Nestled on the southwest coast of Thailand, Krabi instantly makes you feel like youโve stepped into a tropical paradise. This region is bursting with natural beauty and cultural treasures waiting to be explored. Many visitors rush through Krabi on their way to the surrounding islands (there are nearly 200 of them, by the way!), but I think theyโre really missing out on what this area has to offer. Think colourful temples, lively neighbourhoods, dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and dense mangrove forests โ itโs all here.
Having visited Krabi several times, Iโve crafted this 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors to help you make the most of your stay. But before we jump into the details, let me clarify a few things about the area โ itโll help you plan better and avoid any confusion.
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Krabi Town vs. Ao Nang: Where Should You Stay?
Youโll likely arrive at Krabi Airport, which is about 25 minutes from Krabi Town. Krabi Town is not as picturesque as other Thai cities but itโs charming in its own way, with a riverside promenade and a plethora of budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and local restaurants. Itโs a great place to base yourself if youโre after a more local experience โ plus, you can take boats and kayaks through mangrove forests here, which is pretty special.
Now, if youโre dreaming of beaches, Ao Nang is where you want to be. Picture Krabi Townโs more polished, upmarket sister: beautiful beaches, swanky hotels (many with rooftop pools), high-end resorts, and tons of restaurants from budget bites to upscale dining. Itโs very touristy though, so be prepared for restaurant staff trying to lure you in as you stroll down the main strip. That said, there are some gems to be found here โ Iโll share my favourites in the itinerary. The good news is wherever you choose to stay, youโll have easy access to all the spots mentioned in this guide.
Day 1: Mountain-Top Temples and Beautiful Beaches
Start your day early and head to Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Sua), one of Krabiโs most iconic landmarks. The temple sits on top of a 270-metre mountain so you have to climb up 1,260 steps to the summit, where youโll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of Krabiโs jungle, coastline, banana plantations and the Andaman Sea. Yes, itโs a workout but the panoramic payoff is absolutely worth it! Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear comfy shoes, and pace yourself. As it is a religious site, you need to cover your shoulders and knees. Entrance is free, though donations are welcomed.
The easiest way to get there is by taxi or Grab from Krabi Town or Ao Nang. Alternatively, if youโre staying in Krabi Town, you can hop on a red songthaew (little trucks serving as local buses) from Utarakit Road for just 50 baht each way. On the return journey, you might struggle to find a songtheaw so be prepared to hail a taxi to bring you back to the city.
If youโd rather travel with an organised tour who will take care of the logistics for you, there are lots of tours combining the Tiger Cave Temple with other local attractions. In this itinerary, I have split these activities over different days so you can explore at a more relaxing pace without feeling rushed. However, these tours are certainly a smooth and easy way to see lots of sights in one day:
After that leg-burning climb up, youโve earned some beach time. Itโs time to head to Krabiโs most beautiful beach, Railay. Railay isnโt just one beach โ itโs a cluster of stunning stretches, including Railay West, Railay East, and the dreamy Phra Nang Cave Beach. From Krabi Town, take a ferry from Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East (เธฟ150 one way), where you can walk to the other beaches. If youโre staying in Ao Nang, hop on a longboat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay West (เธฟ100 one way). Most of Railayโs beaches donโt have piers so be prepared to wade ashore, carrying your footwear and belongings.
Once you arrive, youโll see that Railay is pure magic. Imagine powdery white sand, towering limestone cliffs, and sparkling turquoise water. For something a little different, head to Princess Cave near Phra Nang Cave Beach, which is filled with colourful, wooden phallic carvings and fertility offerings to Shiva (the Princess God of Fertility). Railay is also a rock-climbing hotspot. Even if youโve never climbed before, there are beginner-friendly sessions thatโll have you scaling the cliffs in no time.
Spend your evening exploring Krabiโs night markets; the best way to sample a variety of local dishes in one go. If itโs the weekend, visit the lively Krabi Walking Street Market, a feast for all the senses with local handicrafts, clothes, fresh fruit, live music, and mouth-watering street food. If youโre there mid-week, Black Crab Market and Maharaj Market are excellent alternatives. If youโre staying in Ao Nang, check out the Ao Nang Landmark Night Market for a mix of Thai street food, fresh produce and quirky souvenirs. Indulge in southern Thai specialties like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and freshly grilled seafood. For dessert, donโt miss the famous Mango Sticky Rice or a hot banana roti drizzled with Nutella.
