Thailand: the best of Krabi
Krabi is one of my absolutely favourite places in Thailand.
This area is famously scenic and has so much to offer if you are looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
But it’s not just one place – Krabi is a large province in southern Thailand – located along the Andaman Sea and encompassing the islands surrounding Krabi such as Koh Lanta, the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island, and the Four Islands, and a multitude of national parks.
Krabi has lush jungles, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, magnificent limestone karsts towering out of the sea, and lots of tropical places you might have heard of like Railay Beach – one of the most photographed in Thailand and also Maya Bay – made famous by the movie “The Beach”.
The provincial capital, also called Krabi, is located at the mouth of the Krabi River.
I’ve visited Krabi several times to stay a week or two and also to simply pass through as Krabi serves as an excellent hub for exploring nearby islands and beaches.
Travel with me to Thailand and to explore the best of Krabi!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- KRABI IS AN EXCELLENT HUB FOR EXPLORING
- KRABI TOWN – AO NANG
- KOH LANTA
- KOH PHI PHI AND MU KO LANTA MARINE PARK
- RAILAY BEACH
- BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KRABI
- KRABI FOOD AND DRINK
- HOW TO GET TO KRABI
- GETTING AROUND KRABI
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KRABI
- MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS FOR KRABI
- IS KRABI WORTH VISITING?
- THINGS TO DO IN KRABI
- THE BACKPACKING HOUSEWIFE SERIES OF BOOKS
Krabi IS an excellent hub for exploring
Krabi is a fantastic destination in its own right but many visitors use the province as a hub for exploring.
Krabi is super convenient to get to from inside or outside Thailand as it has an international airport.
I’ve arrived in Krabi by air from Bangkok and also from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Well organised transportation here makes island hopping and accessing Krabi’s mainland a breeze to negotiate.
I’ve taken the ferry over to Krabi from Phuket and also the bus from Surat Thani.
And I’ve travelled from Krabi to Railay on a traditional longtail boat.
Then on a fabulous Island Hopping Adventure down the Andaman Sea from Krabi to Langkawi Malaysia.
KRABI TOWN – AO NANG
I once stayed for a relaxing week in the bustling but commercial beach town of Ao Nang – also known as Krabi Town – which is a popular holiday destination in its own right as it boasts a great beach, lots of upscale resorts and hotels, and many bars and restaurants.
I loved my stay at (affiliate link) The Holiday Inn Resort Ao Nang Beach Krabi where I enjoyed a wonderful holiday at this four-star resort.
I did occasionally venture out from the hotel pool for a walk along the busy street to explore the shops and bars and to visit Ao Nang Beach which is a hub of activity with sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
SEARCH FOR YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY AT AO NANG IN KRABI
KOH LANTA
On another visit, I stayed two weeks on the largest island in Krabi Province which is Koh Lanta.
Koh Lanta is a fascinating but laid-back island established over 500 years ago by the Chao Lae or Sea Gypsies of the Andaman Sea.
Ban Sangka-Ou, a fishing village in the southeast of the island is home to around 400 Chao Ley people and offers a fascinating insight into their traditional culture and way of life, although it’s not a typical tourist attraction.
I stayed in a beautiful eco-resort on Long Beach called (affiliate link) Mook Lanta Resort and found the island to be all that I’d been promised with it’s no shoes no news relaxed atmosphere.
I can recommend to you my favourite beach bar on Koh Lanta called Moonwalk Bar, where I sat on bean bags drinking a Leo or a Chang, while watching the wonderful sunsets each evening.
You can find out more on Koh Lanta and my favourite places in my post Thailand: Koh Lanta
SEARCH FOR YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY ON KOH LANTA
KOH PHI PHI AND MU KO LANTA MARINE PARK
I’ve also enjoyed going out on a boat to visit the smaller islands in Krabi Province including Koh Phi Phi which is part of the Mu Ko Lanta National Marine Park.
The backpacking husband enjoys scuba diving in the clear waters here.
The nearby coral reef and dive sites include Hin Daeng (Red Rock), Hin Muang (Purple Rock), Koh Bida Nok, Koh Bida Nai, Shark Point, and Anemone Reef.
This is also the located of Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay, famous for its stunning beauty and crystal-clear waters and for being the location of the movie “The Beach” staring Leonardo DiCaprio was closed for several years to allow for environmental recovery.
It has now reopened with visitor number restrictions to protect its natural habitat.
I took the photo below from our boat on a diving day.
FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY ON KOH PHI PHI USING THIS MAP
RAILAY BEACH
And I’ve been fortunate to experience the incredible beauty of Railay Beach.
Railay is not actually on an island as it’s on the mainland coastline.
But the only way to get to Railay Beach is by boat.
This is because Railay Beach is surrounded by an almost impenetrable rocky coastline of limestone cliffs that cuts off the beach except from the sea.
This seclusion gives a feeling of a secret location.
Even if Railay is one of the most famous beaches in Thailand and one of the most photographed places in the whole world.
I took a longtail boat from Krabi over to Railay Beach and stayed two nights at Railay Village Resort.
Happily, I’d arrived at Railay on 31st October and just in time for a Halloween Party on the beach!
SEARCH FOR YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN RAILAY USING THIS MAP
KRABI FOOD AND DRINK
I love Thai food – it’s one of my favourite foods in the world and I have a passion for Thai street food.
