Top 29 Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

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Known for its stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and vibrant marine life, Krabi is a must-stop destination for any trip to Thailand. There are countless areas to explore within Krabi itself, but the close proximity to many of the other destinations in southern Thailand makes it the ideal gateway for exploring nearby islands like Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi Islands. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Krabi has something to offer for everyone.

We visited Thailand in May-June 2023 and Krabi was one of our absolute FAVORITE spots. You will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, world-class resorts and spas at an affordable price, adrenaline-pumping activities for everyone to enjoy, and some of the best Thai food you will find. We spent five days in Krabi, but could’ve easily spent a few more exploring both Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands. Based on our experience, here is EVERYTHING you need to know about visiting Krabi.

Where is Krabi?

Krabi is a province in the southwestern part of Thailand, along the shore of the Andaman Sea. This is about 400 miles south of Bangkok, and 100 miles from Phuket. The capital of Krabi province is Krabi Town, which is located a little over 10 miles from Ao Nang Beach.

Map of Krabi

How to Get to Krabi

From Phuket

The easiest way to get from Phuket to Krabi is via speedboat transfer. This option will take 1-2 hours and cost $10-15 for a one way trip. You can book a speedboat transfer at any of the tourism stands from Ao Nang or Railay Beach, but you can also book this online in advance at this link. If you book this option, you will board your boat in Phuket at Rassada Pier, and will be taken to the Floating Pier at East Railay or Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang, based on the option you select.

For a more economical option, you can take a bus from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1 to the Krabi Bus Terminal in Krabi Town for $3-8. There are two buses daily that run from Phuket to Krabi. This route takes 2-3 hours and you will have to catch a tuk tuk from the bus station to your accommodation.

From Bangkok

The best and fastest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is by plane. There are multiple flights daily leaving from both of the major airports in Bangkok. Flights from Bangkok to Krabi are relatively cheap (we paid about $35 USD!) and the flight takes just under 1 ½ hours. From there, you can book a taxi or shuttle from the airport to your accommodation in Krabi Town or Ao Nang.

Is Krabi Worth Visiting?

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a thrill-seeking adventure, Krabi has so much to offer for every type of traveler. Soak in the natural beauty of the picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water one day, and then immerse yourself in an action-packed day of hiking and ATVs the next, all within the Krabi province.

There are few other places in the world where you can stay at a 4 or 5 star resort for such affordable prices. We are usually hostel people, but we took the opportunity to splurge on a nicer accommodation in Krabi, while still staying within our budget. After exploring the natural wonders of Chiang Mai and the bustling capital of Bangkok, Krabi is the perfect spot to unwind on the beach and end your trip to Thailand.

Now that we’ve established Krabi is the ultimate beach destination to add to your Thailand itinerary, let’s dive into the top 29 things to do in Krabi:

Spend a Day (or Two!) at Railay Beach

Like I mentioned in the introduction, Railay Beach was our favorite place we visited while in Krabi. Accessible only by boat due to the high limestone cliffs that cut the peninsula off from the mainland, Railay Beach is a paradise for both adventure lovers and beach loungers alike. A must-do activity on Railay Beach is to hike to the viewpoint and climb to the lagoon. From the main walking street on Railay, you will see signs pointing to the path for Railay East. After a few minutes, you will come to a small pavilion and signs for the viewpoint and lagoon hike. This hike is very short, but has a steep elevation gain and the trail is pretty vertical all the way to the top. There are ropes leading up the rocks the entire way, so you will be able to use them for balance. This area can also get very muddy, so be prepared to wear comfortable and waterproof non-slip shoes to avoid injury and ruining your favorite shoes. It was a really fun hike and the views from the top are absolutely stunning. From the viewpoint, there is a route you can continue down to a hidden lagoon. Right as we started the climb down to see it, the rain picked up and we did not feel comfortable making the climb. We did meet several people who did make it to the lagoon and said it was well worth it!

Railay Beach Rock Climbing — Photo Credit: Hu Chen

Go Rock Climbing

Railay Beach is also known for some of the best rock climbing in the world. There are countless walls and routes suitable for your fitness and skill level. Whether you are a complete beginner, or an intermediate to advanced climber, the expert guides will be able to suggest the perfect routes for you to climb. Take a full day or half day course that will teach you all of the basics you need to know, get you suited up in the appropriate safety equipment, and then send you out to climb 10 to 25 meter walls located around the beach. For the ultimate beginner’s full day experience, check out this rock climbing and caving tour.

