10 Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand – Full Guide 2024
Krabi is a treasure of natural wonders, with breathtaking limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and beautiful islands. No wonder it’s on everyone’s itinerary through Thailand.
Visiting these 10 best things to do in Krabi will undoubtedly make your visit unforgettable. This guide shows you the must-see places, how to get there, and some good-to-know stuff before you visit Krabi.
Where is Krabi Located?
Krabi is a province in southern Thailand, situated along the Andaman Sea coast. Popular places in Krabi are Ao Nang and Railay.
Krabi on Map
Best Time to Visit Krabi?
The best time to visit Krabi is typically during the dry season, which runs from November to March. This period offers sunny weather and low humidity, making it perfect for the 10 best things to do in Krabi.
However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, and Krabi is a very popular destination in Thailand, so expect crowds and higher prices.
For the most enjoyable and peaceful time in Krabi, try visiting in the shoulder seasons, usually right after and just before the rainy season. In Krabi, these months are October-November and April.
How to Get to Krabi?
Getting to Krabi is easy as it’s on the mainland and a popular tourist destination in Thailand. Here are 4 common ways to get there:
- By Air: Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the main gateway to the province. You’ll find direct flights to Krabi from cities in Thailand like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, as well as from international destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. Check prices on Skyscanner!
- By Bus: Buses are available from various cities in Thailand to Krabi. You can take a bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi, which takes around 10-12 hours. There are also bus services from nearby provinces like Phuket, Surat Thani, and Trang. Check bus prices here.
- By Train and Bus: If you prefer traveling by train, you can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Trang, and then transfer to a bus to reach Krabi. This option takes longer.
- By Ferry: If you’re coming from nearby islands like Phuket or Koh Phi Phi, you can take a ferry to Krabi. There are regular ferry services operating between these islands and Krabi.
How to get around in Krabi?
Once you arrive in Krabi, you can easily get around using taxis, tuk-tuks, rented motorbikes, or local transportation services. Many hotels and resorts also offer shuttle services for their guests.
We like to rent scooters to drive around and explore. It’s the best feeling and promises the most authentic experience.
To experience the top 10 things to do in Krabi, you’ll need to take boat rides, join tours, ride motorbikes and cars, walk, hike, climb, swim, and kayak.
Best Tours in Krabi
Short on time? Don’t want to plan and arrange all of the best things to do in Krabi yourself? Want to connect with new people?
Organized tours always ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Some tours even combine must-see places, such as the famous 4 islands and Ao Phra Nang Beach, making it possible to explore more attractions in one day.
Discover here top-rated and handpicked Krabi tours:
Phi Phi Islands Boat Tours:
- Private: Create Your Dream Itinerary with this Exclusive Phi Phi Tour
- Shared: Join a Fun Speedboat Day Tour to Explore the Phi Phi Islands
4 Islands Boat Tours:
- Private: Discover the 4 Islands with a Private Longtail Boat
- Shared: Experience the 4 Islands on a Shared Snorkeling & Sunset Tour
Koh Hong Boat Tours:
- Private: Explore Hong Island on with a Private Longtail Boat Tour
- Shared: Join a Day Tour to Hong Island by Speedboat
Where to stay in Krabi
We recommend staying either in Ao Nang, which is accessible by public transportation or on the Railay Peninsula, which, although only accessible by boat, has beautiful beaches nearby.
Of the 10 best things to do in Krabi, 6 are reachable from Ao Nang, and 4 are located on the Railay Peninsula. This is why we recommend splitting your time and staying in both places for a couple of days.
Check out top-rated and handpicked accommodations in Krabi in different price ranges.
Best Hotels for Railay
- Budget ($): Rapala Rock Wood Resort
- Mid-range ($$): Avatar Railay
- Luxury ($$$): Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus
Best Hotel in Ao Nang
- Budget ($): The Phu View
- Mid-range ($$): The Scene Cliff View Villas
- Luxury ($$$): Aonang Eco Villa
10 Best Things to Do in Krabi
After extensive research and unforgettable experiences in Krabi in 2020 and 2024, we have compiled the ultimate list of the 10 best things to do in Krabi.
1. Railay Beach
Railay Beach is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. It’s a haven for beach lovers and ranks first on our list of the best things to do in Krabi.
Wake up to this view!
Check out the Railay Village Resort for an unforgettable stay in front of Railay Beach.
