Your guide to Krabi
Krabi highlights
Climb soaring cliffs
Krabi’s striking limestone cliffs aren’t just for photo ops. This is one of Asia’s climbing hot spots, pulling in adventurers from across the globe to test their strength against the backdrop of the sparkling Andaman Sea. The best place to start is Railay, which has a handful of climbing schools catering to newbies, experts, and everyone in between.
Explore by kayak
Your stay in Krabi should definitely involve time on the ocean, and exploring caves and waterways by kayak is an ideal way to start. The natural limestone tunnels of Ban Bor Thor are home to intriguing ancient rock art. For a unique paddling experience, check out the thick mangroves of Ao Luk and Ao Nang, where you’ll spot tropical birds and monkeys in the trees.
Work on your wellbeing
Exhausted after a day out in the wild? Self-care in Krabi is a breeze. Keep things traditional and book a massage at a simple beachside shack, or splurge on treatments at a luxury hotel spa. Let nature work its magic at the jungly Khlong Thom Hot Springs, where you can soak your tired limbs in thermal mineral pools.
Krabi: Know before you go
| Language | Thai |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai baht (฿) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| High season | October - March |
| Low season | May - September |
Find the best time to go to Krabi
Weather in Krabi
May – November: The monsoon season sets in by May, as do heavier rains and choppier seas. September sees downpours, with frequent storms and high humidity. While outdoor activities can be unpredictable, you’ll also find fewer crowds and discounts on flights and accommodation. Plus, the occasional stretch of sunny weather makes it all worthwhile.
December – April: Krabi’s dry season, from December to February, brings sunny skies, warm temperatures and calm, crystal-clear waters. This is the perfect time for beach days and island hopping. By March and April, occasional showers arrive, along with lush greenery and fragrant ylang-ylang blossoms, making jungle hikes a must.
Events in Krabi
Laanta-Lanta Festival (March to April): This three-day party in Koh Lanta’s Old Town is a celebration of the island’s diverse communities. Expect jazz, reggae, traditional dance, plenty of food and even some Swedish traditions.
Songkran Festival (April): A three-day-long water fight helps ring in the new year in the Theravada Buddhist calendar. And in Krabi, no one is exempt. Kids, police officers and even politicians soak it out to celebrate a fresh start to the year.
Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival (November): Roughly translated as ‘Opening the Andaman Sea’, this popular festival marks the end of the rain and the start of the busy tourist season. Find the best action on the beaches with longtail boat races and water sports.
The best neighbourhoods in Krabi
Ao Nang
If you want amenities at your fingertips, Ao Nang is the best area to stay in Krabi. Here you’ll find a host of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and hotels, as well as a blissful beach. When the need for adventure strikes, there’s a steady supply of outdoor activities in the form of watersports, hikes and jungle tours.
Good for: Beaches, nightlife, watersports
Klong Muang
Base yourself at Klong Muang for maximum tranquillity. This laid-back beach resort is lined with upmarket hotels and waterfront restaurants, where quiet drinks and seafood dinners are about as energetic as it gets. The northern end of the beach has the best sunset views, with the offshore Hong Islands as a backdrop.
Good for: Sunset views, luxury, seafood
Krabi Town
Ask locals where to stay in Krabi to be away from the holiday crowds, and they’ll point you here. The provincial capital and transport hub doesn’t revolve around tourism, giving you an unfiltered look into how people live in Krabi. Soak up the atmosphere at the town’s market, try traditional street eats and follow the riverside walkway to the port to watch fishermen go about their day.
Good for: Markets, street food, river walk
Things to do in Krabi
Family friendly things to do
You won’t run out of active things to do with the family in Krabi. Book a trek through the jungle to spot monkeys, reptiles and tropical birds. Or spark your kids’ interest in marine life with a snorkelling session. Scuba diving can be on the cards for kids as young as 10.
Shopping
Yes, there are malls, outlet stores and boutiques, but the best shopping in Krabi revolves around local markets. Both Krabi Town and Ao Nang are home to thriving night markets. Stop by to pick up clothes and souvenirs and to fill your belly with street food, all to a soundtrack of live local bands.
Take in the culture
For a taste of Thai culture in Krabi, head to sacred Wat Tham Suea, a hilltop temple. After you’ve tackled the 1,000-plus steps (watch your footing; they’re a little uneven) you’ll be treated to dramatic views and an impressive golden Buddha statue. The intricately carved Wat Kaew Korawaram temple in Krabi Town is also worth a look.
Nightlife
Ao Nang and Krabi Town have the best nightlife in Krabi. Both attract a mixed local and international crowd and offer late-night bars, pubs and nightclubs. Elsewhere, the vibe is low-key, with quiet beach bars and cafes serving as the main form of evening entertainment.
Places to eat
With its Indonesian and Malaysian influences, Southern Thailand’s cuisine is often spicier than it is in other parts of the country. Be on the lookout for local seafood such as mud crab, mussels and baby squid at restaurants in Krabi. And due to the region’s large Muslim population, you’ll come across some excellent halal dishes.
Beaches
You’ll find a healthy supply of white-sand beaches in Krabi, with soaring limestone cliffs in the background. Among the best are Tubkaek beach, known for its island views, and Railay beach, which is accessible only by boat. For some local flavour, join picnicking Thai families at Nopparat Thara beach.
Get ready for Krabi
Budget
Beach days, night markets and temple hikes are all part of a great budget trip to Krabi. An inexpensive but tasty bowl of curry or plate of seafood will cost around 150 Thai baht (฿) here. For drinks, you’re likely to pay around ฿85 for a cappuccino and ฿60 for an ice-cold beer.
Day trips from Krabi
Tear yourself away from the Krabi’s beautiful beaches for a day to do some island hopping. A 45-minute longtail boat ride from Ao Nang takes you to Koh Hong, where emerald waters surround a hidden lagoon. Relax on powdery white sands beneath soaring limestone cliffs. Nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Poda and Koh Tub offer equally breathtaking scenery.
Getting around Krabi
Hiring a car or motorbike is a convenient way to explore Krabi. Rentals are available in most major resort areas. For shorter trips, taxis, tuk-tuks and ‘songthaews’ (shared pickup truck taxis) offer flexible transport options. Getting between islands is also simple, with longtail boats, speedboats and ferries providing regular service to popular destinations.
