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Krabi, a coastal province at the Andaman Sea, is a popular beach destination in Southern Thailand. Krabi province abounds with plenty of natural attractions including over 150 islands and gorgeous white sand beaches. Planning a trip to Krabi in Thailand? This detailed Krabi travel guide with travel tips will help you discover the province and its best things to do.

Krabi Province

Destinations in Krabi Province

The most prominent destinations in the province are Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi Town. 

Ao Nang

Ao Nang is the most developed beach and the place where most of the visitors to Krabi end up. Ao Nang is a seaside strip of hotels, guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Ao Nang Beach is not the prettiest beach in the area, but if you are looking for some nightlife and a lively atmosphere it might be a good place for you.

Ao Nang is also a great place to book your tours as it is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and Railay Beach. From Ao Nang you can join a tour with a guide and go on a day trip that includes snorkelling or kayaking. Alternatively you can rent a local long-tail boat and discover and explore lovely islands in the area by your own pace.

Ao Nang

Even if Railay Beach is considered to be prettier, Ao Nang Beach is still scenic with its white sandy beach stretching between limestone ranges and abundant marine life nearby, making it a good place to spend the day peacefully basking in the sun, diving or swimming.   

Railay

Located just south of Ao Nang Beach, Railay Beach is a small peninsula with four beaches. Though the area is on the peninsula, Railay feels like an island because it is accessible only by boat.

Here you will find a tropical paradise with tranquillity, gorgeous white sand beaches, aqua blue sea, incredible limestone cliffs and caves. Even if now Railay is quite developed and can be overcrowded, especially in a high season, the beach and scenery are still impressive, making Railay Beach one of the most beautiful areas in Thailand.

Railay

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a small archipelago of six islands in the province. Koh Phi Phi islands are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful islands in the world. Koh Phi Phi are one of the most popular islands in Thailand especially after they came to fame worldwide after the Leonardo Di Caprio movie “The Beach” was filmed in Maya Bay, now most probably the most famous Thailand beach.

Thailand Beach Destination - Koh Phi Phi

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea and also part of the province. Koh Lanta is located about 80 kilometers south of Krabi Town and is much more laid-back travel destination than province’s most popular spots.

Koh Lanta

Krabi Town

Krabi Town is the administrative capital of the province. The town itself is not the top destination but it‘s still a charming local town located along the banks of a river. The town is an important port for local fishermen and for tourists taking boats to the islands of province or other nearby attractions. Only few tourists spend time in this riverside town as most of them hurry to the big name destinations - Railay Beach, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi. That makes this town a perfect place to stay if you want to escape the crowds and be not too far from all the natural attractions the province has to offer.

Krabi Town

Koh Ngai

Koh Ngai is a tiny island between Krabi and Trang provinces that is extremely deserted and quiet so you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There is a white sandy beach located on the east of the island and coral reefs near the beach.

Things to Do in Krabi

Krabi province abounds with plenty of natural attractions including over 150 islands, gorgeous white sand beaches, turquoise water, flourishing coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, numerous caves and waterfalls, making the scenery of the province both inland and at sea simply stunning.

A great selection of natural attractions in the province offers tourists a wide choice of leisure activities, including island-hopping, snorkelling, scuba diving, rock climbing, kayaking and jungle trekking, making Krabi a perfect tropical holiday destination.

Admiring Koh Phi Phi

Even if you have no plans to stay in Koh Phi Phi, the islands can be easily visited on a day trip that takes you to see the most beautiful places around the islands. Visiting Koh Phi Phi from the mainland is easy as there are many boat tour companies offering day trips on this route.

As other inclusions normally differ, compare Koh Phi Phi tours and choose the one that suites your preferences the best.

Exploring Other Andaman Islands

Island hopping is the most popular of the things to do in Krabi as there are many picturesque small islands in the sea that are usually visited as part of 4 islands day tour, 7 islands day tour or in a combination with a visit to Koh Phi Phi.

The islands that are usually visited on an island hopping day trip from Krabi.

Koh Gai (Chicken Island)

The name of the island comes from the unusual shape of the island as its many small rock formations make the shape of the island to look like a chicken. The sea around Koh Gai has many beautiful corals and is an ideal place for snorkeling and capturing beautiful photos.

