13 Awesome Things to Do in Krabi for First-Timers

13 Best Things to do in Krabi

1. Go island-hopping on a 4-island day trip

One of the most popular things to do in Krabi is to spend a day island-hopping around the many small islands along the western coast of the province. The most famous of all is the 4-island day trip, which will take you to all the best islands of Krabi, all in one epic day.

The 4-island tour will take you to Poda Island, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Railay with 2 modes of transportation, the classic long-tail boat and a speed boat, with the former being a little cheaper and taking a bit longer than the latter.

With the tours, you will be spending at least 6-8 hours hopping between these 4-island, and depending on the tide level that day, the order of the islands you visit may shuffle around a bit to allow you to get the best out of your visit.

Tup Island is especially beautiful at low tide, as you will be able to see the Thale Waek phenomenon (the separated sea), and you can walk across the island on a shallow strip of sand. If the tide is low in the morning, you will likely be heading to this island first.

You will have approximately an hour at each stop, except for Chicken Island, as there is no beach for you to stop. Instead, you will only be cruising around a chicken-shaped cliff, from which the island got its name, for photos before heading to the next island.

Poda Island is the highlight of this trip for me, as you will finally have time to snorkel and witness all the beautiful coral reefs and marine life of Krabi. The coral reef isn't as colorful as some of the snorkeling spots further south, like Ko Lipe, but there are plenty of beautiful fish to be seen here.

After snorkeling, the boat will be anchored at Poda Island beach, where you will have either a packed lunchbox or a buffet (depending on the number of people on the boat). You will also have time to chill on the beach for another hour. Be sure to take a photo of the iconic cliff rock that Poda is known for before leaving.

Last but not least, you will be visiting Railay Beach, which technically isn't an island as it is part of Krabi mainland. However, due to the inaccessible vertical limestone mountain that cuts the area off, the only way you can get there is by boat. This makes it feel more like an island than just a beach on Krabi's mainland.

You will have around an hour at Railay, which should be enough to visit Phra Nang Cave and relax at Phra Nang Beach (if it isn't too crowded). There are many cool things you can do at Railay, but you will need to visit the place separately later, as you will need at least a day or two to see them all.

After Railay, you will be ushered back to Ao Nang and transferred back to your hotel by 3 - 4 PM, concluding your 4-island day trip. It is a great way to spend a day in Krabi and allows you to see quite a lot without spending as much on transportation. If you have a day to spare in Krabi, the 4-island day trip is the way to go.

Want to see more of Southern Thailand? Check out:10 Best Places to Visit in Southern Thailand

2. Explore Railay

Railay Beach is a remote beach on Krabi's mainland. Due to the fact that the area is cut off from the rest of the island with vertical limestone cliffs, the place feels more like a remote island than just another beach in Krabi.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of things you can do here. If you want to explore Railay properly, you are going to need to visit the place independently or, even better, spend a night at one of the many resorts there to really do the place justice.

Of course, there's the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach and the Phra Nang Cave shrine you can visit, which is especially beautiful in the early morning and late evening when it is not bombarded by day-trippers.

For a truly challenging hike, you can also climb up to the viewpoint, which requires you to scramble your way up steep cliffs with ropes for about 100m, and then hike another 100m to reach the viewpoint.

You can also veer off to the secret lagoon, which requires more scrambling on rocks and climbing up and down with ropes for another 140m before you arrive. Both will offer you a challenge as well as a worthy reward for your hard work. Just be sure that you are fit enough to tackle the trail and be very careful climbing up and down with ropes.

Getting to Railay Beach and back is also a challenging quest in itself, especially when it comes to the return journey. The boat will only depart once it is filled up, which means you might have to wait for hours.

There are several boat kiosks at Ao Nang and they both sell a 100 THB ticket for a one-way trip to Railay Beach. You can get the ticket and travel to Railay from there.

While you are purchasing the ticket, the clerk might try to upsell you a roundtrip ticket. Do not do it, as you will have to take the boat operated by the same company back, and it can be hours before they leave.

The better way is to just buy a one-way ticket and, when you want to go back, find an empty spot on any outgoing boat and pay the boat operator directly to take you back. That way, you do not have to wait for the boat to be filled up, which may keep you waiting for hours and sometimes into the night, leaving you stranded unless you pay for more.

Other than that, Railay Beach is a great place to spend a day as you escape the bustling Ao Nang strip and be among nature, go on an adventure, and enjoy the remote island vibe without actually being on a remote island.

