How to Spend 72 Hours in Krabi: Your Complete 3 Day Itinerary
3 Day Krabi Itinerary - Everything you need to see & do with 3 days in Krabi, Thailand
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Krabi is a jewel on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, with world class beaches and dramatic landscapes that will inevitably steal your heart. With only 3 days to explore this beautiful region, you’ll want to make every moment count. Our comprehensive itinerary will guide you through the best that Krabi has to offer, from picture-postcard beaches to memories that will last a lifetime.
Day One: Ao Nang and Railay Beach
Morning
After settling into your accommodation, begin the day with a stroll along the beautiful Ao Nang Beach. It’s a vibrant, colourful place that gets you right into the heart of Krabi. Wander the stalls and the beachfront, as long-tail boats jostle for tours and you get your first glimpse of the iconic limestone karsts that rise dramatically out of the ocean. Enjoy a fresh coconut overlooking the turquoise waters and maybe go for a morning dip.
Take a 5 minute Grab or walk 20 minutes to have lunch at The Hilltop Ao Nang, a restaurant perched high above the town. With humble beginnings as a local eatery, it’s now a culinary hotspot, serving up fresh river lobster, shrimp ceviche and deep fried sea bass. The food here is exceptional, but the real star is the panoramic views out over the Andaman Sea.
Railay Beach, Krabi
Afternoon
After lunch, make your way to Railay Beach. Accessible only by boat, the journey takes just 15 minutes via a traditional long-tail boat. You can easily find these along Ao Nang beach, or you can pre-book a tour. Railay is a car-free peninsula, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters. The beaches here are some of the best on this coastline, and while it can get busy, there is usually always a quiet spot to be found to soak in the paradise landscape. Spend an hour or two lounging on the soft sand or taking a dip in the warm sea.
As the sun begins to set, walk 5 minutes to Phra Nang Cave Beach. This secluded stretch of coastline is magical at golden hour. Watch as the cliffs turn amber and the sky ignites with shades of pink and orange. See if you can also find the famous phallic cave here!
Lae Lay Grill
Evening
For dinner, return to Ao Nang and dine at Lae Lay Grill, known for its incredible fresh seafood and romantic hilltop setting. Try the Moo Hong Lae Lay – braised pork with black mushroom and Chinese herbs. End your evening with a nightcap at Boogie Bar, a fun spot right near the beach with live music and creative cocktails.
Phi Phi Islands
Day Two: Phi Phi Island Hopping
Morning
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast at Café 8.98, a trendy eatery in Ao Nang that serves excellent coffee, delicious smoothie bowls and perfectly poached eggs alongside Thai breakfast staples. From here, it’s time to embark on one of Krabi’s most iconic experiences: a Phi Phi island hopping tour.
Book a private boat or join a small group tour to explore the Phi Phi Islands. The day typically begins with a stop at Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach. Though the beach can get crowded, the sheer beauty of the emerald lagoon and powdery sand makes it worth a visit. Next, head to Pileh Lagoon, a natural swimming pool surrounded by towering cliffs. Snorkelling here is a must; the underwater world is full of coral and tropical fish.
hand picked tours we love:
Viking Cave, Phi Phi Islands
Afternoon
For lunch, the boat might take you to a quieter island like Bamboo Island, where you can enjoy a picnic or freshly cooked lunch on the beach. The afternoon continues with stops at Monkey Beach, where mischievous macaques await, and Viking Cave, a fascinating site with ancient wall paintings. Return to Ao Nang by late afternoon and unwind with a traditional Thai massage at Let’s Relax Spa. Their skilled therapists will knead away any tension, leaving you rejuvenated after a couple of days exploring.
Reeve Beach Club, Krabi
Evening
For dinner, head to Ao Nang beach front and enjoy the chic but welcoming REEVE Beach Club. Serving up delicious southern Thai and Western dishes, you can dine on chicken leg confit in red curry, Surat Thani oysters and stone-baked pizzas as you watch Ao Nang come to life around you. Finish off with cocktails as you watch fire dancers perform on the sand, the ocean lapping only feet from your table.
Tiger Cave Temple, Krabi
Day Three: Tiger Caves & Mangroves
Morning
Make the most of your final morning in Krabi with an early morning excursion to the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Rent a scooter or take a Grab here. The site is famous for its 1260 steps leading to a hilltop shrine. The climb, flanked by naga serpent statues, isn’t for the fainthearted, but the panoramic views of Krabi’s dramatic landscape are unforgettable. On your way back down, stop off for a coconut ice cream – creamy, delicious and refreshing, served in young coconut shells.
Ao Thalane mangroves, Krabi
Afternoon
For lunch, make your way to Krabi town to experience local life after the tourist chaos that is Ao Nang. Wander the streets and enjoy scenes of local life (and see if you can find the mud crabs sculpture!) before heading for lunch at the floating River Restaurant & Bar. Serving a huge array of delicious Thai food, you can enjoy spicy shrimp salad, grilled blue crab and a cold Chang, overlooking the jungle-clad estuary. When you’ve finished, it’s time for your last adventure. Make your way 30 minutes north to kayak through the otherworldly Ao Thalane mangroves. These dense forests that lie on the coast hide miles of waterways that are perfect for exploring by boat. Explore canyons and paddle beneath limestone karsts in one of Krabi’s most surreal and magical hidden gems.
hand picked tours we love:
The Last Fisherman Bar, Krabi
Evening
For your final evening, return to Ao Nang beach and make your way to its most southern point. Here you’ll find The Last Fisherman Bar, a laid back eatery that serves delicious, freshly made food beneath the mango trees and surrounded by enchanting hanging lanterns. Treat yourself for your final night, feasting on chilli curry chicken, fried squid and fresh seafood BBQ, all with your toes in the sand. Don’t forget to try their homemade Nam Prik – a staple of southern Thai cuisine, it’s made from chillies, garlic and shallots pounded to make a thick dipping sauce. End the evening with a nightcap here, or head to the nearby Beach Bar at Aonang Villa Resort.
Hong Island, Krabi
If you have more time in Krabi, explore more of what the Andaman Sea has to offer with our Guide to the 6 Best Island Day Trips from Krabi.
where to stay
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