20+ Best Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand + Itinerary

Posted on July 15, 2022 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on November 5, 2022

Krabi is a popular destination in Thailand known for its temples, stunning beaches and landscape, outdoor activities, and fun day tours.

Krabi town has nothing exceptional to offer, but its surroundings are spectacular, making it a good base to explore Krabi Province and its famed karst rock formations.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Krabi, from kayaking in turquoise mangroves and rock climbing, to taking a boat tour to nearby islands and visiting sacred temples. You could stay for a week and do something different every day.

Krabi features incredible scenery and stunning landscape and is a hub of outdoor activities.

Keep on reading to discover all the best things to do in Krabi, useful tips on how to plan your trip, and a sample Krabi itinerary.

Travel tip – Before any international trip, make sure to get travel insurance and check visa requirements.

Related – Thailand Packing List

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Best Things to Do in Krabi

Climb to the Tiger Cave Temple

View from the Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand — View from the top – Credit

This sacred site, also called Wat Tham Sua, is known for the tiger paw prints left in one of the caves there. To get there, you’ll need to climb a 1260-step staircase. At the top, you’ll find the cave, a huge golden Buddha statue, and a breathtaking view over Krabi.

The temple was founded in 1975 after a monk came to pray in the cave and saw several tigers roaming around. Legend also says that a huge tiger used to inhabit the cave.

There are also a couple of temples at the bottom of the hill, and a few other caves behind it. Be careful of the monkeys there, try not to bring food or to get too close to them.

The entrance fee is free, and the site is open from 8 am to 5 pm. There are Songthaew (public buses) that make the trip regularly. If you can, try to go early morning, or later in the afternoon as the heat can be tough.

Cool Off at Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

This natural park will strike you by the beauty of its forest and the color of its water. People come here to take a dip in the beautiful Emerald Pool, a beautiful natural lagoon.

If you go past it, you’ll see a pond filled with translucent water. The color of the water is incredible, it looks like it’s glowing. You’re not allowed to swim in this pond to protect it and maintain the right levels of minerals for the water to have this color.

You can also hike the nature trail to get a chance of spotting some wildlife, mostly birds, lizards, and monkeys.

The entrance fee is 200 bahts (includes the hot spring below). The park is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Related – 10-day Thailand Itinerary

Take a Dip at Namtok Ron Khlong Thom Hot Springs

Khlong Thom Hot Springs, Thailand — Credit: Phalinn Ooi

Spend some time relaxing at the hot springs. The river has created several small pools, it looks like natural jacuzzis. The hot water falls into these pools, then into the freshwater of the river. If it’s too hot, take a dip in the river to cool down or where the waters meet for warm water.

It’s usually a bit crowded, but the spring is surrounded by nature and singing birds.

The entrance fee for the hot spring alone is 90 bahts, and the site is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.

Kayak in Thalane Bay

Kayaking is a must-include activity in your Krabi itinerary. You can either book a tour with the transfer, the kayak, and the guide included, or drive there and rent a kayak to go on your own.

Thalane Bay is known for its beautiful mangrove forest, karst formations, and caves. It really feels like a world apart. During the tour, you’ll explore caves and inlets, and discover hidden lagoons.

It’s also a great opportunity to see wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and fishes.

Some tour companies, offer this tour with an elephant riding trek. Please don’t ride elephants, if you don’t know why you should never ride elephants, check out this article about it.

Island Hopping

Krabi coastline is a treat for the eyes. Crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and picturesque scenery, everything is there to swipe you off your feet. You’ll fall in love with this part of Thailand, the landscape is incredible.

A Krabi itinerary wouldn’t be complete without touring the Andaman Sea and discovering its treasures.

There are plenty of tours you can book, visiting different islands, and including different activities, just pick what you like best!

If you’re a large group, you can hire a boat and choose your itinerary, otherwise, you can join a tour. If you’re planning on going to Koh Phi Phi know that some of the tours offered there are similar to the ones offered in Krabi.

