Krabi
Towering limestone cliffs, turquoise water and island-hopping by longtail boat on Thailand's Andaman coast.
- Best time to go
- November to April, the dry season with calm seas
- Local time
- –
- Currency
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Reading time
- 4 min
- Language
- Thai
Krabi province, on Thailand's Andaman coast, is a landscape of dramatic limestone karsts rising from the sea and the jungle, with white-sand beaches, mangroves and more than a hundred islands scattered offshore. It's one of the most beautiful parts of Thailand, and a base for island-hopping, rock climbing, kayaking and diving.
Most visitors stay around Ao Nang or on the Railay peninsula, which is cut off by cliffs and reached only by boat, and take longtail boats to the islands. Come in the dry season for calm seas and clear water.
The top 9 in Krabi
- 1
Railay
Photo: Shivashanky, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A peninsula of beaches backed by towering limestone cliffs, reachable only by boat from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Railay West has sunset views, and Railay is one of the world's top rock-climbing destinations, with hundreds of routes for all levels.
- 2
Phra Nang Cave Beach
Photo: Nick Steemans, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful beach at the tip of the Railay peninsula, beneath overhanging cliffs, with a cave shrine to a sea goddess filled with offerings left by fishermen.
TipArrive early in the morning before the boats from Ao Nang arrive.
- 3
Ao Nang
The main beach resort on the mainland, with hotels, restaurants and boats to Railay and the islands, and views of the karst islands offshore.
- 4
The four-island tour
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A classic boat trip from Ao Nang to Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tup and Phra Nang beach, with snorkelling and swimming, and at low tide a sandbar linking Koh Tup to Koh Gai.
- 5
The Hong Islands
Photo: Wolfgang Holzem, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A group of islands with a hidden lagoon enclosed by cliffs, reached by kayak or boat, and quiet beaches, part of the Than Bok Khorani National Park.
- 6
Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spectacular islands about an hour or two away by boat. Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, was closed for several years to allow its coral to recover and reopened with strict rules: limited visitor numbers and no swimming in the bay.
TipCheck the national park's current rules and closures before booking.
- 7
Tiger Cave Temple
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A forest temple north of Krabi Town, where a staircase of more than 1,200 steep steps climbs to a golden Buddha on a mountaintop with panoramic views over the karst landscape.
TipStart early to avoid the heat, bring water, and dress modestly.
- 8
The Emerald Pool and Blue Pool
Natural pools in the forest of Khlong Thom, about an hour from Krabi Town, where clear mineral springs create pools of emerald green, in which you can swim.
- 9
Koh Lanta
Photo: Wanjak Atikomchakorn, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A long, relaxed island to the south, with sandy beaches, a national park at its southern tip, old fishing villages and a slower pace than Ao Nang.
When to go
The dry season, from November to April, brings calm seas, sunshine and the best conditions for boat trips and snorkelling; it's also the busiest period. The south-west monsoon, from May to October, brings rain and rougher seas, and some boat services and island trips are reduced or cancelled, though prices are lower.
Getting around
Longtail boats are the main way to reach Railay and the islands; tickets are sold at piers. Songthaews, shared pickup trucks, run between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, and taxis and scooters are available. Ferries link Krabi with Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Phuket. Krabi International Airport is about thirty minutes from Ao Nang.
Local tips
- Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before arriving.
- National park fees apply on many islands; carry cash.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and don't stand on or touch coral.
- Wear water shoes for rocky landings.
- Agree prices for longtail boats before setting off.
- Respect dress codes at temples.
- Tides affect beach access and sandbar walks; check tide times.
- Monkeys at Railay and the Tiger Cave Temple will grab food; keep bags closed.
- Carry cash: ATMs on small islands are few.
- Bring a dry bag for phones on longtail boats; spray is common.
Eat and drink
Southern Thai food is spicy and full of seafood: try massaman and southern yellow curries, tom yam soup, grilled fish and fresh prawns, and roti from street stalls. The Krabi Town night market is a great place to try local dishes cheaply. Fresh coconuts and fruit shakes are sold on every beach.
Where to stay
Ao Nang has the most choice and easy boat access. Railay offers a car-free escape among the cliffs, from simple bungalows to luxury resorts. Krabi Town is cheaper and more local, and Koh Lanta and the Phi Phi islands suit those who want island life.
Rock climbing and kayaking
Railay and the nearby Tonsai beach are among the world's great sport-climbing destinations, with limestone walls of all difficulties, many overlooking the sea. Climbing schools offer half-day and full-day courses for beginners, as well as guided climbs and deep-water soloing, climbing over the sea without ropes and falling into the water. Kayaking through the mangroves of Ao Thalane, among towering karsts and hidden lagoons, is a peaceful way to see the coastline, with monkeys and kingfishers along the way.
Diving and snorkelling
The waters around Krabi, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta have coral reefs, limestone walls and abundant marine life, with leopard sharks, turtles and colourful reef fish. Koh Haa and Hin Daeng, south of Koh Lanta, are among the best dive sites in Thailand, with chances of seeing manta rays and, occasionally, whale sharks. Dive centres in Ao Nang, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta run courses and trips for all levels.
Safety on the water
Choose licensed boat operators with life jackets, avoid overcrowded boats, and check the weather before setting off, especially in the shoulder seasons.