15 Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

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What are the best things to do in Krabi? It’s a question that many travellers ask themselves before they pack their bags and head out for this Southeast Asian gem.

Krabi was my all-time favourite place that I visited on my trip to Thailand. Now, don’t get me wrong, the palaces of Bangkok were beautiful, and the temples of Chaing Rai were stunning. But for me, Krabi has the perfect combination of beautiful natural wonders and stunning temples.

The island is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of big cities. It’s home to some stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, and an abundance of history. Visit Ao Nang or Railay Beach or explore mangroves on a kayak with monkeys swinging in the trees above your head!

Krabi also has some incredible sunsets, an amazing coastline, and delicious food. With its white-sand beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and diverse wildlife there are so many things to do in Krabi! The area is a great place to visit if you’re looking for something different from the bustling cities of Thailand.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, and Krabi is on your bucket list, these are the best things to do in Krabi.

What are the best things to do in Krabi?

So, what are the best things to do in Krabi? Well, if you’re looking for a beachy vacation, then Ao Nang and Railay Beach can’t be beaten.

If you love kayaking (or even snorkelling), tons of tours take place around nearby islands like Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta. Here are some of the most unmissable things to do in Krabi, Thailand.

1. Visit the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool

Tucked away up in the hills of Krabi, you’ll find a pair of stunning emerald-green natural pools. The first is called Emerald Pool and can be reached after about an hour’s hike down from the entrance.

The second is called Blue Pool and you’ll need to take a small kayak across the Emerald Pool. Both are equally beautiful but completely different in colour and perfect for a dip.

You can either visit them on your own or book a trip as a guided tour from Krabi.

✅ I recommend this tour to the Emerald Pool

2. Wander Around Krabi Town

Krabi Town is pretty small, but it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours. You can spend some time wandering the stalls that sell local handicrafts like silverware or wood carvings.

You can also visit the local museums (such as Wat Khlong Thom Museum or the Dao Art Gallery) to learn more about Krabi’s history and culture.

3. Visit the Night Market

If you want an authentic Thai experience, you’ll definitely want to visit Krabi Night Market.

It has all sorts of great restaurants and bars to eat and drink in. Plus, there are some fun night markets selling local handicrafts and souvenirs at discounted prices from what you’ll find elsewhere on the island.

The atmosphere and vibe of the place are really fun and it’s a great way to spend an evening. Of course, after you smell the place, you really will want to eat all the street food you can find!

4. Climb to the top of the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Thm Sua)

If you don’t mind an incredible step and an incredibly long climb, you’ll love the Tiger Cave Temple.

The actual Tiger Cave is at ground level, but to view the temple, you have to climb 309 meters with 1260 steps to conquer until you reach the summit.

I’m not going to lie, this was probably one of the most difficult climbs I’ve ever done. The sheer volume of steep stairs plus the sweltering Thai heat beaming down on you doesn’t make for an easy climb!

But, depending on your fitness level, you should be able to do it in 20 – 40 minutes. Bring plenty of water and you’ll be very thankful for the ice cream stall waiting for you once you get back down to the bottom!

You’ll also have to watch your head as you climb along rocks and pass by cave shrines that honour different Thai deities or ancient kings who built Krabi’s first city walls back in the 13th century.

Once you make it up, though, there are some incredible views out over Krabi.

✅ I recommend this tour to the Tiger Cave Temple

5. explore Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

Thung Teao Forest Natural Park is perfect for anyone who loves the great outdoors! The best way to explore it, by far, is on a kayak.

You can rent them at Ao Nang Beach or Railay Beach and then launch into the park’s protected mangroves where you’ll find monkeys swinging in trees around your head and kingfishers flitting through the branches.

You’ll also find some amazing wildlife including crabs, seahorses, and even manatees in this area! But you really have to be careful not to touch anything because it’s a protected national park where all these animals live!

