Updated: June 2024
Krabi is one of the 76 Thai provinces it the southern part of the country. The province is mainly located on the mainland but also includes some of the well-known islands such as Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. The provincial central is Krabi Town and the whole area is one of the most popular destinations for holidayers and backpackers.
As Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are topics on their own, we’ll be concentrations on the mainland part of Krabi- Aonang, Krabi Town and Railay.
I don’t recommend doing one-day trips to Phi Phi or Lanta as these islands deserve few days on their own. One day trips on a speedboat from Krabi are very hectic and you will come to the island in the middle of the day when it’s crowded, and will not enjoy any of the places as you could when staying on Koh Phi Phi overnight.
- Climb to Tiger Cave Temple: Wat Tham Suea
- Swim in Hot Spring And Emerald Pool
- Enjoy Railay & Tonsai Beaches
- Rock Climbing in Railay
- Hike to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint: Dragon’s Crest
- Enjoy a Boat Trip and Snorkeling
- White Temple: Wat Kaew Ko Wararam
- Visit Krabi Weekend Night Market
- Spa & Massages
- Thai Charm Cooking Classes
- Visit Koh Klang Village
- Kayaking in Thalane Bay
- Look for fossils in Fossil Shell BEACH
If you are coming for few days I would recommend staying in Aonang. It is centrally located and strategically positioned for exploring the rest of the area and also can offer some very good deals on accommodation.
If you prefer more of an island feel then you can position yourself in Railay but there is no road connecting Railay to the mainland so you will be relaying on a taxi boats in and out of the peninsula.
Aonang hasn’t got as nice beaches as Railay or Tonsai but for getting around on a motorbike or public transport it is much easier to make Aonang your base.
Krabi is one of the most picturesque provinces in Thailand and there is plenty to do.
WHERE TO STAY IN KRABI?
TOP REVIEWED HOTELS IN KRABI TOWN, AONANG AND RAILAY
1 Tiger Cave Temple
Wat Tham Suea
This amazing temple on the top of the mountain can be found near Krabi town on the way to the airport, around 15 min drive from the town.
The climb to the top takes around one hour and 1237 steps. Make sure you pack enough water and wear proper shoes. The climb is tough but it is absolutely worth it. The views are just amazing. If you are planning to climb up for sunset make sure you have a torch with you or charge up your mobile phone so you can lip up your way down.
There are many monkeys running around and on the top of the stairs so be careful as they get grabby when seeing food.
Also for ladies- don’t forget to have long pants and cover your shoulders as the sight is a Buddhist temple and you won’t be allowed in impropriate clothes.
There is no entry fee.
2 Hot Spring and Emerald Pool
Klong Thom & Sa Marakot
You should definitely visit the Emerald Pool while staying in Krabi. It’s around one hour drive from Aonang and 30 minutes from Krabi Town. The pool gets very busy with locals and Chinese tourists so try to get here earlier or later in the afternoon for a better experience.
You can enjoy relaxing in the hot springs first, the water comes from volcanic springs so it’s supposed to be good for your health. And then walk up to the Emerald Pool to cool down. I recommend walking here the long way which is around 500 meters and is more scenic through the jungle and mangrove. From the Emerald Pool, it is another 15 minutes walk to the beautiful Blue Lagoon which you shouldn’t miss.
The entry to the park is 200THB per person.
Try to avoid visiting during the weekend as it’s a popular spot for locals.
3 Railay & Tonsai
For nice beaches and bays visit Railay Beach and Tonsai. You can get here by a taxi boat from Aonang beach for 100THB per person. The ride is only around 15 minutes and you can spend all day in Railay and get back in the evening. Be aware, the last boat leaves around 18:00 pm, before the sunset.
For quiet beach visit Tonsai Beach, it has laid back atmosphere and chilled vibes. The most beautiful beach in Railay is the Phra Nang Beach with its famous cave full of penises carved out of wood.
There are plenty of activities to do in Railay, such as kayaking and rock climbing. You can also take a hike to the viewpoint and lagoon, but it’s not an easy climb. In parts very steep hill and only ropes to pull yourself up so bring proper shoes.
There are plenty of hotels in Railay so you can also stay overnight, but be prepared to pay more than in Aonang or Krabi Town.
4 Rock Climbing
Railay and Tonsai are one of Thailand’s top destinations for rock climbing. There are plenty of agencies offering rock climbing lessons for experienced climbers and also complete beginners.
You can choose from half day or full day package. If you are a beginner, the half day will be efficient. The cost per person is 1200THB for half day and 2000THB for a full day, from 9 am to 17 pm.
