What to do in Krabi? 15 recommendations for the best attractions

What to do in Krabi? Beautiful beach in Krabi

In Krabi province you will find high cliffs, turquoise sea, streams, rainforests and lots of delicious food. It is a great starting point for Koh Lanta and other special islands in Thailand worth exploring.
It is important to know that if you are arriving on a flight outside of Thailand and do not have an outbound flight from the country, it is a good idea to arrive at the airport with a fictitious flight ticket .
So what to do in Krabi? Get a variety of recommendations for attractions in Krabi that will make this destination one of your favorite destinations!

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Table of Contents

Weather in Krabi Thailand

There are two main seasons in the area:

Dry season

From the beginning of October to the end of March. Little rain, sunny and clear. In addition, this is also the peak of the tourist season. Towards March and onwards, the heat increases. 

Wet season

Very rainy, typhoons, monsoons and high humidity. Therefore it is a weak season for tourism (but there are many advantages! Cheaper prices, availability in most hotels). Despite the high chances of rain and storms, there are still many bright and sunny days. In other words, it is mostly a matter of luck.

Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Railay Beach? Where is best to go?

There are three areas worth exploring – Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Railay Beach. Each area has its own charm and no matter what your style – there’s a good chance you’ll connect with at least one of the places, if not all of them!

Krabi Town

The city is closer to the airport, more authentic and less touristy. Accordingly, there are fewer shops, places to stay and restaurants. 

Ao Nang

The most popular beach town in the area. Very touristy, with plenty of restaurants of all kinds, bars, beautiful beaches and all types of accommodation.

Railay Beach

Although Railay is part of the mainland, it can only be reached by boat from Mao Nang. The west side has most of the restaurants and hotels, while the east side has nice, calm beaches.

Krabi Recommended Attractions

There are lots of fun and interesting attractions in Krabi, like beaches, temples, markets, and more! So what's the best thing to do in each area?

Attractions in Krabi Town

There are several interesting attractions around the city:

Wat Kaew Korawararam

A colorful, cozy, and peaceful Buddhist temple in the middle of the city. It's worth going inside (without shoes!) and seeing the Buddhist murals that teach about human suffering and the Buddhist way to free yourself from it.

Attractions in Krabi: Buddhist Temple
Wat Kaew Korawararam

Tiger Cave / Wat Tham Suea

A complex of Buddhist temples surrounded by jungle. Famous for its giant golden Buddha statue.

Wat Tham Suea Attractions in Krabi
Wat Tham Suea
Wat Tham Suea Attractions in Krabi
Tiger Cave

Khao Khanab Nam Cave

The name means “where the mountains meet the water.” The place is surrounded by mangroves and you can reach it by boat and see caves, nature, and historical treasures.

Krabi Town Night Market

A cute little night market. You will find stalls with delicious local food, as well as stalls with clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Krabi Town Night Market - Attraction in Krabi Town
Krabi Town Night Market

Chao Fah Park Promenade

Not far from the night market and the city center, there is a beautiful promenade with statues and views of the Krabi cliffs. It is also worth coming in the evening!

Chao Fah Park Attractions in Krabi
Chao Fah Park

Attractions in Ao Nang Beach

🩴 Be aware that there are sometimes sea urchins and stingrays on the beaches! Water flip-flops can prevent a mess.

These are the most beautiful beaches and attractions in this area:

Khao Phanom Bencha

Stunning national park. Hiking trails with waterfalls, jungles, local flora and fauna. A little far from town but worth the trip.

Elephant Sanctuary

There are quite a few elephant shelters in the area. The elephants roam freely in their jungle patch and it is an amazing experience to see. Please note that there are shelters that must be reached with a group by prior arrangement.

Monkey Trail

The Monkey Trail is a somewhat rickety and challenging but fun walking trail that leads to a beautiful, clean, and calm beach. It's about a fifteen-minute walk.

Beach in Krabi
The beach after the monkey trail
Monkey in Krabi
The monkeys of Krabi live well.

Ao Nang beach

The most famous beach in the area. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and a night market around. A recommended place to watch the sunset!

Sunset in Ao Nang
Sunset at Ao Nang Beach

Nopparat Thara Beach

A beautiful, shady corner, with a calm, less touristy beach.

Bao Nang Beach, Krabi
Nopparat Thara Beach, shady and pleasant

Canoeing - Klong Root

An amazing kayak trip along a clear stream. About forty minutes each way, during which you can see local flora and fauna, and go swimming in the pleasant water.

💧 I always take a waterproof bag with me – like this one on Amazon – so that no disaster happens with my phone or wallet while sailing!

Kayaking in Ao Nang, Krabi
Klong Root

Attractions in Railay Beach

Climbing, caves and lagoons: here's everything there is to do in this area:

Phra Nang Cave Beach

Caves formed from limestone, containing Buddhist temples, opposite a beautiful and pleasant beach.

Railay Beach
West Railay Beach

Bat Cave

Climb a ladder and reach a bat cave with a stunning view of Railay Beach.

Emerald Lagoon Railay

A slightly challenging trek that involves climbing leads to beautiful, clear lagoons (but depends on the weather), one of which is suitable for swimming.

| Noa Travels

Suitable for those who want to try rock climbing.
✅ Rating of 5 ⭐ on VIATOR out of 145 raters!
✅ Learn basic climbing techniques
✅ Includes round-trip transportation
✅ Starting from $44

Click to get more details: ⬇
| Noa Travels

Suitable for those who want to climb at an advanced level of difficulty, with a guide and on the most amazing cliffs for climbing.
✅ 5 ⭐ rating on VIATOR
✅ Includes climbing equipment
✅ Round-trip transportation to the hotel
✅ Starting from $118

Click to get more details: ⬇

Krabi Islands Trip Thailand

Of course, attractions in Krabi also include island hopping and snorkeling! There are a variety of fun day trips from the area to the surrounding small islands, including the 4 islands, Phi Phi, the Emerald Cave, and more! 

WHY DO I RECOMMEND VIATOR?

🐠 On every trip, you will be provided with snorkeling equipment. If you are less into sharing, there is really good snorkeling equipment on Amazon .

Snorkeling in the 5 islands
Snorkeling in the 5 islands

A recommendation for an amazing trip between the islands!
✅ Rated 5 ⭐ on VIATOR by over 988 travelers!
✅ Includes snorkeling equipment
✅ Lunch, fruit and water
✅ Starting from $105

Click to get more details: ⬇

Krabi Food Recommendations

As in all of Thailand, the food is simply excellent! There are food markets, local restaurants, and also amazing Western food.

Krabi Town

Recommendations for great restaurants in the city:

Lan Lek Lek

Local restaurant with excellent Thai food!

| Noa Travels
Tom Yam fried rice / Lan Lek Lek

SignatureThai Café & Tea House

A perfect restaurant owned by a sweet family, with amazing breakfasts and a wide variety of teas.

Krabi Restaurant Recommendation
SignatureThai Café & Tea House

First Restaurant

A variety of Thai dishes, sandwiches and breakfasts.

Tobiko Sushi

Japanese restaurant near the night market, with excellent sushi!

| Noa Travels
Tobiko Sushi

What is recommended to eat in Ao Nang?

Ao Nang has excellent food and here are recommendations for the best places there:

Kodam Kitchen

In my opinion, the best restaurant in Ao Nang and Krabi. Excellent Thai dishes, seafood and more. Here I ate the most delicious massaman in Thailand!

Seafood dish in Ao Nang, Krabi
Seafood sharing platter at Kodam Kitchen

Chomlay Restaurant

Excellent Thai restaurant, facing the beach.