3. Learn Rock Climbing at Railay

"Rock Climbing" is a popular activity to do in Railay as there are a ton of vertical limestone cliffs you can climb around with a stunning view over the Railay beach and the western coast of Krabi.

Even if you are not an experienced climber, you can enjoy the activity here as there are many tours for beginners that will help you learn the basics of rock climbing and scale some of the world's most scenic rocks.

If you are looking for an adventure in Krabi, rock climbing is a great way to do it. For a beginner, I highly recommend that you go with a half-day rock climbing tour. If you want something more challenging, you can also go with an Intermediate-Advanced Half Day Private Rock Climbing Trip instead.

4. Hike the Dragon Crest Trail

The Dragon Crest viewpoint, or as it is known locally, Khao Ngon Nak, is probably one of the best viewpoints in Krabi. The trail is located inside the Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, and it will take you up to the top of Khao Ngon Nak mountain, where you will be able to have an unobstructed view of Krabi and see why Krabi is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand.

The trail itself is about 3.7 km long one way, and it can take you from 2-4 hours to get to the top, depending on your fitness. The trail starts out pretty flat, but then it gets quite steep around the second and fourth kilometers before you arrive at the top, so make sure you are in good shape before tackling the trail.

The trail goes through the forest, and it is well-covered with foliage, so the sun shouldn't be much of a problem. The big problem with this trail is the humidity. Since you are surrounded by tall trees, you rarely ever get any wind along the trail, so expect a sweaty hike as you will probably sweat much more on this trail than others.

The trail is pretty well marked with kilometer marks throughout the trail, so you should be able to do it independently with no trouble. I did it independently, and it was very easy to follow and navigate.

Once you arrive at the top, you will be able to see Ao Nang beach, as well as all the vertical limestone mountains scattered throughout the area. Seeing Krabi from above really reminds me of why this place is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. It is almost as if you are staring at Halong Bay on land.

The entire hike should take about 4-5 hours, and to help make your experience a little more bearable, I highly recommend starting the trail as early as 8 AM when the weather is a little more manageable. If you start hiking at 8 AM, right when the national park opens, you should be back down by 12, in time for lunch.

Be sure to pack at least 2 liters of water for this hike, as it is extremely humid along the trail, causing you to sweat more and drink way more than usual. I packed a liter bottle of water and completely exhausted it all by the time I got back to the parking lot, so be sure to pack as much water as you can carry.

The view at the top of the Dragon Crest Trail is breathtaking, and it is definitely worth every single drop of sweat I shed to get there. If you are looking for a day of adventure, be sure to go and hike the Dragon Crest Trail.

Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and the Dragon Crest Trail are open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM, and the entrance fee to the national park is 200 THB per person. Again, I highly recommend starting the hike at 8 AM for the best weather, and you will likely have the entire trail to yourself.

5. Hike Up to the top of Wat Tham Suea

Wat Tham Suea is a mountain temple known for its cave where a tiger once resided, as well as the epic pilgrimage trail that will take you to the top of a limestone mountain. From there, you will be able to see an unobstructed panoramic view of Krabi town and its surroundings.

The pilgrimage trail at Wat Tham Suea consists of around 1200 steps, and it can take you about 30 minutes to an hour to hike to the top. Some of these 1200 steps are not your regular human steps but more like steps for giants, as they are crazy steep at times. Be sure you are in good shape before tackling the trail.

Along the way, you will see several poles with a number of steps painted on them, giving you a glimpse of hope as you continue to defy gravity and power through the steps. There are 2 toilet stops at the 500th step and again at the 1000th step.

Once you arrive at the top, you will see a large Buddha image, as well as a platform where you will be able to see a 360° view of Krabi town and all its surroundings.

On one side, you'd see the small towns near Wat Tham Suea, while on the other, you will see rolling hills of limestone mountains as far as the eye can see. It is truly a worthy reward for the 1200 steps we have to climb.

Wat Tham Suea is definitely a great surprise and one that I highly recommend everyone to experience, even if you have already done the Dragon Crest trail. I went up on a foggy morning after a rainy night and ended up above the clouds, witnessing the sea of fog in June, which is extremely rare.

The cave and the temple itself are nothing special, with a cave turned into a temple and a shrine built on the location where they found a tiger living in it.

The trail is what makes this place a must-visit, and if you are planning to hike to the top, I highly recommend starting as early as 6 or 7 AM. Even better, try to reach the top by sunrise for the best weather and light. Wat Tham Suea and the trail are open from 4 AM until 5 PM every day, and it is free to enter and hike.

