Krabi is perhaps the beach destination in Thailand par excellence for family trips, honeymooners, or backpackers with just a couple of weeks to tour the country but who want to avoid the crowds of Phuket.
While Krabi is generally quite tranquil, some areas can be extremely touristy, which might deter more adventurous travelers. However, it would be a mistake to overlook this coastal region of Thailand.
Krabi boasts some of the most impressive rock formations in the entire country, and it’s also a great location for climbing. Additionally, it is home to a unique hippie community. Most importantly, it serves as a gateway to some of Thailand’s best islands.
The most stunning images of Thailand’s sea, with its fine sandy esplanades surrounded by tropical jungles, are often found on the islands. However, Krabi is a peninsula on the mainland and is notable for its remarkable beauty, rivaling that of Hua Hin.
What makes Krabi Province unique is that, despite not having the best waters in the country, it features exceptional lakes and mountains. Moreover, it is the ideal location to explore the most spectacular beaches of the Andaman Sea. If you want to go on tours, it is a perfect base.
The place you choose to stay will significantly influence your experience in Krabi.
Aonang Beach is the central beach area on the peninsula and the main tourist attraction. It caters to families, couples, and organized groups.
The beach itself is not particularly attractive except for a somewhat hidden stretch, and it certainly doesn’t resemble a paradise but rather a tourist spot.
However, for those seeking the best hotels at reasonable prices and a central location to explore various islands, Aonang is the best option.
Railay is not a town but rather a collection of streets surrounded by two stunning beaches and nestled in a fantastic jungle, with the most striking features being the rock formations on its beaches.
For the adventurous, Railay is a unique place. It lacks international brands, featuring only local shops, eco-friendly cafes, and a distinctly hippie atmosphere. It is popular with adventurous couples and backpackers but has limited amenities.
To reach Railay, you must take a boat, as it is separated from the mainland by water. This isolation has helped preserve its natural beauty. It is ideal for spending a few days, and you can also take tours from there.
Tonsai Beach is adjacent to Railay and close to Aonang, though, like Railay, it requires sea access. It is a small and beautiful cove with a few budget accommodations. It has a slightly more youthful nightlife than Railay and can be reached via a 15-minute walk along a couple of paths.
If you have more time, you might choose to move between these locations, but if you only have a couple of nights, we prefer the natural atmosphere of Railay. In any case, Aonang is more convenient for reaching different places on the peninsula.
As with other Andaman Sea destinations such as Phuket, the best time to visit Krabi is during the European winter. However, we just returned from there in June, and the trip was equally enjoyable.
Travel Tip: Check out our article on the best time to visit Thailand for month-by-month climate information.
It’s essential to travel to Thailand with comprehensive insurance. We were among the first to offer the popular 5% IATI discount, and you can now get it with Heymondo Travel Insurance as well. You can find more information about both companies through the links provided above, or you can access the discount directly using the buttons below (in both cases, you’ll see the reduced final price on their website):
While many hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Thailand offer free Wi-Fi, some travelers prefer or need a constant connection. We’ve included details on obtaining a eSIM Thailand card with unlimited data (from Holafly) or with fixed data but cheaper (from Saily).
If you want to get it directly, here’s the link (with a discount) for both companies:
As with Phuket, Krabi has a significant tourist industry, making it relatively easy to reach.
The most convenient way to arrive is by plane. There are inexpensive domestic flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities.
The airport is located in Krabi city, far from the beach. However, for about 150 baht (less than four euros), you can take a minibus to your hotel in Aonang or to the port for access to Railay or Tonsai. These beaches require a ten-minute, 100-baht public boat ride.
You can also reach Krabi by bus from Bangkok. Buses leave from the southern station in Bangkok and take approximately 12-14 hours.
As mentioned earlier, Aonang is not our favorite place in Krabi, but it’s still worth spending a night there, especially since some of the most interesting places on the peninsula are located here.
Families with children also tend to find Aonang a more comfortable place to stay due to the many alternatives offered by this location. It is also where the main services and hospitals.
