Krabi was one of my favourite places in southern Thailand because you are not limited to sitting on a beach all day. It is also underrated and a lot of people skip it to the more popular Phuket on the opposite peninsula.
When people say they are going to Krabi, they normally mean the wider Krabi area rather than Krabi Town itself. Most tourists actually stay in Ao Nang, which is around 30 minutes away from Krabi Town and acts as the main tourism hub for the region. Railay Beach is then only a short longtail boat ride away, while most island tours also depart from Ao Nang or nearby piers.
While there are a lot of things to do in Krabi area, you will need to plan carefully as there are some day trips which are also done from Phuket as well. I will be going into each of these day trips in this blog as well as the more specific attractions in the Krabi area.
Krabi Information and Overview
For a first visit, I would give Krabi at least two full days plus an extra half day to relax. That allows one day for Railay and one inland day covering Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool. Another day for either Hong Islands, relaxing or another excursion can be added. Four days is even better if you want to see more without spending every morning waiting for another tour pickup.
If you also plan on visiting Phi Phi Islands, I would add one or two nights on Phi Phi islands rather than trying to squeeze them into a Krabi day trip. More on that later.
The best time to visit Krabi is generally November to April, when the Andaman coast usually has calmer seas and less rain. The wetter period falls roughly between May and October. You can still visit during those months, but island tours are more likely to be changed or cancelled because of sea conditions.
Krabi International Airport is the closest airport. Krabi Town is only around 15km away, while Ao Nang normally takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Railay has no road connection at all, so reaching a hotel there means travelling to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao first and completing the journey by boat.
Things to Do in Krabi
There are plenty of things to do in Krabi, with attractions, tour and excursions scattered around. First Im going into the main things to do in around the Ao Nang and Railay Beach area and then go inland. After that I will mention tour excursions, day trips and where to go next after Krabi.
1. Spend a Day at Railay Beach
If there is one place that needs to be on any list of things to do in Krabi, it is Railay Beach.
Railay is technically connected to mainland Thailand, but massive limestone cliffs cut it off from the road network. Because of this, it feels more like a small island and can only realistically be reached by boat.
From Ao Nang, shared longtail boats normally take only around 10–15 minutes and cost approximately 100 THB each way. Boats usually leave once enough passengers have gathered rather than operating like a strict bus timetable, so allow a little flexibility. In peak season these are filled almost immediately so no need to worry about waiting times. It is a bit hectic and prepare cash, you can’t pay by card.
Railay West is the beach you have probably seen in photos. Huge limestone cliffs rise behind the sand while longtail boats sit in the turquoise water in front of you.
Walk across the peninsula and you will reach Railay East. This side is dominated more by mangroves and boat arrivals rather than swimming, but it has restaurants, accommodation and walking paths connecting the different beaches.
Continue south and you eventually reach Phra Nang Cave Beach, which I would say is the most impressive beach in the Railay area. The cliffs practically hang over the sand and you will also find the famous Princess Cave shrine at one end. This is where I spent the majority of my day swimming in Railay.
Railay is also one of Thailand’s main rock-climbing destinations. Even complete beginners can book half-day climbing sessions with local instructors, while experienced climbers have a huge range of routes available directly on the limestone cliffs.
While technically you can visit Railay Beach in half a day, I spent more and actually swam and relax and enjoyed what it turned out to be our last full day of our 14 Day Thailand Itinerary.
2. Visit Phra Nang Cave Beach
While technically part of Railay, Phra Nang deserves its own mention because you should not take the boat over, sit on Railay West for four hours and then go home.
The walk from Railay East towards Phra Nang passes directly beneath towering limestone cliffs. Look up because you will regularly see climbers high above you. At the end is Phra Nang Cave Beach, where the cliff curves dramatically around the bay. Swimming here is normally better than at Ao Nang Beach, and the setting is far more impressive.
The name of the page is also interesting as it comes from a cave near the entrance where, for the lack of a better word, symbols of fertility fills the whole cave. Yes Im talking about men’s genitalia. The photo speaks for itself. And on that note, we move on inland on Krabi to a temple suspended in the cliffs.
3. Climb Tiger Cave Temple
Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Suea, was one of the more painful things I decided to do in Thailand.
The main attraction is the staircase leading to the golden Buddha at the summit. 1,260 steps. Thats the amount of steps you’ll get to climb to visit this temple.
The problem is not just the quantity. Some steps are ridiculously steep and much taller than a normal staircase. I completed the climb in around 20–25 minutes, but I am quite fit and most people should allow considerably more time and take breaks.
At the summit you get one of the best views over Krabi, with limestone karsts rising across the landscape in almost every direction. Tiger Cave Temple is also an active Buddhist site, so avoid arriving dressed like you have just stepped off Railay Beach.
