Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Krabi
Krabi is hands down one of Thailand’s top beach destinations, but here’s the thing: most people miss what really makes this place unique. After visiting many times over the years, I’ve learned there’s so much more of Krabi than just beaches.
Where to Stay in Krabi
When I first started researching where to stay in Krabi, I found a lot of conflicting information that was actually overwhelming. After visiting many times, I’ve realised it’s quite straightforward to choose where to stay.
For example, Railay Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Thailand, but it probably isn’t the best place to stay. What makes it special is that it is cut off from road access and can only be reached by boat. This means it has mostly retained its natural beauty without overdevelopment, but it is a real pain to get to with your luggage. The beach quietens down a bit after sunset as most visitors head back to their hotels. It could be a really cool place to stay if you want to see it without the crowds, but for most people I recommend staying elsewhere.
Krabi Town is another popular place to stay because it has decent nightlife and some good local street-food markets, but it has one big problem: there’s no beach. If you came all this way, you probably want to stay close to the beach. Luckily, there’s one spot with a stunning beach, especially at sunset, as well as some excellent hotels and a great nightlife. It’s called Ao Nang, and it’s a great place to stay and explore the rest of the region because you can easily get boats there to explore the nearby islands and beaches, as well as head inland to explore the mountains.
Krabi Hotels for Different Budgets
Which is the best hotel in Krabi? Really, that depends on factors such as your budget and whether you’re staying with family. However, there are a few hotels that I’ve helped my clients book over and over again.
If budget isn’t an issue, probably the best hotel is Centara Grand. It is located on its own private beach and is an absolutely stunning hotel, but it will be out of some people’s price range because it is one of the more expensive places to stay in Krabi. It is also a little secluded, similar to Railay Beach, so I’ve had to take a boat there or hike through the mountain path. This helps make it feel more exclusive, but it could be a bit of a nightmare if you stumble home drunk after a night out.
What if you don’t have that kind of money to spend? Don’t worry, I have another good option for you in the mid-tier price range. What I like about Krabi Resort is that it’s the only hotel located directly on Ao Nang Beach, meaning you can walk out of your hotel room directly to the ocean. Everywhere else in Ao Nang, you at least have to cross the road to get there. I’ve stayed there myself, and what I like most is its natural setting, built into the mountainside with lots of trees and sometimes monkeys around too. I’ve sent a number of my clients there and they’ve all loved it. Some other hotels my clients have enjoyed are Aonang Cliffside Hotel and Sugar Marina.
Island-Hopping Tours from Krabi
While Krabi’s beaches are stunning, some of the most breathtaking sights are just a boat ride away. There are three major boat tours running from Ao Nang each day.
If there’s one iconic destination everyone talks about, it’s the Phi Phi Islands. This tour takes you by speedboat across the Andaman Sea to experience some of the bluest water you’ve ever seen. Highlights include the world-famous Maya Bay, Monkey Beach and the breathtaking Emerald Lagoon. However, be prepared for a longer, bumpy ride, as Phi Phi is one of the furthest spots often reached by a lively and noisy speedboat.
For a tour that’s closer to Krabi and offers plenty of flexibility, the Four Islands Tour is an excellent choice. You’ll visit Phranang Cave Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island, each offering incredible, stunning beaches and unique rock formations. Because it’s closer, you can get there by the more traditional longtail boat or even upgrade to a private yacht. These sights are just a half-hour boat ride away.
If you’re looking for something more secluded, the Hong Island Tour really delivers. This trip includes a stop at the serene Hong Lagoon, with opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and exploring secluded beaches. It is another beautiful spot just a short boat ride from Ao Nang.
The problem with these island-hopping tours is that they can get overcrowded. The Phi Phi Islands tour is especially busy, with boats arriving every day from Koh Lanta, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Phi Phi itself. Luckily, I have a solution: a small number of boat tours leave early in the morning, around 6:00 to 7:00 a.m., to beat the crowds, while others leave in the late afternoon. If you’re heading to Phi Phi, I suggest an early-morning tour so you arrive at Maya Bay before everyone else. For the Hong Island or Four Islands Tour, the sunset option might be best. By that time, most people have cleared off the islands, so you get a more peaceful and beautiful experience and the chance to enjoy a stunning sunset on the boat with a glass of wine or beer. Some tours even offer the chance to swim with bioluminescent plankton once it’s dark.
Visiting Railay Beach Independently
If there’s one spot you can’t leave without seeing, it’s Railay Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in Thailand. Luckily, there’s no need to join a tour to experience it. Many people don’t realise that the journey itself is one of the coolest parts of the visit. Because Railay is separated from the mainland by massive limestone cliffs, you’ll need to take a boat from Ao Nang Beach.
