Krabi

Krabi Province sits on Thailand’s Andaman coast, and the first thing you notice is the karst: hundreds of limestone towers punching out of the sea and jungle, giving the whole coastline a landscape that looks like it belongs in a fantasy film. The province covers 25 islands, 12 beaches, 7 national parks and 3 waterfalls, making it one of the most naturally diverse areas in the country.

What to See & Do

Railay Beach is the headline act: a peninsula only accessible by longtail boat, boxed in by sheer cliffs on three sides. Rock climbing on those cliffs draws climbers from around the world. The Phi Phi Islands sit 90 minutes offshore by speedboat and remain one of Thailand’s most photographed spots, though Maya Bay now operates a timed-entry system to manage crowds.

Sa Morakot (Emerald Pool) lives up to its name: a natural thermal pool in the jungle near Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary, fed by a warm spring that turns the water an eerie green. Combine it with the nearby Crystal Pool and Blue Pool for a full morning out. Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua) is Krabi’s most famous temple: the 1,260 steps to the summit reward you with panoramic views of the province.

Kayaking through the mangroves at Ao Thalane, four-island hopping tours, and snorkelling at Koh Poda round out the activity list. Between May and October, the Andaman swell brings decent surf to some of the exposed beaches.

Where to Stay in Krabi: Best Areas

For a first trip, stay in Ao Nang: it has the widest choice of hotels, the longtail piers for island tours and the most restaurants. Couples after quiet and big-name resorts do better on the Tubkaek and Klong Muang coast, families can go either way but should lean towards Ao Nang or Koh Lanta, and anyone on a tight budget should look at Krabi Town. If you want the island feel, pick Koh Lanta for calm or Koh Phi Phi for nightlife.

Ao Nang

The default base. The beach strip runs along the foot of the limestone cliffs, boats to Railay leave from the shore, and tour desks and restaurants are within walking distance of most hotels. The drawback is the main road: rooms on the strip hear traffic and bars, so the side sois are calmer.

Picks: Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa for beachfront on the main strip, Panan Krabi Resort for families (kids’ pool, short walk to the beach), Andaman Pearl Resort for a walkable 3-star with in-room kitchens.

Railay Beach

Railay is a car-free peninsula boxed in by cliffs and reached only by longtail boat. It suits climbers, couples and anyone who wants scenery over nightlife. Services are thin, ATMs are unreliable, and rough seas can stop boats, so it is a poor place to sleep before an early flight.

Picks: Rayavadee Hotel for the top-end option on the Phra Nang side, Sand Sea Resort Railay Beach for West Railay beachfront, Railay Garden View Resort as a cheaper East Railay base.

Tubkaek and Klong Muang

North-west of Ao Nang (about 20 minutes by taxi to Klong Muang), this coast is where Krabi’s large resorts sit, with quiet sand and views towards the islands. It suits honeymooners and anyone who wants a resort holiday. The drawback is distance: dinners and tour pick-ups mean a taxi or hotel shuttle.

Picks: Banyan Tree Krabi on Tubkaek Beach, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa on Klong Muang, Bliss Resort Krabi for a lower-cost room on the same quiet coastline.

Krabi Town

Krabi Town is the province’s working centre: night market, river, and bus and boat connections. Rooms cost less than on the beaches and the food is local. The drawback is plain: no beach, and the sand is a ride of about 20 minutes away.

Picks: The Chill @ Krabi Hotel for a budget hotel on Watchara Road, The Nice Hotel for a 3-star near the river piers, Chanchalay Hip Hostel for dorm-style budget.

Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta trades Ao Nang’s bustle for long west-coast beaches and a slow pace. Saladan, the ferry port, has the shops and eateries; the quieter beaches lie further south. Getting there takes a ferry and the island is spread out, so most people hire a scooter or rely on taxis. Adults-only options exist if you want zero kid noise.

Picks: Pimalai Resort & Spa for five-star calm on Ba Kan Tiang Beach, Twin Lotus Resort and Spa for adults-only on Klong Dao (open November to April), Peaceful Resort for budget beachfront on Long Beach.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is dramatic, social and loud. Day-trippers fill the village by mid-morning, so sleeping on the island gives you the evenings and early mornings to yourself. Maya Bay is visited by boat tour, not stayed in. Families with small children usually find it a tough fit.

Picks: Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort for a secluded 5-star on Laemthong Bay, Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort for beachfront under the cliffs, Panmanee Hotel for a walkable budget base.

Insider Tip: Split a longer trip. Two or three nights on a quiet beach plus two in Ao Nang or Railay costs little extra time, and you avoid paying resort rates for the days you spend out on boat tours anyway.

For editor shortlists, see our luxury hotels in Krabi, romantic hotels in Krabi and cheap hotels in Krabi. Check live rates for your dates before you decide.

Getting There

Krabi International Airport (KBV) receives direct flights from Bangkok (1h 20m), Chiang Mai, and seasonal international routes from Singapore and KL. From the airport, the shuttle bus to Ao Nang costs ฿150. Buses run from Bangkok’s Southern Terminal (11 hours overnight) and from Phuket (3 hours). Ferries connect Krabi to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.

Best Time to Visit

November to April is Krabi’s dry season: calm seas, reliable boat schedules, peak diving visibility. The southwest monsoon (May–October) brings afternoon downpours and some boat routes shut down, particularly to smaller islands. Prices can drop 40% in low season and the mainland beaches remain swimmable most days.

Insider Tip: Longtail boats from Ao Nang to Railay cost ฿100 per person, but only when the boat is full (8 people). If you’re early or late, you’ll pay ฿800 for a private charter unless you’re willing to wait.