Looking for a complete guide to Krabi Town? Check out:8 Best Things to Do in Krabi Town

6. Swim in the Emerald Pool

Emerald Pool is probably one of the most picturesque places in Krabi. With its remote location, the extremely clear water, and the emerald color that glows when the sun hits it, it is one of the sights that you really have to see to believe exists.

The Emerald Pool is located 55 km east of Krabi Town in the middle of nowhere, and there are 2 ways you can get there. If you have rented a motorbike in Krabi town, then the ride should take about an hour to get there. For a more convenient way, you can also go on an organized tour which should take you to the Emerald Pool as well as other places from Krabi or Ao Nang.

Once you arrive at the pool, you can either walk directly to the Emerald Pool itself along the 800 m trail, or you can take the 1.4 km nature trail, which I highly recommend. It will take you to the Emerald Pool through the forest, passing many beautiful pools along the way. You can do the nature trail on your way there and take the faster route back, or vice versa.

Once you arrive, you will enter an opening where you will be able to finally swim in the glistening Emerald Pool. There are wooden decks you can walk on, as well as other small trails you can explore. If you want to swim, there are bathrooms where you can wash yourself, and plenty of space for you to enjoy the refreshing water. Just be careful around wet rocks, as they can be extremely slippery at times.

Depending on the time you are there, there might be quite a few people. If you want the whole place to yourself, I highly recommend you visit the place first thing in the morning.

The Emerald Pool opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day, and it costs 200 THB for a ticket to enter the premises. The place is truly beautiful, and you are going to love it.

7. Relax at the Hot Spring Waterfall

Krabi's Hotspring Waterfall is another cool place to visit in Krabi. It is located not too far from the Emerald Pool, and they are often visited together as part of a day trip from Krabi Town.

The place is known for its bubbling thermal pools right above small cascades, surrounded by tropical forests, where one can freshen up and enjoy the tranquility and a relaxing time in nature.

There are several spa areas that source the water from the thermal pools as well, if you prefer a more comfortable, less crowded experience at the Hot Springs Waterfall.

It is a great place to relax after a day of adventure, and combining it with a visit to Wat Tham Suea and the Emerald Pool makes for a great alternative day trip to make from Krabi. The place opens from 8:30 AM to 6 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person.

8. Eat Your Way Through Krabi Night Market

Krabi Night Market is the place to be if you are looking for delicious and affordable street food to try in Krabi town.

You will find plenty of street food stalls selling all kinds of food, from seafood on sticks to drinks. There is even a mobile cocktail bar, as well as a stage where local performers often come to entertain visitors.

There are several designated tables for dining right in front of the stage, so you can go around and buy all the street food to try, and have a place to sit and indulge yourself in Thailand's night market vibe.

Krabi Night Market happens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6 PM to 11 PM, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. It is definitely worth a visit if you are free in the evening, even if you are staying at Ao Nang, as it is only a 25-minute ride away.

9. Visit the famous Phi Phi Islands

Another popular day trip to make from Krabi is to visit the Phi Phi Islands. Although they are often visited from Phuket, the islands are actually located within Krabi and are a bit closer to Ao Nang. So, if you haven't been to the Phi Phi Islands, now is the time to do so.

Since the island is a little further away from Ao Nang than the 4 islands, your only option when it comes to transportation is a speed boat. There are several organized tours you can go with, but I highly recommend this "Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Tour", which should take you on a full-day trip around the Phi Phi islands as well as other smaller islands like Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and more.

The trip should take an entire day, starting at 8:30 AM and lasting until 4:30 PM. The tour should include a transfer to and from your hotel, as well as lunch, snorkeling gear, and more.

However, the tour doesn't include the entrance fee to Phi Phi National Park, which is an extra 400 THB per person. If you are traveling during COVID, the entrance fee is currently cut in half to 200 THB per person. So, if you are looking for the best time to visit Phi Phi Island, this is it.

10. Check Out Hong Islands and Phang Nga Bay

Another popular day trip to do in Krabi is to go even further and visit the Hong Islands as well as explore Phang Nga Bay and check out popular places like James Bond Island and more.

Usually, people often take this trip from either Phuket or Phang Nga, but Krabi is also a great place to do it. If you have a day to spare and are looking to see even more of Thailand's beautiful islands, then I highly recommend you go with this organized tour to explore Hong Islands and Phang Nga Bay.