Day 2: Island-Hopping and Pampering
Kick off your second day with a half-day island-hopping tour to explore Krabiโs famous four islands: Phra Nang Cave Beach, Chicken Island, Tup Island, and Poda Island. Most tours start by visiting Phra Nang Cave Beach before moving onto Chicken Island (named for its unique rock formation which looks like a chickenโs head), Tup Island and Poda Island, all equally dreamy and picturesque.
Most tours include a picnic lunch and time for snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs. You will be picked up from your hotel and brought back, so it is an easy and efficient way to see several islands in a single tour. Tours are easy to book from Ao Nang or Krabi Town, with long-tail or speedboat options to suit your budget and preferences.
Most tour agencies visit the same islands in the same order, so thereโs not much variation between them. However, prices vary depending on the season and itโs more expensive to travel by speedboat than longboat. If youโd rather book in advance for peace of mind, Premium 4-Island Day Trip by Longtail Boat and 4 Islands Tour by Longtail Boat have excellent reviews.
If youโre travelling in a small group, you can also hire a private longtail boat and create your own island-hopping route. If youโd like to focus on one island in particular and explore independently, you can take the public speedboat directly from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, or Phuket. Journey time is roughly 1-2 hoursโ each way, so you can easily spend a full day on one of these gorgeous islands. Compare prices, times and routes via 12goAsia, where you can securely pay through the website and download e-tickets straight to your smartphone.
After a day of island-hopping, browse the cute boutiques and souvenir stalls in Ao Nang, and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation. Thailand is renowned for its affordable wellness treatments, making it the ideal place to de-stress. Prices typically start at เธฟ200 for a foot rub, เธฟ250-350 for a traditional Thai massage (where youโll be stretched and pulled in various directions), and around เธฟ300-400 for a luxurious, full-body oil massage. Wellness centres and massage parlors line the streets of Ao Nang and Krabi, all eager to pamper you. For something more indulgent, consider visiting an upmarket spa โ the perfect way to recharge and unwind.
For dinner, try another bustling street market mentioned on the first day of this guide, or have a sit-down dinner in one of Krabiโs most well-liked restaurants. If youโre staying in Krabi Town, check out Nong Joke Restaurant. It specialises in southern Thailand cuisine and has one of the most original, interesting menus Iโve seen in Thailand so far. All the ingredients are locally sourced and my husband and I devoured our plates of prawns with fermented beans, deep-fried soft-shell crab and spicy and sour soup with silver perch fish. If youโre craving something more inventive and punchy than the traditional green, red or massaman curry, this is the place!
In Ao Nang, Iโve enjoyed dining at Jungle Kitchen and Kodam Kitchen which combine great taste, fresh and varied menus, affordable prices and warm and friendly ambiance. Larb Koi Roi Et does incredibly spicy Isaan Thai food which really packs a punch (make sure to tell the staff if you prefer milder dishes!). For some after-dinner entertainment, there is a free fireshow outside REEVE Beach Club (every evening 7.30pm and 9.30pm). The performers are really talented and donations are welcome. There are also some popular evening tours in Krabi, including the 4-Islands Sunset Cruise with Bioluminescent Snorkelling and Krabi 7 Islands Sunset Tour with BBQ Dinner.
Day 3: Exploring Krabiโs Natural Wonders
Start your third day with a visit to the Klong Thom Hot Springs, nestled in the jungle. These thermal pools reach 38ยฐC, so itโs like having a dip in a natural Jacuzzi in the heart of nature. Once your skin is as shrivelled as a prune, take a short walk through the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park to the nearby Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), a stunning freshwater pond which you can bathe in. While there, donโt miss the enchanting Blue Pool, which is a mesmerizing shade of bluey-green. You can visit these sights independently with your own car or private driver, or as part of an organised tour. Try to get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
If you visited the Hot Springs and Emerald Pool on Day 1 (combined with the Tiger Cave Temple), how about a cooking class instead? Iโve done cooking classes all over the world and always have so much fun learning how to recreate local dishes. Thai Charm Cooking School has glowing reviews and gives you the opportunity to learn about local ingredients and how to prepare them the Thai way. After cooking a variety of dishes, you can sit down with your classmates to enjoy your creations. If youโre not sure what to expect, check out this post which describes what itโs like doing a cooking class in Thailand.
