Крабі

The best time is from November to April, with sunny days and calm seas. May to October is the rainy season. Rain is frequent, waves are higher, and some island boat trips stop. Prices are lower in the rainy season, and the jungle is green.

December and January are the busiest months. Book rooms and island trips early.

• Tiger Cave Temple is a mountain temple with more than 1,200 steps to the top. The climb is hard, and the view over the countryside is the reward. Go early, before the heat.
• Ao Phra Nang is a beach on the Railay peninsula, with cliffs on both sides. It can only be reached by boat.
• Phra Nang Shrine is a small shrine in a cave near the beach. It is dedicated to a legendary princess, and fishermen leave offerings there.
• Ao Rai Le is the west beach of Railay, with calm water and good sunsets. It is a short walk from the other Railay beaches.
• Ao Nang is the main holiday town. It has a long beach, many restaurants and tour offices.
• Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery) is a shore with layers of old shell fossils. It is a short stop on the road to Krabi town.
• Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is a national park with waterfalls and forest paths north of Krabi town. It is a good choice for a day of walking.
• Khlong Thom Hot Spring Waterfall is a hot spring and waterfall site in the forest. The pools are warm and people come to relax in them.
• Ko Phi Phi is the best-known island of the Phi Phi group, a boat ride from the mainland.

• Rock climbing at Railay: Climbing schools offer beginner courses on the limestone cliffs.
• Kayaking in mangroves: Paddle through quiet channels and see wildlife.
• Longtail boat island hopping: Visit several small islands and beaches in one day.
• Sunset at Railay: Watch the sun go down from the west beach, where the cliffs glow.
• Soaking in hot springs: Relax in natural warm pools in the forest.

These trips are listed from closest to farthest.

• Railay: about 15 minutes by longtail boat from Ao Nang. Beaches, cliffs and a good place for rock climbing.
• Four Islands tour: about 30 to 45 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Snorkeling and small beaches.
• Phi Phi Islands: about 1.5 to 2 hours by ferry. Dramatic cliffs and clear water. Many people go for a day, but one night is better.
• Ko Lanta: about 1.5 to 2 hours by car and ferry. A quiet island with long beaches.
• Phang Nga Bay: about 1.5 to 2 hours by road and boat. Limestone islands rising from the sea.

• Mueang Krabi is the area around Krabi town and Ao Nang.
• Phi Phi Islands is the famous island group to the southwest.
• Ko Lanta is a long island with quiet beaches to the south.

• By air: Krabi International Airport (KBV) has flights from Bangkok and a few other Asian cities. A taxi or minibus to Ao Nang takes about 40 to 45 minutes.
• By bus: Long-distance buses run from Bangkok and from other southern towns. The trip from Bangkok takes about 12 hours.
• By ferry: Boats run from Phuket and Ko Lanta, and from Ko Phi Phi. The trip from Phuket takes about 2 hours.
• By train and bus: Some travelers take a train to Surat Thani or Trang and continue by bus.

• Songthaews: Shared pick-up trucks run between Krabi town and Ao Nang. They stop often and are cheap.
• Longtail boats: These are the main transport to Railay and to nearby islands. Boats leave when full.
• Taxis: Taxis are not metered. Agree on the price before you go.
• Motorbikes: Common to rent, but roads can be wet and steep. Wear a helmet.
• On foot: The center of Ao Nang is walkable. Distances between beaches are long.

• Is a car worth it?: A car helps with the waterfalls, hot springs and temples inland. For Ao Nang and Railay, you do not need one.
• Driving side: Traffic drives on the left.
• Roads: Main roads are good. Mountain and jungle roads can be wet and slippery in the rainy season.

Krabi has southern Thai food, with strong spices and seafood. Look for grilled fish, squid, and curries with coconut milk. Roti with sweet toppings is a common breakfast.

The best eating areas are the night market in Krabi town and the beach road in Ao Nang. Fresh seafood restaurants line the shores around Ao Nang and Klong Muang.

Krabi is safe for visitors. The main risks come from the sea and from traffic.

• Sea: Waves and currents can be strong in the rainy season. Do not swim where flags show it is unsafe.
• Boat trips: Use operators who provide life jackets.
• Scooters: Accidents are common. Wear a helmet and ride carefully.
• Monkeys: Wild monkeys near temples and viewpoints may grab food.
• Water: Drink bottled water.
• Royal family: Do not speak or write badly about the monarchy. It is a serious crime in Thailand.

The Krabi coast was home to sea traders and fishing communities for centuries. Archaeologists have found old settlements in caves and shell middens in the area. Tourism grew from the 1980s, first around Ao Nang and Railay.

Susan Hoi (Shell Cemetery) shows the long history of the coast, with fossil shells formed millions of years ago. Phra Nang Shrine shows the local belief in sea spirits.

Quick practical facts for Thailand at a glance: