25 Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

Written by Jan Meeuwesen
Updated on
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Krabi is the most relaxing part to be in all of Thailand, it is a province that has the most stunning scenery imaginable, beautiful white beaches that stretch on for miles, a jungle and over 200 islands just of the coast. Krabi covers quite a large area so a lot of the attractions require a fair bit of traveling but when everywhere you look is beautiful it is no hardship at all.

TIP: Book your tours online in advance: Best tours in Krabi – Be sure to have a look at the 6 Hour Sunset Cruise with Snorkeling and Meal

The best time to visit is between November and April as the weather in the South of Thailand can be unpredictable but with many places now opening all year you will always find something to do.

The airport in Krabi is offering more routes and more frequent flights than ever before so come and explore the best things to do in Krabi!

1. Escape From It All At Railay Beaches & Caves

Railay Beach, KrabiSource: Preto Perola / shutterstock
Railay Beach, Krabi

Railay beach is potentially the most attractive beach in Thailand, accessible only by boat due to the large cliffs on each side cutting it off from the mainland. Here you will find stunning white sand, breath taking views and fantastic limestone cliffs. When you arrive at Railay you will not find any roads or cars because of its cut off location, just a few long tail boats and a couple of bars to spend your evenings in. If you want to really feel away from the world this might just be as good as it gets.

Try this half day rock climbing tour on Railay Beach (includes hotel pick-up & drop off and a professional guide/instructor).

2. Rent Your Own Boat Or Hire A Guide

Krabi BoatSource: beboy / shutterstock
Krabi Boat

There are roughly 200 islands sitting just off the Krabi coastline, some are small rocks jutting out of the sea, some are quite a lot larger but still remain uninhabited and some are large islands with many inhabitants living a normal life. You can rent a boat from Krabi town or Ao Nang and explore the islands on your own if you are a keen sailor. Alternatively you can rent a boat that comes with a guide so that you can relax whilst everything is taken care of. The best time of year to go is between November and April to avoid any unpredictable weather.


3. See Outstanding Beauty At Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

Thung Teao Forest Natural ParkSource: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

Home to many spectacular plants and animals The Natural Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one part that is particularly inspiring is the Crystal Lagoon. Also known as the Emerald Pool, the water is naturally warm and completely clear, you can go for a swim and escape to another world whilst admiring the waterfall. Keep your eye out for the Pita Gurney bird, once thought to be extinct but some have been spotted within the park.

4. Visit A Temple In A Cave At Wat Tham Sua

Wat Tham SuaSource: Balate Dorin / shutterstock
Wat Tham Sua

One of Thailand’s natural wonders and certainly worth a visit is this warren of caves that sit within the jungle and house many monks that live and worship here, legend has it that a tiger once lived in the cave which is where the name of the temple originated. The caves can be explored and you will find many icons and relics to take a look at. When you are at the caves you need to make sure you visit the ‘footprint of the Buddha’ it is a climb up 1,237 steps which is no small task but when you get to the top you are rewarded with 360 degree views on the Andaman Sea and the beautiful islands that fall within it.

5. Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi IslandSource: DR Travel Photo and Video / shutterstock
Phi Phi Island

After being used as the film location for the movie ‘The Beach’ The Phi Phi islands shot to fame and the tourists have never stopped coming, you can get there by speedboat which takes about forty five minutes from Krabi mainland. There are two islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, Phi Phi Don is inhabited and is the one where all the tourists flock. Known for its turquoise water and stunning beaches the island really is a tropical paradise. If you are planning on taking a trip leave early in the morning to beat the crowds as it gets very busy.

6. Take A Dip At Klong Thom Hot Springs

Klong Thom Hot SpringsSource: VLADYSLAV DANILIN / shutterstock
Klong Thom Hot Springs

Set inside beautiful rainforest surroundings are the Krabi Hot Springs. They have been cut into the smooth rocks and the water is provided from deep rooted thermal springs that are located inside volcanic chambers. The water get up to temperatures of forty degrees Celsius and contains natural mineral salts that have many healing properties. You will feel totally relaxed here and if you fancy a cooling swim after there is a stream that you can do this in. The springs are quite close to the Emarald Pool so it is worth combining the two.