5 Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
Dragon’s Crest
Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint will be one of the best hikes you will ever do.
The trail is easy to follow and the information boards are interesting. It takes around 2-2.5 hour to get to the top but the first viewpoint is about halfway.
The finished part of the trail gets quite difficult so be prepared. It’s good to stock up on loads of water, some snacks, mosquito spray, and sunscreen just to be safe, even so, the trail is mostly in a shaded area.
It’s best to start early in the morning, preferably not later than 8 am. The views from the summit are some of the best in Thailand and totally worth the effort.
The trail is located in the area near Tubkaek Beach, you can get a taxi from Aonang for about 400THB. The park entrance is 200THB.
6 Enjoy a Boat Trip and snorkeling
There are many beautiful islands close to Krabi and you can rent a boat or join a tour to explore some beaches and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in a crystal clear waters.
You can visit Chicken Island, Tub Island, Poda Island, Koh Mor and little futher Koh Hong, Lao Lading and Pakbia. I’d advise starting the trip very early to avoid the crowds and enjoy the swimming and beaches without too many tourists.
I would recommend paying a bit more and hire a private boat. Local captains have a good knowledge or the area and you can choose the places you would like to visit. Don’t forget most of the islands are part of a national park, to enter the beach you will be paying 200/300THB per person and you can use the ticket for the whole day.
7 White Temple
Wat Kaew Ko Wararam
The White temple is located in the centre of Krabi town and it is a very beautiful sight to see. There are never many people so it is a good place if you are looking for solitude.
Behind the temple is a small city’s art museum, which is also worth a visit. Don’t forget to dress appropriately and to remove your shoes.
8 Krabi Weekend
Night Market
Every weekend there is a night market in the centre of Krabi Town.
This place is an amazing spot to buy all kind of souvenirs and clothes and also a great place to eat. There are hundreds of different stalls to buy street food for very cheap prices.
There is an amazing selection of food and drinks to try from so if you’re in Krabi town during the weekend don’t forget to check out the night market.
The size cannot be compared to some of the big markets in Bangkok but it is still very enjoyable with the nice local vibe. It starts each Friday and Saturday after sunset around 6 pm.
9 Treat Yourself with a Day in a Spa
There are a numerous 5* hotels with incredible spas across Krabi so if you want to enjoy some relaxing day and getting treated to massages and facials you are in the right place.
Try Radarom Spa or Boossabakorn Spa or Massage Corner near Aonang Beach which is well known for its fantastic massages.
10 Cooking Classes
Even you are not a keen cook I would totally recommend trying one of the cooking classes which are on offer in Krabi. My favorite is Thai Charm Cooking School which is located in Krabi.
The classes are super fun and informative and of course, you get to eat all the meals you cook.
The price is 1200THB per person, which also includes a pick up from your hotel. Thai Charm Cooking School is a family business and the owners Heng and You will make sure you will have an amazing experience learning to cook your favorite Thai dishes.
11 Koh Klang Village
Near Krabi Town, you can visit Koh Klang Village where the time has stopped. This traditional fishermen village has not been touched by tourism and it’s an interesting place to visit to get a glimpse of what most of the traditional sea villages used to look like.
You can take a boat over from Krabi Chao Fah Pier, it takes 5 minutes and 20THB per person. Don’t forget the majority of Krabi population is Muslim so dress accordingly when coming to visit the village.
12 Kayaking in Thalane Bay & Klong Root
Kayaking around Krabi is the best way of exploring its hidden natural beauty. You will discover hidden coves, sea caves and spectacular lagoons by gliding along the water.
Thalane Bay has beautiful waterways running through canyons, mangrove forest and mountainous formations situated just north of Krabi. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife and birds to be seen so keep your eyes open. You can book a kayaking trip anywhere in the town.
I also recommend renting a kayak in Klong Root. We drove here by motorbike and rented kayak from Krabi Thana Kayaking.
13 Fossil Shell Beach
Shell Cemetery beach can be found just little bit outside of Krabi Town, near village Ao Nam Mao. You can see a very large number of gastropod fossils in the rock slabs, which are around 2 cm large, of about 75 million years ago.
Don’t expect any large shells but for people interested in history and exploring it’s a nice sight to visit- if you are in the area or driving pass. There is some information in English available.
Check the tides before visiting as the fossils are not visible at high tide.
…and few more places worth mentioning
Must visit restaurants: CRU Kitchen & Bar, Reeve Beach Club, Red Chilli Thai Cuisine, Dragon View Bar & Restaurant, Dragon View Bar & Restaurant
Breakfast: Tan hostel& Cafe or Café 8.98 Ao Nang
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