Stay in Ao Nang

While I wish we had spent more time in Railay Beach, we still LOVED our stay in Ao Nang. We decided to stay at The L Resort, right off the beach in a more quiet part of Ao Nang. For about $70 per night, we had a perfect stay with luxurious amenities, a huge swimming pool, free breakfast, and the friendliest staff. The resort was nearby countless restaurants and bars that we spent the evenings exploring.

Ao Nang is also the perfect spot in Krabi to base yourself in order to visit many of the other places on this list. Our resort was a 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from the marina where we left for most of our boat trips to Koh Poda, Maya Bay, and the Phi Phi Islands. It is far more touristy than Krabi Town, but we found the prices to still be quite affordable and the convenience of the location made it the best choice for our stay in Krabi.

Hike to the Tiger Cave Temple

You will see this on every Krabi “top 10 list” out there, but I promise, it’s worth the hype. Wat Tham Suea, or the Tiger Cave Temple, is one of the best day trips to take from Krabi. Take your time to climb over 1,200 stairs to the summit, for beautiful views of Krabi below and the home of the largest buddha statue in all of Thailand. This hike takes about 45 minutes to get to the top, and around 30 to return to the bottom of the stairs. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as there is no place to get more along the way or at the top. The temple complex is open from 6:00am to 5:00pm, and does not have an entrance fee, but donations are appreciated to continue the upkeep of the temple.

Soak in the Klong Thom Hot Springs

One of the more unique things we found during our trip to Krabi was the natural hot springs. First, soak in the beautiful hot springs waterfall with cascading pools for you to explore. Once you’ve explored the waterfall, you can take a dip in one of the hot water jacuzzis that are also on site, with temperatures ranging from 104 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. The entry fee is 90 baht or $1 USD to get to the hot springs. You should plan to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the place almost entirely to yourself. Make sure to plan for a ¾ mile walk from the parking lot, so pack light and carry your towel, etc. There are bathrooms on site for you to change into your swimsuit and shower.

Trek Through the Jungle to the Emerald and Blue Pools

Both of these attractions are located in the same nature complex, about 40 miles from Krabi Town. Located about 1000 feet beyond the Blue Pool is the Emerald Pool. And while you cannot swim in the Blue Pool, it is definitely worth the extra hike to see it. The colors of the water are just like the name: emerald. It is so beautiful, but I recommend visiting BEFORE you make a stop at the Emerald Pool. The Thai heat can be intense, and cooling off in the crystal clear waters is just what you will need after your short hike through the jungle. Once you finally make it to swim in the Emerald Pool, you will be ready to swim in its refreshing waters.

PTO and a Passport Pro Tip: You can combine a trip to the Emerald and Blue Pools with a stop at the Tiger Cave Temple and Hot Springs with this day trip from Krabi!

Go Island Hopping With a Four Island Tour

There are over 200 islands and islets in the sea surrounding Krabi. While it’s impossible to explore them all during your trip to Krabi, island hopping is a popular activity to visit several in one day. Consider booking a 4-island tour or even 7-island tour to see the main attractions like Chicken Island, Tub Island, Koh Poda, and Koh Mor. Take a longtail boat ride from the marina in Krabi to see how Chicken Island got its name, snorkel near tub island, and lounge on the beach at Koh Poda and Koh Mor. All tours include snorkeling gear for you to explore the outstanding visibility of marine life.

PTO and a Passport Pro Tip: you can easily (and cheaply!) organize a tour to Koh Poda, Tub Island, and Chicken Island by visiting the tourist information desks located along the beach in Ao Nang. We joined with another couple for a ‘private’ tour for just $15 per person! We were also able to negotiate extra time at each island for no additional cost.

Pretend You’re in a Movie at Maya Bay

Did you know Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach was filmed in Maya Bay? We didn’t know this before visiting and had never seen the movie, but it was really fun to watch the movie afterwards and see the place we visited. This place is very crowded with tourists and several boat tours are always visiting at once, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of pictures I was still able to get due to the length of the beach. Maya Bay has been closed for swimming to preserve the area, but you can still get into the water up to your knees and see the huge limestone cliffs that surround the area.

The entry fee to enter Maya Bay (including the National Park entry fee) is 400 baht, or about $11 USD. Maya Bay can only be reached via boat ride, and the easiest way to do this is by booking a day trip. This tour includes visiting Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and the Phi Phi Islands all in one day. If you are staying the night in Koh Phi Phi Don, you can take a longtail boat from the Phi Phi Don pier and get to Maya Bay within 30 minutes. This cannot be booked online in advance, so if you are the type of traveler that likes to do things impromptu, I recommend you book one of the tours.