If you fancy something more active on your last day, why not join a kayaking tour? My husband and I joined this kayaking tour through the mangroves and canyon and it was fantastic! We were led through serene mangrove forests and around limestone canyons by a really enthusiastic, passionate guide, who pointed out wildlife to us and gave us an overview of the forestโs history. If the tour we booked isnโt available, here are some similar well-rated tours; Guided Kayaking Tour at Ao Thalane and Kayak Adventure through Ao Thalane Mangrove Forest.
Wrap up your trip with a final sunset at another of Ao Nangโs beautiful beaches. One of my favourites is Pai Plong Beach, which can only be reached by a short but steep hike along the wooden pathway known as Monkey Trail. As the name suggests, you will probably come across the mischievous gang of monkeys that live on this trail. These long-tailed macaques have earned themselves the nickname โMonkey Mafiaโ because theyโre intelligent and highly opportunistic. Donโt be surprised if they try to grab whatever youโre carrying โ they have been known to snatch smartphones, cameras, and food right out of peopleโs hands!
Make your way to Pai Plong Beach (hopefully without being mugged by the Monkey Mafia!), sit back and enjoy the sunset. Watching the sun being painted in incredible shades of orange, hot pink and purple is the perfect way to say goodbye to Krabi.
If you canโt make it to Pai Plong Beach, donโt worry because Iโve got a great alternative โNoppharat Thara Beach. Take a short taxi ride from Ao Nang beach to this secluded, serene beach. With interesting rock formations jutting out of the sea and a wonderful view of the Ao Nang coastline, it is one of my favourite beaches in the area and much quieter than the others in this itinerary.
Krabi FAQs
Where to Stay
Krabi Town and Ao Nang have a wide range of hostels, hotels, boutiques and luxury resorts for any budget. Low-cost hostels and guesthouses usually charge 300-500 Thai baht per night. Chanchalay Hip Hostel is really good value for money, with clean and comfortable rooms (shared dorms or private rooms with en-suite bathrooms).
For mid-range hotels, expect to pay เธฟ1000-3000 per night, with complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurants and pools. Upscale resorts and hotels with top-tier amenities cost เธฟ3000+, with gourmet restaurants and full-service, on-site spas. I highly recommend Hotel Adam Krabi, the most luxurious place Iโve ever stayed. Every inch of the hotel exudes chic style, and each room has its own private pool(!). Additionally, there are two extra communal pools (including one on the roof), a restaurant, an on-site spa, and a plethora of fancy amenities which made it incredibly difficult for me to leave when it was time to check out!
When to Visit
The best time to visit is November to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant. Temperatures range from 25ยฐC to 32ยฐC (77ยฐF to 90ยฐF). The rainy season from May to October can affect outdoor activities and travel plans, but itโs quieter and more affordable during this time.
How Long to Stay
Plan for 3-5 days to make the most of Krabiโs attractions. This allows time for island hopping, beach lounging, and sampling the local cuisine. If you can stretch your time there to 4 to 7 days, you can visit nearby national parks and cultural sites without feeling rushed.
Getting to Krabi
- By Air: Krabi is accessible by plane via Krabi International Airport (KBV), with frequent, direct flights from Bangkok and other major Asian cities.
- By Ferry: There are ferries and speedboats from nearby destinations like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta.
- By Bus: You can take direct buses from Bangkok, Phuket, and other large cities in Thailand.
Getting Around Krabi
Tuk-tuks, taxis, and songthaews are the most convenient way to get around Ao Nang and Krabi Town. For longer distances, itโs a good idea to rent a car or hire a private driver. Most hotels or tour desks can help arrange drivers and tours tailored to your needs. Long-tail boats and speedboats are available for island hopping and reaching secluded beaches. You can also hire your own long-tail boat (with a local driver) and create your own route from island to island.
Renting a motorbike is a very popular way to explore Krabi. Motorbikes are ideal if you want more flexibility to travel at your own pace. Although traffic isnโt as hectic here as in Bangkok, itโs important to wear a helmet and drive carefully. I canโt tell you how many tourists I have seen in Thailand with their arms and legs bandaged up due to bike accidents!
I hope this guide has given you lots of ideas on how to spend three days in Krabi, and has shown you that Krabi isnโt just a gateway to Thailandโs stunning islands. Itโs a wonderful destination in its own right, with something to delight every traveller. Iโve squeezed a lot into this jam-packed itinerary so if youโre lucky enough to have more time in Krabi, I encourage you to stretch this guide over four and five days, spreading out the activities and fitting in more beach time and blissful massages! If you have any questions, please let me know! If youโve been to Krabi, what was your favourite place, activity or experience?
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow