Thailand is one of the world’s top holiday destinations and while many flock to Phuket, the laid back lifestyle, gleaming sands and crystal clear waters of Krabi are poised to steal Phuket’s crown. So, come along with us to discover the best things to do in Krabi Thailand!
To get a taste of what Krabi has to offer we decided to stay
in two different locations, the lesser known Koh Kwang and Noppharat Thara
Beaches of Krabi. I’m glad we did this because we got two different
perspectives of Krabi as a seaside holiday destination.
Koh Kwang Beach was a quiet, peaceful beach which had a relaxed
beach nightlife while Noppharat Thara Beach had a more party town feel. We
loved both and are sure they would appeal to a wide variety of holiday styles.
The town of Krabi sits at the mouth of the Krabi River in Krabi Provence in Southern Thailand. Krabi is the gateway to tropical beaches, mangrove forests and the towering limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea.
Best Time to Visit Krabi
The best time to visit Krabi is between November and March,
peak season for Krabi Thailand. Weather is generally hot during the day and
cooler in the evenings.
In low season between July and October, the Krabi weather
forecast is unpredictable, and monsoon winds and rain can be expected.
Krabi Beaches
Koh Kwang Beach
Picture an early morning walk. In the distance towering
limestone formations jut out of the sparkling turquoise water. The wooden hulls
of the traditional long tail boats sway gently as waves softly lap the silky
sands of a tree shaded beach. Welcome to the magic of Koh Kwang Beach!
Koh Kwang Beach is walking distance to popular Klong Muang Beach
in Krabi. We visited Koh Kwang Beach in late March, at the tail end of high
season. What we found was a peaceful beach with soft sand and crystal-clear
water.
Though not the height of high season there were still groups
of tourists, singles and couples of all ages, many with young families. Koh
Kwang Beach isn’t a party beach; it is a quiet beach which is ideal for those
who just want to chill out and the gentle waves make it a family friendly Krabi
beach.
Koh Kwang Beach isn’t as developed as nearby Klong Muang Beach, it doesn’t have as many large resorts, but you will find small hotels and small family run resorts scattered along its length. In saying that, Koh Kwang Beach does have one jewel in its crown, the luxurious Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, which has a private swimming area along Koh Kwang Beach.
Koh Kwang Beach Shopping & Activities
There are a range of small shops lining the streets leading
to Koh Kwang Beach. Here you will find a large 7-ELEVEN, which has snacks, beer
and most essentials. You can get a massage, book a tour or get your nails done.
If you are hungry there are a choice of restaurants and street food stalls.
Koh Kwang Beach Nightlife
I just love the Koh Kwang Beach nightlife. Small beach bars and
restaurants line the southern end of Koh Kwang Beach. Each evening you can sit
in a beach bar with a cool beer, look out over the Andaman Sea and watch the
long tail boats as sun sets over the water. The perfect end to a perfect day!
If you are staying at nearby Klong Muang Beach, the beach
bars and restaurants are just a short beach walk from the island end of Klong
Muang Beach.
Getting to Koh Kwang & Klong Muang Beach
Both Koh
Kwang and Klong Muang Beaches
are a 45-minute drive from Krabi Airport. Some hotels will provide an Airport
pickup at an extra cost. Or you can pre book your hotel transfers online before
you leave home through Frequent Traveller.
Most tours of Krabi can either be booked through Koh Kwang Beach
hotels, local tourist agents or you can book your tours online before you leave
home through Frequent Traveller.
From Koh Kwang Beach we moved south to Noppharat Thara Beach.
This beach has a different vibe to Koh Kwang Beach. Noppharat Thara Beach is
more developed, the streets are full of shops, restaurants and bars giving it a
more seaside resort style feel. Though the beach has a party atmosphere it is
quieter than its nearby neighbour, the popular Ao Nang Beach.
Alan and Ros at Noppharat Thara Beach
Noppharat Thara Beach is a lengthy 5 km beach that stretches
as far as the eye can see. In the distance limestone islands dot the horizon
and the peaceful waters gently rock the traditional long tail boats that sit
ready for day tours out to the islands.
At the southern end of the beach, a limestone outcrop forms
a natural shelter. The calm waters make Noppharat Thara Beach a popular
destination for singles, couples and families alike. Compared to Koh Kwang Beach,
Noppharat Thara Beach has more activities and a larger tourist crowd.