How to get to Railay Beach?
Railay Beach is located on the Railay peninsula only accessible by boat. Take a long-tail boat from Ao Nang (100 THB) or Ao Nam Mao. The boat ride itself offers breathtaking views and is a short 10-15 minute journey.
Important Info about Railay Beach
Combine your visit to Railay Beach with Phra Nang Beach, Koh Rang, and the hidden Bat Cave. If you want to visit Railay Beach as a day trip, make sure to take the first long-tail boat leaving around 8 AM or earlier, as it gets crowded during the day. At this beach, more and more long-tail boats crowd the shore as the day goes on.
A better option is to book accommodation on the Railay Peninsula and visit this beach before day tourists arrive. We highly recommend staying at the beautiful Railay Village Resort.
Best Accommodations in Railay
- Budget ($): Rapala Rock Wood Resort
- Mid-range ($$): Avatar Railay
- Luxury ($$$): Rayavadee- SHA Extra Plus
2. Ao Phra Nang Beach
Ao Phra Nang Beach is an incredibly beautiful beach with soft white sands and turquoise waters. This beach can get very crowded during the day but still remains one of the best places to visit in Krabi. It’s also a haven for rock climbers.
How to get to the Ao Phra Nang Beach?
Like Railay Beach, Ao Phra Nang Beach is located on the Railay peninsula only accessible by boat. Take a long-tail boat from Ao Nang (100 THB) or Ao Nam Mao. The boat ride itself offers breathtaking views and is a short 10-15 minute journey.
If you want to go around in Railay Village or to other attractions on the peninsula, be prepared for a walk as there are no cars. Ao Phra Nang Beach is located a 15-minute walk from Railay Beach.
Important Info about Ao Phra Nang Beach
Same as for Railay Beach: If you want to visit Railay Beach as a day trip, make sure to take the first long-tail boat leaving around 8 AM or earlier, as it gets crowded during the day.
A better option is to book accommodation on the Railay Peninsula and visit this beach before day tourists arrive. We highly recommend staying at the beautiful Railay Village Resort.
3. Hidden Railay Bat Cave (+ Hidden Beach)
In between the popular attractions on the Railay Peninsula lies a hidden gem that not many people know about: the Railay Bat Cave. We usually are not fans of Bat Caves, but this one was different! There were no bats, no people, only possibly the best views of Ao Phra Nang Beach and Koh Rang Island.
How to get to the Railay Bat Cave?
First get to Ao Phra Nang Beach, which is explained above. Once you arrive there, walk for about 10 minutes to the northern end of the beach, where you will find a short green trail leading you to the starting point of a 5-minute hike to the hidden Railay Bat Cave. Be cautious as the trail is short but very steep, with some parts requiring climbing.
Important Info about Railay Bat Cave
When walking in the direction of the starting point of the hike, you will pass by a hidden beach. Don’t miss out on this beach; after the hike, we went straight for a swim there.
The hidden cave and the hidden beach were both fantastic additional things to do when visiting Railay Beach and Phra Nang Beach.
4. Koh Rang
Koh Rang is a small island located in front of Ao Phra Nang Beach. Not only is it a spectacular sight from the beach, but you can also reach it by kayak or swimming.
How to get to Koh Rang?
First get to Ao Phra Nang Beach, which is explained above. You can rent a kayak at Ao Phra Nang Beach for 100 THB per hour to paddle over to the island or go for a short swim.
Important Info about Koh Rang
Depending on when you go and if there is high or low tide, there will be a beach where you can stop, otherwise, you will be able to stand in the water near the rocks of the island.
5. Koh Hong Boat Tour
Koh Hong Island is known for its emerald-green lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and is another best thing to do in Krabi. It’s a postcard-perfect destination for those seeking natural beauty.
Experience the surreal beauty of Koh Hong from a 360-degree viewpoint. Climbing up the 400 steps is totally worth it to see the breathtaking scenery from above.
How to get to Koh Hong?
To get to Koh Hong Island, you can either book a shared or private tour. Honestly, if you can afford it, go for private; it won’t disappoint you. We are on a budget and always prefer doing fewer tours, but the ones we do are either in small or private groups. The experience is usually not comparable to shared tours.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly and top-rated shared tour, check out this one.
