15 Best Things to do in Krabi, Thailand

Across the Andaman Sea from Phuket, Krabi is the perfect Thailand destination for sun-soaked beaches, adventure, and stunning limestone formations. While Krabi used to be an off the beaten path (or at least less popular spot compared to Phuket) today it has been fully discovered and you can find lots of activities and many shops and restaurants.

Below you can find the 15 best things to do in Krabi, Thailand with details, maps, and more to prepare for your visit. We loved spending over a week in Krabi and are so glad we made this our base for our adventures. Since we visited with our 11-year-old twins and 8-year-old, everything on this list is also the best things to do in Krabi with kids.

Quick Look at the Best Things to do in Krabi

Check out the quick look list of the best things to do in Krabi and click on the image below to get a printable pdf. Scroll down for more details on the top things to do in Krabi.

Things to Know About Visiting Krabi

Krabi is a popular tourist destination and it is easy to get to and get around. There are a few things to know before you place your trip to Krabi. Below are a few quick helpful tips before we get into the best Krabi activities.

Best Time to Visit Krabi

The best time to visit Krabi is during the dryer season (generally November-March). This is also the most popular time to visit and you will find the touristy areas can be crowded. On the other side, May-October is considered the monsoon season and you will likely get rain (sometimes heavy rain).

How Long Do You Need in Krabi

We spent over a week in Krabi and did not run out of things to do. If you don’t have a full week I would recommend giving yourself a minimum of 3 days. This gives you time to check out some beaches, do an islands tour and do one of the activities listed below.

How to Get to Krabi

Depending on where you are coming from, you can arrive by plane, bus, car, or ferry. You can find several Bangkok to Krabi flights each day. We booked our flight through Kiwi.com and there are many inexpensive options that make this the best way to get between the cities.

It is possible to take a bus from Bangkok to Krabi, this will take about 11 hours. You can also fly to Phuket and take a ferry across the Andaman Sea. If you are coming from elsewhere, you can search and there are other flights that come into Krabi. Once you are in Krabi, you can either get around by taxi, motorbike or bus. Since we spent a week here with 3 kids, we decided to rent a car and were really happy since it ultimately saved us money since we were able to visit many of the attractions in Krabi. Check out Rental.com for options for cars.

Best Things to Do in Krabi

Soak it in at Railay Beach

Railay Beach is just a short boat ride from the bustling waterfront of Ao Nang and is truly one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever visited. During our week in Krabi, we went to Railay Beach twice. The sandy beach stretches between two rocky limestone cliffs and you can find places to eat, a walking trail, a cave, and more. There are also several places to stay at Railay Beach.

The only way to get to Railay Beach is by boat. Simply head down to the boat pier at Ao Nang or Ao Nammao and you can find rides for 150 baht that take you directly to the beach. We didn’t stay in Railay Beach, but this place looks amazing.

You can see more about finding the Best Beach in Krabi.

Take a Longtail Boat to the Islands

If you are in Krabi for more than a day, you have to visit some of the nearby islands. The islands are truly stunning, and taking a longtail boat through the sea surrounded by limestone stacks is the perfect way to spend the day. You can enjoy the day by either taking a tour or booking your own private boat. Many of the islands offer snorkeling opportunities. Your driver will know the best spots and you can sit back and enjoy the ride.

You can see more details about the islands: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Stunning Islands of Krabi.

Visiting the islands was the highlight of our kids trip to Thailand.

Visit the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary

Located about 1 hour north of town, the Krabi Elephant Sanctuary offer the opportunity to interact with these gentle animals. The sanctuary is home to several elephants that have been rescued and you have the chance to feed, walk with and watch the elephants cool off in the water. The tour includes transport from town and is a great way to learn more about elephants and support this organization.

Climb Tiger Cave Temple

We loved exploring the Tiger Cave Temple. You can visit this stunning temple located high on a cliffside as part of a tour, or do this Krabi activity on your own. The temple starts with a visit to the cave at the base of the cliff. From here, you can ascend over 1,000 stairs up the cliffside to the top for stunning views. Come at sunset for the best light and slightly cooler temperatures.

You can learn more about visiting the Tiger Cave Temple here: Visiting Tiger Cave Temple Thailand (Krabi) 5 Things you Absolutely Need to Know

Go Rock Climbing

One of the main activities we wanted to do before we came to Thailand was to go rock climbing. The only way to really rock climb in Krabi is with a guide, but you don’t need any prior rock climbing experience. We spent a 1/2 day rock climbing on this tour. The tour includes transport to Railay Beach and all the climbing gear.

