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Krabi - Beautiful Beaches, Scenic Landscapes
Krabi, Thailand—A haven of serene beaches. Plan your stay with our guide from what's on to transport, accommodation options, and tours. Everything you need to know is here and made easy for you.
Krabi
Krabi is a big province in southern Thailand that boasts of beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes. It is located on the Andaman Sea coast and covers an area of over 4,700 square kilometres. Krabi is also home to many islands that are popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. Some of the most famous islands in Krabi are Phi Phi, Lanta, Hong, and Chicken Island. Krabi offers a lot of activities, let's dive into it.
Ao Nang Beach
Ao Nang Beach is the most popular destination in Krabi province. It is a small beach town with many hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. People come here because Ao Nang Beach is a gateway to many other beautiful beaches and islands nearby, such as Pai Plong, Railay and Phi Phi. You can easily reach these places by taking a longtail boat from Ao Nang. Ao Nang Beach itself is not very peaceful, as it has a lot of boat traffic and not many shady spots. However, it is a great place to enjoy the sunset, watch a fire show in the evening or relax at The Last Fisherman Bar. It's a place to get around but is also decent. A fun night happened here!
Railay Bay
This is one of the most popular and scenic beaches in Thailand, accessible only by boat. It has white sand, turquoise water, and dramatic limestone cliffs that attract rock climbers from around the world. You can also explore the caves and shrines hidden in the rocks, or just relax and enjoy the view.
Rock Climbing
The region has many cliffs and caves that are ideal for this sport. You can find routes for all levels of skill at Railay Bay, where the scenery is stunning and the rock formations are varied. After a challenging climb, you can relax in the clear blue sea or grab some food to replenish that energy used.
Phi Phi Island is a group of islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Thailand. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and pretty wild nightlife. The main island, Phi Phi Don, offers various resorts and is a popular destination for tourists looking for relaxation, swimming, and water activities like snorkelling and diving.
I have done a whole page on Phi Phi Islands, so see more there, and you can spend the night on the islands too. Phi Phi Islands comes under the province of Krabi.
Koh Hong
Travel by a traditional long-tail boat and explore a group of islands that offer breathtaking views of lagoons, limestone cliffs, and sandy beaches. The Hong Islands Tour is one of the best things to do in Krabi for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Koh Lanta
There are two Koh Lanta Islands, Koh Lanta Yai is the bigger of the two Koh Lanta islands. It's located off the coast of Krabi province in Thailand and you can get there by ferry or speedboat from Krabi in 2-3 hours. Unlike some of the other Thai islands, Koh Lanta Yai isn't full of tourists and still has a peaceful and laid-back vibe. The island's west coast has nine main beaches that offer stunning views and crystal-clear water. Even if they're not as perfect as some other tropical beaches, they're still pretty amazing. You'll find all sorts of accommodations, activities, and services on the island, from budget to luxury. The east coast of the island is less developed and more rural, with two main towns: Lanta Old Town and Sang Ga U. Sang Ga U is home to the Chao Lei, or Sea Gypsies.
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
Lovers of nature and photography should visit Thung Teao Forest Natural Park in Krabi. This amazing place has a natural lagoon called the Emerald Pool, where you can swim in the clear water. You can also explore the old forest and see beautiful waterfalls and hot springs. There is a nature trail where you can observe many kinds of animals, such as birds, lizards, small mammals and insects. One of the rarest birds in the world, the Gurney’s pitta bird, lives here. It was once believed to have gone forever!
Tiger Cave Temple
Fancy some exercise in the heat? There are 1237 stairs carved into the limestone rock, where a majestic golden Buddha awaits you. The Tiger Cave Temple is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is a stunning panoramic view of the Krabi Valley. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and awe as you explore this sacred site.
It is called Tiger Cave because of the tiger that used to live there, you'll feel better knowing there are no tigers there now, but you will get to see lots of monkeys!
TRANSPORT
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Krabi.
I recommend flying, it's a lot faster, buses take a whole day and accidents have happened with buses where the driver gets too tired.
Things to remember: Some airlines may have limits on the weight of your checked luggage or charge extra for check-in, seat selection or oversized baggage.
You should also consider the time you will spend getting to and from the airports, waiting for your flight, going through immigration if it's an international flight and collecting your checked luggage.
