OYP-Team Krabi Region things to do, beaches, islands & insider tips – The province of Krabi in Thailand is one of the most impressive and varied areas in the kingdom. In addition to beautiful nature, unique flora and fauna and amazing rock formations, it is above all the maritime life with its islands and beaches that characterizes the province of Krabi. But that’s not the end of what Krabi has to offer! The countless national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as the hot springs and natural pools are the secret, unknown stars, which are an absolute highlight for visitors to the region.
Follow us on a wonderful journey through Krabi and find out which highlights are just waiting to be discovered. By the way, at the end of the article you will find a detailed Krabi map with the locations of all sights, beaches & spots mentioned here. So let’s start with the Krabi things to do right now!
About the author: The author of this article has spent many months of his life in the Krabi region and experienced the region authentically like a local. In this article he shares his best experiences in Krabi.
How To Get To Krabi
Getting to Krabi is very easy. There is an international airport, which is served several times a day from Bangkok or destinations abroad. Flights to Krabi are available for a few bucks. Since a flight doesn’t really cost much more than a bus ticket, but the time saving is enormous, we recommend always to take a flight in order to get to Krabi.
You can also fly to Krabi from Chiang Mai and many other airports in Thailand. To find cheap tickets to Krabi, we recommend using flight search engines, where tickets with AirAsia, Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways can be booked cheaply.
If you want to get to Krabi overland, then bus and train or a combination of both is always an option. You can get to Krabi by long-distance bus from many cities in Thailand.
Especially from Phuket (Phuket Town bus stop) getting to Krabi by bus is cheap and quick. You can find an overview of the ticket prices and travel times for buses in Southeast Asia here…
Accommodation in Krabi
In the Krabi region there is a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes. However, small guest houses and apartments are much more common. Alternatively, there are some of the best luxury resorts in Thailand on the coast around Ao Nang.
It is best to book your accommodation for Krabi centrally in Krabi Town or in the tourist resort of Ao Nang. Both cities are ideal starting points for exploring the wonderful surroundings and nature of Krabi.
The price level in the province of Krabi is much more relaxed than on the popular holiday islands in Thailand. Even luxury hotels often only cost a third of the price on Phuket or Koh Samui.
The best way to book the cheapest rooms in Krabi is well in advance and online. On the booking site Agoda, the range of Hotels & Resorts in Krabi is very large and you can often find real bargains here!
Temples in the Krabi Region
Throughout Thailand there are a large number of temples, also called “Wat”. Many are simply places of prayer, while others are truly magnificent buildings and are also really worth seeing from a tourist point of view. Krabi is no exception and there are estimated to be hundreds of beautiful temples in the region. We would like to introduce you to three of the most beautiful temples in Krabi.
Tiger Cave Tempel
The Tiger Cave Temple, officially also called Wat Tham Suea, is no longer an insider tip, but it is certainly one of the most impressive temples in ALL of Thailand! On the site of Wat Tham Suea there are several buildings, a monastery, a sanctuary with the footprint of Buddha and a prayer cave, which gave the temple the nickname Tiger Cave.
A special highlight and absolute attraction is the golden Buddha statue on a roughly 600 meter high limestone cliff, which you climb up exactly 1,237 steps. The ascent in the tropical heat is murderous but definitely worth it. The view over the entire Krabi region is unique.
How to get there: By taxi from Krabi Town / Ao Nang – Alternatively, there is also a public baht bus.
Wat Kaew Korawaram Krabi Town
Located right in the heart of Krabi Town, Wat Kaew is a surprise. The really beautiful temple is often simply overlooked by visitors and is therefore hardly ever visited. In any case, the temple is a great spot for Instagram and the complex is very well maintained. So if you are in Krabi Town, you should definitely stop by Wat Kaew in the city center!
How to get there: By foot in Krabi Town or take a taxi or baht bus to Krabi Town from anywhere else in the region.
Wat Laem Sak
Wat Laem Sak is a real insider tip and guaranteed unknown among 99% of all tourists. The temple on the coast of Phang Nga Bay, which is still under construction, offers a magnificent view over the limestone formations in Phang Nga and the mangrove forests. A visit is particularly atmospheric in the evening. So if you want to immerse yourself in the “real” Thailand, then it’s worth a visit, because on the way you will pass small villages and some other sights such as the Than Bok Korani National Park.
How to get there: Ideally with your own vehicle / motorbike, otherwise expensive and complicated.