Aonang is the ideal location for a day trip and sightseeing. Here are our recommendations:
Aonang Beach is very touristy and is surrounded by businesses rather than natural beauty. However, it is ideal for jogging or walking along the seafront, thanks to a large promenade.
At night, there are markets, plenty of bars, and a lively atmosphere, with beautiful sunsets.
Though considered part of Aonang Beach, South Beach is less crowded and more scenic, featuring beautiful rock formations. It is the most picturesque spot in this part of the peninsula.
To find it, you can head to The Last Fisherman, the main bar in the area, which is perfect for a sunset drink.
The Emerald Pool is a beautiful pool set amidst lush forest. It is easily accessible from Aonang by public transport, though it can be quite crowded.
Even more beautiful are the nearby Wareerak Hot Springs, which can be reached in about an hour from Aonang.
Don’t worry, there are no tigers in the area. This temple, located atop a mountain, is majestic primarily for the stunning views it offers upon arrival. The journey to the top is part of the fun, as it involves climbing more than 1,200 steps. The temple is located less than half an hour from Aonang Beach.
If you’re looking for a recommendation, consider visiting the Emerald Lake and the Tiger Cave Temple on a day when you want a break from the beaches. You can easily combine both visits in one morning.
The most convenient option for getting around is to rent a motorbike if you have experience and a license. A rental typically costs between five and six euros per day. Alternatively, there are tours available that include the Tiger Temple, the Emerald Pool, and the hot springs if you prefer to see it all in one full day.
The rest of your time in Aonang is ideal for island hopping, including visits to Railay Bay and Tonsai Beach. We will discuss the main attractions and tours you can take from Aonang later.
Railay is very close to Aonang but cannot be reached by land due to the huge rock formations in the bay, which make boat travel the only feasible option. This seclusion adds to its charm.
Railay maintains a laid-back, hippie-town vibe where anything goes. Marijuana use has always been prevalent here, and now that it is legal throughout the country, magic mushrooms can also be found. Be cautious, though: even though they are available in some bars, they are still technically illegal.
The beauty of Railay is that its beaches are surrounded by limestone cliffs, and the sunsets are spectacular. Additionally, the jungle area is home to free-roaming monkeys that have turned the urban landscape into their playground.
This is the most beautiful spot to watch the sunset in Railay, and it’s where people enjoy the beach the most. It’s not crowded, but it has a pleasant atmosphere.
Phra Nan Beach is the most beautiful beach in the bay and is truly spectacular. It is home to Rivawadee, the most luxurious hotel in the bay, which requires reservations well in advance and hosts numerous weddings each year.
Adjacent to Phra Nang Beach, this natural cave area is very beautiful and offers free entry.
There are many climbing spots around Phra Nang. Even if you lack experience, there are numerous schools that offer lessons and equipment rentals.
We recommend walking from Phra Nang Cave to Tonsai Beach, unless you are in Aonang, in which case you can take a boat for 100 baht. Railay is pleasant at night with many reggae music bars, though it remains fairly quiet after dark.
Tonsai Beach, on the other hand, has a livelier atmosphere at night. The hotels are cheaper, but there are fewer activities available. You can travel between Railay and Tonsai Beach via a path that takes about 15 minutes.
For most travelers coming to Krabi, the main attraction is not just enjoying the peninsula, though Railay alone offers a unique experience, but exploring the islands and visiting places that would be inaccessible without private boats.
Firstly, consider this: Krabi tours can range from magical experiences to tourist traps, depending on the excursion you book. While the places near Krabi are paradises, they can become crowded and lose their charm if too many tourists visit at once.
When choosing a tour, keep these two main aspects in mind:
In Krabi, we traveled with Thalassa Tours, a European agency. Their trips are in very comfortable speedboats with only a handful of passengers.
Why we trust Thalassa:
Keep in mind that not all tours in Krabi have the same requirements. The tour to the four islands near the peninsula is a short and simple excursion, so a basic tour is sufficient. However, tours to the Phi Phi and James Bond islands are more complex, and it’s advisable to avoid cheaper companies for these.