The tour should take you to Hong Islands first to check out its beautiful lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs before dropping by the beautiful beaches of Ko Yao Noi, and then James Bond Island for that iconic photo spot before heading back to Krabi. The whole tour should take approximately 8 hours, and it should include hotel transfers, lunch, and entrance fees.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phang Nga? Check out:10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga

11. Spend a Day relaxing in Ao Nang

Of course, a good holiday should include a few rest days for you to enjoy. And even though Ao Nang isn't the prettiest of beaches in Krabi, it has the most facilities. At low tides, the beach offers a great place to relax and swim, all within walking distance from your hotel.

Be sure to have at least one rest day at Ao Nang. You can go for a nice massage at one of the many massage places in the area or just go for a stroll and enjoy the amenities you get from your resorts. Either way, Ao Nang is a great place to take a break from all the adventures you just had in Krabi and spend some time appreciating where you are.

12. Spend a few nights in Ko Lanta

Ko Lanta is a small island located in the southern part of Krabi, known for its Muslim-majority population. It offers a great alternative to Ao Nang with its peaceful vibe, quieter beaches, and one of the best sunset spots in Thailand.

To get to Ko Lanta, you are going to have to take a van from either Ao Nang or Krabi Town, and they will drive you to Ko Lanta in an hour with a ferry transfer. Once you are there, you can spend a night or two near Pra-Ae Beach, rent a scooter, and explore all the beautiful beaches Ko Lanta has to offer.

Some of my favorite places in Ko Lanta are Bamboo Beach, Pra-Ae Beach, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, and Ko Lanta Old Town.

Ko Lanta is also known for its beautiful sunset, which, after spending many evenings sitting by the coast at Pra-Ae Beach, staring into the ocean, I can say that the sunsets at Ko Lanta just hit differently. If you make it all the way to Ko Lanta, be sure to spare time to enjoy the little things this place has to offer.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Ko Lanta? Check out:8 Best Things to Do in Ko Lanta

13. Admire the Beauty of Wat Bang Thong

Wat Bang Thong is an impressive Buddhist temple with a giant Hindu-style golden pagoda, as high as a skyscraper, located all the way north, right before you enter Phang Nga province from Krabi.

It is an impressive temple, and it has some of the most unique-looking architecture you will see here. The giant, golden Hindu pagoda is the main attraction that glistens brightly under sunlight. Once you are inside, you will find a large Buddha image surrounded by beautiful red columns and walls, all painted in elaborate pattern designs and pictures telling the life story of Buddha.

If you are traveling by road from Phang Nga or Phuket to Krabi, the temple is definitely worth a stop as it should not veer you off too far from the national highway. The temple opens from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and it is free to enter.

What to Eat and Drink in Krabi?

1. The Street Food at the Night Market

As I mentioned earlier, if you are looking for a place to try all kinds of delicious and fairly priced street food in Krabi, you can't go wrong with the Krabi Night Market.

Here, you will find all kinds of street food stalls selling everything from simple dishes like Pad Thai to delicacies like seafood on sticks that don't cost an arm or a leg. There are also many restaurants you can go to like the Steak Lung Yik, a restaurant that is quite popular among locals here, selling steak dishes that cost less than 100 THB.

Krabi Night Market only happens on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 6 PM to 11 PM, so be sure to time your visit accordingly if you wish to explore the culinary arts of Thailand's street food.

2. Try the Kanom Krok of Tham Suea

If you are looking for a nice, sweet snack after you have climbed the pilgrimage trail at Wat Tham Suea, be sure to stop by the small stall selling the grilled coconut pancake or Kanom Krok at Kanom Krok Tham Suea.

A box of 10 coconut pancakes is only 20 THB, and they are delicious, crispy, and sweet - just the sugar hit I needed after hiking the Wat Tham Suea trail. If you are visiting Wat Tham Suea, be sure to check out Kanom Krok Tham Suea.

3. Try Local Dishes at KinZen

If you are craving some traditional southern Thai food with authentic tastes and reasonable prices, I highly recommend KinZen restaurant, located along the highway between Krabi Town and Emerald Pool and Hot Springs Waterfall.

Unlike most restaurants in Ao Nang that sell overpriced dishes with a dialed-down taste for Westerners, at KinZen, you are getting real and authentic southern Thai food at a Thai price. Like this Snapper fish in Southern Thai curry with rice that costs only 70 THB. That's a good deal for seafood dishes in Thailand.

Due to its location, it also makes for a great lunch stop after you have visited the Emerald Pool and the Hot Springs waterfall, so be sure to drop by here and try out some of their offerings.

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
• Looking to change things up a little? How about we head down to the south of Thailand and explore one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
• The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
• There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
• Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket Trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
• Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
• If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
• Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
• For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
• Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
• Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
• Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
• Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
• For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.