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A beautiful, deserted white sand beach in Krabi, Thailand

Top 7 Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand

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By Zoe Milton


Nestled amidst stunning natural beauty on Thailand's south west coast, Krabi is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, remote islands, white-sand beaches and exotic wildlife.

Here's my guide to the top 7 things to do in Krabi, to make the most of your time in this beautiful region of Thailand.

Island Hopping & Beaches

Krabi is the gateway to over 150 islands in the Andaman Sea, from inaccessible rocky outcrops to jungle laden beauties fringed with sugar white beaches. Whether you're looking to scuba dive, snorkel, swim or just sunbathe, spending time on one of the many beautiful beaches is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Krabi.


Hong Island is regarded as one of Krabi's most beautiful. With calm shallow waters surrounding the cliff lined white sandy beach it is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. 


Phi Phi islands are just a 45 minute speedboat ride away from Krabi and are some of the most picturesque islands in South East Asia, offering stunning beaches, dramatic rock formations and clear waters full of marine life. There are six islands, the most famous being Phi Phi Don which is inhabited and attracts tourists all year round. Phi Phi Leh, in contrast, is uninhabited with many stunning bays and beaches including the world-famous Maya Bay which was the settong for Leonardo DiCaprio's film The Beach.


Tham Phra Nang Beach on the southern tip of Railay Bay, gets its name from a mythological Princess who is said to have made this beach and cave her home. Once you've seen it you'll understand why she made the choice! The shallow turquoise waters, caves and limestone cliffs protect the bay from roads, pollution and infrastructure, making this coconut lined beach one of the world's most beautiful.


 

Two Thai longtail boats on a white sand beach in Krabi

Temples & Natural Beauty

The natural beauty doesn't stop at the beach. There's plenty of eye-catching scenery away from the sunlounger!


The Tiger Cave Temple is a sacred Buddhist temple that sits on a 600 meter high cliff just a 10 minute taxi ride away from Krabi. Famous for its tiger paw prints in the cave, towering Buddha statues and 1,237 steps leading to the summit, you won't find any tigers here but you will find monkeys! Although they are friendly make sure you put everything in your bag as you climb up as the cheeky devils love to pilfer things and may not give them back!


Top Tip: Visiting in the early morning or at sunset is a great way to avoid the crowds and see the temple under the changing skies, just don't forget a torch! Take enough water with you and keep your bottle - you can refill it at the top of the mountain.


Khao Ngon Nak National Park, meaning Dragon Crest Mountain, is an amazing place to experience the rainforest and witness a beautiful view. The park has a 3.7km trail that leads to a viewpoint sat over 500 meters above sea level with incredible views over the ocean and surrounding islands. Just 30 minutes from Krabi by taxi it is easily accessible, just don't forget to snap a photo of the map at the beginning in case you need it later on!


 

An aerial view of a blue lagoon and white sand beach in Krabi, Thailand

Watersports

Surrounded by technicolour coral reefs, flashing schools of fish and beautiful soft corals, diving and snorkelling are one of the best things to do in Krabi, and there are scores of Padi certified dive centres in Ao Nang or Railay Beach. You can dive the famous King Cruiser Wreck or go in search of the beautiful leopard shark that inhabits the waters offshore. Glass bottom boats are also a great way to see into the underwater world without having to get wet and kayaking is also a really fun and unique way of exploring the scenery, islands, mangroves, canyons and caves of this spectacular region.  


Top Tip: Visibility is best between January to March so if you are coming for the diving these are the months to choose.


 

A brightly coloured angel fish on a tropical reef in Krabi

Shopping

Ao Nang walking street is a permanent bazzaar-like shopping complex offering shopping, eating and other services such as tailors and opticians.  It is partially covered and is at the southern corner of Ao Nang road. The market is a lively place for food and drinks as well as your classic souvenir shopping. From silver and gold jewellery to traditional Thai dress you are sure to find anything you want here!


Our Private Highlights of Krabi day tour is a great way to explore Krabi's culture, lifestyle and history. A trip on a longtail boat will pass the symbolic mountain of Krabi before entering the mangrove forest for the chance to see some of the local residents - monkeys! Afterwards head to Koh Klang and explore the area by tuk-tuk! In the evening explore the night market before enjoying a traditional Thai dinner.


 

Stall selling fried food, snacks and skewers at bustling street food market, Koh Lanta Island, Krabi, Thailand.

Relax

Massages are synononmous with Thailand and are one of the best things to do in Krabi! Thai massages use stretches to release tension and are often a very different experience for people. Thai massage's are often referred to as 'the lazy man's yoga' due to the focus on stretching and warming up the body. Unlike yoga it's rather eaiser with the assistance of someone moving you and putting you into the different positions! This anicient massage technique actually originated in India but was brought to Thaliand by Buddhists 2,500 years ago!


 

Eat

Thailand is famous for its flavourful and colourful food from both land and sea. Thai dishes are usually light with a strong emphasis on flavour and fragrances. The ideal Thai meal is a blend of spices, sweet and sour and is meant to be as satisfying to the eye and nose as it is to the palate.


Street food is famous in Thailand and brings together ready-to-eat meals as well as fresh snacks, fruit and vegetables and sometimes exotic options such as spiders and scorpions! The street food areas and the food markets are a must see whilst in Thailand, and one of the best things to do in Krabi.


 

Thai street food - Fried chicken and pieces of spicy grilled meat on bamboo skewers at a market stall in Krabi, Thailand

Nightlife

After a relaxing day on the beach or exploring Krabi's beautiful rainforests you might want to liven things up a little with some food, drink, music and dancing! Ao Nang is as crazy as Krabi gets and is a great place if you want to dance the night away... It offers a friendly night of food, drinks and entertainment after sunset, but is far more laid back than the scene in Bangkok or Phuket.  


Ao Nang Centre point has been the heart of nightlife entertainment in Krabi for many years and has various bars to cater for everyone from early evening right through to the early hours of the next morning if you can stay awake that long!


Beach bars throughout Krabi offer a laidback evening under the stars and are ideal for those who may not want such a wild night. For an extra special evening book onto a sunset dinner cruise and sail around the limestone cliffs whilst enjoying the stunning sunset with a delicious BBQ dinner - the perfect way to treat someone special and definitely an evening to remember.

For our full range of holidays in this beautiful part of the world take a look at our Krabi holidays page. if you'd like to explore further afield, check out our Thailand holidays pages.

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Written by Zoe Milton

Zoe is a Procurement Manager for Europe in our Kensington head office.

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