Beside the beach, tree shaded pathways play host to coffee
huts selling refreshing drinks. Local families sit under the trees to enjoy a
cool break from the heat of the day. Noppharat Thara’s beachside restaurants fill
up with lunchtime visitors who relax with an ice-cold beer and authentic Thai
cuisine. The perfect place to enjoy the sweeping views of the bay.
Noppharat Thara Beach Nightlife
Noppharat Thara Beach nightlife begins at sunset as people
converge on the beachside bars and restaurants to watch the sun set over the
water. It is a magical time as people walk along the beach or return from their
day out to the islands.
Popular music plays in the back ground and often live music
is performed by talented musicians. Later in the evening the music gets louder
and it’s great to see people enjoying themselves. If you want a larger party
atmosphere, head south to neighbouring Ao Nang Beach.
Getting to Noppharat Thara Beach
There are a few ways to get to Noppharat Thara Beach. Many
hotels offer airport transfer at an extra cost or you can get the airport
shuttle bus. The Airport Shuttle bus stops at the Ao Nang Landmark Bus Station,
this bus has many stop off points including Ao Nang and Krabi Town.
Airport and hotel transfers can also be booked online before
you leave home through Frequent Traveller.
There are many tour companies with shops in the streets
around Noppharat Thara Beach. Popular tours include the 4 Island tour and the
Phi Phi Island tour.
You can either go through the tour companies or go to the tail
boat booking kiosk at the beach. The kiosk displays the prices for long tail
boat rides to the islands. Just be aware that you may be charged extra for a
tuk tuk ride out to the pier and you will have to pay an extra 400 Baht per adult
and 200 Baht per child for National Park entry fees on top of the listed price.
Tours of Krabi can also be booked online before you leave
home through Frequent Traveller.
Note** Noppharat Thara Beach is part of the Ao Nang
subdistrict, and many hotel booking sites refer to the area as Ao Nang. Geographically
Noppharat Thara Beach is one beach north of Ao Nang Beach.
Krabi 4 Island Tour
One of the best activities in Krabi is to take a Krabi island tour. There are a few different Krabi Island tours to choose from, we chose the Krabi 4 island tour. There are a couple of cruise styles, you can either take a traditional longtail boat or a speedboat.
While cruising in a longtail boat is a wonderful cultural
experience they are slower and take longer to make their way around the
islands. We thought it would be exciting to take a speedboat to some of the
best beaches in Krabi.
Getting to the 4 Islands
We were picked up from our hotel and taken to the boat pier
in a bench seat bus. Once at the pier the passengers were given a coloured
wristlet and divided off into their chosen tour groups.
Once on our boat we were given lifejackets and a safety
demonstration. There was complimentary water and orange juice and they supplied
us with snorkelling equipment. Then it was time to sit back and enjoyed the
ride.
Alan & Ros on the speedboat 4 Island tour Krabi Thailand
The beach quickly receded into the background and soon we
were headed out to sea. The ride was a thrill as we picked up speed and quickly
bounced through the waves. Before we knew it, we were looking up at the craggy
limestone islands that rise high above the azure waters of Phang Nga Bay.
Phra Nang Beach
We were dropped off at Phra Nang Beach. It was high tide and
it seemed like the whole tourist population of Krabi was there. Despite the
crowds you could see that it was a gorgeous beach. We were later told that the
beach is less crowded early in the morning and later in the afternoon.
Phra Nang Beach is shaded at one end by a towering monolith
of limestone. Swimming in the cool shaded water you can look up and marvel at
the stalactites that hang like melted rock from this rugged cliff. Phra Nang
Beach is popular for rock climbing and caving.
Phra Nang Cave Shrine
Phra Nang Cave is a real curiosity, a shrine dedicated to
the Princess God of the Phra Nang Cave. The shrine is filled with wooden phallic
symbols (lingam) that are said to protect to local fishermen.
Local people believe that the lingam and the holy womb (the
cave) will create fertility and prosperity to mankind and the whole earth. A
beautiful belief that brings singles and couples to the shrine to make
offerings for love and fertility.
There are a few legends about the cave, one is that an
Indian princess was killed in a shipwreck nearby and the other that a grieving
wife waited in the cave for her dead husband to return from the sea.