6. Wander Around Railay Beach and Caves

Arguably the most popular beach in Krabi (and possibly Thailand), Railay is a beach lover’s dream. There are a ton of things to do here, but the biggest draw is climbing along Krabi’s twin limestone cliffs that rise on all sides of you.

Each cliff has its own paths and caves which lead out onto some amazing views over Railay Beach and further out into Ao Nang Bay.

You can either take a guided tour from Ao Nang, or you can hire a local guide at Railay Beach. This is also the best place in Krabi to watch some of Thailand’s most incredible sunsets.

7. Relax in Kong Thom Hot Springs

In the very heart of Krabi province, you’ll find a natural hot spring that’s been used by locals for centuries.

Head to Kong Thom Hot Springs and take a dip in the warm water pools which are set into lush green jungle scenery where small birds flit from tree to tree looking for insects or ripe fruit to eat!

It’s only 20 minutes out of Ao Nang, so it makes for a great day trip – just don’t forget you’re swimsuit.

8. Go Kayaking through a Mangrove Forest

One of the coolest things to do in Krabi is kayaking through a mangrove forest. It’s such an unusual and unique experience and you’ll get up close and personal with all sorts of different animals and plants.

The forest itself is captivatingly beautiful, with the kayaks making for a great way to explore it.

This will definitely be one of your top memories in Krabi, and you might even cross something off your bucket list too! You can also easily book a tour either online or from a vendor in Krabi town.

✅ I recommend this kayaking tour in Krabi

9. Go on a 4-Island Tour

Possibly the most popular island hopping tour in Krabi, the four-island tour is a fun way to spend an afternoon. You’ll take the local ferry out of Ao Nang or Railay Beach and stop at each of Phra Nang Bay’s stunning limestone islands before boarding again for another short trip.

You can also jump off your boat into crystal clear waters, play with some monkeys on Monkey Island, or visit a hot spring on Chicken Island!

The tour lasts all day and is great for those who don’t want to do their own island hopping. The boats will take you snorkelling, so bring your gear with you too if you have it!

✅ I recommend this 4-island snorkelling tour in Krabi

10. Visit the Phi Phi Islands

Also, the Phi Phi Islands are a must-visit while you’re in Krabi. They may not be as secluded or undeveloped as they once were, but no one can deny that their beauty is just incredible.

You’ll find some of Thailand’s best snorkelling here and the water will feel like an aquarium come to life. It’s also home to Maya Bay which is where Leonardo DiCaprio filmed The Beach.

You can visit Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh or Bamboo Island depending on the tour you take out there. Most tours will include snorkelling equipment and lunch too so you don’t need to worry about anything but forgetting your swimsuit!

✅ I recommend this Phi-Phi Islands trip from Krabi

11. Visit Wat Kaew Temple

Located in the southernmost tip of Krabi, Wat Kaew is one of the most spectacular temples in all of Thailand. This temple has an amazing history and was built over 400 years ago by King Phetracha to honour his late mother.

The architecture here is also unique and you’ll see some very unusual Buddhas that are unlike any other Buddhist art in Thailand.

Plus, unlike any other, you’ll find it in Thailand as it blends Chinese, Khmer, and European influences into one amazing style which you simply have to see for yourself. If you’re a fan of Thai history, then Wat Kaew is an amazing place to visit!

12. feed the Elephants at Krabi Elephant Sanctuary

Visiting an elephant sanctuary is a typical Thai activity but this sanctuary is completely ethical and sustainable which is why it’s one of the best places in Thailand to visit.

You’ll get a chance to feed, bathe and look after an elephant here! But you won’t get a chance to ride on these animals, which is super important and one of the things that makes it different from others.

Instead, you’ll also learn all about the elephants, their habitat, and some interesting facts about Thailand’s national animal. Plus you can watch them play football or do other tricks too if they feel like it!

You can usually visit the elephant sanctuaries on full or half-day tours.

✅ I recommend this elephant sanctuary tour from Krabi

13. Relax on Ao Nang Beach

Of course, no guide to Krabi is complete without a mention of Ao Nang beach. This stunning stretch of sand has been attracting tourists from all over the world.

