Krabi
Krabi a province located on the mainland of Thailand on the stunning Andaman Coast and is an area definitely worth checking out.
Krabi in a nutshell
Many people believe that Krabi is actually an island – but it’s not. It’s a province located on the mainland of Thailand on the stunning Andaman Coast that controls about 130 islands offshore, most of which are uninhabited. You can visit some of these islands and stay on others, which is why Krabi is such a popular seaside destination.
The most popular places to visit and stay in Krabi include the coastline on the mainland as well as those inhabited islands nearby such as the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta. Krabi’s beaches are superb, and each spot has its own special magic and personality. The most popular beach destinations of all are the Phi Phi Islands for their stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife and Railay Beach, which is only accessible by boat and boasts one of Thailand’s most famous beaches with their distinctive limestone cliffs.
Krabi’s landscapes are magnificent, home to sheer cliffs, gorgeous stretches of golden sand, exquisite coral reefs and lush tropical national parks. The capital, Krabi Town, is located on the banks of a river that leads to the Andaman Sea, making it an important harbor.
It’s one of the oldest inhabited towns in Thailand, with a fascinating history and sights to visit, including Tiger Cave. The river running through it adds to its inimitable charm.
Just a 20-minute drive from Krabi Town is Ao Nang, which offers easy access to Railay’s beautiful beaches and some other small islands just offshore. A tiny town (you can easily walk from one end to the other), Ao Nang is a lovely resort destination, especially for families.
Next to Ao Nang and 18km from Krabi Town is Nopparat Thara Beach, a stunning stretch of sand that lies within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Koh Phi Phi National Park. You can also walk from the beach across to Koh Kao Pak Klong Island at low tide.
Best time to visit: The dry season is from December to April, and most visitors come here from January to March to enjoy great weather. April and May are the hottest times of year just before the monsoon. Low season, June to August, is a great time to visit, when Krabi is less crowded. Avoid monsoon season, September to November.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Krabi has so many treasures to explore. Take a look at Things to do in Krabi below for some ideas of where to go and what to do.
Krabi is simply stunning and also a whole lot of fun!
Shopping in Krabi: Krabi has it all – modern shops and traditional markets offering stunning souvenirs and street food. Visit Maharaj Market for great produce, flowers and souvenirs. Then head for Ao Nang’s Catalunya Walking Street, home to a bustling bazaar and a shopping complex.
Food & Restaurants in Krabi: Enjoy authentic Thai dishes or international cuisine in a variety of restaurants. Krabi Town’s traditional restaurants are a great place to sample the area’s distinctive cuisine. Chao Fah Night Market offers great food stalls where you can sample superb local dishes and the street food on Krabi Walking Street is legendary.
Nightlife: Nightlife in Krabi is laidback, with lots of beach bars and varied entertainment. Ao Nang Center Point is an evening entertainment center featuring numerous bars and clubs.
Beaches: One of the most beautiful beaches in the world is Phra Nang Beach. Another is Railay Beach, both worth spending time on. Fossil Shell Beach is one of 3 shell cemeteries on earth, so visit this unique phenomenon and take time to explore its little museum. Visit Klong Muang Beach, 12km from Ao Nang, which is a secluded paradise and Tubkaak Beach, 20 minutes’ drive from Ao Nang, from where you can also take a boat to explore the magnificent Koh Hong islands.
Things to do in Krabi:
- Visit Emerald Pool, also known as Krabi Crystal Lagoon, located in the stunning Thung Teao Forest National Park.
- From Emerald Pool, visit another spectacular sight, the Namtok Ron Khlong Thom Waterfall.
- Discover Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint for breathtaking views and a spectacular waterfall.
- Explore the famous Tiger Cave Temple, a meditation complex comprising a number of caves located in a tropical jungle valley.
- Swim in the caverns at Khao Mai Kaew Cave to see the cave’s striking stalactites and stalagmites.
Best way to get around: Rent a scooter or a car to explore, or hail a taxi when you need to get around. Ferries, ferry taxis and speedboats are available to visit other islands.
Best Area for Families: Ao Nang A great family-friendly resort destination, with plenty of activities, entertainment, shopping, dining and accommodation options.