11 Sept. 2024

Situated on the Andaman coast, Krabi Province is an idyllic destination for a trip to Thailand. Between karst cliffs, postcard-perfect beaches and lush nature, all the ingredients are there for a feast for the eyes. Discover everything there is to do and see in Krabi.

Visiting Krabi Town

Because of its central location, Krabi Town is often considered by travelers as a stopover point to reach the surrounding islands. Yet, the town of Krabi is worth spending a few hours in.

Among the points of interest to see in Krabi Town, we recommend:

• Wat Kaew Ko Wararam: nicknamed the white temple, it is the largest Buddhist complex in the province.
• The Andaman Cultural Center: this cultural center houses an art gallery (collection of paintings and sculptures by Thai and international artists) as well as a pearl museum.
• The markets: whether to taste Thai street food specialties or to buy travel souvenirs, head to the multiple markets in Krabi including the Walking street market, the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market or the Krabi weekend night market.

Seeing the Rock Formations of Khao Kanab Nam and Its Caves

Khao Kanab Nam is considered the symbol of Krabi. These are 2 karst rocks approximately 100 m high located on the Krabi River. You will also find caves accessible on foot by climbing stairs. To get there, you can take a long tail boat (traditional Thai boat) from Chao Fah pier. Allow 15 minutes by boat. To continue your walk, you can also visit the fishing village of Ko Klang and discover fish farms.

Lounging on the Beaches

With the presence of karst cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, it's no surprise that Krabi Province is among Thailand's most beautiful beaches. So if you want to lounge on golden sand, swim, snorkel or do water activities, head to the most beautiful beaches in Krabi, including:

• Railay Beach: surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and lush jungle, it is the most spectacular beach in Krabi. Accessible only by boat.
• Phra Nang: surrounded by picturesque rocks south of the Railay Peninsula, this beach is a true natural gem where you can swim and snorkel.
• Tonsai Beach: accessible on foot from the Railay Peninsula, this beach has the same characteristics as the previous ones but is much less crowded.
• Ao Nang Beach: considered the main beach of Krabi Province, this is where boats depart for neighboring beaches and islands. Lined with a few bars and restaurants, this long beach is the ideal place to take a stroll at sunset.
• Nopparat Tara Beach: if you're looking for some tranquility, this beach is made for you. Stretching 5 km long, this spacious beach is perfect for more peace and quiet.
• Susan Hoi: this beach is worth the detour for its geological curiosities. It features numerous fossilized shells dating back 30 to 40 million years.

Visiting Wat Tham Suea (Tiger Cave Temple)

Wat Tham Suea (or Tiger Cave Temple) is among the must-see attractions in Krabi. Located near Krabi Town, it is a temple perched on a hill where you will find a golden chedi, caves and a golden Buddha. It owes its name to the fact that tiger paw prints were reportedly found near the caves. To access it, you will need to climb 1,237 steps. Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360° view of Krabi Town and its surroundings. Allow approximately 1 hour for the round trip.

Practical Info:

Open daily from 6 to 18:00. Free entry. As with all temples, plan to cover your shoulders and knees.

Swimming in the Emerald Pool at Sa Morakotet and the Hot Springs

Located about fifty kilometers from Krabi Town, Sa Morakotet (also called Emerald Pool) is among the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Hidden in the middle of the forest, it is an emerald-colored pool that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale! You will find other natural pools such as Glass Pool and Blue Pool. All these pools are fed by streams flowing through the Khao Nor Chuchi forest. You can swim in them (except Blue Pool).

Near the Emerald Pool, you will also find hot springs where you can bathe in water with temperatures around 35 to 40 °C.

Practical Info:

Open daily from 8 to 17:00. To access the Emerald Pool, you will need to pay 400 Baht per person. Note that many excursions allow you to combine the Emerald Pool, hot springs and a visit to Tiger Cave Temple.

Hiking at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

Looking to stretch your legs? Head to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park where numerous hiking trails await you. Located 20 km north of Krabi Town, this park offers the opportunity to observe flora and fauna. You will also find magnificent waterfalls including the Huay Toh waterfall. This 70 m high fall impresses with its 11 levels and is the highest waterfall in the park.