Phi Phi Early Bird - Beat The Crowds & Krabi 4 Islands From Krabi - This tour includes a stop Maya Bay, made famous by the film 'The Beach', Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and more. See the rock formations of Koh Mor and Koh Tap. This tour also includes breakfast and lunch and roundtrip transfer from your hotel.

Phi Phi Full Day Tour - Small Group Max 12 Pax. - This tour includes all of the same things as the one above, but in a smaller group and more intimate atmosphere. The itinerary also includes stops for snorkeling, along with a life jacket and snorkeling equipment.

Take a Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

Speaking of the Phi Phi Islands, there is so much more to discover than just as a part of visiting Maya Bay. In fact, there are many different islands that make up the Phi Phi Islands to explore. Phi Phi Don, the main island in this group, is perfect for relaxing on the beach, or exploring the marine life the area has to offer. Hike to the Phi Phi Viewpoint for a stunning view of the island and surrounding turquoise waters, or visit ‘shark point’ off the east coast of the island. Shark watching tours are one of the most popular things to do, as mornings in Koh Phi Phi Don are the perfect times to see and snorkel with the black tip reef sharks.

Like many of the Thai islands, Koh Phi Phi Don is the ultimate spot for party goers. Captain Bob’s Sailing Booze Cruise is just the thing you need to see all the Phi Phi Islands have to offer, and have the best time doing it.

Try Scuba Diving

In recent years, Krabi has emerged as one of the best dive spots in the region for its lush mangrove forests, limestone boulders that form the foundation of coral reefs, and warm waters that attract unique species of marine life year round. Take the opportunity to see leopard an black tip reef sharks, over 80 species of coral, manta rays and more in one of the many dive sites in the area. If you have your scuba certification, check out Sawasdee Divers Krabi for incredible guided dives from both Ao Nang and the Phi Phi Islands. If you have the time and are looking to get your certification, Krabi is an exciting and affordable place to get your PADI certification at one of the 15 certified dive shops in Ao Nang alone.

…Or, Go Snorkeling

If you’re like me and the idea of being stuck underwater with a breathing apparatus makes you incredibly anxious, see the underwater world through snorkeling! Explore the vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside colorful fish in the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Hong, or Koh Poda. Ao Nang and Railay Beach also offer snorkeling opportunities right off the shore, allowing you to discover underwater wonders without venturing far from the mainland.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Thai cuisine has so many unique ingredients and cooking styles that I was never able to recreate at home. We loved taking a cooking class in Thailand to learn more about the local markets and picking out our own fresh ingredients, preparing traditional Thai dishes, and learning about the culture through cooking. There are SO MANY top-rated Thai Cooking Schools located in Krabi for you to take a half-day, or even full-day, cooking class to learn the basics.

Ya Thai Cookery School - Learn the basics of Thai cooking by making traditional dishes like pad Thai, massaman curry, and more! The course is led by professional chefs and has start times in the morning, afternoon, and evenings. Price of the tour includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

Small-Group Smart Thai Cooking Class in Krabi - Receive professional hands-on instruction in this authentic Thai cooking course. Create dishes such as fried Thai-style noodles, fried chicken with cashew nuts, hot and sour prawn soup, chicken in coconut milk soup, red curry paste, and more. Exact menus will be set upon booking your experience. Price also includes roundtrip transfer from your hotel in Ao Nang or Krabi Town.

Explore Krabi Town

For a true local Night Market experience, check out the Krabi Town Night Market! Open Friday through Sunday from 5:00pm - 10:00pm and can be found along the streets around the Krabi Walking Street. This Market is largely untouched by tourists, so you will get a glimpse into how the locals spend their time. There is a cocktail bar and a few restaurants and food stands, along with a stage in the middle of the market featuring live music and other performances. In general, you will find much less tourists and cheaper prices in Krabi Town than in the more popular areas such as Ao Nang or Railay Beach.

Get Dinner and Drinks at a Night Market

Opposite to Nopparat Thara Beach, you will find the Ao Nang Night Market, one of the best in Krabi. This night market is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or two, from authentic Thai silk scarves, wooden elephant and other animal figurines, stunning handmade artwork, and more. There is a huge selection of food and it is all very budget friendly. Get yourself a huge plate of pad Thai and find a seat to watch a live performance on the stage in the market.

PTO and a Passport Pro Tip: When looking for the best street food, look for the places where there is a line! This usually means the food is good and will be fresh, so there is a small likelihood that you will get sick. We stuck to this rule throughout our entire trip, and ended up finding some of the best food we’ve ever had!

