What to do in Krabi

Find the ride you need in Thailand

Krabi is both a province and a town in southern Thailand, best known for beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous limestone karst formations. It is an amazing place to take in the natural beauty of the Andaman Sea and soak up the laid-back Thai lifestyle.

Getting to know Krabi

Many people opt for Phuket instead of Krabi when planning trips to Thailand because it is more well known. Plenty of blogs and websites will help you compare Phuket vs. Krabi and the benefits of both. However, Krabi is a gem, and you won’t regret adding it to your Thailand itinerary.

It isn’t nearly as busy as Phuket and has many beaches to choose from, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up some vitamin D.

In addition, the scenery in Krabi is arguably more beautiful, with its karst formations and turquoise waters. And while Phuket may have more bars and clubs, the nightlife in Krabi isn’t too shabby!

Overall, Krabi Province and Krabi town both have a lot to offer. 

Krabi Province has over 150 different islands to explore and 150+ km (over 93 miles) of turquoise coastline to enjoy. So, if you are interested in visiting Koh Lanta, Railay Beach, or Koh Phi Phi, you’ll be coming to Krabi province.

Krabi Town is a Thai market town within the province. It is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Thai culture. It is far more local and less touristy than other areas in Krabi Province. Essentially, Krabi Town is a commercial and transit point, but it isn’t without its own charms.  

Best place to stay in Krabi

Staying in Krabi Town vs. somewhere else in Krabi Province will depend on personal preference. If you have the time, you may even want to island-hop or visit a few different places during your time in Thailand.

When reviewing Krabi Hotels, you’ll want to decide which beach or area appeals to you the most. Railay Beach is stunning and offers a few adults-only resorts and all-inclusive packages. However, it is a bit more secluded than Ao Nang, located just on the other side of Tonsai Beach and close to Krabi Town.

You could also take a ferry or longtail boat from Krabi to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Poda. All of Thailand’s islands have something unique to offer, so the best place to stay in Krabi really depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation. 

When to go to Krabi

Weather in the south of Thailand can be a tad unpredictable, but the best time to visit Krabi is between November and March. The weather is the most stable during this time, with temperatures hovering around 28℃ (82℉) with only a few scattered rain showers.

September and October are the wettest months. So, if you are traveling during shoulder season, you may want to avoid these months, especially if your plans include lying on the beach all day. 

Best things to do in Krabi

To make the most of your trip, you’ll want to take advantage of the plethora of outdoor activities, fantastic bars and restaurants, and excellent beaches Krabi has to offer.

Whether you’re staying in Krabi Town or on one of the neighboring islands, one of the best things to do in Krabi is rent a boat to explore the region by sea. You can join an organized tour or hire a boat to explore the islands and caves along the coast.

Wat Tham Sua, or “Footprint of the Buddha,” is another great place to explore when you are in the area. Climb up 1,237 steps to enjoy spectacular views of the Andaman Sea.

Besides simply lying on the beach, wandering around Krabi Town has to be one of the best free things to do in Krabi. It has a very authentic feel, with plenty of local pubs and restaurants to enjoy. You can also stroll along the river and see the fishermen haul in their daily catch.

In addition, Krabi Town’s night market should be on your list of must-do activities. It’s the perfect place to try delicious street food and shop for a bargain or two. 

Looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon? One of the most unusual things to do in Krabi is visit the geological wonders at Susan Hoi. This fossilized shellfish cemetery is between 25 and 40 million years old. It is one of three areas like it in the world.

If you aren’t staying on Koh Phi Phi, you could head over for the afternoon to enjoy the beach. Unfortunately, Maya Bay, the infamous location from the film The Beach, has been closed in recent years due to over-tourism. Still, there are plenty of other beaches on the island. Or instead, you could head to equally beautiful Ao Nang beach or Phra Nang beach.

How to get to Krabi

Traveling around Thailand is relatively cheap and easy, making it a popular destination for a wide variety of travelers. 

Krabi has its own international airport, located a mere seven km (about four miles) from the center of Krabi Town. This makes getting to Krabi from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and even international destinations a breeze.

How to get from Bangkok to Krabi:

You have a few options if you’re traveling from Bangkok to Krabi. It’s possible to take a bus or a direct flight from BKK.

Buses take about eleven to twelve hours, but are surprisingly comfortable. VIP Bus tickets cost about $30 per person and include AC, personal TV screens and charging ports, and reclining seats. 

Flights can cost as little as $20 each way, and domestic airlines in Thailand are relatively comfortable to travel on. 

How to get from Phuket to Krabi:

Going from Phuket to Krabi is a bit easier because they are quite close.

If you are traveling from Phuket, you can take a bus, a ferry, a minivan, or a private car.

A bus ride from Phuket to Krabi takes about three hours and will cost $7 per person. 

A ferry will get you there in an hour and a half and costs around $20.

Private transfers in a minivan or a car are great if you are traveling with a group or like to set your own schedule. They are, however, much pricier. Private cars start at $75, and minivans are between $80-$100. The ride will take about three hours, depending on how often you stop.

You can easily fly from cities in the north, like Chiang Mai, or take a ferry from neighboring islands.  

No matter how you choose to get to Krabi, you’ll be glad you added this part of Thailand to your itinerary. There’s no doubt that there is plenty of fun, sun, and relaxation to be had in this area of the country.

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