Krabi Travel Guide To Explore Thailand’s Ultimate Tropical Paradise

Image of a river view from Krabi Town, Thailand, with boats and distant limestone cliffs.

Krabi is a beautiful coastal province in southern Thailand, known for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and scenic beaches. It is a popular tourist destination offering adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to explore hidden caves, visit temples, or enjoy island hopping, it has something for every traveller. From the iconic Railay Beach and the vibrant Phi Phi Islands to the lush jungles and hidden caves, Krabi is a haven for beach lovers, rock climbers, and explorers alike.

Location

An image showing Tambon Ao Nang in Amphoe Mueang, with buildings and coastline.

Photo: Максим Улитин / Wikimedia Commons

It is a province bordering the Andaman Sea on the southwest coast of Thailand. National parks, islands, and stunning coastlines surround it. The province has popular tourist spots like Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and Phi Phi Islands. Located about 780 km south of Bangkok, it is a gateway to Thailand’s most scenic coastal attractions.

How To Reach Krabi

View of boats at Maya Bay, Krabi, Thailand, with clear water and limestone cliffs.

Photo: M o e / Unsplash

By Air: Krabi International Airport (KBV) is the main airport serving the province. It operates domestic and international flights from major cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. You can take a taxi or a shared van from the airport to reach the town.

By Bus: Buses to the town are available from Bangkok and other nearby cities. A direct bus from Bangkok to Krabi takes approximately 10-12 hours and costs around 700 THB (₹1,650). There are also buses from Phuket, Surat Thani, and Hat Yai.

By Rail: This town does not have a railway station. The nearest station is in Surat Thani, about 150 km away. You can take a bus or a taxi from Surat Thani to Krabi, which takes around 3-4 hours.

Places To Visit In And Around Krabi

Explore the best places to visit in and around Krabi for a memorable getaway.

1. Railay Beach

View of West Rai Leh Beach, a tourist attraction near Krabi, with sand and cliffs.

Photo: Koudkeu / Wikimedia Commons

Railay Beach is a well-known spot in this town, famous for its limestone cliffs and sandy shores. It is separated from the mainland by towering cliffs, so visitors can only reach it by boat. The area attracts rock climbers worldwide because of its challenging routes, such as Phra Nang Cave Climbing and Diamond Cave Climbing. Kayaking and snorkelling are also popular here, as the waters are clear and full of marine life.

Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day to full-day

2. Phi Phi Islands

An image showing Phi Phi Islands,with boats and limestone cliffs

Photo: Luxure / Wikimedia Commons

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands, but Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh are the most visited. Koh Phi Phi Don is the only inhabited island, with restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous for Maya Bay, which became popular after the movie The Beach. The islands are great for diving, snorkelling, and boat tours. The waters around Shark Point and Hin Klang are home to blacktip reef sharks.

Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM (for boat tours)
Entry Fee: 400 THB (₹950) for the national park
Ideal Trip Duration: Full-day

3. Emerald Pool

An image showing Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), a famous place near Krabi, with clear water

Photo: Bentatree / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Emerald Pool in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve is a natural hot spring known for its mineral-rich waters. The pool gets its greenish-blue colour from natural deposits of limestone and minerals. People visit this place to dip in the warm water, which is believed to have health benefits. A short trek through the forest leads to the pool, where visitors can spot rare birds like the Gurney’s Pitta.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 200 THB (₹480)
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours

4. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua)

An image showing Tiger Cave Temple, the best place near Krabi, with a statue and surrounding hills.

Photo: kallerna / Wikimedia Commons

The Tiger Cave Temple is an important Buddhist site in the town. It is named after the tiger paw prints found on the cave walls. The temple is known for its 1,237-step staircase leading to a viewpoint with a Buddha statue at the top. Many visitors climb the stairs for the view, but monks and devotees see it as an act of meditation and spiritual dedication. Inside the cave, monks live and meditate in small huts.

Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: N/A
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours

5. Four Islands Tour

Image of Phra Nang Cave Beach with a sandy shore, limestone cliffs, and clear water.

Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons

The Four Islands Tour is a popular boat trip from Krabi, covering Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. Phra Nang Cave Beach is known for its shrine, where fishermen leave offerings for good fortune. Chicken Island gets its name from a rock formation shaped like a chicken’s head, and its shallow waters are great for snorkelling. Tup Island is famous for its sandbar, which connects it to another island during low tide. Poda Island has clear waters and is ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Entry Fee: 400 THB (₹950) for the national park
Ideal Trip Duration: Full-day

Where To Stay

An image showing a hotel room with a bed, side tables, and a painting in the background.

Photo: tianya1223 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This town offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Ao Nang and Railay Beach are great choices if you prefer beachfront stays. Krabi Town is ideal for budget travellers, with many affordable hotels and guesthouses. Prices vary, with budget rooms starting at 500 THB (₹1,200) per night and mid-range hotels around 1,500 THB (₹3,600).

Where To Eat

Indulge in the delicious dishes served at the restaurant throughout the town.

Photo: Robin Stickel / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The town has many restaurants, night markets, and street food stalls offering Thai and international cuisine. Try local dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and fresh seafood. Popular eating places include Krabi Town Night Market, Lae Lay Grill, and Ton Ma Yom Restaurant. If you’re looking for vegetarian options, May & Mark House in Krabi Town serves great plant-based meals.

Best Time To Visit

View of a temple in Krabi Town  surrounded by greenery and hills.

Photo: Erik Karits / Unsplash

The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and pleasant. This period is ideal for beach activities, island hopping, and sightseeing. From May to October, this town experiences the monsoon season, which can bring heavy rainfall and rough seas. However, this is also the best time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices.

Other Factors To Consider

View of serene shores of Krabi, covered by lush trees and the clear blue sky in the background

Photo: Andreas M / Unsplash

Average Cost Of The Trip

The trip cost to this town depends on your travel style. A budget traveller can expect to spend around 1,500 THB (₹3,600) daily, including food, transport, and budget accommodation. Mid-range travellers may spend 3,000 THB (₹7,200) daily, while luxury travellers can spend upwards of 6,000 THB (₹14,400) daily.

Tips For Travellers

  • Carry enough cash, as some islands and remote areas do not accept cards.
  • Use public transport or rent a scooter for affordable travel within the town.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples like Tiger Cave Temple.
  • Avoid travelling during monsoon season if you plan to do a lot of water activities.
  • Book boat tours in advance to secure better prices.

Krabi is a fantastic destination that offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to explore the beaches, visit temples, or enjoy island tours, there is something for everyone. Plan your trip, book your flights, and explore the beauty of this town for a relaxed holiday. For hassle-free travel bookings and exclusive deals, check out TripXL today!

Cover Photo: Vlad Gregurco/ Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

A trip of 3 to 4 days is enough to explore the main attractions of this town, including Railay Beach, the Phi Phi Islands, and the Emerald Pool.
Apart from visiting famous spots for sightseeing, you can try rock climbing at Railay Beach, island-hopping tours, kayaking through mangroves, scuba diving, and snorkelling.
Yes, the town hosts the Krabi Boek Fa Andaman Festival in November, marking the start of the tourist season with boat races, cultural performances, and food stalls. The Loi Krathong Festival in November is also popular.
This town has songthaews (shared taxis), tuk-tuks, motorbike rentals, and car hire. Boats are the main means of transport for reaching islands and beaches that are not connected by road.
Yes, many tourists take day trips from this town to places like James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Hong, and Ao Thalane for kayaking.

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