Straddling the Andaman Sea, Krabi is a magnificent spot for travelers who want to slow down and take things easy and those who prefer active vacations. While you can easily spend your whole trip just gazing at blue waters, some of the best things to do in Krabi involve a bit more activity. Head to Railay Beach to learn how to rock climb, tour the Tiger Cave Temple to learn about local culture, or take a speed boat to Koh Phi Phi.
The best time to visit Krabi for pleasant weather is the dry season, between November and March. It’s also the peak tourist season and can be especially crowded, particularly in late December and January. May mugginess can be unpleasant, especially for outdoor activities. The monsoon season runs from June to October, but visitors willing to brave the rain will find cheap hotels and crowd-free beaches and attractions.
There are numerous options for getting around Krabi. On land, tuk-tuks, songthaews (converted pickup trucks), motorbike taxis, and regular taxis are easy, cheap, and plentiful. Visitors can also rent a car, though motorcycle and scooter rentals are more common. Ferries, speedboats, and long-tail boats connect Krabi to different islands and areas only reachable by boat, such as the Railay peninsula.
One of the downsides to Krabi is that word has gotten out about its stunning natural beauty, and it’s hard to avoid the crowds at popular attractions and islands. While big tours are economical, they all tend to go to the same places at the same time. Consider hiring a private long-tail to hop around the islands or a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you around inland; be sure to vary your timing from the package tours to beat the crowds.
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Krabi refers both to a province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast and to its capital, Krabi. It’s known for islands, sea caves, white sand beaches, and dramatic karst cliffs, as well as bustling resort towns like Ao Nang. Highlights include Hong Islands (Mu Ko Hong) and the cliffs of Railay Beach.
...MoreIf you’re planning to spend a few days on the ever-popular Phi Phi Islands, four days is enough for Krabi’s main sights. You can climb on Railay Beach, take a boat trip to the Hong Islands, and head inland for national parks and temples. Add an extra day for a Phi Phi Islands speedboat trip.
...MorePhuket, about 40 miles (60 kilometers) across the water, is Thailand’s largest island and a tourist destination since the 70s. It is more developed with a larger choice of accommodation and dining, including luxury options, and notorious nightlife. Krabi is more beautiful, better for budget travelers, and, in some parts, more authentic.
...MoreYes and no. Railay Beach has a lively backpacker scene, with beach bars and fire shows. Ao Nang offers much what you’d expect in a Thai resort town: pubs, bars, clubs, go-go joints, and transgender cabarets. Krabi town has an authentic live music scene alongside bars, clubs, and karaoke joints.
...MoreKrabi has different areas to suit different types of traveler. Bustling Ao Nang has probably the widest choice of accommodation. Railay Beach is great for backpackers and active travelers; Krabi Town is good for budget travelers who want to explore independently; the Klong Muang and Tubkaek areas draw luxury lovers.
...MoreKrabi is less touristy than Phuket. But Thailand’s Andaman Coast is far from undiscovered, and with the Phi Phi Islands just offshore and Phuket just to the west, Krabi draws plenty of visitors. Ao Nang is probably the most touristy area: travelers in search of tranquility should head inland or to the ultra-luxe resorts.
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