Krabi
Dramatic limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and secluded beaches
Listing data updated
About Krabi
Krabi province is defined by its limestone. Massive karst cliffs shoot straight out of the Andaman Sea, framing some of Thailand's most photographed scenery. Railay Beach — accessible only by boat — is the crown jewel: powder-white sand backed by 300-meter rock walls that draw climbers from around the world. Over 700 bolted sport climbing routes make this Southeast Asia's premier climbing destination.
Beyond Railay, Krabi serves as the gateway to Koh Phi Phi, the Four Islands, and the quieter Koh Lanta. Ao Nang is the main tourist hub with hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies lining the beachfront road. Krabi Town itself is less touristy but has a lively weekend night market and the quirky tiger cave temple (Wat Tham Suea) with its 1,237-step staircase to the summit.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Things to Do in Krabi
Krabi offers 508 curated places to explore across 8 categories. Choose from 53 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 75 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 57 temples and cultural landmarks. Explore 26 beaches and islands. Book from 147 activities and tours.
Browse by category below or scroll down to see top-rated picks in each category. Every listing includes Google ratings from verified visitors, price ranges, and direct booking links where available.
Hotels & Resorts
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Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Upscale golf and spa resort in Nongtalay offering lush tropical surroundings, family-friendly facilities, and a quiet beachside setting.
Holiday Style Ao Nang Beach Resort
Beachfront resort on Ao Nang Beach offering direct sand access and a relaxed base for exploring Krabi.
The ShellSea Krabi I Luxury Beach Resort & Pool Villas
Polished hotel with refined rooms & plush villas, along with bars & a restaurant, 2 pools & a spa.
The Tubkaak Krabi Boutique Resort
Chic, sophisticated quarters, some with pools & bay views, plus 2 upscale restaurants & a spa.
Restaurants & Food
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Kodam Kitchen branch 1
Highly regarded budget Thai restaurant in Ao Nang, open daily, known for curries, seafood, and Pad Thai.
Tandoori Night's Restaurant
Authentic Indian and Thai cuisine in Ao Nang, open daily until 1:00 AM for late-night dining.
Khaothong Hill
Hilltop restaurant in Krabi with sweeping panoramic views over limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
Tong Talay Seafood Buffet
All-you-can-eat seafood buffet in Ao Nang where guests grill or boil their own fresh catch nightly.
Temples & Culture
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Wat Tham Suea
Expansive temple complex in lush jungle surrounds known for its gold Buddha statue & cave network.
Princess Cave
A sea goddess shrine set in a dramatic limestone cave beside one of Krabi's most scenic beaches.
Lanta Old Town
Quaint, low-key street with stores & eateries in old wooden houses, plus a pier & a weekend market.
Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol (Wat Bang Thong)
A golden Buddhist temple complex in Ao Luek, still developing but already drawing visitors for its ornate architecture and serene riverside setting.
Beaches & Islands
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Ko Lanta
Coral-fringed beaches draw scuba divers to this lush island district with a national park.
Ko Phi Phi Don
Largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, featuring scenic inlets, beach resorts & restaurants.
Railay West Beach
Expansive white-sand beach in lush jungle surrounds featuring soaring limestone cliffs & caves.
Phi Phi Islands
Picture perfect islands with sheer limestone cliffs, fine sand beaches & clear water coves.
Markets & Shopping
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Krabi Town Night Market
Weekend night market with vendors for food, clothing & souvenirs, plus live music & seating.
Ao Nang Landmark Night Market
A lively nightly market in Ao Nang with street food, live music, fire shows, and souvenir shopping.
Chao Fah Park
Modest city park with large, creative sculptures & walking paths along the waterfront.
Lotus's Krabi
A large modern hypermarket and shopping complex in Krabi, stocking groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials.
Activities & Tours
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Emerald Pool
A natural spring-fed pool in Krabi's jungle, famed for its striking emerald-green water and peaceful rainforest setting.
Ao Phang Nga National Park
This large area of mangrove forest & coast with several small islands is popular for kayak tours.
Phi phi Viewpoint 1
A steep but rewarding hilltop viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi with panoramic views over the Andaman Sea.
Phi Phi Viewpoint 2
A steep but rewarding hilltop viewpoint on Koh Phi Phi offering sweeping panoramas over the island and beyond.
Nightlife & Bars
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Bamboo Beach Club Krabi
Beachfront bar and club in Ao Nang open daily from 8 AM, with an infinity pool, fire shows, and live music.
Slinky Bar
Beachfront bar in Ao Nang known for nightly fire shows, bucket drinks, and a mechanical bull.
Reggae Bar
A laid-back reggae bar in Ao Nang serving tropical cocktails in a casual, open-air beachside setting.
Boogie Bar
A popular Ao Nang bar open daily from 3 PM, offering a relaxed social scene well into the early hours.
Wellness & Spas
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Royal Palm Spa
A highly regarded Ao Nang spa offering traditional Thai massage and wellness treatments daily until 23:00.
Centara Ao Nang Beach Resort & Spa Krabi
Beachfront resort and spa on Ao Nang Beach, combining direct beach access with wellness treatments and family-friendly accommodation.
Massage Corner
A highly regarded massage spa in Ao Nang offering traditional Thai massage and specialist treatments in a welcoming setting.
Radarom Spa
A highly regarded day spa in Ao Nang offering Thai massage, foot treatments, and specialist therapies daily until 11pm.
Frequently Asked Questions about Krabi
How do you get to Railay Beach?
Long-tail boats run from Ao Nang (15 minutes, ฿100–200) and from Krabi Town's Khlong Jilad Pier (45 minutes, ฿150). There's no road access — the limestone cliffs block the peninsula from the mainland. Boats stop running in rough seas during monsoon months.
Should I stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town?
Ao Nang puts you closer to the beaches and island tours, with more restaurants and nightlife. Krabi Town is cheaper, more authentic, and has a great night market, but you'll need a songthaew (฿60) or Grab to reach Ao Nang's beaches. Most first-time visitors prefer Ao Nang.
Is Krabi or Phuket better for island hopping?
Krabi has the edge. Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, the Four Islands, and Hong Island are all closer. Phuket requires longer boat transfers to reach the same spots. Krabi is also less developed and more affordable. Phuket wins if you want a wider range of dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Can you visit Krabi during the rainy season?
May through October brings afternoon rain showers, but mornings are often clear. Hotel prices drop 30–50%. The main downside is rough seas — some island tours shut down, and boats to Railay may be suspended on stormy days. Koh Lanta and inland attractions stay accessible.