World-class rock climbing, stunning beaches, island hopping, limestone karsts, and outdoor adventures in Thailand's most beautiful province
Krabi offers some of Thailand's most spectacular natural beauty - towering limestone cliffs rising from turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches accessible only by boat, and over 150 islands dotting the Andaman Sea. Unlike busy Phuket, Krabi maintains a more laid-back adventure vibe centered around rock climbing, island hopping, and nature exploration.
From climbing 700+ routes on Railay's world-famous limestone to kayaking through mangrove forests, diving coral reefs, hiking to viewpoints, and relaxing on secluded beaches - Krabi is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise at affordable Thai prices.
Railay Peninsula
Iconic white-sand beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Stunning scenery, swimming, sunset views, and access to rock climbing. Can get crowded but maintains beauty. Long-tail boats from Ao Nang.
Railay Peninsula
Often rated one of Thailand's most beautiful beaches. Pristine white sand, turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and sacred cave shrine. Perfect for swimming and photos. Can be crowded midday with tour boats.
Ao Nang
Krabi's main beach and tourist hub. Long sandy beach with all facilities, restaurants, bars, shops. Good for people-watching and sunset. Water quality moderate due to boat traffic. Great base location.
Tonsai
Backpacker and climber beach next to Railay. Rocky beach not ideal for swimming but amazing rock climbing access. Cheap bungalows, reggae bars, alternative vibe. Low tide exposes rocks.
25km north of Ao Nang
Quiet, upscale beach area with luxury resorts. Beautiful long beach, calm water, less crowded. Great for relaxation and escaping tourist crowds. Limited budget options but peaceful and beautiful.
Between Ao Nang and Ao Nam Mao
Local Thai beach with casuarina trees providing shade. Part of national park, clean and well-maintained. Less touristy than Ao Nang, popular with Thai families on weekends. Low tide exposes sandbars.
Railay Peninsula
Mangrove-lined beach on east side of Railay. Not for swimming (muddy at low tide) but serves as boat arrival point. Budget bungalows, restaurants, tour operators. Walking distance to west beaches.
Phra Nang Cave, Tup Island, Chicken Island, Poda Island
Krabi's signature tour visiting 4 stunning islands by speedboat or long-tail boat. Snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and lunch included. Iconic limestone formations and crystal-clear water. Book from any Ao Nang tour shop.
Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Viking Cave
Visit the famous Phi Phi Islands made famous by "The Beach". Speedboat tour from Krabi including Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and snorkeling spots. Long day but iconic experience.
Hong Island Lagoon, Lading Island, Pakbia Island, Rai Island
Beautiful emerald lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. Excellent snorkeling, kayaking in lagoon, white beaches. Less crowded than 4 Islands. One of Krabi's hidden gems.
Koh Lanta island beaches and snorkeling spots
Visit the laid-back island of Koh Lanta. Relaxed beaches, snorkeling, Thai lunch, and island tour. Good for those wanting to escape crowds and experience quieter island life.
Koh Rok, Koh Haa - premium dive/snorkel sites
Premium snorkeling and diving tour to pristine islands further from shore. Crystal-clear water, vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Longer journey but worth it for serious snorkelers.
Ao Nang coast and nearby islands
Romantic evening cruise along Krabi coast. Sunset viewing, dinner, drinks, and swimming. Traditional long-tail boat or modern catamaran options. Peaceful alternative to daytime tours.
Railay Peninsula is one of the world's premier rock climbing destinations with over 700 bolted routes on stunning limestone cliffs. The combination of beautiful scenery, year-round climbing, all difficulty levels, and affordable instruction has made it a bucket-list destination for climbers globally.
Original and most established climbing school in Railay since 1989. Certified UIAGM guides, excellent safety record, caters to all levels from absolute beginners to advanced climbers. Multiple climbing locations.
Professional climbing school with great reviews. Small group sizes (max 4:1 ratio), patient instruction, focus on technique and safety. Good for beginners wanting personal attention.
Located in Tonsai climber community. Laid-back vibe, budget-friendly, popular with backpackers. Gear rental, bouldering, and access to Tonsai/Railay climbing areas. Good bar/restaurant meeting spot.
Experienced guides, good safety standards, offers deep water soloing (DWS) in addition to regular climbing. DWS is unique to Krabi - climbing above water without ropes.
9km from Krabi Town
Famous Buddhist temple with 1,237 steps to summit viewpoint. Challenging climb but spectacular 360-degree views of Krabi province. Temple complex has caves, Buddha statues, and wild monkeys. Start early to avoid heat.
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park (60km from Ao Nang)
Stunning natural pool with crystal-clear emerald water fed by hot springs. Surrounded by virgin rainforest. Swimming allowed in main pool. Beautiful nature walk through jungle to reach pool.
Same park as Emerald Pool
Incredibly clear blue pool deeper in the forest. No swimming allowed (preservation) but stunning to see. Crystal-clear water over white limestone creates magical blue color. Short walk from Emerald Pool.
Near Emerald Pool park
Natural hot spring waterfall in the jungle. Warm water cascades down rocks creating natural jacuzzi pools. Very popular with Thai families on weekends. Can combine with Emerald Pool visit.
Ao Luek district
Challenging jungle hike to stunning viewpoint overlooking Krabi islands and limestone karsts. 3.7km trail, steep sections, but incredible panoramic views from 550m summit. Best viewpoint in Krabi.
Railay Beach
Jungle hike up to viewpoint overlooking Railay beaches. Ropes and roots to climb, adventurous trail. Amazing views of both east and west Railay, limestone cliffs, and ocean. Popular at sunset.
Krabi Town riverside
Iconic twin limestone peaks on the Krabi River. Can kayak to base or take boat tour to explore caves. Symbol of Krabi province, beautiful from riverside restaurants. Cave with stalactites and prehistoric paintings.
60km from Ao Nang
Virgin rainforest nature reserve with jungle trails, rare flora (including palm species found nowhere else), birds, and wildlife. Emerald Pool and Blue Pool located within the park. Educational nature trails.
Paddle through mangrove forests, lagoons, and limestone canyons. Ao Thalane is Krabi's best kayaking area - peaceful, scenic, wildlife spotting (monkeys, eagles, fish).
Learn to dive in Krabi's warm Andaman waters. Multiple dive centers offering PADI Open Water certification. Local dives and day trips to Phi Phi, Koh Haa, and Hin Daeng.
Daily dive trips for certified divers to Phi Phi, Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, and local sites. 2-3 dives per trip. Soft corals, leopard sharks, turtles, and tropical fish. Equipment rental available.
Rent SUP boards on Ao Nang and Railay beaches. Great for exploring coastline, getting exercise, and calm water paddling. Beginner-friendly in calm areas.
Dedicated snorkeling tours to best spots around Krabi islands. Better sites than included in island tours. Quality gear, guides, and smaller groups. Koh Rok and Koh Haa are premium.
Kite surfing lessons and rental available at some beaches. Best spots are during windy season (Dec-Feb). Several kite schools offer lessons for beginners.
Jet ski rental available on Ao Nang Beach. Explore coastline, visit nearby beaches. Check insurance coverage and take photos of jet ski condition before renting.
Charter traditional Thai long-tail boat for private island tour. Create your own itinerary, avoid crowds, flexible timing. Can visit 4 Islands, Hong Island, or custom route.
Deep sea fishing trips in the Andaman Sea. Catch barracuda, trevally, grouper, and more. Equipment and bait included. Can combine with island hopping.
Krabi Town
Local Thai market with fresh produce, meats, seafood, street food, and household goods. Best authentic shopping experience in Krabi. Morning market atmosphere.
Krabi Town riverside
Weekend night market (Fri-Sun) along the river. Street food, local crafts, clothing, souvenirs, live music. Best market in Krabi for food and local shopping.
Krabi Town (Maharat Road)
Modern shopping mall with international brands, food court, cinema, supermarket, and restaurants. Air-conditioned shopping, Robinson department store, electronics.
Laid-back island paradise south of Krabi. Long beaches, relaxed vibe, diving, sunset viewpoints, and Old Town. Can visit as day trip or stay overnight.
Ancient rainforest (160 million years old), limestone mountains, Cheow Lan Lake, wildlife including elephants, gibbons, and hornbills. One of Thailand's most beautiful national parks.
Small, pristine island with white beaches and excellent snorkeling. Less developed, peaceful, and beautiful. Popular day trip from Krabi for those wanting to escape crowds.
Neighboring province with underwater wedding ceremony, beautiful islands (Koh Muk emerald cave), and local culture. Less touristy alternative to Krabi islands.
Nov-Apr (dry season). Rock can be wet/slippery May-Oct.
Nov-Apr. Rough seas and rain May-Oct, some tours cancelled.
Oct-May. Best visibility Dec-Mar. Some sites close monsoon season.
Year-round, but cooler Nov-Feb. Very hot Mar-May.
Walk-in tour shops in Ao Nang often cheaper than online. Compare 2-3 shops.
Low season (May-Oct) prices are negotiable. High season (Dec-Jan) less flexible.
Group speedboat tours: 1,200-2,000 THB. Private long-tail: 2,500-4,000 THB.
Usually: hotel transfer, lunch, snorkel gear, insurance. Verify before booking.