Krabi is, undoubtedly, one of the best beach and island hubs in Thailand: known for its towering limestone karsts, powdery white sands, winding mangrove forests, and laidback adventurous spirit. This province in Southern Thailand covers a massive area, almost 5,000 km² to be exact, giving travelers access to beautiful destinations such as Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Hong Islands, and endless little corners of paradise.

The capital of the province is Krabi Town - handy for transport connections (with an international airport), and temple and market visits - but it’s not the area most people choose to stay. Instead, tourists tend to flock to Ao Nang Beach, the convenient base for exploring Krabi, home to a high concentration of hotels, restaurants, bars, massage shops, tour operators and just a short longtail ride away from the iconic limestone cliffs of Railay.

We based ourselves in Ao Nang on our Krabi trip, and while we didn’t love how touristy it was at first glance, it slowly grew on us. We decided that the best bet was to avoid the rowdy parts of town and just focus on the simple pleasures: sunset walks along the beach promenade, finding authentic Thai food at the night markets, and most importantly, using Ao Nang as our launching point to discover the region: Railay, Phra Nang, Tiger Cave Temple, island tours and hidden gems tucked away in the Andaman!

Krabi Travel Guide - Kayaking at Phra Nang Beach — *Phra Nang Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Buddhist Temple — *Tiger Cave Temple*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay — *Railay Beach*

20 Best Things To Do in Krabi

1. Soak Up the Atmosphere of Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang isn’t the prettiest beach in all of Thailand but it makes up for it with a walkable promenade with restaurants, bars and markets, and a buzzing atmosphere with longtail boats drifting in and out of the bay. We spent our days outside of Ao Nang, taking trips to nearby attractions, but we still enjoyed coming back in the early evening, grabbing a bite to eat at the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market, watching the sunset against the limestone cliffs, and resting our heads for more adventures to come.

The convenience factor alone makes it worth staying in Ao Nang for a few nights, as everything is right on your doorstep. You’ll be able to rent a motorbike, book a massage or sunrise yoga session, see a fire show, and arrange all of your speedboat tours, diving trips and onward travel. There’s no denying it’s over-commercialized vibe, but just take it for what it is: the gateway to some of the Andaman Sea’s most spectacular islands.

Krabi Travel Guide - Ao Nang — *Ao Nang Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Ao Nang Beach — *Ao Nang Beach*

2. Eat at the Bustling Local Night Markets

Many of Ao Nang’s restaurants, especially along the beach promenade and main walking streets, are touristy and over-priced. However, we stumbled upon the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market and found it to be the opposite, eating there pretty much everyday. Kat loved the southern Thai and seafood dishes, while Cam was happy to have a break from Thai food and enjoy some pizza. There’s fairy lights, lanterns and live music which helps to create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

Another cool market to visit, this time in Krabi Town, is the Krabi Town Night Market (otherwise referred to as Thanon Khon Dern). Here, you’ll experience a much more authentic, gritty feel with everything from massaman curry to fried insects sold by local vendors. There’s plenty of delicious cheap eats on offer, which is ideal for backpackers on a budget. Just keep in mind that the Krabi Town Night Market is open from Friday to Sunday, where the night market in Ao Nang opens its doors everyday.

3. Venture to Railay Beach by Longtail Boat

The only way to reach Railay Beach is via longtail, as the cliffs block all road access, but luckily there are regular daily departures from Ao Nang Beach making the 10-20 minute journey a breeze. The moment you arrive into the secluded bay, you’re greeted by towering limestone cliffs, soft golden sands and shimmering jade waters - the very definition of a beach paradise.

Railay Beach is the ultimate adventure destination: you can kayak, hike and rock-climb over the water and dive, snorkel and swim below it. But it’s equally as popular as a relaxing getaway: your days can be spent simply floating in the turquoise water, napping under palm trees and sipping fresh coconuts on the sand. For us, the highlight was visiting Phra Nang Beach. Situated at the southern end of the peninsula via a short walkway, it offers incredible views of limestone cliffs emerging out of the water.

Krabi Travel Guide - Longtail Boats — *Railay Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay Beach Kayaking — *Railay Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay Beach in Krabi — *Railay Beach*

4. Relax at the Beautiful Phra Nang Beach

The real reason we came to Railay was to visit Phra Nang Beach and it certainly didn’t disappoint! We spent a few hours here soaking up the sun, swimming in the shallow emerald waters, and admiring the limestone karsts and cliffs surrounding us. It was the perfect “do nothing” afternoon. We thought about renting a kayak, and exploring the rock walls and overhangs around the peninsula, but we were simply content relaxing.