Koh Tup & Koh Mor

Koh Tup along with Koh Mor are two small islands that get connected by white sandbar at the low tide.

Koh Poda

Koh Poda is a small island with beautiful white sand beach and clear water. It is an ideal place for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.

The islands listed above is a group of islands that can be seen on the horizon from the beach and they all are normally visited on most of 4 islands day trips from Krabi. Such a tour is taking you to explore Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor, and also stopping at the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach at Railay.

To further expand your island hopping experience, you can visit 3 more Andaman Sea islands on 7 islands day trip from Krabi. Additional islands that are normally visited during such a tour are Koh Ma Tan Ming, Koh Ya Wa Sam and Koh Rang Nok.

Koh Ma Tan Ming

Koh Ma Tan Ming, the rock island in front of Koh Poda, is an island where you can swim and snorkel.

Koh Ya Wa Sam

Koh Ya Wa Sam is perfect island for snorkeling as beneath the surface of the island you can explore the vibrant coral gardens contrasting with the azure backdrop.

Koh Rang Nok

Koh Rang Nok is a small island nearby Phra Nang Beach in Railay, where the famous Princess Cave is located.

Rock Climbing in Railay Beach

Rock climbing is the most popular thing to do in Railay Beach and it's a perfect place to learn it by taking a Rock Climbing Course at Railay Beach.

Visiting Mainland Krabi Attractions

In addition to the islands of the province, there are several other popular attractions on the mainland.

Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)

Tiger Cave Temple or Wat Tham Suea is a Buddhist temple located northeast of Krabi Town. The temple is well known for the tiger paw prints in the cave and a tall Buddha statue which sits on the summit offering spectacular views. There is a stairway with 1237 steps to the top of the hill.

Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)

Emerald Pool or Sa Morakot is an astonishingly hued and large natural pool that is filled with pure spring water.

Hot Spring Waterfall

Hot Spring Waterfall is a serene haven for relaxation nestled in a shaded rainforest. Here you can immerse yourself in thermal spring pools of natural 37-40oC warm water enriched with natural mineral salts, perfect for soothing tired muscles.

Tiger Cave Temple, Emerald Pool and Hot Spring Waterfall are normally visited together on a combined Krabi day trip.

If you rent a private transportation, all these three places can be visited independently.

Meeting Elephants in Krabi

There are several ethical sanctuaries, where you can meet elephants in Krabi.

Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary is the place where you can spend quality time feeding and bathing rescued elephants at an ethically-run sanctuary. Here you can learn about the history of elephants in Thailand, their behavior, what they eat, and their individual stories.

Krabi Elephant Shelter and Krabi Elephant Care House are other two elephant sanctuaries that can be visited for meeting elephants in the province.

Watching Muay Thai Fights

Krabi is one of the places where you can find boxing stadiums to watch real fights of Muay Thai, which is Thai national sport. Explore the best places to watch Muay Thai in Krabi.

Ao Nang Landmark Stadium is a new Muay Thai venue in Krabi. If you would like to see this astonishing sport live, this is the place to come.

Ao Nang Krabi Stadium is a well-known Muay Thai competition hall in the province. The competition here is the authentic local Muay Thai, without any performance components. This Thai boxing stadium was originally located in Krabi Town but from 2000 is operating in Ao Nang area and is one of the largest boxing stadiums in Southern Thailand.

Krabi International Boxing Stadium is the province's newest Muay Thai venue, located in Ao Nang. With international standard and large capacity, the stadium attracts both international and Thai professional fighters, serving up some of the best fight nights in Southern Thailand.

You can also learn the art of Muay Thai from a professional fighter in Krabi by choosing from a variety of classes for first-timers to seasoned fighters, all with a beautiful ocean view.

Enjoying Massage in Krabi

Like everywhere in Thailand, finding a place to get a massage in Krabi is easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlours and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.

Normally you can get a significant discount by pre-booking your spa experience online. To get the best deal for your visit, check an extended list of vouchers at Top Krabi spa & massages.