National Parks, Natural Pools & Hot Springs in Krabi
Very few visitors to Thailand even know that the Krabi region is home to so many beautiful springs, streams and natural pools. This is exactly why all the following spots can still be described as real insider tips. Find out more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Krabi in detail.
Than Bok Khorani National Park
The Than Bok Khorani National Park near Ao Luek is a small but fine national park that has a natural spring. The national park offers a forest, which is crossed by many small streams and rivers. The water is crystal clear and runs over several plateaus into small waterfalls. The highlight, however, is the natural pool in the middle of the park, which also has a beautiful cave in the back. Although swimming is allowed, locals advise against it, as a water spirit is said to be up to mischief in the pool and cave, pulling people down and making them disappear without a trace. According to stories, a number of children have already disappeared in this natural pool without a trace. Whether you believe in the ghost stories or not is entirely up to you – but you still get a queasy feeling when you take a bath.
How to get there: With your own vehicle / motorcycle, otherwise by taxi from Krabi or Ao Nang.
Tha Pom Klong Song Nam
Wow, the springs of Tha Pom Klong Song Nam are simply breathtaking and the nature around the wild river courses is beautiful. The entire area can be accessed via small bridges and footbridges, the pools and waterfalls invite you to take a dip in the cool water. The small national park is not far from Highway 4 in the direction of Krabi, if you drive a little further through the quiet and pristine area, you will reach Tha Lane Bay. The Tha Pom Klong Song Nam is definitely one of the most beautiful natural springs in all of Thailand.
How to get there: With your own vehicle / motorcycle from Highway 4 or via a local taxi driver.
Krabi Hot Stream Waterfall & Hot Springs
The Krabi Hot Springs are well outside of Krabi town and make a great day trip. A warm spring rises from the ground around the Krabi Hot Streams and empties into several pools and waterfalls. The hot springs attract locals in particular, as they are said to have healing powers. Even if the Hot Springs and the Hot Stream waterfall are much better visited than the two springs mentioned above, it is worth a visit because a bath is simply relaxing. Not far away is the real pearl of the region, the Emerald Pool Sra Morakot. More on that in the next section
How to get there: With your own vehicle / taxi or as part of a guided tour.
Emerald Pool / Sra Morakot
The Sra Morakot National Park is a real highlight and should knock even the most experienced Thailand traveler off their feet. On the 2.5-kilometer nature trail, you can admire a number of highlights such as the Sa Kaew (Crystal Pool), the Emerald Pool, the Sa Nam Phut (Blue Pool) or a natural shrine. It is highly recommended to bring swimwear, as the Emerald Pool is great for swimming. The water shimmers almost surreally in beautiful turquoise tones and there is also a natural slide. In my opinion, Sra Morakot National Park is one of the highlights in all of Thailand when it comes to natural beauty. A visit to the Emerald Pool can still surprise you even after a number of trips to Thailand.
How to get there: With your own vehicle or with guided tours from Ao Nang, Krabi or Koh Lanta.
Krabi Beaches
Although the beaches on Krabi’s mainland can hardly compete with the pearls on the islands, it is above all amazing landscape that the relatively unknown beaches on Phang Nga Bay offer. But also around Ao Nang, in the heart of the Andaman Sea, there are a number of magnificent bays and beaches, which we would like to introduce to you in more detail.
Tha Lane Bay + Beach
Tha Lane Bay in the north of Ao Nang is slightly elevated and offers a magnificent view of the bay of Phang Nga across to the island of Koh Yao Noi. The area is hardly developed for tourism, but there are some beach front resorts and restaurants with panoramic views, which make a trip or even several days in the area worthwhile. The beach bungalows and villas directly on Tha Lane Beach are particularly beautiful, which is very pristine and quiet, but definitely not one of the most beautiful in the region. Nevertheless, a visit to one of the Viewpoint restaurants is recommended… An experience that very few tourists will have!
How to get there: With your own vehicle / motorbike or taxi.
Tub Kaek Beach
Tub Kaek Beach, also in the north of Ao Nang, just south of Thalane Bay, is much more developed in terms of tourism but is still light years away from places like Ao Nang. Around Tub Kaek Beach there are some luxury resorts (e.g. the Anyavee), which guarantee their guests peace and seclusion. There is also a nature trail and a collection of beaches nearby. Tub Kaek Beach is definitely worth a visit from Ao Nang and Krabi Town!