Phra Nang Beach is accessed via a walking path from East Railay, and along the way you wander past spooky cave formations and monkeys hanging out in the trees. As you enter the beach, the first thing you see is Princess Cave and rock climbers scaling the cliff faces. It gets busy at this end, but wander down the beach a bit and you’ll find more open space to lay down a towel. For a totally unique experience, make a reservation at The Grotto where you can watch the sunset on tables tucked under a natural cavern.

Krabi Travel Guide - Cam — *Phra Nang Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Phra Nang Beach Limestone Karsts — *Phra Nang Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay Walkway to Phra Nang Beach — *Walkway to Phra Nang Beach*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay Walkway Monkey — Monkey on the Phra Nang Beach Walkway

Krabi Travel Guide - The Grotto — *The Grotto Restaurant*

5. Try Rock Climbing in Railay & Tonsai

Krabi is considered one of the world’s top rock-climbing destinations and it’s easy to see why: towering limestone cliffs overlooking emerald waters and longtail boats. The Railay and Tonsai peninsula, in particular, is where climbers flock to - with hundreds of different routes to choose from providing challenging overhangs, tufas and stalactites for even the most skilled climbers. If you’re new to the sport, and would like to give it a go, consider doing this experience: Half-Day Rock Climbing at Railay Beach.

Krabi Travel Guide - Rock Climbing around Railay Beach — *Rock climbing in Railay*

Krabi Travel Guide - Rock Climbing in Railay Beach — *Rock climbing in Railay*

6. Check Out Krabi’s Best Viewpoints

For those who enjoy a good hike, Krabi is full of amazing little viewpoints overlooking beaches, jungle and limestone cliffs. The most famous one is East Railay Viewpoint and it’s a great addition either before or after visiting Phra Nang Beach. Another place to check out on the Railay peninsula is Bat Cave, a natural opening in a limestone cave providing captivating views over the coastline. But perhaps the most magical spot is Din Daeng Doi at sunrise, a viewpoint cafe with bamboo platforms overlooking the countryside and layers of mountains in the distance.

Krabi Travel Guide - East Railay Viewpoint — *East Railay Viewpoint*

7. Do the Phi Phi Islands & Maya Bay Boat Tour

No trip to Thailand is complete without seeing Maya Bay with your own eyes. And the great thing about being based in Ao Nang is that you don’t need to book a pricey resort in Koh Phi Phi to visit it. There are many different tour options to choose from, departing from Ao Nang, which often stop at Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island and Monkey Beach, as well as giving you plenty of time to soak up the natural beauty of “The Beach”.

Krabi Travel Guide - Maya Bay Tour — *Maya Bay*

Krabi Travel Guide - Pileh Lagoon — *Pileh Lagoon*

8. Visit Wat Kaew Korawaram in Krabi Town

In the heart of Krabi Town lies Wat Kaew Korawaram: one of the most popular and locally revered temples in the region. Golden “nagas” (dragons) line a small staircase leading you up to a beautiful white temple with a dark blue roof. This is a short, leisurely stroll (unlike the steep climb to Tiger Cave Temple), making it a very relaxing temple experience. To make a day of it, be sure to check out the Krabi Town Night Market which opens at 5:00 PM on Friday-Sunday and is just a 5-minute walk away.

9. Book the 4-Islands Day Trip from Ao Nang

The 4-Islands Tour is a classic adventure, introducing you to four epic destinations in the Andaman: Chicken Island, Koh Tup, Poda Island and Phra Nang Beach. At Chicken Island, you’ll take photos of the unique rock formation that resembles a chicken head and do a spot of snorkeling. Next up is Koh Tup, home to a paradisiacal sandbar that connects two islands together at low tide, one of the most photographed places in all of Krabi!

Lunch is then served on Poda Island, where you can enjoy some typical Thai food and relax on the beach. The day ends at Phra Nang Beach which, as we mentioned, was our favorite part of Railay with its incredible views of caves, cliffs and karsts. The trip is offered as both a private experience or small group tour, you can check it out here: 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat.