Massage in Krabi

Let's Relax Spa is one of the most popular spas in Krabi offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online you get a discounted access to one of the best spas in the city that provide top class services without breaking the bank.

Taking Thai Food Cooking Class

In case you like not only eating but also cooking by yourself, Krabi is a good place for taking a Thai food cooking class.

Learn how to prepare and cook traditional Thai food during an Authentic Thai Cooking Class. Awaken your culinary creativity, explore the world of Thai flavors, and enjoy a lot of healthy Thai food!

Where to Stay in Krabi

The most popular place to stay in Krabi is Ao Nang as here you can find many restaurants and places to stay as well as to book your tours to the islands of the Andaman Sea. There are more than 400 hotels in Ao Nang beach area so you will definitely find something for yourself here. Discover the list of the best hotels in Ao Nang that might help you choose the right accommodation in the area.

Railay Beach is another area to consider, if you are looking for a perfect place to stay in the province. To make your holidays unforgettable, consider staying at one of the best hotels in Railay.

For an exceptional stay in the area, choose one of the best Krabi resorts with private pool villas.

If for your holidays in Thailand you are looking for a nice hotel in spectacular surroundings like this Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, then this province should be a good choice.

Hotels in Ao Nang

For a wider selection of well rated accommodations, check the extended list of the best hotels in Krabi, which includes the most popular Ao Nang hotels, Railay Beach hotels, Phi Phi Island hotels, Krabi Town hotels, Koh Lanta hotels, and Koh Ngai hotels, as well as the best rated hotels in other areas of Krabi province.

To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.

How to get to Krabi?

You can get to Krabi by plane or by bus.

Flights to Krabi

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is served by a number of domestic (from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui) and international (from China, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Russia and few other countries seasonally) flights. The airport is located about 15 km from Krabi Town.

Domestic flights can be booked here:

Flights from Bangkok to Krabi

Flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi

Flights from Koh Samui to Krabi

International flights can be booked here:

Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi

Flights from Singapore to Krabi

If you are taking international flight and need Visa on Arrival, you can get Thailand Visa on Arrival at Krabi Airport.

The most comfortable and worry-free way for getting from the airport to your hotel is by pre-booked private Krabi Airport transfer.

Bus to Krabi

Krabi Bus Terminal is the main bus station of the province and most of the buses and minivans stop there. There are regular bus services from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to the province with several daily departures. 

Bus schedule can be found and bus tickets can be booked here: Bus from Bangkok to Krabi.

There are buses running to Krabi from Surat Thani. Minivans also cover this route and they are usually faster. This bus connection can be useful if you are willing to travel to Krabi from the islands of the Gulf of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Bus schedule can be found and bus tickets can be booked here: Bus from Surat Thani to Krabi.

From the bus terminal you can reach your hotel in Ao Nang or Krabi Town by taking a songtaew or taxi.

Other Transportation Options

More transportation options for a trip to Krabi can be found and transport tickets can be booked with the help of this search form.

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Weather in Krabi

Krabi has only two seasons - the wet and the dry. Weather conditions are at their best in the province from November to March, when a cooling wind keeps the heat at bay and humidity level is low here. From March to May the temperature rises as the cooling wind departs and the humidity rises.

In April monsoonal weather usually arrives, which is expected to last until October. Peak rainfall levels are usually experienced in September and October. Outside of these months, the rain can often come in a short, heavy shower, usually in the afternoon.

Krabi has similar weather conditions with other Andaman Coast destinations throughout the year as they all experience the impact of the Andaman Sea. Temperatures and weather conditions in these locations might differ a bit in short term but in long term it's not notable so you can easily combine a visit to Krabi with other nearby destinations like Phuket.

For the best time to visit the province check weather in Krabi.

Next Destination after Krabi?

Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand, which can be easily reached from Krabi by land or ferry.

Khao Lak in Phang Nga province is one of the most popular seaside resort areas for tourism, located just north of Phuket.

If you want to travel further, you can go to the beautiful Khao Sok National Park. There you will sleep in a bungalow above the water and discover the jungle.

By getting to Koh Samui you could experience the other coast of southern Thailand.

Of course, you can also fly to the northern part of Thailand, destinations such as Chiang Mai, or back to Bangkok.

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