Stay at a 5 Star Resort

If you are like me and typically opt for cheaper accommodation when you are traveling (who is staying in their room on vacation anyway?!), then Krabi might be the perfect place for you to splurge on a nicer resort! There are so many incredible beachfront accommodations that normally wouldn’t be in the budget for a trip, but in Thailand, they are so much more affordable. There are still luxury resorts that are expensive by U.S. standards, but there are also several to choose from in both Ao Nang and Railay that are reasonable. We stayed at The L Resort in Krabi for about $70 per night and loved it! It was right on the beach and incredibly nice. The pool and bar area were beautiful and the breakfast that was included was delicious. It was the perfect base for all activities in Krabi!

Visit the Shell Cemetery

While in Krabi, you can visit the 75 million year old shellfish cemetery, one of three places like it in the world. From far away, they might just look like concrete blocks, but when you get closer, you will realize it is actually hundreds of thousands of shells stuck together. This beach is only 10 miles from Ao Nang and can easily be reached via tuk tuk from the main street.

See the Bioluminescent Plankton at Phang Nga Bay

One of the most spectacular sights you can see underwater at night is the bioluminescent plankton that glow when brought above the surface. It is a spectacular phenomenon that is caused by a light-producing chemical reaction also called chemiluminescence. This bioluminescence is found in several different types of plankton, and Phang Nga Bay is one of the best places in the world to see this glow in action. Consider booking a tour to the caves to see them for yourself. Keep in mind, the best time of year to see these plankton is between November and May.

Sunset Boat Trip to Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Tour - Enjoy this sunset boat cruise to James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay with sea cave canoeing. Buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks and hotel transfer are included in the price.

Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island with Buffet Lunch by Big Boat - Enjoy a full day boat cruise to explore the highlights of Phang Nga Bay. You will get the opportunity to swim through the pristine waters and canoe through sea caves with a guide. Buffet lunch and non-alcoholic drinks are included in the price.

Hike to the top of Dragon Crest Mountain

For some of the most epic views and best photo opportunities in Thailand, you will not want to miss the Dragon Crest Mountain hike in northern Krabi. It is a relatively short hike at only 2.3 miles, but it is rather strenuous and you should plan for about an hour and a half to reach the top due to the elevation gain. It is a 30 minute drive from Ao Nang that can easily be reached via taxi if you do not have access to a car or motorbike. There is a 200 baht ($5 USD) entry fee that can be paid directly to the guard at the entrance. The path is pretty well maintained the entire way and tends to get busy in the mid morning to afternoon.

Go Kayaking in the Mangrove Forest

Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest is a beautiful ecosystem and a world-renowned paddle route. Consider booking this kayaking tour where you will explore lush jungle, mangroves, canyons and lagoons. Dock your kayak at one of the pristine beaches along the way and explore the area. The forest is a 35 minute drive from Krabi and is located near a small fishing village that remains untouched by tourists.

Visit Ton Sai Beach

Ton Sai Beach is a true tropical Thai paradise, and worth a visit on your trip to Krabi. You can take a ferry directly from the pier in Ao Nang to Ton Sai Beach in about an hour for roughly $8 USD. When you arrive, you will find yourself far enough away from the hustle and bustle of both Ao Nang and Railay Beach that you will feel like you’re in a different world entirely. There are also several cheap backpackers accommodations, if you enjoy the peace and quiet and would like to stay an additional night here. Apart from the legendary Freedom Bar at the top of the beach, Ton Sai is largely untouched by tourists and makes for the perfect private beach getaway. Rent a kayak or snorkel equipment and explore the beautiful waters at your leisure.

Go Sea Cave Kayaking at the Hong Islands

The caves and hidden sea lagoons of the Hong Islands were discovered by John Gray in 1989. Today, you can explore the area in the Phang Nga Bay in custom-designed sea kayaks alongside professional guides. The best tour is the John Gray Hong by Starlight Tour. You will be taken on a boat ride through the beautiful lagoons where you can see macaques, water monitors, kingfishers, mudskippers, egrets, Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kite lining the limestone cliffs. With the help of the guides, you will create your own Kratong, a wreath made of flowers for special ceremonies, and then watch a spectacular light show as you watch them float in the sea. End the evening with a kayak trip into the caves to see dinoflagellates, or bioluminescent plankton. You will then enjoy a sunset traditional Thai dinner before making your way back to your accommodation.

Treat Yourself to a Spa Day

Thailand is known for its Thai massages, but there are also so many spas offering affordable massage and other treatment packages, and Krabi is no exception. Walk a few steps down the main strip in Ao Nang, and you will pass at least one spa offering prices you can’t pass up. Whether you’re looking for a traditional massage, rejuvenating body scrub, or relaxing aromatherapy treatment, there are spa treatments available at every price point. Check out the Boossabakorn Spa for an array of affordable experiences, or the So Spa with L’OCCITANE at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, for a more luxurious escape.

