18 of the Best Things to do in Krabi, Thailand
Your ultimate guide to Krabi: 18 unmissable experiences in Thailand’s tropical paradise
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Krabi, a province on Thailand’s southwest coast, is a tropical paradise famous for its otherworldly limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters – it’s a staple on Thailand’s traveller scene for a reason. Adventure seekers can explore hidden caves and hike through forest trails, culture lovers can discover night markets and local villages, and for beach lovers… well, you can island hop to your heart’s content with an almost endless array of beaches and remote islands to sink your toes into. From sleepy fishing villages to hidden lagoons and exotic islands, here’s our comprehensive guide to the 18 best things to do in Krabi.
1. Explore Railay Beach
Railay Beach is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, and for good reason. Accessible only by boat due to the towering cliffs surrounding it, Railay Beach boasts powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Spend your day lounging on the beach, swimming or trying out some rock climbing on the giant limestone formations. It’s a very popular place, so we recommend heading off from the main drag to find a quiet cove, away from the noisy long-tail boats. It’s a truly beautiful location, best experienced without thronging crowds. See if you can get here early in the morning to experience it at its best. If you’re into rock climbing, Railay has some world-class spots. Book with a specialist rock climbing company to make the most out of the area.
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2. Visit the Famous Penis Cave
Phra Nang Cave Beach is a 20 minute walk away from Railay Bay East, with incredible views over the limestone karsts and the Andaman sea. Popular for swimming, it’s also a spectacular sunset spot, best enjoyed with a cocktail in hand. Don’t forget to pop your head into Phra Nang Cave, located on the southern end of the beach. The cave is famous for its collection of offerings, particularly carved wooden phalluses, left by locals and fishermen to honor Phra Nang, a mythical princess spirit believed to reside there. These offerings are meant to seek blessings for safe journeys, prosperity and infertility.
3. Island Hopping: The Phi Phi Islands
Few things are as synonymous with Thailand as the Phi Phi Islands, situated about 45 minutes from Krabi by boat. This small archipelago is renowned for its wild beauty and aquarium-like waters. Famous for their role in the film “The Beach”, rampant tourism almost destroyed this delicate ecosystem, prompting their closure from Thai authorities to allow nature to recover. The islands are now open again, but with regular closures for assessments and to protect from future damage – so do double check before you go! On arrival to the Phi Phi islands, you’re greeted with a picture-postcard Thai paradise. For many, the dramatic Maya Bay is the star of the show, where turquoise waters are surrounded by giant limestone cliffs that erupt vertically out of the water – this is a bucket list destination.
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4. Visit the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs
Escape the crowded beaches and head into the jungle to experience Krabi’s Emerald Pool and hot springs. The beautiful water is nestled into the lush jungle, where you can swim and soak with the sound of cicadas and bird song surrounding you. The pool is cool and refreshing, but if you’re in need of a muscle-soothing soak, head to the mineral rich hot springs just a short walk away. The area is well-maintained and accessible, with clear paths leading to both spots. We’d recommend getting there as early as you can, to make the most of the tranquil rainforest before tour groups arrive. It might not be as busy as Phi Phi, but it is a popular spot for those looking for an alternative to beaches and boats.
5. Discover the Beauty of Ao Nang Beach
As the launching port for island-hopping tours, Ao Nang beach is bustling and popular, with restaurants, bars and market stalls lining the golden sand here. Kissed by the Andaman Sea, this beach has some of the most spectacular sunsets in Thailand, backed by rainforest and with jagged limestone islands puncturing the horizon line. At 2km long and located just outside Krabi town, there’s no need to take an hour’s boat ride to enjoy it here. Spend your day sunbathing on the shore, before enjoying delicious seafood with your toes in the sand, watching the sun turn the sky golden with a cocktail in hand.
6. Visit Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Cave Temple)
Clinging to towering limestone cliffs overlooking the Andaman Sea, Wat Tham Sua is a sacred Buddhist temple tucked away in a mountain cave. Climb the 1,237 steps to reach the summit, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Krabi’s dramatic, wild landscape and the sight of a large golden Buddha statue. Here you’ll find The Tiger Cave temple, called so because of a legendary tiger that once roamed the area. Incense fills the air from the many offerings made here, and you can pay your respects to the tiger shrine.
7. Relax on Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta, accessible by a 1 hour boat ride from Krabi, is a more laid-back alternative to the busier islands in the region. This dreamy little island is known for its long, quiet beaches and relaxed vibe, where you can snorkel in clear waters and stroll through jungle and local fishing villages. The Old Town is particularly gorgeous, with traditional wooden houses lining the main street and bustling markets full of fresh seafood and snacks. After exploring inland, head to Klong Dao Beach for an afternoon of snorkelling, swimming or sunbathing on the sands. Accommodation ranges from luxurious resorts to laid back bungalows for those of you who decide one day isn’t quite enough – which we think will be quite a lot of you!
8. Discover a Hidden Lagoon on Koh Hong
Koh Hong, part of the Hong Islands, is known for its beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, and crystal clear waters. These achingly beautiful islands are popular day trips from Ao Nang beach, with colourful coral reefs to explore and marine life to spot. While the beaches and islands can get busy with long-tail boats, head inland to find Hong Lagoon. This enclosed lagoon tends to be a little quieter, with emerald green water surrounded by limestone cliffs and cascading jungle that can only be accessed by one channel when the tide is high. Kayak or swim in these beautiful waters that almost feel like a volcanic crater in the middle of the ocean.