I have already written a much more detailed guide covering the climb, transport and what I experienced at the temple in my complete Tiger Cave Temple guide
4. Swim in the Emerald Pool
If you are going all the way inland for Tiger Cave Temple, I would combine it with Emerald Pool
Emerald Pool, or Sa Morakot, sits inside Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary and is exactly what its name suggests: a naturally coloured green pool surrounded by forest where swimming is allowed.
Foreign adult admission is currently widely listed at around 400 THB, and you then walk roughly 800 metres or take the longer forest trail to reach the pool.
I think it works particularly well after Tiger Cave Temple because after climbing more than a thousand stairs in Thailand’s humidity, getting into cool water feels incredible.
A little farther into the forest is the Blue Pool. You cannot swim here, but the colour is even more intense than Emerald Pool. Access can also close seasonally for conservation, so check locally before assuming it will be open. Also read my more in depth guide for visiting the Emerald Pool
5. Hike Dragon Crest Mountain
If Tiger Cave Temple has somehow not destroyed your enthusiasm for stairs and viewpoints, there is another great hike near Krabi.
Khao Ngon Nak, commonly called Dragon Crest Mountain, is north of Ao Nang near Tubkaek Beach.
This is a proper hike rather than a staircase. The trail climbs through forest towards viewpoints overlooking Krabi’s limestone mountains, coastline and islands.
It takes several hours return, so do not try squeezing it between a morning island tour and sunset dinner. Start early, take plenty of water and avoid going after heavy rain when sections can become slippery.
I did not do this, but I feel obliged to try and mention every option of things to do in Krabi so that you will then make an informed decision. Do some more research on this but this will in most likelihood take you a whole day.
6. Explore Krabi Town
Krabi Town is regularly ignored because everyone immediately heads towards Ao Nang, but it is worth spending at least an evening here.
The town sits along the Krabi River rather than directly on a swimming beach. You can walk along the riverfront, see the large Black Crab sculpture and continue towards views of Khao Khanab Nam, the two limestone formations that have become one of Krabi’s symbols.
You can also take a longtail boat from the river towards Khao Khanab Nam and its caves.
The other reason to come into Krabi Town is food.
Krabi Walking Street normally runs from Friday to Sunday between approximately 5pm and 10pm, while the Chao Fah night market operates more regularly along the waterfront.
If you are staying in Ao Nang for several nights, one evening in Krabi Town gives you something different from beach bars, tour agencies and resort restaurants.
7. Kayak Through Krabi’s Mangroves
Krabi’s scenery is not limited to beaches.
Ao Thalane and Khlong Root/Khlong Nam Sai have become popular kayaking areas where you paddle through mangrove forests, narrow waterways and limestone scenery.
This is a good option if you have already done several boat tours and want to actually do something rather than sit inside another speedboat.
Khlong Nam Sai is particularly known for incredibly clear freshwater surrounded by greenery, while Ao Thalane gives you more of the dramatic limestone-and-mangrove landscape associated with Krabi.
Day Trips and Excursions from Krabi
Boat trips are one of the main reasons to come to Krabi, but booking all of them is unnecessary. Hong Islands, the Four Islands, Phi Phi and James Bond Island all offer something slightly different.
| Excursion | Best for | Typical time | My pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four Islands | Classic Krabi scenery, snorkelling and beaches | 6–8 hours | Best first island tour |
| Hong Islands | Clear water, lagoon and better island scenery | 6–7 hours | My choice if you only have one island day |
| James Bond Island | Phang Nga Bay, caves and kayaking | 8–10 hours | Best if you want something different |
| Phi Phi Islands | Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon and Phi Phi | Full day | Stay overnight instead |
8. Hong Islands Day Trip
Hong Islands would be very high on my list if I were choosing only one excursion from Krabi.
Most tours visit Hong Island, Hong Lagoon and smaller islands such as Pak Bia or Lao Lading, with time for swimming and snorkelling. The main island also has a viewpoint reached by stairs, giving you a fantastic view across the surrounding limestone islands.
Shared speedboat and longtail trips currently tend to start at roughly the equivalent of 1,200–1,700 THB per person, depending on boat type and inclusions. National park fees may be included or charged separately. Here are some Hong Island tours from Krabi you can book:
9. Take the Four Islands Tour
The Four Islands Tour is another classic Krabi excursion.
Despite the name, the usual route revolves around Poda Island, Chicken Island, Tup Island and the Railay/Phra Nang area.
At low tide, a sandbar known as Thale Waek or the “Separated Sea” appears between some of the islands, allowing you to walk across the exposed sand. The exact experience obviously depends on the tide.
Tours usually include swimming, snorkelling and lunch. A normal shared longtail tour lasts around six to seven hours. If you have never done any island hopping in Thailand, the Four Islands trip is a good start.
10. James Bond Island From Krabi
I did this tour, but from Phuket. While it is more popular with departures from Phuket, it can also be done from Krabi.