Krabi Travel Guide - Chicken Island — *Chicken Island*

Krabi Travel Guide - Poda Island — *Poda Island*

10. See the Hong Islands on a Boat Tour

The Hong Islands make for a nice alternative to Maya Bay and the 4-Islands route, especially if you like pristine beaches and fewer crowds. For most, the highlight is kayaking the Hong Lagoon, a narrow opening in the cliffs that leads to a majestic turquoise pool, as well as admiring the views from a 360° Viewpoint on Koh Hong. Koh Pak Bia and Koh Lao Lading are also included as stops, two hidden gems that take the term “paradise” to new levels. Learn more about it here: Hong Islands Day Trip by Speedboat.

11. Walk Up 1,260 Steps at Tiger Cave Temple

A 30-40 minute motorbike ride from Ao Nang Beach takes you to Wat Tham Suea, otherwise known as Tiger Cave Temple, one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences in Krabi. At the top of the temple complex lies a large Buddha statue and some smaller shrines overlooking the Krabi landscape: limestone peaks rising beside you, pockets of jungle and countryside stretching out into the horizon. Reaching the top, however, requires walking up a steep staircase of over 1,200 steps.

Cam enjoyed the difficulty of the climb, viewing it as a chance to get some much needed exercise, while Kat had to stop many times to catch her breath and cool down from the repressive humidity. It takes between 30-60 minutes to reach the top but it’s far quicker on the way back down. Try to go early in the morning to beat the mid-day heat and the crowds, and pack plenty of water and a change of clothes - this is a sweaty adventure!

Krabi Travel Guide - 1260 Steps Up Tiger Cave Temple — *Walking up to Tiger Cave Temple*

Krabi Travel Guide - Kat — *Views at Tiger Cave Temple*

Krabi Travel Guide - Tiger Cave Temple — *Tiger Cave Temple*

12. Take a Day Trip to Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok National Park may sit outside Krabi province, in Surat Thani, but it’s just close enough (2-3 hours drive) to justify a day trip or even better an overnight escape. Most day tours from Krabi take you on a longtail trip across the lake, to see caves hidden in the limestone cliffs and to do some kayaking on the glassy waters. But the most unique experience is staying overnight, in a floating bungalow, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of the ancient rainforest (one of the oldest rainforests in the world).

Krabi Travel Guide - Khao Sok — *Khao Sok National Park*

Krabi Travel Guide - Khao Sok National Park — *Khao Sok National Park*

Krabi Travel Guide - Khao Sok Floating Bungalows — *Khao Sok National Park*

13. Go on a Kayaking Adventure in Ao Thalane

Ao Thalane is a sleepy mangrove village and bay - located just 40-minutes north of Ao Nang Beach - home to mangrove tunnels, limestone canyons, enclosed lagoons, and a few interesting creatures such as monitor lizards and long-tailed macaques. Taking a kayaking tour here is a fantastic way to spend the morning or afternoon: expert guides share stories, and point out hidden coves and channels on a gentle 5-7 kilometer paddle. See what’s included on the tour here: Half-Day Kayak Adventure at Ao Thalane.

14. Explore Phang Nga Bay by Motorbike

We took a day trip to Phang Nga Bay from our base in Phuket at the time, but there’s no reason why you couldn’t go from Ao Nang Beach (a two hour journey). Start the day with coffee and breakfast at a roadside cafe, and then marvel at the scenery as it transforms from quiet countryside to limestone mountains the closer you get to the bay. We recommend heading to Surakul Pier first and organising a longtail boat to Ko Panyi, a unique floating village. But make sure you barter with the boatmen - from our experience, they really inflate the prices for “farangs” (Westerners)!

After spending a few hours at Ko Panyi, getting lost in the little alleys and checking out the floating football pitch, jump back on your bike and cruise to the nearby Samet Nangshe Viewpoint or Bay View Cafe. This is where you’ll find the best sunset views in Phang Nga Bay: winding mangroves and limestone karsts scattered across the horizon. If you decide to stay for golden hour, be extra careful when riding back at night. The rural roads in Thailand are notoriously dark, making it hard to spot things like potholes.

Krabi Travel Guide - Scooter Rides — *Roads in Krabi*

Krabi Travel Guide - Phang Nga Bay — *Phang Nga Bay*

Krabi Travel Guide - Phang Nga Bay Viewpoint — *Samet Nangshe Viewpoint*

Krabi Travel Guide - Ko Panyi — *Ko Panyi*

15. Swim in the Warm Waters of Emerald Pool

Over an hour’s drive from Ao Nang, nestled in a place called the Thung Teao Forest, is the Emerald Pool. This is a crystal-clear pond fed by warm mineral waters - creating the most idyllic spot to soak tired muscles after long hikes or too much snorkeling. Nearby is the Blue Pool, an electric-blue spring that’s too hot for swimming but makes for otherworldly photos!