Railay Beach
Considered the most beautiful beach in Krabi, Railay is made
up of East and West Railay Beach. The beaches are located on opposite sides of
a thin peninsula, within easy walk to each other. Both beaches are home to many
resorts which are only accessible by boat.
Railay Beach is a short walk from Phra Nang Beach. Along the
way you will find caves and there are signposts up to the viewpoint. If you are
on a tour, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to your boat.
Snorkelling near Poda Island
After leaving Phra Nang Beach we headed to Poda Island. The
boat stopped short of Poda Island and we all donned our snorkelling gear and jumped
into the water. The water was deep and filled with different varieties of
coral.
The snorkelling gear was the best I have ever used, they
didn’t leak or get cloudy. We had so much fun swimming along with the schools
of fish, one even came right up to my mask. It must be one of the best things
to do in Thailand!
Poda Island
The views from Poda Island are breathtaking! Nearby, Ma Tang Ming Island stands tall against the sky, framed by the sand and longtail boats anchored on Poda Island. A picture postcard quality that will have you happily snapping away on your camera.
Bright white sand and the intense aqua blue waters of Poda Island make it a truly magical destination. The island is well shaded with trees and the ideal place to stop for lunch. Our lunch was included in the price of the tour and consisted of a selection of Thai dishes and tropical fruits.
After lunch we went swimming in the crystal-clear water. I
continued to snorkel and while there wasn’t any coral, there were small schools
of fish. The reflection of the waves made intricate turquoise patterns on the dazzling
white seabed, a beauty I will never forget.
Tup Island
Tup Island is a tidal island which can only be reached at
low tide. Nearby is the smaller Mor Island and at low tide the connecting beach
is revealed. This small strip of land faces nearby Chicken Island.
Tup Island has a great swimming beach, the gleam of the water
entices you to swim. Tup Island doesn’t have a lot of shade so make sure you
have a hat and lots of sunscreen.
Chicken Island
At low tide you can walk from Tup Island to Chicken Island. The island gets its name from the rock formation that stands on the opposite side of the island.
View from Tup Island to Chicken Island which can be crossed at low tide.
We didn’t get to walk across to Chicken Island as the tide was too high, but our speedboat cruised past and yes, it really does look like a chicken!
When thinking of places to stay in Krabi, you have a lot of
choices to make. Deciding what beach and style of accommodation to choose can
be frustrating and that’s why we are here to help.
We have narrowed the best place to stay in Krabi to five beaches,
Koh Kwang Beach, Noppharat Thara Beach, Ao Nang Beach, Pai Plong Beach and Railay
Beach. We have mixed up the accommodation styles from Krabi beach hut
accommodation, to Krabi hotels and resorts, including luxurious Krabi 5 star
resorts. Here’s our top picks for a Krabi hotel list.
Krabi Thailand Hotels
When booking your accommodation do check the location on a
map. Some hotels will give their subdistrict as a location. For example, Noppharat
Thara Beach is in the Ao Nang subdistrict but geographically one beach north of
Ao Nang beach.
Located across the road from Koh Kwang Beach, The Isle Beach
resort is a small family run resort with beach hut style accommodation. These
clean comfortable beach bungalows are laid out around a crystal-clear pool.
The Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort is set amid
manicured gardens with views across Koh Kwang Beach. With an elegant Victorian
inspired feel, this Krabi hotels 5 star rating is well deserved.
The impressive 7,000 metre lagoon style pool winds its way
around a choice of room styles that range from Superior Rooms to Club Rooms
& Suites and the regal Imperial Suite. The Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf
and Spa Resort is wheelchair and family friendly.
The resort has a choice of dining options and serves
International, Thai, Indian and Italian cuisines. For the golf enthusiast you
can take in mountain and sea views while playing the challenging landscapes and
fairways of the 9 hole Phokeethra Golf Krabi.
The Srisuksant Resort is located across the road from the
entertainment venues and beach life of Noppharat Thara Beach. There resort has
a range of accommodation styles including Family Rooms, Deluxe Seaview Rooms
and Pool Access Rooms.
Ao Nang Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Krabi
and there are lots of Ao Nang Hotels to choose from. So, if you are looking for
accommodation in Ao Nang Krabi, here is our best pick.