Recommended tour: Wareerak Hot Spring Thai Spa and Massage Treatment in Krabi Rainforest

7. Khao Khanab Nam – The Landmarks Of Krabi

Khao Khanab NamSource: flocu / shutterstock
Khao Khanab Nam

The Khao Khanab Nam Mountains are the most famous landmarks in Krabi, they sit either side of the river and are a real natural wonder. The two mountains sit on top of a large series of caves that have many stalagmites and Stalactites, there are also a large number of human skeletons that could have been from people stranded during a flood. One of the mountains is climbable and offers some excellent photograph opportunities from the top.

8. Chill Out On Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta YaiSource: Andrey Burstein / shutterstock
Koh Lanta Yai

Koh Lanta Yai is an island about two hours away from Krabi Town, it is a small island that stretches about twenty kilometers from end to end. The island is inhabited and home too many guest houses and resorts. The island itself has various beautiful beaches that are often quiet but look absolutely stunning. If you want to relax for a few days this is the place to get away and do it. The prices on the island are still quite low as tourism has not reached the levels of the Phi Phi islands yet. Koh Lanta is home to many diving schools all certified and ready to take you out to see the beautiful marine life and coral the waters have to offer. A bridge is currently being built that will link the island to Koh Lanta Noi giving you even more places to explore.

9. Step Back In Time At Krabi Town

Krabi TownSource: Yuliia Kononenko / shutterstock
Krabi Town

Unlike many places that you visit on holiday Krabi Town is different, it still receives many tourists but it has not changed itself to pamper to the tourists needs. It has still managed to retain its ‘local’ feel. The river running though the town is always full of fishing boats bringing in their days catches ready for the restaurant tables. The town has a genuine feel to it with its local bars and eating spots to it is worth visiting for that authentic taste of Thailand.

10. Geological Wonder At Susan Hoi

Susan HoiSource: footageclips / shutterstock
Susan Hoi

Dating back to sometime between 25 and 40 million years and sitting on a 200 meters long stretch is a fossilized shell fish cemetery, Limestone deposits in the surrounding water covered the shell fish and fossilized them, it is one of only three cemetery’s like this discovered in the world today. If you like geology then this has to be visited whilst you are in Krabi. There is also a Chinese temple which you can visit as well as mangrove forests in the area.

11. Go On A Four Island Tour

Four Island Tour, KrabiSource: BoyCatalyst / shutterstock
Four Island Tour

One of the most popular tours that visitors to Krabi go on is the Four Island Tour, It takes you on a tour of four different islands, and they are usually Tup Island, Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island and Poda Island. The tour is on a long boat and will stop at each location giving you time to swim, sunbathe, explore and stop for lunch. The boats usually house up to about forty people and a tour guide will stand at the front pointing everything out in English whilst making sure everyone has enough water for the trip.

Top rated tour: Krabi: Phi Phi Sunrise & 4 Islands by Speedboat with Lunch

12. Shop At The Night market

Krabi Night MarketSource: fivepointsix / shutterstock
Krabi Night Market

Krabi Town like so many other big owns in Thailand has a night market. This market is open every Friday to Sunday in the evening and is not to be missed. There are over seventy food stalls here as well as lots of local sellers selling souvenirs. Sometimes local school children put on a show as they collect money for their school or another charity. There is one particular stall that is worth a special mention it is the one that sells coconut ice-cream, most markets have a stall selling the same things but this ice-cream is famous throughout the markets for its impeccable taste.

13. Party At Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang BeachSource: Lukasz Janyst / shutterstock
Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach is not the prettiest beach in the area and if you are after white sand and a tranquil setting you are better off at Railay Beach, but if you are looking for some nightlife and a lively atmosphere this is a good place to start. There are many bars and restaurants in the area selling plenty of varieties of cocktails as well as all the food types you would expect in a tourist hotspot. It is also a great place to book your tours from as there are a lot of operators in the area fighting for business keeping the prices slightly lower than some areas.