It’s easy enough to catch a boat. There are small ticket booths along the road running parallel to Ao Nang Beach, where you can get a one-way ticket for around 100 Thai Baht, although prices may be higher during peak season. Boats typically wait until they’re full, but they’ll usually be off within about 20 minutes. Once on board, make sure you have your camera ready, as you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Krabi. You’ll pass dramatic cliffs, lush islands and other boats on the way to Railay Beach, which is about a 20-minute boat ride from Ao Nang.
Getting back is where the real problems can arrive. You absolutely have to make sure you don’t miss the last boat back. It is a little dangerous to ride in a longtail boat at night, so most boats stop running around 6:00 p.m., which is around sunset. Don’t miss it, or you’ll be sleeping on the beach.
What to Explore Around Railay Beach
Railay Beach itself is iconic, but there’s much more to explore than most people realise. In fact, most people rarely explore beyond the first beach they arrive at, and in my opinion they’re missing out.
For starters, there’s Railay Walking Street, a lively jungle path lined with bars, restaurants and coffee shops. This is the perfect spot for a few beers, but once you go beyond Walking Street, you can really get lost in the caves and mountains of Railay. There are a number of short hiking routes in the area, where you can hopefully catch a glimpse of the red dusky leaf monkeys that inhabit the area.
Railay also boasts some of the best rock-climbing formations in Southeast Asia. Here, you can climb the dramatic cliffs and enjoy sweeping views over the beach below. Even if you’re a beginner, you can get started with a half-day climb, usually for around 1,500 Thai Baht. If you’re looking for something a little different, you can head into Railay’s cave systems, with Diamond Cave and Phra Nang Cave being some of the biggest to explore. Finally, if you keep exploring past the caves, you can discover hidden beaches such as Phra Nang Beach and Railay East.
The Inland Natural Wonders of Krabi
If you’re looking for something beyond the beaches, trust me, there’s a lot more waiting inland. Off the coast, you’ll find some of the most unique landscapes in southern Thailand.
Situated on one of the highest peaks in Krabi is Tiger Cave Temple. You have to climb a steep set of 1,260 steps to get to the top, but once you do, you’ll have amazing views of the town below, as well as the islands and coastline in the distance. At the top is an active monastery where monks live and practise, and this is truly one of the most stunning temples in Thailand.
Not too far from Tiger Cave Temple is the famous Emerald Pool, a hidden gem in the middle of the jungle. Unlike any hot spring you’ve ever seen, this pool has crystal-clear turquoise water thanks to minerals from the nearby limestone hills. If you look for a little extra exploration, you’ll find the Blue Pool nearby with its deep-blue colour. This pool is even more stunning, although you’re not really allowed to swim in it. Access to these pools costs around 400 Thai Baht, and it makes for a decent hike too.
Finally, you should also check out Krabi’s mangrove forests. These forests thrive in salty water, create a crucial habitat for wildlife and help protect the shoreline. You can rent a kayak and paddle through the mangrove-lined forests, either as part of a tour or by yourself. The best part of these trips is that you can cover pretty much all of it in a single day from Ao Nang.
Getting from Krabi Airport to Your Hotel
Getting from the airport to your hotel in Krabi can be trickier than expected, but here’s how to make it a little easier. When I first arrived on my first trip to Krabi, I thought I got a good deal by waiting for the van to be filled up. It took another hour before we left, which was the last thing I wanted after a long flight. This turned what should have been a 45-minute drive into a nearly three-hour ordeal.
After that, I’ve tried private cars but ended up haggling over fares and even getting ripped off in the process. Luckily, in Krabi you can download the Grab app, which is the best way to avoid getting overcharged. Sometimes the driver is going to be a little funny, though. There is a bit of a taxi-mafia situation here, which means some taxi drivers don’t like people using Grab, and I’ve actually had drivers message me so they could pretend to pick me up more sneakily just to avoid getting caught out.
You might want to be a little careful when using the Grab app, but having a clear price and a traceable pickup makes the trip from the airport much less stressful.
The Best Time to Visit Krabi
One thing I didn’t know until recently is that Krabi is actually one of the rainiest places in Thailand. The last thing you need is for your trip to be ruined by rain and thunderstorms, so when is the best time to visit the beach?
Krabi’s rainy season runs from May to October. That doesn’t mean it rains nonstop, but it does mean you may experience a few heavy downpours out of nowhere. I remember the first time I experienced a Thai thunderstorm; I wasn’t prepared for how heavy the rain would be. Luckily, if you’re visiting at this time, it should only last for a few hours at most.
The best time to visit Krabi is between November and April because that’s when it’s least likely to rain, giving you the sunny beaches you’ve always dreamed of.
Practical Advice for a Krabi Trip
Personally, I think the biggest challenge when visiting Krabi is fitting all this amazing stuff into your trip. Take your time, choose your base carefully and leave room for the weather to change your plans. That way, you can enjoy the beaches, islands, mountains and inland sights without turning the whole visit into a rush.
DONE