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9. Hike to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
Khao Ngon Nak, also known as Dragon Crest Mountain, has one of the best hiking trails in Krabi. The trek takes about 2-3 hours, passing through dense jungle before reaching a platform with panoramic vistas of Krabi’s coastline and the Andaman islands. Because of the hike to get here, the viewpoint is much less crowded than other spots, giving you a peaceful spot overlooking bustling beaches below. The hike is challenging but manageable for most people, with the breathtaking views at the top well worth the effort. The turquoise colour of the sea will have you thinking someone’s turned up the saturation levels in real life. If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to spot local wildlife such as birds and cheeky monkeys on your way up.
10. Explore Krabi Town’s Night Market
Night markets are one of the best ways to dive head first into the culture and food of Thailand, and Krabi Town’s Night Market is no different. Held every weekend, the market is a classic mix of food stalls, handmade goods, local crafts and the obligatory tacky souvenirs. It’s a great place to sample authentic Thai street food, with fresh seafood being the star of the show, thanks to its proximity to the Andaman Sea. Compared to other night markets in the larger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang mai, Krabi’s Night Market has a more charming and relaxed atmosphere.
11. Visit the Klong Thom Waterfall
Nestled in the forested mountains 1 hour outside of Krabi, you’ll find the Khlong Thom and Hot Stream waterfall. This picturesque swimming spot is situated within the protected Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, and features a cooling waterfall that cascades over multiple tiers of rock, providing several natural pools for you to soak and swim in. Bring a picnic and relax in the lush rainforest that spills out all around you – the water is perfect for cooling down in the sticky Thai heat. If you’d prefer to soak in some warmer water, head to the nearby geothermal hot springs for a soothing dip.
12. Kayak through Ao Thalane
Sunlight streams through the forest canopy onto the water as your kayak glides through a mangrove forest, the sounds of monkeys in the distance and vertical limestone karsts towering either side of you. This is Ao Thalane, a network of narrow inlets, caves, and lagoons surrounded by mangrove trees. It can only be explored by kayak, and there is something special about leaving behind the busy streets of Krabi town to meander through the maze of waterways by boat. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including monkeys, monitor lizards and colourful birds.
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13. Explore Wat Kaew Korawaram
Wat Kaew Korawaram is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of Krabi Town. Built in the 19th century, it’s famous for its white marble architecture, perched on a hill and overlooking the town below. Climb the grand staircase, lined with brilliant gold Naga serpents, to admire beautiful, hand painted murals, statues and a large seated Buddha. A quiet escape from the town, it’s the most beautiful temple to visit in Krabi.
14. Relax at Tubkaek Beach
Drive 35 minutes north of Krabi town and you’ll reach the idyllic Tub Kaek Beach. This is everything you want from a beach in Thailand, with golden sand, clear waters and uninterrupted views of the surrounding limestone islands, of which the Andaman Sea is so famous for. Its location near Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park gives it easy access to hiking trails like the popular Khao Ngon Nak trail. It’s also known for its breathtaking sunsets and is worth the drive to experience a quieter, more relaxed pace of life. Which is why most of us are here in the islands anyway!
15. Discover Koh Yao Noi
This small island in Phang Nga Bay is an easy trip from Krabi, and despite growing in popularity over the years. It’s managed to retain its charm and traditional way of life. Lush, mountainous forests and impossibly beautiful beaches make this the Thai island that we all dream about. After an early morning boat ride from Krabi, explore Koh Yao Noi by bike, passing rice paddies, rubber plantations and fishing villages. Enjoy local food from small eateries before relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches, with views over the limestone karsts that make this area so special. This is the kind of place to come and experience authentic island life, away from full moon parties, tacky souvenir shops and thousands of noisy, long-tail boat tours. Enjoy the slow pace of life and soak up the peace here, while you still can.
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16. Swim with Bioluminescent Plankton
You’ll never forget the first time you see bioluminescent plankton. Microscopic organisms emit a glowing blue-green light when disturbed, creating a sparkling, glittery, otherworldly effect in the water. As you move through the water, the plankton lights up, creating a surreal experience that has to be on everyone’s bucket list. The phenomenon can only be observed on very dark nights, ideally on a new moon, and in very quiet locations away from artificial light. Heading north towards Tubkaek Beach will give you the best opportunity to spot this natural phenomenon, or you can take a boat tour with guides who know the best spots. It’s an extraordinary experience we highly recommend everyone to do once.
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17. Take a Sunset Cruise
Krabi’s coastline is one of the most famed in the world. Jagged limestone karsts erupt out of the water, creating an archipelago of forested islands that are as dramatic as they are beautiful. Facing west, you can guarantee the sunsets here will be some of the best in your life, and a sunset cruise is one of the best ways to experience the landscape here. The tours can be taken on traditional long-tail boats, which whisk you through the clear water as the sky transforms into vivid shades of orange and pink. Many cruises include dinner or cocktails, so you can sip your margarita as nature puts on a show right before your eyes.
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18. Kayak the Klong Root Clear Canal
“Clear water” is a phrase you’ll hear a lot when talking about Thailand, and while it’s true that the beaches here have some of the most beautiful water in the world, nothing is quite as magical as the Klong Root Canal. This mangrove forest filters the water, which is almost glass-like in its clarity. Kayak along the waterways and marvel at the intricate roots beneath you, aquatic plant life, crabs, birds and small fish. It’s a calm and incredibly beautiful place that highlights the importance of mangrove forests in maintaining ecological balance. A hidden gem in Krabi that flies under most tourist radars.
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