Krabi Travel Guide
Getting in and around
The easiest way to get to Krabi is by plane. Krabi International Airport is a small, 2 terminal facility that receives flights from Bangkok several times a day. Direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Koh Samui are also available on a regular basis. Krabi can also be accessed by car or bus, but with the low cost of flights, this is typically not a practical option. There is also no major train station in the area. Krabi’s main beaches are 30-40 minutes from the airport, with airport transfers ranging from 50 to 600 baht.
Krabi has three major beach areas - Ao Nang, Had Yao and Rai Leh. All three beaches offer something different and are relatively close to one another. The easiest way to travel between these three areas and the town of Krabi which is located further inland is by using Songthaews. Songthaews are public passenger vehicles which transport tourists and locals to popular destination for under 100 baht. Travelling by Songthaew is a great way to explore the region and interact with locals.
Krabi has three major beach areas - Ao Nang, Had Yao and Rai Leh. All three beaches offer something different and are relatively close to one another. The easiest way to travel between these three areas and the town of Krabi which is located further inland is by using Songthaews. Songthaews are public passenger vehicles which transport tourists and locals to popular destination for under 100 baht. Travelling by Songthaew is a great way to explore the region and interact with locals.
Beach life in Krabi
Most visitors to Krabi stay in or around Ao Nang beach. The town of Krabi actually lies slightly further inland and is considered by most tourists to be too far from the water to stay in. Ao Nang offers hotels and resorts for every budget. Dotted with traditional Thai boats and flanked on both ends by stunning cliffs and topography, many consider Ao Nang to be the best beach in Thailand. Not nearly as rowdy or crowded as resort towns like Patong in nearby Phuket, it is a very tranquil spot. The amenities surrounding Ao Nang are quite good, with a number of great resorts and spas adjacent to the water. Visitors can enjoy traditional Thai massages or western spa treatments outdoors, while listening to the crashing of the waves along the beach. Most resorts also boast excellent restaurants, and there is even opportunity to indulge in a little shopping in town.
Though each of Krabi’s beaches is perfect for lounging, relaxing and swimming, there are several water activities available to those staying in the area. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular with tourists, and there are many boat tours which depart from here. These tours can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and take tourists around the areas surrounding islands, many of which include unique landmarks and native peoples. In Ao Nang, group tour boats and private long tail boats are both available at very reasonable prices, and the tour operators have excellent safety records.
Though each of Krabi’s beaches is perfect for lounging, relaxing and swimming, there are several water activities available to those staying in the area. Ao Nang Beach is the most popular with tourists, and there are many boat tours which depart from here. These tours can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and take tourists around the areas surrounding islands, many of which include unique landmarks and native peoples. In Ao Nang, group tour boats and private long tail boats are both available at very reasonable prices, and the tour operators have excellent safety records.
Offshore islands
Many of the islands dotting the Andaman Sea off the coast of Krabi are very lightly inhabited and are perfect for hiking and exploring. Some even offer camping accommodation for those wanted a true island experience. The most famous and frequently visited island in the area is Phi Phi Island, where the film The Beach was shot.
Phi Phi is one of the largest islands between Phuket and Krabi and contains unspoilt jungle, which tourists can explore at their leisure. Snorkeling and diving off this island is quite popular with a high concentration of tropical fish in the area.
Ko Lao Liang - Another popular island with tourists accessible from Krabi. It is a protected area where locals have been living in caves and collected nests used in bird nest soup for centuries.
Other notable islands worth visiting include Chicken Head Island and Pranang Island.
Phi Phi is one of the largest islands between Phuket and Krabi and contains unspoilt jungle, which tourists can explore at their leisure. Snorkeling and diving off this island is quite popular with a high concentration of tropical fish in the area.
Ko Lao Liang - Another popular island with tourists accessible from Krabi. It is a protected area where locals have been living in caves and collected nests used in bird nest soup for centuries.
Other notable islands worth visiting include Chicken Head Island and Pranang Island.
The gifts of Mother Nature
This area of Thailand is full of natural wonders, both in the sea and on land. The waters can be explored by kayak for those who are comfortable with that form of transportation. There are also a number of excursions for snorkelers and scuba divers. The area is home to tropical fish, native monkeys and various other tropical birds and frogs. Krabi’s Rai Leh beach has long been popular for outdoor activities and is famous for its rock climbing opportunities and relatively rural feel.
Wat tham Sua - Outside of the beach areas, the Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Krabi. Embedded in a cave, the temple is full of golden Buddha statues and fantastic architecture. Sitting on a hill, the temple is home to Buddhist monks to maintain the area and surrounding jungle.
Klong Thom – These are the hot springs of Krabi. Situated in what feels like the middle of the jungle, the hot springs contain natural mineral water creating the perfect jungle jacuzzi. The nearby lagoon water is also warm and can be used for swimming. Entrance to the hot spring equates to a few British Pounds and is well worth a trip.
Wat tham Sua - Outside of the beach areas, the Tiger Cave Temple is one of the most popular attractions in Krabi. Embedded in a cave, the temple is full of golden Buddha statues and fantastic architecture. Sitting on a hill, the temple is home to Buddhist monks to maintain the area and surrounding jungle.
Klong Thom – These are the hot springs of Krabi. Situated in what feels like the middle of the jungle, the hot springs contain natural mineral water creating the perfect jungle jacuzzi. The nearby lagoon water is also warm and can be used for swimming. Entrance to the hot spring equates to a few British Pounds and is well worth a trip.
Eating out
Each of Krabi’s major beaches offers a wonderful selection of restaurants and cafes. There are many British and European restaurants in addition to places serving authentic Thai food. Located in southern Thailand, Krabi offers a number of dishes local to the south including green curry and Gaeng som (sour curry soup) incorporated with freshly-caught seafood. Local food in Krabi differs from dishes found in Bangkok in that more herbs and spices are used to create stronger flavours. Additionally, southern dishes often include more seafood such as crab and prawns, while further inland, freshwater fish is more commonly used.
Summing up
While it is quickly growing in popularity, Krabi remains relatively undiscovered by foreign tourists in comparison to other beach locations in Thailand. The area is developed enough to provide comfortable, high-quality accommodations, whilst still providing a perfect balance with nature. Water and outdoor-lovers will have the opportunity to explore the unspoilt islands, landscapes and natural wonders of Krabi whilst receiving the friendly hospitality that the Thai people are known so well for.
Krabi Photo Gallery
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Phi Phi Island by Speed Boat
Full Day, Adventure Tour, Krabi1,720.00THB
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Jame Bond Island incl. Lunch
Full Day, Adventure Tour, Krabi1,620.00THB
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Island Hopping by Speed Boat incl. Lunch
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Krabi1,150.00THB
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Ao Tha Lane Nature Reserve by Kayaking
Half Day, Adventure Tour, Krabi1,040.00THB
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Khao Sok Nature Tour
Full Day, Adventure Tour, Krabi3,000.00THB