Tup Island, Krabi, Thailand — Credit: Maksym Kozlenko

Take the Four Islands Tour

The most popular day tour in Krabi is the Four Islands Tour, which includes:

Phra Nang Beach Cave: famous for its “Phallus Shrine”, the cave is filled with huge stalactites and stalagmites, and wooden penises. Locals believe the spirit of a Princess inhabits the cave, they come to pray for happiness and her protection. They put the phalluses to thank her when someone gets pregnant.
Chicken Island: a great place for snorkeling, the island got its name from one of the rock formations, shaped like a chicken.
Tup Island: Ko Tup and Ko Mor are two tiny islands that are connected at low tide, transforming the space between them into an incredible beach.
Koh Poda Island: the reef there is amazing as well as the marine life and the picture-perfect beach.

Poda Island, Krabi,Thailand — Poda Island

Snorkel at Koh Hong

Hong Island is famous for its pristine beaches and its hidden lagoon. You’ll find two beaches that are separated by a huge rock formation, both are great for snorkeling.

The island’s only inhabitants are monkeys and a few other small mammals. While there’s no development on the island, it’s quite popular, so expect to find many tourists there.

Tour the famous James Bond Island

James Bond Island is famous for its huge but thin rock standing in the middle of the sea, this island was part of the 1974 James Bond movie “The man with the golden gun”.

Phang Nga bay, Krabi, Thailand — James Bond Beach

Learn to Rock Climb

If you like climbing, or want to learn, several tour operators offer climbing tours. Climbing these impressive karst mountains and limestone cliffs is tough, but it’s also a unique experience.

Hike in Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

Less frequented than other Krabi attractions, this National Park is a great place if you like trekking and want to see wildlife. The trails are well-maintained, and it’s easy to explore the park on your own. Don’t forget your swimsuit as there are several waterfalls in the area.

Check out other National Parks you can visit in Thailand.

Hike to the summit of the Dragon Crest Mountain

Also known as Khao Ngon Nak, this mountain offers a spectacular view over the sea and the surrounding jungle. The trail to the top is relatively easy, it takes around 2 hours.

On the way, there are a couple of waterfalls you can swim in if you need a break.

Relax at Tubkaek Beach

Next to Dragon Crest Mountain, you’ll find the quiet Tubkaek Beach, one of the region’s most scenic beaches and also one of the least crowded.

You’ll find a couple of luxury resorts and not much more. This beach is definitely one of the most off-the-beaten-path destinations in Krabi, you might even have the beach to yourself!

Explore Railay Beach and Peninsula

Railey peninsula is one of Krabi’s highlights. The peninsula features 4 stunning beaches, Railay Beach, Railay Beach East, the famous Phra Nang Beach, and the quiet Tonsai Beach.

In Railay Beach, the main area on the island, you can enjoy the beach, swim, snorkel, kayak, and rock climb.

If you didn’t do the four islands tour, you can visit the Phra Nang Cave from Railey beach.

You can also hike to Railey Viewpoint (count less than an hour back and forth) for some incredible scenery and panoramic views. From there, you can also explore the stunning Railay Lagoon (also called Princess Lagoon). Know that it’s often closed for safety reasons.

Only accessible by boat from Ao Nang beach or Ao Nammao pier, Railay Peninsula and its set of four beaches is well worth the trip. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rock formations, the beaches boast crystal-clear water and white sand.

Wonder at the Shell Cemetery in Susan Hoi

This geological site certainly is a strange sight. Believed to be 40 million years old, you won’t see many similar places around the world. This rocky area is filled with fossils and the remains of shellfish.

Explore Bok Khorani National Park

The lush Bok Khorani National Park boasts scenic waterfalls, underground caves, and limestone mountains, and will make a perfect day trip from Krabi.

Go hiking through one of the hiking trails to explore the lush rainforest, rent a kayak to explore remote caves, and take a dip in one of the park’s crystal-clear waterfalls.

Snorkel off Bamboo Island

The heart-shaped island is often nicknamed the Maldives of Thailand for its white-sanded beach, and crystal clear water.

You can take a boat tour and spend some time snorkeling off the beach and relaxing.

Take a day trip to Maya Bay

The famous Maya Bay is probably one of the most popular islands to visit in Thailand. The movie The Beach was filmed there, giving it its fame.