Everyone loves a great Ao Nang beach resort and The L Resort Krabi delivers. The L Resort is an eco-friendly hotel with funky modern décor. The resort has a good selection of room styles that include Standard Double Rooms, Pool View Rooms & Suites and Sea View Suites.
Onsite is the popular Wannas Place restaurant which serves a
mix of Thai and Swiss cuisines. The resort facilities include room service, 2
swimming pools and a pool bar, fitness centre and in room massage.
The Centara Grand Beach Resort Krabi, is a luxury resort
nestled within craggy limestone mountains and thick tropical rainforest. The
resort is a cosy secluded retreat only accessible by boat, ideal for those wanting
to switch off and get away from the world.
The Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi have a
selection of rooms from Double Deluxe to 2-bedroom Beach Villas and Executive
Club rooms. The resort is possibly the best resort in Krabi for family and
offers a free children’s club.
The resort has a choice of 4 restaurants serving
International, Thai, Japanese and Italian cuisine. There are 4 bars and lounges
and 2 pools to relax in. There are a range of water sports on offer at the
resorts private beach.
Sitting on either side of a slender peninsula, West Railay
Beach and East Railay Beach are often considered the best beaches in Krabi.
Both beaches are only accessible by boat.
When looking for Krabi accommodation on the beach, look no further than Sand Sea Resort on West Railay Beach. With a combination of traditional Krabi beach hut accommodation and modern hotel rooms the Sand Sea Resort is a popular choice.
The Sand Sea Resort has a range of room styles from Deluxe
Bungalow to Junior Suite. You can sit back and enjoy a variety of Thai and
International dishes in the beachfront restaurant or relax and cool off in the
pool with views overlooking the bay.
For the best Krabi beach resort accommodation, you can’t go
past Rayavadee Resort on East Railay Beach, it is undoubtedly one of the best
hotels in Krabi.
There is only one word to describe Rayavadee and that is
Exquisite! The modern colonial inspired décor is accentuated with teak
furnishings and rattan accents. It’s like taking a step back in time without
missing out on all the modern conveniences.
The resort has several accommodation styles, that include
Deluxe Pavilions, Pool Pavilions & Villas, Family Pavilions & Villas and
the stunning Phranang Villa that overlooks Phra Nang Beach. The Pavilions and
Villas are a fully furnished home away from home.
There is a choice of dining options that range from fine dining
to casual beach dining. Rayavadee serves delicious Asian and Western cuisine and
I can think of no other place where diner can be served in a sandy limestone
grotto.
Rayavadee can only be reached by boat and has complimentary
Airport and boat transfers.
The hotels and resorts listed above are all well appointed and have amenities and services that will make your visit memorable, including restaurants, pools and importantly free WiFi.
These days having access to WiFi during travel is essential and thankfully Thailand has free WiFi readily available in hotels, Bars, Restaurants and even small cafe’s. We were able to connect online easily during our stay in Krabi.
Of course one thing we always do when using any free WiFi is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service to protect our privacy. If you’re new to VPN’s and want to know how they can help protect privacy, click here and check out this guide which has an in depth description on how they work.
Top Things to do in Krabi Thailand
Many people ask what to see and what to do in Krabi? Here’s
our list of the most popular tours in Krabi Thailand.
Hike through thick rainforest to the inviting green water of
the Emerald Pool. Continue the hike and feel invigorated by the natural healing
waters of the hot springs and waterfall. Climb the 1,260 stairs up to the stunning
golden Buddha at Tiger Cave temple and be rewarded for your effort with sweeping
views of Krabi at the viewpoint.
There are a few options to choose from when taking a Krabi
kayaking tour. You can explore the rich fauna and ecosystems of the shaded
mangrove forests. Paddle through the crystal-clear water and towering limestone
formations of Hong Island. Or finish a memorable day of kayaking with a BBQ at
sunset.
Railay Beach is one of the best known Krabi points of
interest. Not only is Railay Beach famous for its beauty but also for rock
climbing. If you’ve ever wanted to try rock climbing here is your chance, Krabi
Rock Climbing Tours cater to beginners and climbers of all skills.
What could be more perfect than taking a romantic dinner
cruise at sunset! You can choose to either sit back and relax or go snorkelling
as you cruise the 4 Islands. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of
Railay Beach, Phra Nang Beach, Poda Island and Chicken Island.