Despite being called the Krabi Four Islands Tour, the actual number of destinations varies as it includes areas around Railay. This tour is ideal for those staying in Aonang.
This is the only tour we can recommend with a budget agency, which typically charges around 30 dollars. However, be aware that you might not avoid crowds, the food might be minimal, and the journey will be by longtail boat, which means the initial trip will take about an hour instead of ten minutes.
This tour usually includes:
If you take the tour with our friends at Thalassa, they will transport you by high-speed boat and tailor the trip to avoid overcrowding, while also providing high-quality food.
You can check out the 4 Islands Tour on Thalassa’s website. Additionally, you can consult this calendar for available dates and book directly from here:
Phang Nga Bay, home to James Bond Island and other natural wonders, is located next to Phuket. As a result, it is quite far from Krabi, and this tour must be done by speedboat.
The quality of this tour can vary depending on who you book with, as there are many routes, and famous places are also included.
If you choose this tour with Thalassa, they will take you to completely deserted locations, adapting to the specific conditions of each day. Here’s what they include in their eight-hour tour:
You can view this tour on the Thalassa website and check this calendar for available dates to book directly from here
The famous Phi Phi Islands are also quite far from Krabi but are easily accessible with a fast boat.
It’s important to remember that the Phi Phi Islands are among the most touristic in the Andaman Sea, so it’s essential to choose a tour that avoids peak times.
You can view this tour on the Thalassa website and check this calendar for available dates to book directly from here:
For detailed information about the Phi Phi Islands, don’t miss our guide.
Whether you choose to stay in Aonang or Railay, we’ve listed accommodations by price range (from cheapest to most expensive) so you can select the one that best fits your budget.
Exploring the underwater world is a fascinating yet sometimes daunting activity. Simply putting on a diving mask and peering beneath the surface reveals a whole new world of colors and unfamiliar life forms.
However, this world needs to be cared for and respected. If you’re planning to include snorkeling in your trip and want to ensure your presence doesn’t negatively impact the ecosystem, consider learning about responsible diving practices (whether with or without a tank).
Krabi is a very tourist-friendly location, so finding local food away from the tourist spots can be challenging. However, there are some excellent restaurants with great prices. In Krabi, you can enjoy local curries like massaman and a variety of soups, which are common in the area.
In Railay, you can find very fresh seafood without spending much on the central street, such as at the Corner Restaurant, where fish is cooked right in front of you. For a cheap and cozy option, try Heart, which offers affordable rice and seafood dishes.
The ultimate culinary experience in Railay is The Grotto, a restaurant inside a cave overlooking the best beach in the bay. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth it.
The number of dining options increases significantly in Aonang. Our top evening recommendation is Kodam Kitchen, located a bit away from the center, where you can enjoy the best massaman curry. If you prefer a reliable option for Pad Thai, Palm Tree does it very well.
The most famous seafood restaurant in Aonang is Family Seafood, which lives up to its reputation. It’s not only affordable but also very good. However, you often have to wait for a table.
The advantage of getting around Krabi without renting a vehicle is that public transport has set prices. You can easily buy a van or boat ride to your destination from any tourist spot.
For instance, a ride to the airport from Aonang is always 150 baht, and a ride to Railay or Tonsai is 100 baht. In these beach locations, you can only get around on foot, but Aonang is larger and has taxis available. The easiest option is to download a transport app to hire a motorbike or taxi. The most commonly used apps are Grab and InDrive, with InDrive being the cheaper option.
If you have an international driving license, you can rent a scooter for about 200-250 baht per day in Aonang to visit the Emerald Lake or the city center, where there is a night market.
Remember to have medical insurance that covers accidents, and note that a regular driving license is not valid for motorcycles. A motorcycle license is mandatory. You may be able to rent a motorcycle without one, but you’ll be held responsible if any issues arise due to lacking the proper documentation.
Click on the image and it will take you to a new Google Maps window with all the points of interest to travel around Krabi.