Maya Bay is a stunning bay, part of the Ko Phi Phi Le island and Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

Maya Bay was closed for a while in an effort to restore marine life but is now open to tourists in a limited capacity.

You can explore the beach, go snorkeling, visit Viking Cave, and hike up to a viewpoint.

The bay can also be visited from Phuket and Phi Phi Islands.

Visit Ao Nang Beach

Ao Nang Beach is probably the most popular place to stay in Krabi Province. Whether you’re staying there or in Krabi town, Ao Nang is worth visiting.

There you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and places to rent snorkeling gear or kayaks.

Take a Cooking Class

If you enjoy cooking then you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to learn to cook a few Thai dishes on your trip to Krabi.

Head to Ya’s Cookery School where you’ll start by visiting a local market to shop for local produce then get to cooking before tasting your creation.

If there’s a special dish you want to learn to make, the school accommodates requests.

Book a Spa Day

You’ll find plenty of spas to relax for a few hours, enjoying a massage, facial, or spa treatment.

A popular option is to soak in a mineral-rich hot spring before getting an exfoliation and a massage treatment. You can book your full day spa with lunch included here.

Try White Water Rafting

If you are looking for some adventures, you’ll find a couple of rapids nearby where you can try your hand at white water rafting. The most popular place is the Song Phreak River in Phang Nga province.

This tour includes 7km of rafting, lunch, a visit to Wat Suwan Kuha (Cave Temple), and hotel pick-up/drop-off.

Best things to do in Krabi Town

Visit Wat Kaew

Wat Kaew is an all-white Buddhist temple worth visiting if you are staying in Krabi Town. The first structure there was built in 1886.

The temple closes at 5 pm – no entrance fees.

Andaman Art Museum

A simple museum retracing the history of Thailand through its crafts and exhibiting some artwork as well.

Khao Khanab Nam

From the city center, along Krabi River, you can see the twin rocks, emblematic of the city.

Sample street food at the Krabi night market

What would be Thailand without its street food? Sample some local delicacies in the night market in Krabi Town, also known as Krabi walking street, you’ll also find plenty of shops and stalls of all sorts.

The Krabi Night Market is only open from Friday to Sunday evening from 4 PM 10 PM.

How to spend a day in Krabi

If you only have one day in Krabi, you can rent a motorbike or book a tour to the Tiger Cave Temple, Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, and Namtok Ron Khlong Thom Hot Springs. If you have your own mean of transportation, you can go kaying early in the morning as well, and head to the other places on your own next.

You can also do the 4 Islands Tour or any of the other island hopping tours available, depending on where you’re going next and what you want to do and see.

2 to 3-day Krabi Itinerary

Day 1: Day trip to Tiger Cave Temple, Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, and Namtok Ron Khlong Thom hot springs

Day 2: Morning Kayak then rock climbing in the afternoon, alternatively, pick a few of the destinations on Krabi Mainland, and plan a road trip.

Day 3: Island hoping of you choice.

Where to stay in Krabi

When planning your Krabi itinerary, you have two options to choose from: you can either stay in Krabi town or in Ao Nang Beach. Krabi Town is more central and practical but Ao Nang is quieter, nicer and it’s nearer to the beach.

Accommodation options in Krabi Town

Budget:

The Guest Hotel Krabi: 6 to 8-bed mixed dorms, private rooms, all with AC, lockers, clean, breakfast available, perfect location. ~10 USD
Uncle House: guesthouse with super friendly owners, each room comes with AC, a fridge, a private bath, and a balcony with a view of the river. Great location, free transfer to the pier. ~25 USD

Mid-range:

Family Tree Hotel: comfortable, well-decorated hotel, great location, breakfast available, room service, AC, TV, private bath, and balcony in each room.

Luxury: you won’t find any high-end hotel in Krabi town, here’s the closest option:

The ShellSea Krabi: 5-star resort, located by the sea in Ao Nam, 10 miles from Krabi town. They offer rooms and villas, some with a private pool and a sea view. Private beach and a great restaurant.

Accommodation options in Ao Nang