Neil Aronson Krabi is one of the most perfect examples of Southern Thailand’s natural beauty, featuring sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and incredible rock formations. Water activities abound, in addition to a great town, waterfalls, temples, and of course great food.
Why go to Krabi
Located on Thailand’s west coast, towards the south of the country, Krabi province has 160km of coastline as well as over 130 tropical islands in the Andaman Sea, including protected national parks such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular destinations in Asia. If you’re looking for relaxing beaches, stunning scenery, and great activities, then Krabi is the place to be.
Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are two of the most famous islands in the Andaman Sea and are both protected as National Parks, and accessible directly from Krabi Town.
Koh Phi Phi offers everything from rock climbing, diving, snorkeling, and island hopping. This is where you will find the famous Maya Bay, from ‘The Beach’. While Koh Lanta is the more chilled alternative with empty beaches, endless sea views, and hard-to-beat sunsets.
Krabi Town itself should not be disregarded either. While it does not boast large-scale attractions as Phuket or Pattaya, it does serve as a convenient base for touring the area. Hire a motorbike and head to Wat Tham Suea, the famous cave temple on top of a mountain boasting a 360 degree panorama of Krabi; or explore amazing mangrove forests of Khlong Song Nam, a river with unbelievably transparent water.
When To go
Krabi, like the rest of Thailand, has its dry and wet seasons but is hot most of the year. The rainy season falls between July and October, but rain showers usually only last a couple hours or less. Prices are cheaper and less crowded. November through February are high season, with the best weather. This is also a good time to visit as it’s slightly cooler and less humid. The hottest months are April and May.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Where to stay in Krabi
Krabi province is a great destination for everyone. If you just want to hang on the amazing beaches, or a nature lover, backpacker, or adventurous. Whether you’re on the mainland in Krabi Town itself, down the road in Ao Nang or Railay, or out on the islands, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options to cater for both a limited and unlimited budget.
Krabi Town offers a great selection of relatively budget guesthouses. Priced between THB600 and THB1000 they are a great value compared to much pricier options of Ao Nang, not to mention the islands.
Base yourself in the center of town or closer to Chao Fah pier area. In town has probably more food and shopping options but the latter is a couple of steps away from the riverfront. Both are convenient for an easy evening walk or taking a local boat for a day trip to Koh Klang. We always use Agoda to book hotels.
10 Things To Do Around Town
Krabi City (Krabi Town) serves as the capital of Krabi Province and is the gateway to many of the region’s beautiful islands, beaches, and natural attractions. While it may not have the white sandy beaches that the islands are known for, Krabi City is rich in culture, local life, and activities. Here are some of the top things to do.
1. Krabi Riverside
- The Krabi River flows through the town, offering scenic views, especially near Thara Park and the Chao Fah Pier. You can take a relaxing walk or rent a longtail boat for a river tour, exploring local fishing villages and mangrove forests.
2. Night Markets
- Krabi Walking Street (open on weekends) is the most popular market, offering street food, local crafts, clothing, and live performances.
- The Maharaj Market is a bustling daily market where you can experience authentic local life, purchase fresh produce, and sample traditional Thai snacks.
3. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)
- Just outside the city, this famous Buddhist temple is known for its 1,237-step climb that leads to a stunning viewpoint over Krabi’s limestone cliffs and jungle. The temple complex itself is surrounded by caves, and the meditation caves are used by monks.
Located on Khao Kaeo, Tambon Krabi Noi. Originally, it was “Na Ching Monastery”, a place for practicing Dharma and meditation. Later it was renamed Wat Tham Suea, and the reason for being named this was because tigers used to live in the cave in that area, and inside the cave there is a natural stone in the shape of a tiger’s paw. The general natural condition is a forest and many small caves.
4. Thara Park
- A large public park along the river, perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or exercising. It’s a peaceful spot popular with locals, with play areas for children and open green spaces.
5. Khao Khanab Nam
- These twin limestone mountains are a symbol of Krabi, located along the Krabi River. You can visit caves at the base of the cliffs, which contain stalactites, stalagmites, and prehistoric paintings. The mountains are often reached via a short boat ride from Krabi Town.
6. Wat Kaew Korawaram
- One of the most significant temples in Krabi, located near the city center. The temple is strikingly white and offers a peaceful place for prayer and meditation. It also has a lovely view of Krabi Town from its hilltop location.
7. Local Food Scene
- Krabi Town is known for its local eateries and seafood restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying southern Thai dishes like Khao Mok Gai (Thai chicken biryani) or fresh seafood from one of the town’s many waterfront restaurants.
- Ruen Mai Restaurant is one of the more famous places for authentic Krabi cuisine.