Whatever your taste and preference for local cuisines like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Som Tam, and Massaman Curry.
And affordable and delicious options available in markets and street food stalls, I’m sure you’ll find a fabulous fresh and delicious meal.
My tip is to eat the seafood here as fresh catches are widely available and worth trying.
HOW TO GET TO KRABI
By Air: Krabi International Airport (KBV) has direct flights from major cities in Thailand and some international destinations.
By Bus: Buses connect Krabi with other major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok and Phuket.
By Ferry: Ferries operate between Krabi and nearby islands like Phuket, Phi Phi, and Lanta.
GETTING AROUND KRABI
By sea you have a choice of traditional longtail boat or speedboat or ferry and I recommend you get tickets from the Asia ticket online service (affiliate link) 12Go.
On the ground Songthaews and Tuk-tuks are my preferred way to get around and they are affordable and convenient for short distances.
Scooter/Motorbike Rental is popular among tourists for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Please be aware that riding a scooter in Thailand can be dangerous and risky.
Ensure you are able to ride confidently and you have a valid license and please do wear a helmet.
Car Rental is available for those who prefer more comfort and have international driving permits.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KRABI
November to April: The best time to visit Krabi and the Andaman Sea in Thailand is during the dry season which typically runs from November to April.
The dry season features sunny days, clear skies, and calm seas, making it perfect for beach activities, snorkelling, and diving.
Temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, generally ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F) and the sea is calm and visibility is excellent so ideal for boat trips and underwater activities like snorkelling and diving.
This period includes popular holidays and festivals such as Christmas, New Year, and Songkran (Thai New Year in April), which can add fun to your trip.
December to February: This is when the weather is at its best with plenty of sunshine and little rain. It is also the peak tourist season, especially during Christmas and New Year, when accommodations and activities can be more expensive and crowded.
It’s advisable to book in advance and I’d recommend using Booking Dotcom.
November and April: This is the shoulder season when the island will be less crowded compared to the peak season and you might find better deals on accommodations and activities.
The shoulder season can offer a good balance of great weather and fewer tourists.
May to October: The wet season is characterised by higher humidity and frequent rain especially from June to October.
Storms can affect sea conditions making boat travel and water activities less predictable although temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).
In wet season there will be fewer tourists visit, which can make for a quieter, more relaxed experience with lower accommodation and activity prices.
Although, some businesses may close or operate on reduced hours.
So, while the dry season from November to April is generally the best time to visit for optimal weather and sea conditions, the shoulder months of November and April offer a good compromise between good weather and fewer crowds.
The wet season, while less predictable, can provide a quieter and more budget-friendly experience.
You can find out more in my post The Best and Worst Time To Visit Thailand.
MY TOP TRAVEL TIPS FOR KRABI
Money: The local currency is Thai Baht (THB).
You should be able to pay for most accommodation online using your cards if you are booking with Booking Dotcom and for transportation using 12Go.
But it’s always best to have an emergency cash fund as a backup.
Book accommodation and boat tickets in advance during peak season.
Do make sure you have adequate travel insurance.
If you are travelling in midlife, you might like to read my post on Travel Insurance for the Over 50’s.
Remember to stay hydrated as the tropical climate can be dehydrating.
Use sunscreen, wear hats, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Bargaining is common in markets and tuk-tuk rides so always negotiate prices.
IS KRABI WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Krabi is absolutely worth visiting for a variety of reasons and experiences because there is lots to do in Krabi Province.
Firstly, it has stunning natural beauty and boasts some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches.
The islands surrounding Krabi such as the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Island, and the Four Islands, offer picturesque scenery and excellent opportunities for snorkelling and diving because the waters around Krabi are teeming with marine life and coral reefs.
Secondly, for those who enjoy cultural experiences – I’m holding my hand up here – you can visit the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea) for a spiritual experience and a challenging 1237 step climb rewarded with panoramic views.
For relaxation, there are the hot springs at Klong Thom and the Emerald Pool which is a natural mineral pool in the jungle.
For the more adventurous, you can explore the mangrove forests and sea caves around Krabi by kayak and the towering limestone cliffs in areas like Railay Beach are perfect for rock climbing and provide breath taking landscapes.
Krabi is so convenience and accessibility as a holiday destination as it is so easily accessible via Krabi International Airport (KVB) and is well-connected by buses and ferries to other parts of Thailand.
Krabi is without doubt a great base for island hopping and for exciting day trips exploring nearby coastal regions.
Lastly, but importantly, compared to nearby Phuket, Krabi is less crowded making for a more relaxed and less commercialised holiday experience!
THINGS TO DO IN KRABI
THE BACKPACKING HOUSEWIFE SERIES OF BOOKS
Did you know that the heroine, Lori, in my bestselling series of The Backpacking Housewife books published by Harper Collins also travels to Krabi and Railay Beach and the islands on this Andaman Sea Itinerary?
I’ve used my very own experiences of travelling through Thailand to meld with Lori’s (fictional) story.
I think it’s wonderful that readers contact me to say they too have travelled this route – or plan to do so – after reading The Backpacking Housewife books and being inspired by these travels!
For more on my books visit MY BOOKS PAGE.
Is Thailand on your travel wish list?
Have you ever visited Krabi?
Let me know – leave a comment below.
I’ll be delighted to hear from you!
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