Phi Phi Island is one of the most popular islands visited in
Thailand. This tour takes you to see the monkeys of Monkey Bay and the ancient
wall paintings of Viking Cave. Snorkel along with fish in coral gardens. Have a
relaxing lunch on Phi Phi Don Island before heading out to enjoy more
snorkelling and swimming.
There are quite a few airlines that fly between Bangkok and
Krabi, here are four of the most popular. Flights from Bangkok to Krabi take
around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways have direct
flights from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Air Asia and Nok Air
have direct flights from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport.
The bus journey from Bangkok to Krabi takes around 12 hours
and 25 minutes. There is a choice of bus companies to choose from with varying
styles of comfort. Buses leave from different locations across Bangkok
depending on which bus company you choose.
Phuket lies to the west of Krabi across Phang Nga Bay. For
those wanting to spend time in Krabi there are a range of transfer options that
include ferry, van and taxi.
November to March has the best weather and is the peak tourist season in Krabi with hot days and cooler evenings. These are the driest months with near perfect weather conditions and crystal clear waters.
Is it easy to get free WiFi in Krabi?
Throughout Thailand, including Krabi, free WiFi is readily available at most hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping malls.
Can I find Vegetarian food in Krabi?
Definitely. There are many international restaurants in Krabi catering to a wide variety of cuisines including Italian, Indian, Mexican and of course Asian. Vegetarian food is widely available at both international and smaller local restaurants.
Does Krabi have an Airport?
Yes. Krabi International Airport (KBV) which is approximately 15 km from Krabi town. Krabi International Airport has daily flights to and from many domestic and international destinations.
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Krabi?
The flight from Bangkok to Krabi takes approximately 90 minutes and there are multiple daily flights from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports.
Last Words on Krabi Thailand
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Krabi, we loved the
beaches, the nightlife and of course the spectacular scenery. We only touched
the surface of Krabi, there is so much more to explore, and I can’t wait to
return.
Have you been to Krabi Thailand? Where did you stay and what did you love about Krabi? We would love to hear from you.
Rosalind Cuthbertson is the co-founder of Frequent Traveller. After a sequence of life changing events Ros decided to fulfil her dreams of travel.
Ros writes about her passion for travel and shares useful information on how to get the most fulfilling experiences out of travel while inspiring others to follow their dreams. Read more about Rosalind Let's connect on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube and Twitter
Perfect timing! We are coming to Krabi next week for two months. Thus, there will be enough weekends to get around, so I am going to use your suggestions for island tours and general Krabi info. Cheers!
Alan Cuthbertson
I’m sure you will have a great time in Krabi. The islands are definitely worth visiting.
Amazing guide! I’m considering a solo trip to Krabi and will definitely use your tips. Great pics.
Alan Cuthbertson
Thank you Amber. Hope you have a great time in Krabi
Cindy
Hi! Is there ant big boat to do island hopping there? Thanks..
Alan Cuthbertson
Hi Cindy
There are some great tours that will take you island hopping. You can also do it yourself with some of the local longboat owners, some have fixed prices other can be negotiated. What you do will depend on what kind of holiday you want. Thank you for the comment! 🙂
Cindy
Thanks for your respond! Finally I booked my ticks on duckferries for my January trip. Now really hope that we can get trough this storm soon. Stay safe there, Alan..
Perfect timing! We are coming to Krabi next week for two months. Thus, there will be enough weekends to get around, so I am going to use your suggestions for island tours and general Krabi info. Cheers!
I’m sure you will have a great time in Krabi. The islands are definitely worth visiting.
Amazing guide! I’m considering a solo trip to Krabi and will definitely use your tips. Great pics.
Thank you Amber. Hope you have a great time in Krabi
Hi! Is there ant big boat to do island hopping there? Thanks..
Hi Cindy
There are some great tours that will take you island hopping. You can also do it yourself with some of the local longboat owners, some have fixed prices other can be negotiated. What you do will depend on what kind of holiday you want. Thank you for the comment! 🙂
Thanks for your respond! Finally I booked my ticks on duckferries for my January trip. Now really hope that we can get trough this storm soon. Stay safe there, Alan..
Great to hear Cindy