- Krabi Town has many markets you can visit if you want to experiment, including two different night markets where you can dine on curry and rice for just THB20. If you prefer to stick to what you know of the Western world, don’t worry you’ll find everything from burgers to pizza – and all within budget.
8. Weekend Walking Street Market
- This lively event features local vendors selling everything from street food to handicrafts. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or try local specialties like roti, satay, and fresh seafood.
9. Black Crab Statue and Krabi Town Sign
- The Black Crab Statue near the riverside is one of Krabi Town’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a popular spot for photos, with the backdrop of Khao Khanab Nam in the distance.
10. Take a River Cruise
- Longtail boat tours can be arranged along the Krabi River, where you can explore the mangroves, visit local fishing villages, and see monkeys and birds along the way. Some tours also include a visit to Koh Klang, a small, peaceful island where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the local Muslim community.
9 Of The Best Activities
1. Island Hopping
- Phi Phi Islands: Famous for their dramatic cliffs, clear waters, and the iconic Maya Bay.
- Hong Islands: Known for its secluded lagoons and white sandy beaches.
- Four Islands Tour: Visit Chicken Island, Tup Island, Poda Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach, ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
2. Railay Beach
- One of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand is Railay Beach. Great for sunbathing, rock climbing, and beachside dining.
3. Rock Climbing
- The limestone cliffs around Railay Beach and Ton Sai Beach are world-renowned for climbing. You can take a beginner’s course or advanced climbs. Book on Viator.
4. Kayaking in Ao Thalane
- Paddle through mangroves, limestone canyons, and hidden lagoons. Ao Thalane offers one of the best kayaking experiences in Krabi.
5. Snorkeling and Diving
- Krabi has numerous snorkeling spots with colorful coral reefs and marine life, particularly around Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and the Four Islands.
- Diving sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are popular for seeing whale sharks and manta rays.
6. Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
- Visit the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) for a dip in a natural, crystal-clear pool, and relax in nearby Klong Thom Hot Springs, where warm water flows through natural rock pools.
7. Than Bok Khorani National Park
- Known for its waterfalls, caves, and dense forest. You can explore caves like Tham Phi Hua To with prehistoric paintings and stalactites.
- The landscape is dominated by a series of limestone mountains, evergreen forests, mangrove forests, and numerous islands. The main flora are evergreen forest, peat swamp forest, strand forest, and mangrove forest, as well as, various types of marine flora. Two natural trails are available.
8. Explore Phra Nang Cave Beach
- Famous for its clear waters and the cave dedicated to the goddess Phra Nang. You can also explore nearby caves and enjoy rock climbing.
9. Visit Koh Lanta
- A more laid-back island with quiet beaches, ideal for relaxation, snorkeling, and visiting Lanta Old Town for a glimpse of local life.
Ko Lanta is an amazing National Park, and has 16 major islands within the park. The real name being Mu Ko Lanta National Park, the park was established as a marine park in 1990, situated in the southern part of Krabi Province.
Diving is the best in this southern Thailand area. Divers come from all over the world to dive in among the islands, as this is one of the best national parks for clear waters and coral reefs.
10. Hike To Ngon Nak View Point
- One of the best place to see the real face of Krabi is to from Khao Ngon Nak View Point. Located about a 30-minute-drive north of Ao Nang, the mountain offers many viewpoints and a waterfall along the hiking trail. At the peak of Khao Ngon Nak, you will be simply impressed with green picturesque valley interrupted with towering limestone cliffs and rivers that run into the Andaman Sea.
How to get to and from Krabi
Krabi International Airport serves over 10 flights a day to/from Bangkok so one of the most convenient ways of arriving to Krabi Town to start your travels is to fly. It also connects other flights from all around Asia, should you be coming from a neighboring country.
Several great choices to book flights are Air Asia, Expedia, or through 12Go.
Once you’ve arrived, getting to Krabi Town is easy enough with private taxi options or a shared bus, dropping you off into the small bus station in the center for just THB150.
Should you be heading directly to Koh Phi Phi, the port is a mere 20-minute drive where ferries run 4 times a day, and a longboat leaves from Ao Nang pier to Railay Beach on the hour until 6.30pm.
To get to Koh Lanta the ferry runs between November–April, only, but there are minivan options throughout the year – be sure you will be offered the full array of destinations on your arrival at the airport. Prices are reasonable and minivans depart often – so it is a good idea to take one right from the airport instead of going to Krabi bus station first as you hardly save any baht.
There is no train station in Krabi and the nearest point which you can reach from Bangkok by train is Suratthani. From Suratthani train station (which is actually in the town of Phun Phin, some 20 km from Suratthani proper) there are songthaews to Suratthani bus station, from where frequent minivans and buses to Krabi depart.
Buses from Bangkok take up to 12 hours to bring you to Krabi and can cost anywhere between THB600 and THB1100.