How to get there: By scooter from Ao Nang through wonderful landscape past Nopparat Thara and Klong Muang Beach.
Klong Muang Beach
Peace, seclusion, a beautiful wide sandy beach and some world-class beachfront hotels can be found at Klong Muang Beach just north of Ao Nang. In addition to the Dusit Thani, you will also find the Sofitel Hotel and the Bliss Resort here. The small town also offers enough for evening entertainment or daily supplies. In general, Klong Muang Beach is recommended if you want to live a little away from the tourist crowds in Ao Nang. A small roadtrip with your scooter from Ao Nang is always worthwhile.
How to get there: With the scooter from Ao Nang past Nopparat Thara Beach.
Nopparat Thara Beach & Koh Liao, Koh Khao
Located right next to the famous Ao Nang Beach, Nopparat Thara Beach offers more privacy and tranquility than its well-known neighbor. Especially at the north end it’s just wonderful. In the small forest you can relax and the beach is only a few meters away. At low tide you can even walk to the offshore islands, at high tide a beautiful sandy beach awaits you. Anyone who is in Ao Nang should definitely head over to Nopparat Thara Beach!
How to get there: By scooter or tuk-tuk from Ao Nang, simply follow the main road north.
Monkey Trail & Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach, which also houses the Centara Grand Ao Nang, is a bit hidden directly in the south of Ao Nang Beach. From the southernmost tip of Ao Nang Beach, a small path, the so-called Monkey Trail, leads down over a rocky cliff to Pai Plong Beach. The beach is beautiful and invites you to relax, especially since there are significantly fewer people there than on the beach in Ao Nang. The walk across takes about 15 minutes, we didn’t see any monkeys on our ways. It is faster and more comfortable with one of the longtail boats from Ao Nang for a small fee.
How to get there: Walk the Monkey Trail or take a boat from Ao Nang Beach.
Ton Sai Beach
Enclosed by beautiful limestone cliffs lies the Railay Peninsula, which can only be reached by water. Ton Sai Beach has long been considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and it still offers an amazon landscape today. Though the Robinson Crusoe feel has been lost a little with the many on-site resorts, the beach is still a natural beauty. Railay Beach can be reached on foot from Ton Sai Beach via a path. Be sure to stop by as part of a trip to Railay!
How to get there: By boat from Ao Nang or Krabi.
Ao Phra Nang Beach & Cave
Also on the Railay Peninsula is Phra Nang Beach and the associated Phra Nang Cave. The area is particularly popular with climbers due to the steep limestone formations and offers plenty of space for activities. Snorkeling, swimming, rock climbing are all available in the area, making the beach a very popular day trip destination. It can get crowded around midday, but calm returns slowly in the evening. Overnight stays are also possible on site.
How to get there: With a day trip or by private boat to the Railay Peninsula and from there on foot in the direction of Phra Nang Beach.
Islands in Krabi
In the Andaman Sea around Krabi and in the Bay of Phang Nga there are several beautiful islands, which can be found on postcards worldwide. Many of the small islands are uninhabited, part of national parks or simply too small to stay overnight. Other islands, such as Koh Lanta, are quite large and offer enough variety for a complete vacation. We will now present the most beautiful islands and also a few insider tips for Krabi region in more detail.
Koh Pak Bia
Koh Pak Bia is a particularly small island located directly in Phang Nga Bay and is primarily a day trip destination. A number of trips can be made from Ao Nang, for example, by speedboat or longtail boat. The area is suitable for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. So if you want to explore a small island with wonderful nature, you should definitely pay a visit to Koh Pak Bia.
How to get there: By boat from Ao Nang.
Koh Lao Lading
Koh Lao Lading is also a mini island in the Andaman Sea and offers a beautiful bay with a sandy beach. Snorkeling is especially fun near the rocks. A visit to Koh Lao Lading is best combined with a tour to Koh Hong.
How to get there: From Ao Nang by boat.
Koh Hong
Koh Hong is the pearl in the Bay of Phang Nga and one of the highlights when it comes to the island world around Krabi. Although the island is very popular with visitors, extreme attention is paid to the cleanliness of the national park. There is really no trash around. The Koh Hong Lagoon is great for swimming and can only be reached by boat. On the island itself there are two sandy beaches, which are beautiful. In the bay, which is enclosed by rocks, colorful schools of fish can be observed while snorkeling. A trip to Koh Hong is definitely a must in the Krabi region. We recommend hiring a private boat, though, so you can avoid the biggest crowds on the island. Ideally, you should negotiate a complete tour to Koh Hong, Koh Lao Lading and Koh Pak Bia with your skipper.
