Located on the Andaman Coast, Krabi is famous for its idyllic islands and beautiful beaches. This is picture-postcard Thailand, where limestone cliffs plunge into emerald seas, hidden lagoons open up beneath jungle canopies, and cultural treasures sit alongside bustling night markets. Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, or authentic cultural encounters, Krabi offers an unforgettable mix. Here’s our guide to some of the highlights in Krabi, with something for every traveller.
Beaches & Islands
Railay Beach
One of Krabi’s most iconic destinations, Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, which adds to its castaway charm. Towering limestone cliffs frame Railay, making it a paradise for rock climbers and beach lovers alike. Railay isn’t just one beach but a peninsula with four distinct stretches: Railay West (great for sunsets), Railay East (lined with mangroves), Phra Nang Beach (famous for its cave shrine), and Ton Sai Beach (a backpacker hub with a laid-back vibe).
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is Krabi’s lively centre of activity. It’s the launch point for longtails to Railay Beach and island-hopping tours and also home to a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor or travelling with your family, staying in Ao Nang can be a convenient option.
Phi Phi Islands
No visit to Krabi is complete without a trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Made famous by the film The Beach, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is the star attraction, but don’t miss Pileh Lagoon and Bamboo Island. On Phi Phi Don, make time for the walk up to the viewpoint, and your effort will be rewarded.
Hong Islands
For a quiet escape, take a day trip to the Hong Islands, a cluster of small islets featuring a stunning hidden lagoon. Clear waters and soft sand make it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and snorkelling. Many tours stop here for a picnic lunch, giving you time to fully enjoy the serenity.
Poda and Chicken Island
One of the most popular excursions in Krabi is the ‘Four Islands Tour’, where longtail boats whisk you to Chicken Island, Poda Island, Tup Island, and Phra Nang Cave Beach. Each spot offers something different, with white sands, snorkelling reefs, or quirky rock formations. There is also the opportunity to see Talay Waek (Separated Sea) with the sandbar that appears at low tide linking Tup Island (Ko Tup) and Chicken Island (Ko Gai).
Ko Lanta
Easy to reach from the Krabi mainland, Ko Lanta is a good choice for a holiday. With a string of attractive beaches, a wide range of accommodation, and a chilled island vibe, Ko Lanta is an ideal place to unwind. Whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner or with your family, this lovely island has something to appeal to all.
The Ko Lanta National Marine Park is where you can enjoy underwater adventures. Colourful coral reefs, manta rays, and schools of tropical fish make it a paradise for divers and snorkelers. Beginners can take PADI courses, while experienced divers head to sites like Hin Daeng and Hin Muang.
Ko Jum
Many visitors to Krabi aren’t aware of Ko Jum. This little island gets overlooked in favour of better-known destinations like Ko Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands. Although the beaches on Ko Jum aren’t as beautiful as others in Krabi province, this island offers a quiet retreat and, in the case of Koh Jum Beach Villas, one of the best eco-hotels in Thailand.
Adventure
Kayaking at Ao Thalane
Krabi’s dramatic karst formations don’t just rise above the sea; they hide lagoons and caves waiting to be explored. Kayaking at Ao Thalane takes you through mangrove forests alive with birds and monkeys, while Bor Thor Caves let you paddle past prehistoric cave paintings and hidden grottoes.
Rock climbing at Railay
Known worldwide as a climbing mecca, Railay’s limestone cliffs cater to all skill levels. Beginners can take half-day classes, while advanced climbers tackle multi-pitch routes that end with jaw-dropping views. Even if you don’t climb, watching the climbers silhouetted against the sunset is unforgettable.
Hiking the Dragon Crest Trail
For those who prefer trekking, the Dragon Crest Mountain hike (Ngon Nak Trail) offers one of Krabi’s best panoramic views. The 3-4 hour round trip winds through lush jungle and ends with sweeping views of karst cliffs, forest, and ocean. Bring water and start early to avoid the midday heat.
Natural wonders
Khao Khanab Nam
Standing at around 100 metres high, the twin limestone mountains Khao Khanab Nam form an impressive backdrop to Krabi Town. Walk along the riverside promenade in Krabi Town for views of the twin mountains or take a longtail boat to explore them up close.
Emerald Pool
Hidden within the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a natural hot spring-fed swimming hole with dazzling turquoise waters. Surrounded by jungle, it’s an ideal place to cool off after exploring nearby trails. Early mornings are best to avoid the crowds.
Hot Springs Waterfall
Not far from the Emerald Pool, the Hot Springs Waterfall (Namtok Ron) offers a natural spa-like experience. Warm mineral water cascades into small rock pools where you can soak, relax, and let the jungle atmosphere wash over you.
Tha Pom Klong Song Nam
For something off the beaten path, visit Tha Pom Klong Song Nam, a natural wonder where fresh and saltwater mix to create a crystal-clear stream winding through mangroves. Elevated boardwalks let you explore without disturbing the ecosystem, making it a tranquil escape into nature.
Culture
Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
For both spiritual seekers and fitness enthusiasts, a climb up the Tiger Cave Temple is a must. The journey involves more than 1,200 steps, but the reward is a golden Buddha statue overlooking panoramic views of Krabi Town, limestone cliffs, and rice paddies. Along the way, you’ll pass shrines, caves, and playful monkeys.
Krabi Town
Wherever you opt to stay in Krabi, make some time to visit Krabi Town. This quiet provincial capital has plenty of local charm and several excellent seafood restaurants. In the evenings, Krabi Town’s night market comes alive with sizzling woks, colourful handicrafts, and live music. This is the best place to sample local street food, from grilled satay and mango sticky rice to southern-style curries. It’s also a hub for local culture, where you can mingle with residents and enjoy an authentic slice of Thai life.
Ko Klang Community
Just a short longtail ride from Krabi Town, Ko Klang offers an immersive cultural experience. This island community is home to traditional Muslim fishing families who welcome visitors to learn about local crafts such as batik painting and boat building. Touring the village gives a deeper understanding of Krabi beyond its beaches. You can hop on a boat yourself from Krabi Town or book a tour with a responsible tour operator like Andaman Discoveries.
Laem Sak Community
Laem Sak is another fine example of community-based tourism, with the village Krabi collective honoured at the Responsible Thailand Awards in 2022 for its success in sustainable tourism.
The Laem Sak Tourism Community Enterprise brings together 10 villages and over 400 members. Their efforts focus on preserving the surrounding mangrove forests and marine environment, while at the same time opening their doors to visitors eager to learn about this diverse and multi-cultural community. Many travellers visit on a day trip, but staying overnight is especially rewarding and gives you the chance to join early morning fishing trips or explore the nearby islands with knowledgeable local guides.