The airport shuttle is an easy way to get to your hotel, it stops at Krabi bus station which is just before Ao Nang Beach. The shuttle bus takes about 45 minutes.
You can go private with this widget below.
This is a very convenient and comfortable way to travel from Krabi Airport to your hotel. You can choose from different types of vehicles, such as sedans, vans, or minibuses, depending on your group size and luggage needs. The driver will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport, holding a sign with your name on it. Then you can relax and enjoy. These guys specialise in people with more mobility needs.
Travelling from Bangkok to Krabi by land takes more time but it is often the cheapest option if you choose a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride choose a higher-class bus if possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
Travel options from Phuket to Krabi include bus, taxi, ferry, and van. For a comfortable ride, choose a higher-class bus with reclining seats, air conditioning, and on-board toilets. Taxis offer flexible departure times and door-to-door service.
One great way to go to Krabi from Phuket is by ferry, ferries offer picturesque views. Vans are a good option for travelling within the same or neighbouring provinces.
Renting a car in Thailand is a practical and cost-effective method to explore the country at your leisure.
Make sure you obtain an international driving permit.
Remember Thailand is notorious for terrible drivers, sorry to say but it's true. The tests are easy and many people don't even do them. It's not unusual to see kids riding MO-PEDs with several people on the same vehicle, on the wrong side of the road, with no protection, cutting people up at junctions. sadly I'm not even joking.
Examine the vehicle's condition. Before signing the rental agreement, properly inspect the vehicle and photograph any existing damage, scratches, or dents. Check the tyres, brakes, lights and air conditioning for proper operation. If you detect any issues.
You don't want to be held liable for harm that wasn't your fault or have a breakdown during your vacation.
ACCOMMODATION
Ao Nang Beach is a great choice for your Krabi vacation if you love sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters, island hopping, day-tripping, lively bars and plenty of restaurants.
You can easily reach Ao Nang from Krabi Airport by different modes of transportation.
The airport shuttle is one of the easiest options. It stops at Krabi bus station before going to Ao Nang Beach. It takes about 45 minutes.
Nopparat Thara beach is near Ao Nang beach which is quiet and beautiful. This beach is part of the Nopparat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and has a long stretch of white sand and clear water. You can find many hotels and resorts near the beach, ranging from budget to luxury, and enjoy the local night market and the stunning sunset.
Tab Kaek Beach is luxurious and peaceful. This beach is located at the end of a scenic road
and offers stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands. You can find
some of the most exclusive resorts and villas here, with private pools, spas, and gourmet restaurants.
Klong Muang Beach is another good choice for a pleasant and relaxing beach holiday for the whole family. This beach is less crowded than Ao Nang or Railay but still has plenty of activities and facilities to enjoy. You can swim, kayak, snorkel, or take a boat trip to nearby islands. There are also many options for accommodation, from budget guesthouses to five-star hotels.
Railay offers both adventure and relaxation, it is a peninsula that can only be reached by boat, and it has some of the best rock climbing and diving spots in Thailand. You can also enjoy the stunning scenery, the white sand beaches, and the laid-back atmosphere. One of the most popular beaches in Railay is Tonsai Beach, where you can find many rock climbers, backpackers, and hippies. Tonsai Beach has a rustic charm, with simple bungalows, cosy bars, and friendly locals. It is a great place to meet other travellers, share stories, and have fun.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Krabi on a budget, you might want to consider Krabi Town, the capital of the province. Krabi Town offers a variety of cheap hotels, hostels, and guest houses that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Krabi Town.
For a short-term rental in Krabi, you have plenty of choices. One of the best platforms to find and book your ideal accommodation is VRBO, the world's leading marketplace for vacation rentals. Go on, get yourself a beachfront condo. Why not?
TOURS
If you are looking for tours in Krabi, you have many options to choose from.
You can visit the 7 islands or 4 islands, which are famous for their stunning scenery and crystal clear water. Including Phi Phi Island, Bamboo Island, James Bond Island and Monkey Beach, you can enjoy snorkelling and see the diverse marine life.
You can choose to go on party boats, regular boats or premium yachts.
Another attraction in Krabi is the Ao Ang Elephant Sanctuary, where you can interact with these gentle giants and learn about their conservation.