How to get there: By boat from Ao Nang or with guided tours.
Koh Phi Phi & Maya Bay
Who doesn’t know the Phi Phi Islands? The famous film set is the main attraction for tourists around Phuket and Krabi. On Koh Phi Phi Don there are great beaches, a number of backpacker accommodations and remote beach bungalows. In my opinion, it is not worth staying in the main town of TonSai, but rather staying in one of the beach bungalows in the north of the island or on Long Beach or Loh Moo Dee Beach. There is much less going on there and the beaches are simply terrific.
A special highlight on Koh Phi Phi is of course the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint from where you can see Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalam Bay. In the evening there is always something going on at the beach bars around Loh Dalam Bay. The Reggae Bar in Tonsai, where visitors can duel in the Muay Thai (Thai boxing) ring, is particularly iconic.
A must-do is, of course, a trip by longtail boat to Koh Phi Phi Lee, where “The Beach” or Maya Bay is located. Even if the spot from the movie “The Beach” is considered to be overcrowded nowadays, it is somehow a must on a trip to southern Thailand to set foot on this beach. By the way, on the way to Maya Bay you pass the Pileh Lagoon, which is one of the most beautiful lagoons in Thailand and invites you to splash around and snorkel.
How to get there: By ferry from Phuket or Krabi. Then by longtail boat to the bays and beaches.
Koh Poda
Poda Island is just off the coast of Ao Nang and is a good destination for a day trip with swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. There are even some monkeys living on the island itself, which are quite cheeky and have made it their main task to steal food from tourists. In my opinion, Koh Poda itself is beautiful, there are many colorful fish on the beach and snorkeling is fun in the area around the rocks. Tip: In the low season there are significantly less tourists and the island can be enjoyed much better.
How to get there: By longtail boat from Ao Nang.
Chicken Island & Tup Island
Chicken Island and Tup Island are not far from Koh Poda and are also great destinations for a day trip. The sandbank at Tup Island in particular is a great photo opportunity and is always worth a visit. Ideally, you plan a daytrip to Koh Poda, Chicken Island and Tup Island in one day.
How to get there: By longtail boat from Ao Nang.
Koh Sriboya
Koh Sriboya is an island in the Krabi region that is definitely not on the path of most tourists. The fisherman and farmer island is something for everyone who just wants to relax. There isn’t much to do on the island other than observe the simple island life of the Thais, do some kayaking or take a trip to an offshore island. The best place to sleep is in one of the beach bungalows. The beaches themselves are not the most beautiful, but they are natural and authentic.
Ho to get there: Take the passenger/motorbike ferry from the mainland.
Koh Pu & Koh Jum
Koh Jum and Koh Pu are still considered insider tips in the Andaman Sea. The beaches are mostly quiet, you will look in vain for the hustle and bustle of parties. Koh Jum mainly attracts backpackers and individual travelers. On the island you can find both simple beach huts for less than 15 bucks a night and luxurious resorts. Nature is beautiful, life is easy and the water around the island is very clear. On the southwest coast, most resorts and beach bungalows are found on the beautiful beaches.
How to get there: Koh Jum can be reached by ferry from Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of the most visited islands in the Andaman Sea around Krabi. The Muslim island does not offer any glaring nightlife, but instead a lot of nature, beautiful beach bungalows and a number of rustic beach and reggae bars. The main town of Baan Saladan in the north is mainly used as a landing point for ferries and is not really suitable for living, although there are a number of cheap guest houses there. Much nicer is the southern part of the island around the beaches of Klong Khong, Klong Nin and Klong Hin and the wonderful bays around Bamboo Bay.
A special highlight is the national park at the southernmost end of the island. There you will find a beautiful park, a powdered sugar sandy beach and a cliff with a lighthouse, which makes for a great Instagram spot.
If you are adventurous, you can take your own scooter to the northeastern part of the island or to Koh Lanta Noi and immerse yourself in the original island life of the locals. By the way, Klong Khong Beach is one of the coolest beaches to find a beach bungalow. Also in the evening there is always something to do in the many small beach bars.
How to get there: By ferry from Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, Krabi and some other islands or overland by minivan or taxi transfer.