14. Admire The Beauty At Phra Nang Beach

Phra Nang Beach, KrabiSource: Davide Scio / shutterstock
Phra Nang Beach

Having been voted as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world this is a place you will not want to miss. Only twenty minutes by long boat from Ao Nang it has amazing scenery and is a beautiful place to swim. The beach has perfect white sand and huge cliffs at each end of the beach. You will not find any jet skis or other expensive pursuits at this beach leaving you to enjoy the atmosphere and take in the jaw dropping scenery.

15. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

Krabi ElephantSource: Wi_Krabi / shutterstock
Krabi Elephant

Visit an the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary and learn why you should NEVER ride one (although this is unfortunately offered all over Krabi).  The elephants are well treated and you’re going to be amazed how nice the sanctuary looks. You can take part in the feeding and washing process and have a walk with elephants.

16. Visit Wat Kaew Temple

Wat Kaew TempleSource: Dmitry Molchanov / shutterstock
Wat Kaew Temple

Wat Kaew is a temple sitting in the middle of Krabi Town, It is not the biggest of temples but has beautiful decorations on the inside walls, they are painted blue and have various Buddhist drawings on them, at one end of the temple is a large golden Buddha which is the focal point of the temple. Outside are various food stalls and vendors looking to sell amulets.

17. Spend An Afternoon Rock Climbing

Krabi rock climbingSource: I love photo / shutterstock
Krabi Rock Climbing

Climbers from around the world come to Krabi to scale the limestone rocks that are plentiful in this area. Various schools cater to beginner climbers where sport climbing is practiced. It is a much safer way for beginners to start as there are permanent hooks placed into the rock with ropes through them, when you lose your grip you will only fall a maximum of fifty centimeters. For experienced climbers there are more than 700 climbs available in the area ranging from F4 (easy) to F8c (professional).

Compare reviews on different rock climbing tours right here

18. Take A Thai Cookery Lesson

Thai Cooking ClassSource: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock
Thai Cooking Class

Famous throughout the country are the Thai cookery schools and Krabi is no exception to that, every inhabited island in Krabi will have at least one as does Krabi mainland. There is never anywhere better to learn how to cook local food than by the locals themselves. The schools provide all the ingredients and the lessons are run by Thai people that have had years of experience cooking. Whether it is green curry or Pad Thai they will be able to teach you the correct ingredients and techniques to use. Most classes finish with you sitting down to sample your creations.

Tip: book your cooking classes online

19. Pamper Yourself At A Krabi spa

Krabi Spa ResortSource: Dirima / shutterstock
Krabi Spa Resort

When it comes to escaping from the drudgery of normal life and taking some personal time the spa’s in Krabi are an excellent place to head. You can have body wraps, scrubs and facials all using natural ingredients that are available over Thailand such as Coconut and Tamarind. No trip would be complete though without indulging in a Thai massage whilst you are there, famed all over the world for their energizing and balanced results you are sure to feel like a different person when you leave. The massages stimulate your organs and blood giving you that fresh feeling as the toxins start to leave your body.

Available online: Full-day Massage and Hot Spring Spa Package in Krabi

20. Try White water rafting

White Water Rafting, KrabiSource: getyourguide.com
White Water Rafting, Krabi

Fairly new to Krabi is the opportunity to go white water rafting. The rapids are on the Songprak River where a seven kilometer stretch of the river is used. Full training is provided when you arrive as well as a full safety talk, making sure you are as prepared as you can be when you start. The grade of difficulty is levels 2-4 making it a fairly low difficulty run which is perfect for complete beginners. The instructors stay in the boats with you making sure that you do not run into any difficulties along the way. A real adrenaline sport and one not for the faint hearted.