Eat at the Grotto Restaurant

For a truly luxurious dining experience, look no further than the Twilight Dinner at the Grotto Restaurant. Nestled under the towering limestone cliffs of Krabi at the Rayavadee Resort, the Grotto is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner, or leisurely lunch with your friends and family. For lunch, enjoy a perfectly crafted charcuterie board with a variety of meats and cheeses from around the world, and then choose from delectable options such as the Rock lobster linguine or lamb ragu fettuccine. For the Twilight Dinner, you will enjoy a menu set by the chef featuring Australian tomahawk beef, 7-hour slow braised lamb shoulder, or a wood-fired seafood platter. You cannot go wrong with any of the choices for a romantic dinner with your partner.

Rent a Motorbike and Explore on Your Own

The best way to see Krabi at your own pace is by renting a motorbike or scooter for the day. Not sure you are comfortable to take a bike out on your own right away? Companies like Krabi Moto Rental offer lessons to ensure you know all of the safety instructions to help master the rules of the road in Krabi. Create your own day trip to the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, Tab Kak Hang Nak Hill Nature Trail, or visit the iconic limestone cliffs of Khao Khanap Nam to explore the caves.

Experience the Thrill of the Zipline Park

The Ao Nang Fiore Zipline Adventure Park is an adrenaline-pumping adventure for the whole family. Soar above the trees and enjoy the scenic views of the jungle below with zipline routes suitable for all adventure levels. The best way to visit the park is with a guided tour including roundtrip pickup from your accommodation in Krabi. There are options for both half-day tours and two-hour experiences.

Krabi Half-Day Zipline Adventure Experience - Spending a thrilling afternoon rappelling down cliffs and ziplining through the jungle. With 11 ziplines hanging high above the tree canopy, this tour is fun for the entire family.

Krabi 2-Hour Zipline Adventure - If you are short on time and still want to experience the thrill of the zipline park, check out this 6 zipline experience, including the 820 foot zipline over the tree canopy.

Take a Thai Boxing Class

Thailand’s national sport is Muay Thai boxing, and there is no better way to fully immerse yourself in the culture than by getting in the ring and giving it a try yourself. Honour Muay Thai Gym is only minutes from Ao Nang and has over 20 years of experience in teaching the art of the sport. From beginner to pro fighter, there are a variety of courses and training sessions that allow you to choose what is best for you. You can do one walk-in training session for 400 baht ($11 USD), or sign up for a longer training course than includes sessions twice a day for six days a week. The gym also offers on-site accommodation and dining plans if you wish to stay there and train longer.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

There is nothing more romantic than riding horses down the beach in Thailand. Check out this horseback riding tour that takes you on a 1-hour or 2-hour journey down Ao Nam Mao Beach. Explore the sandy beaches on horseback before following the lush path into the countryside, passing through rural areas and local communities. This tour includes pickup from Krabi Town or Ao Nang Beach area.

Day Trip to Koh Lanta

A two hour speedboat ride from Ao Nang, Koh Lanta is the perfect day trip to take while you are based in Krabi. Similar to getting to Krabi from Phuket, you can easily book a roundtrip speedboat transfer for around $15 by visiting any of the tourism stands in Ao Nang. If you would like to have your boat booked in advance, check out this link. Visit the old fishing town for a variety of stores and restaurants as well as a pier and weekend market. Volunteer at the Lanta Animal Rescue and walk rescue dogs for an afternoon. Learn the art of freediving in the nearby underwater caverns. Check out the lighthouse in Mu Koh Lanta National Park. There are also few crowds and a beautiful beach in the park, so be sure to pack your swimsuit and enjoy the almost private beach for a few hours. There are countless things to do in Koh Lanta, so you can choose to stay the night there, or head back to Krabi in the evening.

Day Trip to Koh Yao Noi

Another day trip idea from Krabi is to Koh Yao Noi. Book your 30-minute speedboat ride from Ao Nang in advance, or just head to the pier to arrange your trip. Once you arrive in Koh Yao Noi, you will find that while it has gained some popularity in recent years, this island is still so much less crowded than Krabi, Phuket, or Koh Phi Phi. You will find the perfect secluded beach to lounge on completely unbothered by tourists. Rent a kayak and explore the small islets that surround the island on your own. Or, rent a bike and explore the lush farmlands the forest trails around Koh Yao Noi.

We hope you LOVE this list of things to do in Krabi and hope you find something to add your Thailand bucket list!

Have you been to Krabi? Let us know what your favorite part was!

Top 29 Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand in 2024