Important Info about Koh Hong
It’s best to go early in the morning or try in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Booking a private boat gives you the opportunity to have the best experience while beating the crowds, which is something we highly recommend in popular Krabi. Visiting during low tide is best to fully appreciate the lagoon.
The Best Koh Hong Tours
Private: Explore Hong Island on with a Private Longtail Boat Tour
Shared: Join a Day Tour to Hong Island by Speedboat
6. Noppharat Thara Beach + Viewpoint
Discover a well-kept secret in Krabi, Thailand: Nopharat Thara Beach and its breathtaking viewpoint. We couldn’t find anything about the viewpoint online. If this is not a hidden gem, I don’t know what it is.
The untouched stretch of sand features a double beach and a viewpoint atop a rocky peninsula, offering panoramic views of picturesque limestone cliffs in the backdrop.
How to get to Noppharat Thara Beach?
The Noppharat Thara Beach is easily accessible by a short 10-minute drive or a stroll along the coastline from the main area in Ao Nang.
Important Info about Noppharat Thara Beach
We highly recommend walking to the small peninsula, at the western end of the beach, connected by a stretch of sand with a beach on both sides. On top of this rocky peninsula, you will find the Noppharat Thara Beach Viewpoint. The trail entrance is hidden between rocks.
7. Dragon Crest Mountain Hike (+ Tubkaek Beach)
On top of Dragon Crest Mountain is another must-visit viewpoint in Krabi. The challenging hike is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of limestone peaks, lush forests, and the sea. After the hike, we highly recommend going for a swim at Tubkaek Beach.
How to get to the Dragon Crest Mountain Hike?
The starting point of the hiking trail is located 40 minutes away from Ao Nang town, near Tubkaek Beach. Rent a scooter or hire a driver to bring you to the parking lot of the Moo Koh Phi Phi National Park.
Important Info about the Dragon Crest Mountain Hike
Start the hike early in the morning to avoid the midday heat on the way up. Also, you will meet fewer people. Bring enough water, good hiking shoes, sun protection, and mosquito repellent.
The trek is of medium difficulty with some steep sections. The trail is 3.7km long one way with a total elevation of 550 meters, taking around 2 hours one way. It winds through lush jungle and encounters wildlife like lizards and monkeys.
Dragon Crest Mountain is officially part of the Moo Koh Phi Phi National Park. The National Park entrance fee costs 200 THB.
8. 4 Islands Boat Tour
The Four Islands Boat Tour includes Ko Kai (Chicken Island), Tup Island, Poda Island, and Ao Phra Nang Beach. It’s a full day of adventure, from stunning beaches to unique rock formations, showcasing the beauty of Krabi’s coastline. The tour typically includes snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing on these picturesque islands.
How to get to the 4 Islands?
Important Info about 4 Islands
The two tiny islands, Koh Tub & Koh Mor, are connected to Ko Kai (Chicken Island) by a beautiful sandbar at low tide. Ask your tour guides to make sure they plan for the right time for the sandbar to emerge, as they know the exact times of the tide conditions.
The Best 4 Island Tours
Private: Discover the 4 Islands with a Private Longtail Boat
Shared: Experience the 4 Islands on a Shared Snorkeling & Sunset Tour
9. Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach is an alternative to the more crowded Ao Nang Beach, and the Monkey Trail leading to it offers a unique encounter with wild monkeys.
How to get to Pai Plong Beach?
Pai Plong Beach is accessible from the very south end of Ao Nang Beach through the Monkey Trail. This trail goes through the jungle and takes about 10-15 minutes.
Important Info about the Monkey Trail & Pai Plong Beach
Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from the monkeys. Don’t bring food with you or make sure they can’t smell it or see it and don’t feed the monkeys in any way.
10. Ao Nang: Beach Sunset & Night Markets
Ao Nang Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while chilling on the beach is a magical experience. Afterward, explore the vibrant night markets for local food. This evening plan is the perfect way to conclude your list of the best things to do in Krabi.
How to get to Ao Nang Beach & Night Markets?
If you’re staying in the main area of Ao Nang, you can easily walk to all of these places.
Important Info about Ao Nang Beach & Night Markets:
Bring a blanket, snacks, and food for a comfortable sunset experience. There are two night markets you should try, the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market and the Night Market Place, both very delicious.
Where to Go After Krabi?
Another popular destination in most Thailand Itineraries is Phuket. If you plan to visit, check out our guide with the ultimate 10 Hidden Gems in Phuket.