The famous rock, Koh Tapu, appeared in The Man with the Golden Gun. However, I would not book the excursion just to take one photo of that rock.
The better tours combine James Bond Island with sea caves, kayaking, Phang Nga Bay’s limestone formations and Koh Panyee, the famous village built over the water.
From Krabi, trips normally take around eight to nine hours. Some itineraries involve driving north into Phang Nga before transferring to a traditional longtail boat, while others travel much farther by speedboat directly from the Krabi coast.
I would prioritise Hong or Four Islands first if this is your first visit to Krabi. James Bond Island makes more sense if you have an additional day and want to see a completely different landscape.
11. Phi Phi Islands From Krabi
While you definitely can visit Phi Phi Islands as a day trip from Krabi, I don’t particularly recommend it and that is why it’s the last on the list. I just do not think you should unless you have no other way to visit.
Full-day speedboat trips from Ao Nang typically visit Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, snorkelling areas and sometimes Bamboo Island before returning to Krabi. The tours work, but you are travelling at exactly the same time as hundreds of other visitors coming from Krabi and Phuket.
Instead, I stayed two nights on Phi phi islands, giving me a worthwhile experience, beating the crowds at Maya bay and having a relaxing day and experiencing the nightlife. Once the main day-trip crowds leave, you can climb the Phi Phi viewpoints for sunset, watch the fire shows around Loh Dalum Beach and then book an early morning longtail boat towards Maya Bay.
I also wrote about all the best things to do on Phi Phi islands in a seperate guide
Where to Stay in Krabi
Choosing where to stay in Krabi is more important than it initially looks.
Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Railay are not interchangeable neighbourhoods. They give you three completely different trips.
| Area | Best for | Main advantage | Main disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Nang | First-time visitors | Easiest base for tours, food and transport | Touristier and beach is average |
| Krabi Town | Budget travellers | Cheaper, more local atmosphere | No proper beach |
| Railay | Beach and scenery | Best setting and beaches | Boat-only access and higher prices |
Ao Nang – Best Overall Base
For most travellers, Ao Nang is where I would stay.
It has by far the most convenient combination of hotels, restaurants, bars, tour companies, massage shops and transport. I stayed here and since Krabi was our last stop on our wider Thailand itinerary, we treated ourselves to a nice resort. There are plenty in this area.
Another advantage here is that most organised excursions either pick you up directly from your hotel or depart nearby. Railay is around 15 minutes away by longtail boat, and transfers towards Phi Phi are also easy to organise.
The compromise is Ao Nang Beach itself. It is fine for walking and watching sunset, but if you are expecting the perfect turquoise Thai beach outside your hotel, Railay and the offshore islands are much better.
Krabi Town – Best for Budget and Local Atmosphere
Krabi Town is normally cheaper and feels considerably less like a dedicated tourist resort.
You have the riverside, local restaurants, markets and better access to Tiger Cave Temple and the airport. The major disadvantage is there is non beach.
Every time you want Railay, Ao Nang or an island tour, you need to travel towards the coast.
If you are staying only two or three nights and want island hopping, I would not choose Krabi Town just to save a relatively small amount of money. If you are staying longer, travelling slowly or mainly interested in the inland attractions, it becomes more appealing.
I would only stay here for one night maybe to be near the airport or spending a short amount of time before heading elsewhere.
Railay Beach – Best for Scenery
Railay is easily the most beautiful place of the three to wake up.
Once the day-trip boats disappear, you get a much quieter version of the peninsula, and staying overnight lets you enjoy Railay West and Phra Nang earlier and later than most visitors.
The downside is that everything depends on boats. There are no roads. Restaurants and accommodation are generally more expensive, there is less choice and getting to Tiger Cave Temple, the airport or another part of Krabi means getting back onto a boat first.
I would therefore not necessarily spend your entire Krabi trip here.
A good compromise would be two or three nights in Ao Nang and one night in Railay. You get the convenience of Ao Nang for excursions and then finish with a night surrounded by some of Krabi’s best scenery.
Conclusion
There are plenty of things to do in Krabi to justify much more than one day or two. Some of the day tours are definitely worth doing.
I would spend a day for Railay Beach, a day to go to Tiger Cave Temple and Emerald Pool, and a day for a tour before heading to Phi Phi Islands for your next stop on the itinerary.
I would choose either Hong Islands or the Four Islands tour as your main day excursion, add James Bond Island if you have extra time and treat Phi Phi completely differently. Rather than sitting on another packed speedboat for eight hours, move to Phi Phi Don for one or two nights and actually experience the island.
For accommodation, Ao Nang is the easiest choice for almost everyone visiting for the first time. Krabi Town works better on a strict budget, while Railay wins comfortably for scenery but sacrifices convenience.
Next up on the itinerary for me was the Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay so definitely consider checking out those posts next!
