Krabi is used as a short stopover by many backpackers during their trip through Thailand before traveling to the southern islands, for example. Too bad, because there is a lot to do! There are plenty of activities in Krabi to keep you entertained for a few days. Here are the best activities and the best tips! Curious about a cool Thailand itinerary in 5 weeks?
Top 7 things to do in Krabi Thailand
1. Railay Beach Krabi
Railay Beach (Railay West) is perhaps the best known and (unfortunately) also the most visited beach in the area of Krabi. Not without reason, of course, because it’s a stunning beach! It’s located between the limestone rocks and you have a fantastic view.
You can walk to the other side of the peninsula and even visit a great viewpoint at the southern tip of Railay West, if you have the energy. Check out Maps.me to see exactly where the viewpoint starts. Then put on good shoes, because slippers are downright dangerous. Railay is also known for rock climbing. Perfect for the adrenaline junkies (not for me though)!
Railay Beach is only accessible by boat. Sailing from Krabi to Railay Beach is a piece of cake. You buy your ticket at the point of sale in Ao Nang for 200 baht return per person. Then you can just walk to the beach where the boat leaves about every 10 minutes. It takes about 15 minutes by boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach.
2. Dragon Crest Viewpoint Krabi / Khao Ngon Nak
Okay, you really shouldn’t skip this viewpoint when you’re in Krabi. I’m also incredibly happy to have been here! From the Dragon Crest Viewpoint you have without a doubt the best view over the beautiful green surroundings of Krabi. It takes some effort, about 1.5 to 2 hours to get up, but it’s worth every effort. I mean, how cool is this view?!
From Krabi Town it is about 45 minutes scooter to the starting point of the viewpoint and from Ao Nang about 30 minutes.
3. Tiger Cave Temple
One place where you’re also able to have a fantastic view is at the special and famous Tiger Cave Temple. But you only have that view after more than 1237 steps, each step with a different height. Fortunately, you climb quite a while in the shade, but you will sweat a lot nonetheless! So bring enough water with you.
You’re also advised to put all your stuff in your backpack because of the cheeky monkeys. They love your snack and also try out your sunscreen! I think the monkeys are fun to see and also incredibly cute, but it’s a pity that they’ve been ruined by people. But if you have nothing to steal, they will probably leave you alone. At least that’s what they did with me.
The area at the Tiger Cave Temple is quite large. Besides the temple on the mountain, there are also some caves and a forest where monks live in simple houses.
Dress appropriately before your visit, which means that your shoulders and knees should be covered. It is, of course, a sacred place. Entrance is free.
From Krabi Town it is only 15 minutes scooter. It is about a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang.
4. Tha Pom Klong Song Nam
This activity in Krabi has an incredibly difficult name as you can see and I also found it difficult to remember .. The Tha Pom Klong Song Nam is a mangrove forest with beautiful blue lagoons. You can walk on the walking routes through the forest and over the water. At the end of the path you can jump in the refreshing water.
Entrance is 100 baht per person for adults and 50 baht for children.
It is a short drive to the Tha Pom Klong Song Nam, but your effort will be rewarded. It is about a 45-minute drive from Ao Nang and about 40 minutes from Krabi Town.
5. Nightmarkets
Nightmarkets are always a good idea if you’re looking for local, cheap and above all very tasty food. Krabi Town features multiple nightmarkets: one at the water and a central nightmarket. Both can be dirt cheap with very good food.
There’s also a nightmarket in Ao Nang, slightly out of the city center to the northwest. But also in the main street towards the northeast (not along the beach) there are a number of stalls along the road where you can score good food.
6. Wat Kaew Korawaram
The Wat Kaew Korawaram is a small temple in Krabi Town within walking distance of the central nightmarket. If you’ve already seen many temples in Thailand, it might be a bit disappointing. I visited the temple in the morning the day I flew to Bangkok. You certainly do not have to stay a day longer, but it’s still nice to visit.
7. Thara Park
Thara Park is located in Krabi Town and is a reasonable walk from the center. At the end of the afternoon, many locals come here to exercise and relax. There are, among other things a playground, a basketball court, a large football field and a running track. It’s fun to see the locals play sports and maybe you will even join in! It’s also a nice place to relax without the exhaust gases.
The Thara Park is definitely fun to visit if you have time to spare and stay in Krabi Town.
Rent a motorbike in Krabi
The surroundings of Krabi are ideal to discover by motorbike/scooter. Everywhere along the roads in Krabi there are signs with photos of the sights. Very handy, because you won’t get lost quickly! I did use the navigation on my phone, but the routes were not complicated at all.
As you can see the distances are quite long in Krabi and sometimes you’re on the scooter for a while. But the surroundings are so beautiful that I didn’t care. I was especially enjoying the beautiful limestone mountains and occasionally stopped to take pictures.
You can rent a scooter for an average of 200 baht per day.
Best place to stay in Krabi
If you stay in Krabi, you have roughly 2 places where you can find a hotel (s). Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Railay Beach is also an option to stay, but expect to pay the top price for this.
Ao Nang
Ao Nang is super touristy, but still cozy. There’s a nice atmosphere and you’re close to the beach. The only disadvantage is that the prices are therefore generally higher.
Stay in Ao Nang if you’re looking for parties, beach, bustle, and don’t mind seeing lots of tourists.
Krabi Town
Krabi Town is a sleepy town where not as many tourists can be found as in Ao Nang. There isn’t much to do in Krabi Town and in my opinion there is no super cozy atmosphere. Except around the nightmarket. In the evening it can get very busy here, especially with locals. So preferably stay close to the nightmarket.
Krabi Town is closer to the airport and to the harbor to get to the southern islands than Ao Nang. Therefore, this city is a convenient base for traveling to the islands or the airport.
If you go to Krabi Town, there is a possibility that the bus stops at the local bus station outside the center. Fortunately, you already take a shared truck for 50 baht per person.
Stay in Krabi Town if you prefer not to have hundreds of tourists around you, want to see the local life, are looking for cozy bars and restaurants.
My preference
I visited both cities during my trip through Thailand. If I had to choose between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, I would still choose Ao Nang even though I don’t really like the party atmosphere. I liked the surroundings better and the atmosphere was just a bit cozier here. I also don’t mind sitting between tourists every now and then, because luckily Thailand still has places where few tourists come.