic cave of Bor Thor and call it a day. This exhilarating trip on the water provides you with a refreshing glimpse into Krabi from a different angle as you paddle through its lush mangrove forest. Huge limestone karsts open out to incredible scenery with calm waves and shaded creeks. You can choose either a full-day kayaking trip or a half-day one with lunch included. At the end of the day, you’ll be stunned at the hidden sandbanks and colorful chirping birds pecking at you behind the lush vegetation.
Get Lost In The Woods Of Ao Tha Lane
If water sports is what your heart desires, don’t miss out on Ao Tha Lane, a great alternative to Bor Thor Cave. This secret wonder plays host to an abundant habitat of monkeys, crabs, and herons living at the base of the massive limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and palm trees.
A heads-up for you is to pay attention to the tide schedule when booking your tour. When the tide is too low, you cannot go that far into certain bodies of water such as the end of the canyon. Some kayak tours to Ao Tha Lane also offer tasty BBQs to help you recharge at the end of the trip.
Conquer The Best Day Trips From Krabi
Playing host to around 200 islands and islets off the coastline, Krabi serves as a great jump-off point to set sail on an island-hopping voyage. Heavyweights such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Hong, and James Bond Island are the top tiers for a day trip from downtown Krabi. To give you a comprehensive look and comparison between these destinations, I have rounded up a travel guide for each island you can check out below.
But first, let’s take a sneak peek into these islands to see what’s in store for you!
Koh Phi Phi – Phi Phi Island
The Phi Phi archipelago is a beacon for diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, and sunbathing. On the lesser-known side, Phi Phi Viewpoint opens out to a picturesque vista of the turquoise water and far-flung mountains, especially during sunset.
Best Read: Is Koh Phi Phi Worth Visiting? Speedboat, Getting There, Things To See And Do
Koh Hong – Hong Island
Sunbathing, snorkeling, and kayaking are the main thrills in Koh Hong. Schools of stunning colorful fishes hide at the bed of the sea, while white-faced gibbons and water monitors settle in the towering limestone cliffs and lush tropical jungles.
Best Read: Koh Hong Island: A Half-Day Boat Trip From Krabi
James Bond Island
Located off the shore of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island is a world-renowned destination with its iconic, unusual limestone rocky pinnacle. This is a protected marine area and that’s why boats are not allowed to get too close to the sand.
Krabi Four Islands
You can get there by speedboat or a longtail boat. The island group covers Koh Poda, Koh Gai (Chicken Island), Koh Tub and Koh Mor located not far away from each other. You can walk the hidden sandbank connecting Koh Tub and Koh Mor when the tide is low.
Best Read: Krabi 4 Islands Boat Tour: Best Package, Itinerary, Things To See And Do
What Are The Best Areas To Stay In Krabi?
Ao Nang
As mentioned earlier, Ao Nang Beach is the central hub of accommodations of all types, surrounded by an army of nightlife possibilities, stellar restaurants, and water sports to keep you occupied for days. The Ao Nang area leans its back against dramatic karst islands. Plenty of boat trips and cruises also dock here, connecting Ao Nang with other highly visited beaches in Krabi and the far-off islands.
Krabi Town
Here you can find budget-friendly accommodations even though there’s an absence of lively night markets or shopping possibilities. On the flip side, Krabi town delivers its authenticity and local vibe to the fullest, with plenty of taxis taking you to Ao Nang or Railay within minutes.
Tubkaek Beach
Dubbed the home of the best sunset views in all of Krabi, Tubkaek Beach is my favorite area to stay out of the three places. Mild waves and the calm atmosphere here are not disturbed by the tourist crowds. This is also the concentration of most premium hotels, restaurants, and bars if you don’t mind staying a bit further away from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
3 Best Food Spots In Krabi (And What To Order)
Hill Top
As the name suggests, Hill Top Restaurant boasts an idyllic view of Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara beaches as you’re munching on authentic Thai dishes in the mountain breeze. Freshly sourced seafood cooked to perfection and juicy duck breast beautifully marinated are the top calls to complete your family dinner or spruce up your romantic date night. There’s a truck taking you up and down the hill so you don’t have to bother with the climbing. On top of that, the sunset view here is second to none.
Lae Lay Grill
Set by the serene water of the Andaman Sea, Lae Lay Grill takes its pride in grilled fish and Thai fresh seafood with a modern touch. The Tom Yum Soup delights your taste buds with its beautiful heat and decadent tanginess while the soft shell crab is heavenly aromatic. The open-space concept takes you halfway up the mountain in Ao Nang Bay. Don’t forget to round up your dinner with a fresh serving of coconut ice cream and chocolate cakes.
Ton Ma Yom
Incredibly good food doesn’t have to be expensive. Set in a humble yet welcoming atmosphere, Ton Ma Yom is the last restaurant in Krabi you wanna miss out on. This family eatery enfolds a small dining space with a lush garden at the front if you wish to chill with a view. Here, succulent Thai dishes make a statement. Everything from Green Curry With Chicken to Tom Yum Goong and Mango Sticky Rice will have you in awe.
Krabi is great but it’s not enough to make the most of your trip to Thailand, check out my travel guides below to be inspired:
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- Bangkok Travel Guide 2023: Get Around, Best Hotels, Good Eats, & Sample Itinerary