It’s very beautiful and clean too so you can lie back on its white sands and enjoy some peaceful relaxation after a busy day of doing all the amazing things you can do here.

Ao Nang is one of Krabi’s most developed areas so there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and bars to choose from, as well as a night market that has some incredibly cheap shopping too!

It’s easy to get around Ao Nang using its public tuk-tuks, songthaews, or local buses.

14. Take a trip to Koh Lanta Yai

If you want to stay away from the crowds, then Koh Lanta Yai is an amazing place for seclusion. This island has a small population but it’s packed full of gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters which are ideal for snorkelling too!

Koh Lanta Yai may be slightly more difficult to reach but there are plenty of tours that will take you directly to the island or just to one of its beaches.

To get around Koh Lanta Yai, there are local buses available for use which go directly from Ao Nang to the ferry pier where boats depart regularly for this amazing island.

15. Go Rock Climbing

Last but not least, if you’re a thrill-seeker then Krabi should be your next holiday destination! Not only is it the perfect place to enjoy water sports, but it’s also one of the most popular rock climbing spots in Thailand.

There are dozens of places that offer good routes for those who want to try their hand at rock climbing and there are tours available too if you don’t want to go on your own. Railay Beach in particular is a very popular spot for those who want to try rock climbing as it has over 400 routes set out!

So if you’re someone who likes adventure and excitement, then Krabi should be your next holiday destination. After all, there are so many amazing things to do in Krabi that you’ll be spoiled for choice.

✅ I recommend this rock climbing tour from Krabi

How many days do you need in Krabi?

This depends on what you want to do in Krabi. You can see all of the major sights, and go on a couple of tours in about 5 days, but you could easily turn a trip to Krabi into a week or even 2 week-long adventure.

There’s just so much to do there, and, compared to Bangkok, where you might be able to see a temple or museum in a couple of hours, exploring national parks, caves, hot springs, and entire islands takes a lot longer.

So, if you want to go on a lot of tours and see the best things to do in Krabi, I’d say plan for about a week. If you just want to relax by one of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches like Ao Nang or Railay for a few days, then it could take as little as two nights.

What is the best time to visit Krabi?

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dry season, which runs from November through April. The beaches are, admittedly, a little more crowded around this time, but the weather is more pleasant, much less humid, cooler (although it’ll still be very hot), and there’s little to no rain!

Krabi is the busiest between December and January because that’s when all of the Christmas/New Year tourists come flooding in for a break from the European winter. However, it’s easily one of the best tropical destinations to visit in December.

If you don’t mind a little rain sometimes, then the shoulder season from May through October is also good because it’s not as crowded and still much cheaper than going during peak or high season.

I’d recommend avoiding June though since this is when monsoon rains come in full force, but if you’re looking for an even more budget-friendly trip, then this is the perfect time to go!

Is Krabi worth visiting?

Yes! Without a doubt, Krabi is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. The waters are clear and blue, there’s a bunch of different things that you can do, and it’s really easy to get around! And, as I’ve mentioned, there’s the perfect blend of temples, Thai culture, and natural beauty.

How do you get around Krabi?

Although slightly harder to get around than the larger cities, Krabi is still pretty simple to navigate.

The public transport consists of songthaews, taxis, buses, and tuk-tuks, which are fairly easy to locate and flag down. Although with the taxis, songthaews, and tuk-tuks, be sure to agree on a price before you get in or you could get ripped off. Also, don’t forget to haggle.

You can also rent motorbikes, but if you’re not used to navigating Thai traffic (which is pretty intimidating at first), then I’d recommend against this!

Final Thoughts on Best Things to Do in Krabi

Overall, Krabi was my absolute favourite place to visit in Thailand. it was gorgeous with towering cliffs, beautiful forests, and amazing wildlife. The people were super friendly and the nightlife was electric. If you’re considering visiting Thailand, don’t miss a trip to Krabi. Trust me, you’ll love it!

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