Krabi Travel Guide - Emerald Pool — *Emerald Pool*

Krabi Travel Guide - Emerald Pool in Krabi — *Emerald Pool*

16. Spend the Afternoon at Tubkaek Beach

If you’re looking for a peaceful stretch of coastline, rather than the hectic Ao Nang Beach, consider riding your scooter up to Tubkaek Beach in the north. The sand is white, the water is blue, you get direct views facing the Hong Islands, and there are barely any crowds - what’s not to love?! Many travelers pair this beach with the nearby Dragon’s Crest hike but just note that the famous “rock ledge” is now closed and fenced off, taking away some of its appeal - especially for those wanting Instagram photos.

17. Watch the Sunset on the Klong Muang Coast

Another “under-the-radar” spot near Ao Nang is Klong Muang Beach, boasting a long and wide stretch of sand perfect for early morning walks or catching the sunset with a coconut in hand. It has all the amenities you expect from a beach destination - boutique resorts, local restaurants, massage huts, etc. - but with a far quieter and more peaceful vibe.

18. Hire a Private Longtail Boat in the Andaman

Hiring a private longtail boat for the day gives you complete freedom over your Andaman itinerary, allowing you to pick and choose the places you like the most - whether it be longer stays on the sandbars of Koh Tup or having a private lunch on the sands of Koh Lao Lading. It’s perfect for couples, families, friends or anyone who wants a more intimate experience.

Krabi Travel Guide - Private Longtail Boat Tour — *Private Longtail Boat Tour*

19. Get a Thai Massage at Ao Nang Beach

From a foot massage that leaves you floating on cloud 9 to a deep tissue massage that hurts at the time but fixes your body right up, there’s no beating a Thai massage! Ao Nang Beach has dozens of different options to choose from, be it rustic beach huts, modern studios or basic local parlors where 300-400 THB gives you an hour of pure relaxation and bliss.

20. Head to Koh Lanta to Start Island-Hopping

If Krabi gives you a taste of “island life” and you want more, we recommend visiting Koh Lanta, exploring all it has to offer and then heading to an incredible archipelago called the Trang Islands. These include Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Lipe (loosely categorized). The beaches in this part of Southern Thailand are remote, untouched and pristine - offering some of the whitest sand and clearest waters we’ve ever seen!

Krabi Travel Guide - Koh Lanta Beaches — *Koh Lanta*

Krabi Travel Guide - Koh Lanta Sunset — *Koh Lanta*

Krabi Travel Guide - Koh Rok from Koh Lanta — *Koh Rok near Koh Lanta*

Krabi Travel Guide - Koh Ngai Beaches — *Koh Ngai*

Where to Stay in Krabi

Ao Nang Beach

Budget: TAN Hostel x Cafe
Mid-Range: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
Luxury: Hotel Adam Krabi

Railay Beach

Budget: Railay Garden View Resort
Mid-Range: Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Villas Railay
Luxury: Rayavadee Resort

Klong Muang/Tubkaek

Budget: The Beach at Klong Muang
Mid-Range: Nakamanda Resort & Spa
Luxury: Banyan Tree Krabi

Best Time of Year to Visit Krabi

The best part about Krabi is that it’s a year-round destination, but the travel experience does change across the different months. November to April is the dry season with less rain, blue skies and calm seas. This is perfect for a whole range of activities including island-hopping and boat tours. But crowding at beaches can become tiresome and the higher prices also start to hit the wallet, especially around Christmas and Chinese New Year.

During the wet season (May to October), the crowds tend to dissipate and hotels are known for offering massive discounts, an ideal scenario for backpackers on a budget and long-term visitors. However, travel plans can be put on hold when a storm rolls in or seas are too rough for the boats. Otherwise, you’re just looking at the occasional morning or afternoon down pour, which for us just adds to the atmosphere of Thailand travel.

Krabi Travel Guide - Phra Nang Beach — *Phra Nang Beach in February*

Krabi Travel Guide - Railay Beach Boat Trip — *Railay Beach in February*

Krabi Travel Guide: 20 Best Things To Do from Ao Nang Beach