21. Kayaking

Kayaking in KrabiSource: Dmitry Molchanov / shutterstock
Kayaking

For those looking to do something a little less exhilarating than white water rafting but still wanting to get out on the water might like the option of kayaking. There are several sites in Krabi to go kayaking each with different benefits. Ao Thalane provide mangroves and canyons, Bor Thor has ancient limestone caves and Koh Hong has a lagoon hidden in its center. In each location you will be spoilt to beautiful views and interesting wildlife (maybe even some monkeys) whilst meandering along in your Kayak.

Amazing tour: Krabi: Sea Kayaking in Ao Thalane & Hong Island

22. Stop For A Drink Old West Bar

Pool TableSource: Teri Virbickis / shutterstock
Pool Table

Popular with locals and tourists alike is the Old West Bar in Krabi, the only Wild West themed bar in all of Krabi and a place where you are sure to have a lot of fun. There are pool tables to play on and an extensive cocktail list to keep you busy throughout the evening. A lot of bars in Krabi play reggae but this bar plays good American bands from the nineties and beyond. Western and Thai food is served with the pizzas having an excellent reputation.

23. See A Different Kind Of Island At Koh Klang

Koh Klang IslandSource: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock
Koh Klang Island

Unlike the other islands that have been mentioned Koh Klang does not have white sandy beaches to admire and lie on, instead it is a simple fishing island where the local people live off the ocean in a simple existence. Inhabited for over 100 years there are now about 5000 people living permanently on the island, most of whom are fishermen or rice farmers. The island will give you are rare insight into truly local life without you having to travel to a remote village, the locals are a Muslim community with traditional values so respectful clothing is needed whilst out on the island. The island is only a five minute boat trip from Krabi town.

24. Make A Visit To Wat Kaew Korawaram

Wat Kaew KorawaramSource: Sergej Cash / shutterstock
Wat Kaew Korawaram

Wat Kaew Korawaram is a very large Buddhist Temple that sits at the top of a hill overlooking Krabi Town, you climb up a gold lined staircase that leads you right to the very top, here sits a 2,500sqm terrace upon which the temple itself stands. Instead of the usual red and gold that you see in many Thai temple this one has been decorated with white walls and a roof made of dark blue tiles. The walls of the temple are decorated in beautiful paintings and many relics can be seen. A souvenir shop as well as various food stalls sit outside the temple should you need some refreshment after the climb to the top.

25. Hike Your Way To Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

Khao Ngon Nak ViewpointSource: Viktoriya Krayn / shutterstock
Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

About 30 kilometers to the north of Krabi Town is a place called Nong Thale, here is where you begin your hike to the summit, and the trail itself is about four kilometers long and should take about two and a half hours to reach the summit. Khao Ngon Nak translates to mean Dragon Crest Mountain and feels like a real adventure as you slowly make your way uphill.  Whilst hiking you will encounter a stream, a waterfall and a couple of viewpoints. The best however is saved for the top where you will get so see the panoramic views around you from 565 meters above sea level.



25 Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand:

  • Escape From It All At Railay Beaches & Caves
  • Rent Your Own Boat Or Hire A Guide
  • See Outstanding Beauty At Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
  • Visit A Temple In A Cave At Wat Tham Sua
  • Phi Phi Islands
  • Take A Dip At Klong Thom Hot Springs
  • Khao Khanab Nam – The Landmarks Of Krabi
  • Chill Out On Koh Lanta
  • Step Back In Time At Krabi Town
  • Geological Wonder At Susan Hoi
  • Go On A Four Island Tour
  • Shop At The Night market
  • Party At Ao Nang Beach
  • Admire The Beauty At Phra Nang Beach
  • Visit an Elephant Sanctuary
  • Visit Wat Kaew Temple
  • Spend An Afternoon Rock Climbing
  • Take A Thai Cookery Lesson
  • Pamper Yourself At A Krabi spa
  • Try White water rafting
  • Kayaking
  • Stop For A Drink Old West Bar
  • See A Different Kind Of Island At Koh Klang
  • Make A Visit To Wat Kaew Korawaram
  • Hike Your Way To Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint