--- title: "Top 10 Things To Do in Krabi, Thailand | Wimup" description: "Krabi, Thailand in one page: Railay's cliffs, Phi Phi and the Hong Islands by boat, the Tiger Cave Temple's 1,260 steps, the Emerald Pool and the weekend Walking Street." url: https://wimup.com/city/krabi type: City guide updated: 2026-10-25 publisher: Wimup (https://wimup.com) --- # Top 10 Things To Do in Krabi Krabi, Thailand · Asia · By Wimup Editorial, 14 min read Krabi is both a province and its capital: a river town on Thailand's Andaman coast, with the beaches about 20 km west at Ao Nang and Railay. Limestone towers rise straight from the sea here, and dozens of islands sit offshore, a longtail ride away. ## Quick answer Base yourself in Ao Nang or on Railay. Give the first day to Railay: Phra Nang beach in the morning, then the viewpoint scramble or a climbing lesson. Spend the second on a boat, to Phi Phi and Maya Bay or to the Hong Islands' lagoon. Take the third inland: the Tiger Cave Temple's steps at dawn, then the Emerald Pool and the Khlong Thom hot springs. ## Quick facts - **Best months:** Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar - **Ideal length:** 4 to 5 days - **Budget per day:** $45–110 - **Language:** Thai, with Southern Thai spoken locally - **Getting around:** Longtail boats, songthaews, Grab and rented scooters - **Tourism board:** [Official site](https://www.tourismthailand.org/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## The 10 best things to do in Krabi ### 1. Railay Peninsula · Railay, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi A peninsula cut off from the road by its cliffs, so every visitor arrives by longtail from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. Stay a night rather than day-trip: the beaches empty once the last boats leave, and the walls climb best in the cool of the morning. - **Time:** Full day - **Cost:** Longtail fare each way - **Best at:** Early morning - **Tip:** Pack light: you wade ashore from the longtail Links: [Tourism Thailand](https://www.tourismthailand.org/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 2. Phra Nang Beach and Cave Beach · Phra Nang Beach, Railay The finest beach on the peninsula, under cliffs that climbers rope up from the sand. At its eastern end, Phra Nang Cave holds a shrine of carved wooden phalluses, offerings left by fishermen for a sea princess. - **Time:** Half day - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Before 10am - **Tip:** Walk in from Railay East on the cliff-foot path ### 3. Ko Phi Phi and Maya Bay Islands · Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park Phi Phi Don is the inhabited island and Phi Phi Leh the cliff-ringed one, with Maya Bay on its west side. Swimming in the bay is banned and boats land at a pier behind it; go early, ahead of the day boats from Phuket. - **Time:** Full day - **Cost:** 400 THB park fee (adults) - **Best at:** November to April - **Tip:** Maya Bay closes every year from 1 August to 30 September Links: [National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 4. Tiger Cave Temple Temple · Wat Tham Suea, Krabi Noi, Mueang Krabi A forest monastery whose cave shrines sit at the foot of a karst, with a staircase of 1,260 steps to a golden Buddha on the summit. The view takes in the Krabi plain and the coast; climb at first light, while the steps are still shaded. - **Time:** 2–3 hours - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Dawn - **Tip:** Cover shoulders and knees, and keep bags shut near the monkeys ### 5. Hong Islands Islands · Mu Ko Hong, Than Bok Khorani National Park A cluster north of Ao Nang where Ko Hong hides a lagoon enclosed by cliffs, entered by kayak or longtail at high water. Quieter than Phi Phi and a shorter run, it makes the better first boat day for families. - **Time:** Full day - **Cost:** Park fee on top of the tour - **Best at:** High tide - **Tip:** Choose a tour that times the lagoon for high water Links: [National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 6. Four Islands: Poda, Kai and Tup Islands · Ko Poda, off Ao Nang The short hop from Ao Nang: Ko Poda's long beach, the chicken-head rock of Ko Kai and the sandbar that joins Ko Tup to its neighbours at low tide. Most tours add Phra Nang, so it doubles as a Railay visit. - **Time:** Half to full day - **Cost:** Park fee on top of the tour - **Best at:** Low tide - **Tip:** A late-afternoon tour misses the midday crowd on the sandbar ### 7. Emerald Pool Nature · Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary, Khlong Thom A spring-fed pool in lowland forest at the end of a boardwalk, its water a steady clear green. A longer trail runs on to the Blue Pool, which is for looking at only. - **Time:** 2 hours - **Cost:** Sanctuary entry fee - **Best at:** Opening time - **Tip:** Swim in the Emerald Pool; bathing in the Blue Pool is banned Links: [National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 8. Khlong Thom Hot Springs Hot springs · Namtok Ron, Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom Hot spring water spills over stepped rock into a cool stream, so you sit where the two temperatures meet. The local subdistrict runs it, not the national parks, and it pairs with the Emerald Pool in a single day inland. - **Time:** 1–2 hours - **Cost:** Small entry fee - **Best at:** Late afternoon - **Tip:** Hire a driver for the day to cover both sites ### 9. Khao Ngon Nak (Dragon Crest) Hike · Khao Ngon Nak trail, Nong Thale A steep forest climb of about 3.7 km to a rock ledge above the Andaman coast and its islands. Allow three to four hours there and back, start before 8am and carry at least two litres of water. - **Time:** 3–4 hours - **Cost:** Park fee - **Best at:** Early morning - **Tip:** Wear shoes with grip; the upper section is rock and roots Links: [National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ### 10. Krabi Town and the Walking Street Town · Maharat Soi 8, Krabi Town The town is where locals live and shop, on a mangrove-lined river facing the twin karsts of Khao Khanab Nam. On Friday and Saturday evenings, Maharat Soi 8 turns into the Walking Street of food stalls and music. - **Time:** Evening - **Cost:** Free - **Best at:** Weekend evenings - **Tip:** Longtails at the riverfront run out to Khao Khanab Nam ## Best beaches in Krabi Sunset sand, a cave shrine and a climbers’ cove, all on one stretch of coast. 1. **Railay West** (Sunsets · Railay): Sunset-facing sand between cliffs, lined with the peninsula’s resorts. 2. **Phra Nang** (Best overall · Railay): Cliffs, the cave shrine and the clearest water near Ao Nang. 3. **Ao Nang** (Base · Ao Nang): The busy mainland beach and the longtail hub for every island trip. 4. **Tonsai** (Climbing · Railay): The climbers’ bay beside Railay, rockier at low tide and cheaper. 5. **Hat Noppharat Thara** (Quiet · Ao Nang): A long beach under casuarina trees where the sea pulls far out at low tide. 6. **Klong Muang** (Resorts · Klong Muang): A spread-out resort beach facing the Hong Islands. ## Best islands in Krabi Two Phi Phis, a hidden lagoon and the short hops off Ao Nang. 1. **Ko Phi Phi Don** (Overnight · Phi Phi): The inhabited Phi Phi island, with its village, piers and viewpoint. 2. **Ko Phi Phi Leh** (Day trip · Phi Phi): Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon, seen by boat and from the bay’s boardwalk. 3. **Ko Hong** (Kayaking · North of Ao Nang): A lagoon inside a ring of cliffs, best entered at high tide. 4. **Ko Poda** (Beach · Off Ao Nang): A long white beach under a lone karst, the first stop on most four-island tours. 5. **Ko Kai** (Snorkelling · Off Ao Nang): Chicken Island, named for its rock: snorkelling, no beach landing. ## Best nature and viewpoints in Krabi Rock art, fossil shells and the lookouts the boat trips skip. 1. **Than Bok Khorani National Park** (Forest · Ao Luek): Spring-fed forest pools near Ao Luek, a cool half day inland. 2. **Tham Phi Hua To** (Rock art · Ao Luek): A sea cave in the Ao Luek mangroves with prehistoric red-ochre paintings. 3. **Su San Hoi** (Geology · Laem Pho): Slabs of fossilised freshwater snail shells exposed on the shore. 