The climbing site is truly spectacular at the end of Railay Beach and you are climbing right from the waterfront with tremendous views out over the sea. If you’ve ever wanted to rock climb in a spectacular spot – this is it! The wall is quite tall and even though there were a lot of people climbing in the area, there were plenty of ropes and space for everyone.

Day Trip to the Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands are located about halfway across the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket. These stunning islands are the perfect place for a day trip from Krabi. You can easily arrange a day trip via speed boat from Krabi or even take the ferry out to the islands for the day. You will find steep limestone cliffs, turquoise water, snorkeling, and more.

During our Phi Phi Island tour, we loved seeing all the different places and felt like we got an excellent value for our money since we went to so many places that aren’t normally accessible. Bamboo Island is another gorgeous spot you will visit during your trip.

Visit Khao Sok National Park

Located about 2 hours north of Krabi, Khao Sok National Park is home to Cheow Lan Lake, a man-made lake that winds through the steep hills of the area. There are several organizations that offer tours from Krabi up to the lake or you can drive up and book a boat tour for the day. We spent 2 nights at Khao Sok (one out on a floating Bungalow).

This lake is gorgeous and a boat ride takes you right through the cliffs where you can swim or even take a short hike. You can see a short video of our time on the lake or read more here: How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Khao Sok National Park with an Overnight on Cheow Lan Lake

Explore Ao Nang

So many of the things to do in Krabi Thailand are outside of town, but Ao Nang is a lovely place to visit and an easy place to get around. The tourist-centered town and beach are full of shops and restaurants and stretch right along the long Ao Nang Beach. From Ao Nang you can find boats to take you all around the nearby attractions and we loved dining on the beach and taking a short walk at the end of the evening.

Soak in the Emerald Lagoon

One of the other best places to visit in Krabi is the Emerald Pool. Wander through the forests along the bright blue waters of the Emerald Lagoon or Blue Pool and take a dip in the mineral-rich, clear, freshwater.

You can get to Emerald pool by car, tour, or motorbike. There is a small entrance fee and you can explore the paths on your own. You will need about 2 hours to explore the entire area. You can see more details about how to plan your own visit here or book a tour to visit the Emerald Lagoon here.

Get a Thai Massage

Getting a Thai Massage is one luxury that’s worth indulging in while you’re in Thailand and Krabi or Ao Nang are perfect places to book a massage. You can always book a tour in advance or visit one of the many massage parlors right in town to book your massage.

We went as a family and the kids each got a foot massage and thought it was great fun.

Visit Some of the Other Beaches

There are so many stunning beaches to visit in Krabi. Railay and Ao Nang are just two of the options, but you can also check out Klong Muong, Tonsai Beach, Phra Nang Cave Beach, and of course all the island beaches just offshore. You could easily put together a full week in Krabi just by visiting a different beach every day.

Check out a Market

So many of the amazing Krabi activities are outdoor adventures but it’s definitely worth spending some time exploring the town of Krabi, and the best way to do this is by visiting one of the markets in town.

Some of the best markets in town include Ao Nang Night Market, Krabi Weekend Night Market, and the Krabi Night Market. There are also many other markets nearby worth visiting, especially for the street food1

Check out a Cave

Surrounded by limestone, you can find caves throughout the region. You can search for caves on your own, or do a tour (such as this kayak cave tour). We really enjoyed visiting the Bat Cave at Railay Beach. This beach is just a short walk from the beach and you can pay the entrance fee and wander through the cave on your own. It was nice to take a break from the heat in the coolness of the cave and the easy path through the rock features is very pleasant.

Watch the Sunset

Don’t miss a single sunset during your visit to Krabi. Facing the sea to the west, almost every beach is perfect for watching the day end. We loved finishing our day at one of the restaurants along either Ao Nang or Klong Muong and taking a walk along the shore while the sunset. You can see people gathering right at this time along the shore and it truly makes you appreciate this beautiful place.

Rent a Kayak and Take a Paddle

There are several places to take kayak tours on the water near Krabi. You can either rent a kayak for a half-day or day or book a more formal tour that often includes transport or food. This is a great way to see the shoreline from a different perspective.

Where to Stay in Krabi

We rented our own house for the week we spent in Krabi, but there are so many amazing options of places to stay nearby for every budget. We really like using Booking.com as they have many different options for a family of 5 – you can use the search box below to look for the best options in Krabi.

Map of Things to do in Krabi

Summary of the Best Things to do in Krabi

Embark on a journey to Krabi, Thailand, where pristine beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and a wealth of thrilling activities await. This post highlights the top experiences that will make your trip to Krabi truly unforgettable. From exploring stunning limestone cliffs to immersing in the vibrant marine life, this tropical destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.