Pad Thai Bao Nang
Perfect Pad Thai at Chomlai

Ao Nang Landmark Night Market

A night market with plenty of dishes, drinks, local food, pizzas and lots of delicious food.

Mochi at the night market
Delicious mochi at Ao Nang Night Market

YenlyYours Krabi Aonang

Mango obsessives? This is the place for you! All kinds of interesting desserts with mango, coffee, smoothies and of course mango sticky rice.

Have A Nice Day Cafe

A delicious cafe, recommended for breakfast.

Breakfast in Ao Nang, Krabi
Delicious breakfast at Have a nice day cafe

Wi13 Coffee & Steak

An excellent and beautifully decorated cafe, with good breakfasts and other delicious dishes.

Red Chilli Thai Cuisine

Amazing Thai food, with lots of vegetarian options and a really lovely staff!

Fried rice and papaya salad
Fried rice and papaya salad

Krabi Accommodation Recommendations

This area has accommodation options for every budget. I've collected some recommendations for special places with great value for money, for several budget types:

Krabi Town

⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ 6 minutes walking distance from the night market
✅ Especially suitable for backpackers
✅ Starting from $16 per night

Compare prices to get the best price:

⭐ Rating of 9 on Booking.com
✅ 4 minutes walking distance from the night market
✅ Spacious rooms with balcony
✅ Starting from $61 per night

Compare prices to get the best price:

Ao Nang

⭐ Rating of 8.5 on Booking.com
✅ 10 minutes walk from Ao Nang Beach
✅ There are private rooms and dormitories
✅ Starting from $15 per night

To close with Booking:

⭐ Rating of 8.4 on Booking.com
✅ Luxurious 4-star hotel
✅ Huge pool, gym and spa
✅ Starting from $134 per night

Compare prices to get the best price:

Railay Beach

⭐ Rating of 8.7 on Booking.com
✅ Luxurious resort with pool
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
✅ Starting from $119 per night

Compare prices to get the best price:

Where to go next?

Krabi Thailand is just one (and special) part of the magic of this beloved country. So after you've discovered what to do in Krabi, it's also recommended to visit the island of Koh Lanta , a two-hour sail or drive from the city, a magical island with quiet beaches and a perfect atmosphere. In addition, if you want to reach three special islands not far away, I recommend reaching Mok, Kradan and Hai. If you're looking for nature experiences in northern Thailand, it's worth reaching the town of Pai , which is among the most beloved destinations for travelers in Thailand. And of course, every trip to Thailand begins and ends in Bangkok , the capital of Thailand, which in the eyes of many is also the capital of the entire Southeast Asian region and is a super interesting destination in itself. For each destination, you can choose whether to arrive by flight or bus, usually an overnight trip.

Don't have the energy to take long overnight trips? Domestic flights in Thailand are super cheap! So it's worth comparing prices and taking domestic flights:

| Noa Travels

Recommended equipment for Krabi

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Questions and Answers

What is the best season to visit Krabi? 🌤️

The recommended season to visit Krabi is Between November and March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. This is also the peak of the season, so it's a good idea to book hotels and attractions in advance.

How to get to Krabi from Bangkok? 🚌

You can get to Krabi by direct flight from Bangkok, which takes about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can take an overnight bus or train to southern Thailand, then take a short taxi ride to Krabi.

Which beaches are most recommended in Krabi? 🏖️

Railay Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular. But why either or when you can have both?

What attractions should not be missed in Krabi? 🏰

Must-see attractions are the Four Islands Tour, a trip to the Tiger Cave, and rock climbing in Railay.

What is the best way to get around Krabi? 🏍️

You can get around using small boats to the beaches and islands, and within the island by tuktuks or scooters if you have a license and appropriate insurance.

Is Krabi suitable for families with children? 👶

Yes, and I saw lots of families with happy children there! There are lots of activities in the area that are suitable for families, such as calm beaches, boat trips to nearby islands, and visits to natural sites.

Why do I recommend Viator?