4. **Railay Viewpoint and Lagoon** (Steep · Railay): A muddy rope scramble from Railay East to a lookout and a hidden lagoon. 5. **Khao Khanab Nam** (By longtail · Krabi Town): Twin karsts across the river from Krabi Town, with a cave at the base. ## Best outdoor adventures in Krabi Krabi’s cliffs and reefs are the reason many come at all. 1. **Rock climbing at Railay** (Climbing · Railay and Tonsai): Hundreds of bolted routes, with schools running half-day first lessons. 2. **Kayaking at Ao Thalane** (Kayaking · Ao Thalane): Paddle mangrove channels between karst walls north of Ao Nang. 3. **Diving at Phi Phi** (Diving · Phi Phi): Reefs and walls off Phi Phi, with dive shops on Phi Phi Don and in Ao Nang. 4. **Deep-water soloing** (Advanced · Railay): Climbing above the sea without ropes, from boats out of Railay. ## Best markets and food in Krabi Night markets in town and on the beach, and a class to take the food home. 1. **Krabi Walking Street** (Weekends · Krabi Town): Friday and Saturday evening stalls and music on Maharat Soi 8. 2. **Chao Fa Night Market** (Evenings · Krabi Town): Evening food stalls by the river at the town’s Chao Fa pier. 3. **Ao Nang Landmark Night Market** (Evenings · Ao Nang): Food and souvenir stalls a short walk from Ao Nang’s beachfront. 4. **Thai cooking classes** (Hands-on · Ao Nang): Half-day classes in Ao Nang that start at the market and end with lunch. ## Best neighborhoods in Krabi Pick a base by how much you want boats, nightlife or quiet. 1. **Ao Nang** (Busiest · Mainland): The main resort strip: hotels, restaurants and every boat out. 2. **Railay East** (Value · Railay): The peninsula’s cheaper side, on mangrove flats rather than sand. 3. **Railay West** (Splurge · Railay): Resorts on the beach, car-free and boat-only. 4. **Krabi Town** (Local · Town): Riverside guesthouses, markets and the ferry pier, at local prices. 5. **Klong Muang** (Quiet · North coast): Quiet resort coast north of Ao Nang, best with a car. ## Best day trips in Krabi An island town, a famous bay and a rainforest lake. 1. **Ko Lanta** (About 1.5 hr by boat · South): A long, laid-back island with an old wooden town on its east coast. 2. **Phang Nga Bay** (Full day · North): Karst islands and James Bond Island in the neighbouring province. 3. **Khao Sok National Park** (Overnight · North): Rainforest and the Cheow Lan lake, best with a night on the water. 4. **Ko Yao Noi** (Half day by boat · North): A quiet farming island in Phang Nga Bay, by boat from Tha Len pier. ## Festivals & annual events in Krabi (2026) - **Chinese New Year** (January or February): Offerings and firecrackers at Krabi Town’s Chinese shrines. - **Makha Bucha** (February or March): Candlelit processions around temple halls on the full moon. - **Laanta Lanta Festival** (March or April): Ko Lanta’s Old Town celebrates the island’s mix of cultures. - **Songkran** (13–15 April): Thai New Year: water fights at Ao Nang and in town, merit at the temples. - **Visakha Bucha** (May or June): Buddhism’s holiest day, with candlelit walks at the temples. - **Vegetarian Festival** (September or October): Nine meat-free days, with a shrine procession to the City Pillar. - **Ok Phansa** (October): The end of Buddhist Lent, with merit-making at the temples at dawn. - **Loy Krathong** (November): Floats set on the river and the sea at the full moon; 24 November in 2026. ## Must-try dishes in Krabi, Thailand - **Kaeng som**: Sour, turmeric-yellow Southern curry, usually with fish. - **Kaeng tai pla**: Fiery Southern curry of fermented fish innards and vegetables. - **Khua kling**: Dry-fried minced meat with turmeric, lime leaf and plenty of chilli. - **Khao yam**: Southern rice salad with herbs, toasted coconut and budu fish sauce. - **Khanom chin nam ya**: Fresh rice noodles under a fish curry, with raw vegetables on the side. - **Khao mok gai**: Thai-Muslim chicken biryani, yellow with turmeric and served with a sweet chilli sauce. - **Roti**: Griddled flatbread from the Muslim stalls, with egg, banana or curry. - **Pla thot khamin**: Whole fish fried with turmeric and garlic, a seafront staple. ## Krabi transport & airports - **Krabi International Airport** (KBV): About 7 km east of Krabi Town and roughly 30 km from Ao Nang, with flights from Bangkok and seasonal routes from abroad. Shared minivans and taxis wait at arrivals. - **Ferries from Klong Jilad** (Ferry): Klong Jilad pier, about 4 km from Krabi Town, runs ferries to Phi Phi in about 1 hour 40 minutes and to Ko Lanta. Some Phi Phi boats also leave from the Ao Nang coast. - **Longtail boats** (Boat): Longtails leave Ao Nang beach for Railay once a boat fills, and also run from Krabi Town’s riverside. Buy tickets at the counter on the beachfront. - **Songthaews, taxis and scooters** (Road): Shared songthaews link Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Noppharat Thara by day. Grab operates here; agree taxi fares first, and ride a scooter only with a licence and a helmet. [Grab](https://www.grab.com/th/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) ## Krabi at a glance - **Country:** Thailand - **Region:** Mueang Krabi District, Krabi Province - **Population:** 32,644 in the town (2019); about 484,000 in the province (2024) - **Founded:** Town municipality (thesaban mueang) - **Nickname:** Named for the sword (krabi) of local legend - **Language:** Thai, with Southern Thai spoken locally - **Currency:** Thai baht (THB) - **Time zone:** ICT (UTC+7) - **Calling code:** +66 (75) - **Airports:** Krabi International (KBV) - **Power:** 220 V, 50 Hz; type A, B, C and O plugs - **Emergency:** Police 191, ambulance 1669, tourist police 1155 ## Interesting facts - Railay is joined to the mainland, but cliffs cut off the road, so everyone arrives by boat. - The Tiger Cave Temple staircase has 1,260 steps; older signs at its base still say 1,237. - Maya Bay closed in 2018 to let its reef recover and did not reopen until 2022. - Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh was the beach in the 2000 film The Beach. - Krabi means sword in Thai, and crossed swords are the province’s emblem. ## Krabi travel FAQ ### When is the best time to visit Krabi? December to March is the dry, calm stretch, with the clearest water for boat trips. The southwest monsoon brings rain and rough seas from about May to October, when some boat routes thin out and Maya Bay closes from 1 August to 30 September. ### How do I get to Railay? Only by boat. Longtails leave Ao Nang beach for Railay West once full, and boats also run from Krabi Town. At low tide you may wade ashore, so pack light and keep electronics in a dry bag. ### Where should I stay in Krabi? Ao Nang for choice, restaurants and easy boats; Railay West for beachfront resorts with no cars; Railay East or Tonsai for less. Krabi Town suits a budget and the ferry pier, and Klong Muang suits a quiet resort stay with a car. ### How many days do I need in Krabi? Four or five days covers Railay, one boat day each to Phi Phi and the Hong Islands, and a day inland at the Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool. Add two for Ko Lanta. ### Is Phi Phi better as a day trip or an overnight stay? A day trip from Ao Nang or Klong Jilad covers Maya Bay and the snorkelling stops. Stay a night on Phi Phi Don to see Phi Phi Leh before the day boats arrive and to climb to the viewpoint at sunset. ## Nearby guides - [Ko Samui](https://wimup.com/city/ko-samui.md): Thailand · 10 picks - [Penang](https://wimup.com/city/penang.md): Malaysia · 10 picks - [Ipoh](https://wimup.com/city/ipoh.md): Malaysia · 10 picks - [All of Asia →](https://wimup.com/asia): 104 cities Part of the [Thailand guide](https://wimup.com/country/thailand.md) · [Asia](https://wimup.com/asia.md) ## Sources - [Krabi tourism board](https://www.tourismthailand.org/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Ko Phi Phi and Maya Bay: National Parks](https://portal.dnp.go.th/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - [Songthaews, taxis and scooters: Grab](https://www.grab.com/th/en/?utm_source=wimup.com&utm_medium=referral) - Rankings are Wimup editorial picks. Prices, durations and budgets are editorial estimates, not live quotes; check the official site before you go.