Places in the Krabi Region
Although Krabi is a very large region, there are only a few notable towns in the area. Krabi Town is the largest city in the province, Ao Nang is the busiest tourist spot and the Railay Peninsula is a popular retreat for holidaymakers of all persuasions. We have summarized here briefly and concisely what you can experience at each location.
Be Like a Local in Krabi Town
At first, the author of the article could not make friends with Krabi Town. That’s no wonder because at first glance, the small town doesn’t really have much to offer. But if you delve a little deeper into the charming place, you can experience a lot here and get to know southern Thailand authentically. In addition to a visit to Wat Kaew in the heart of the city, a trip to the Tiger Cave Temple is of course always an option. However, it is much more exciting to spend a day like a “local” in Krabi Town.
The area around the Vogue Shopping Center in particular is the hub of the provincial city. There you can relax comfortably in cafes, stroll through the local department store or go to the popular weekend market at Saturdays and Sundays. As an insider tip, we can also recommend a visit to the bakery ร้านโรตีข้างห้างโวค, which is known throughout Krabi for its delicious sweets. You will find this when you come out of the Vogue Shopping Center on the right hand side directly at the intersection of Maharaj10 and Maharaj Alley. The local food market is also interesting. The Maharat Food Market is almost exclusively visited by locals during the day and is an experience itself for every Thailand vacationer.
As evening falls over Krabi Town, a wonderful food market takes place every night on the riverfront near Pak Nam Pier, offering delicious street food, freshly caught seafood and fantastic Thai food. Afterwards you can end the evening in one of the small bars along the waterfront or in the city.
How to get there: By land or by ferry from various islands in the Andaman Sea.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is the tourist spot in Krabi region and offers full catering. Beach, bars, night life, restaurants all can be found in Ao Nang. The excellent location and proximity to Railay Beach and the offshore islands such as Koh Poda make the town particularly interesting for a stay. In our opinion, Ao Nang is a tourist spot, but not nearly as mainstream and turbulent as, for example, Patong on Phuket. Ao Nang Beach isn’t the quietest or prettiest beach in the area, but it’s still a good place to relax. Beautiful Pai Plong Beach is within walking distance from Ao Nang.
Renting a scooter is also a great way to go to nearby beaches such as Klong Muang Beach. A trip to Tiger Cave or, for example, to Koh Hong is also hassle free from Ao Nang. Anyone who stays in Ao Nang can be sure that there are enough activities available for several days or even weeks. There is also always something to do in the evening – street food, restaurants, bars and even shopping opportunities are plentiful in Ao Nang.
Another tip is dining with panoramic views. Ao Nang Hilltop is a wonderful Thai restaurant with impressive views over the Ao Nang countryside and is a must-visit. Especially at sunset it is extremely atmospheric there.
How to get there: By land from Krabi or via Krabi Airport.
Railay Beach Halbinsel
The peninsula around Railay is a completely different world compared to Ao Nang. The area can only be reached by water, so things are much more leisurely here. Nevertheless, everything is offered on site. Restaurants, tattoo studios, beach bungalows but also luxury resorts have settled in this wonderful corner of this world. Tonsai Beach can even be reached by land, as can Phra Nang Beach.
The Railay Peninsula is a great place to relax or indulge in activities such as climbing and snorkeling. In the evening there is always entertainment in the many restaurants and bars. A trip to the Railay Viewpoint and the Princess Lagoon (see below) is particularly recommended.
How to get there: By longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi.
Railay Viewpoint & Princess Lagoon
A visit to the Railay Viewpoint and the Princess Lagoon is also highly recommended. Good shoes are definitely recommended for this excursion! The ascent from the foot of Phra Nang Beach through the jungle over the cliffs with flip flops is quite dangerous. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view of the bays of the Railay Peninsula.
If you have already climbed the Viewpoint, it is definitely worth making a detour to the Princess Lagoon as well. The lake, which is surrounded by limestone rocks, even invites you to swim. But be aware, depending on the season, the water can be cloudy and muddy…
The entire trip should take at least 60 minutes or more! The best pictures are taken at high tide when both bays are filled with emerald water.
How to get there: On foot from Railay Beach.
Krabi Map – All spots at a Glance
Attached you will find our interactive Krabi map with all listed places in the region. We wish you a lot of fun exploring Krabi and hope that you liked our proposals for things to do in Krabi.
Which things to do in Krabi can you recommend? Please leave us a comment!