Practical Info:

Open daily from 8 to 16:30. Entrance fee: 200 Baht per person.

Enjoying the View from Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail

Also called Dragon Crest Mountain, the Tab Kak Hang Nak Nature Trail is arguably the most beautiful trekking trail in the region. The trail leads through Thai jungle and allows you to reach a summit where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Krabi Province and the surrounding islands. Allow 2 hours for the ascent and just over 1 hour for the descent.

Practical Info:

Free trail. Moderate difficulty requiring good physical fitness. Plan proper hiking shoes and plenty of water.

Excursions to Neighboring Islands

Surrounded by numerous paradise islands, Krabi is the ideal place for sea excursions, either in groups or by private boat. Among the most popular excursions around the archipelago, we recommend:

• 4 Island Tour: departing from Ao Nang Beach, you will head to several neighboring islands including Koh Poda, Koh Kai (nicknamed Chicken Island because of its chicken-shaped rock), Koh Tup and Phra Nang Beach (at Railay). These excursions typically include numerous snorkeling stops and/or kayaking options.
• Excursion to Hong Islands: surrounded by magnificent lagoons and crystal-clear water, Koh Hong is actually a group of rocky islets belonging to Than Bok Horani National Park. Here again, you can snorkel and kayak (optional).
• Excursion to Koh Phi Phi island: made world-famous by the beach of Maya Bay where the film "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio was shot, Koh Phi Phi features numerous landscapes of exquisite beauty. You can also visit other sites in the region such as Bamboo Island or go snorkeling.
• Excursion to Koh Lanta island: with its hidden beaches and abundant nature, Koh Lanta island has managed to preserve its authenticity. You will be in awe while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

Visiting an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary

Dreaming of seeing elephants during your stay in Krabi? To avoid missteps and see these pachyderms in good conditions, you can turn to an elephant sanctuary like Krabi Elephant Sanctuary. Here, there's no elephant riding but a day spent in their company to pamper them. You can learn more about their lifestyle, walk by their side, feed them and bathe with them. An unforgettable activity for animal lovers and those traveling to Thailand with family.

Kayaking

Attention sports enthusiasts and adventurers: did you know that Krabi is among Thailand's best kayaking spots? You can rent kayaks by the hour or day in most beach resorts in the province to explore the region's beaches and mangrove forests. But if we had to recommend a few places for kayaking in Krabi, they would be:

• Thalane Bay: a bay surrounded by vertiginous cliffs containing an impressive mangrove forest;
• Koh Hong island: where you can kayak in a sublime emerald lagoon surrounded by limestone peaks;
• Ban Bho Thor: a mangrove forest allowing you to discover marine caves, one of which contains rock paintings 2,000 to 3,000 years old.
• Phang Nga Bay: bordered by deserted and wild limestone islets, you can paddle through mangroves, karst formations, lagoons and marine caves.

Rock Climbing

Feeling like taking on a sporting challenge? Take advantage of your trip to Krabi to go rock climbing. Considered one of Thailand's best climbing sites, Railay features numerous rock faces where climbers, whether beginners or experts, meet on climbing routes. We especially recommend Phra Nang Beach, Tonsai Beach, East Railay and West Railay.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

With its protected marine parks offering spectacular visibility, the Krabi region has numerous coral reefs where you can scuba dive and snorkel. You will find both macrofauna (nudibranchs, seahorses...) and tropical fish (lionfish, scorpionfish, barracudas, fusiliers...) as well as pelagic species (bamboo sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles...)

What is the best time to visit Krabi? To enjoy sunny weather and avoid rain, we recommend visiting Krabi between November and April.

How many days should you plan to visit Krabi? Plan at least 3 days on site to see Krabi's must-sees. To take your time and see as much as possible, allow 1 week on site.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. Because for her, traveling is not about checking countries off a map, but weaving bonds (often invisible but always powerful) with places, peoples and all kinds of creatures from the animal kingdom. Her motto? Advise travelers with ethics, raise their awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, on the edge of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…