20 Exciting Things to do in Krabi, Thailand

Lush tropical forests, sparkling white beaches, massive limestone cliffs and two-hundred nearby islands to choose from- Krabi is definitely somewhere you don’t want to miss on your visit to Thailand. From relaxing beach fronts to  busy night markets, there’s tons of exciting and adventurous things to do in Krabi.

A chance to kick back on an island, the opportunity to explore temples or nature, and a photogenic view to appreciate around every bend will make Krabi an unforgettable destination to add to your itinerary.

With every turn being stunningly beautiful, you may find it hard to decide what things to do in Krabi. I definitely ran into that experience during my stay there. There’s so many things to choose from and they’re all so inviting, it feels impossible to choose what to do with your time there!

I’ve put together a list of what I think will be the most memorable and worthwhile experiences you can have while you’re there. It was a bit tough to narrow down, but if you can cross off all 20 items on this Krabi specific bucket-list, you’ll be livin’ your best life and have tons of photos to reminisce on.

Enjoy!

Railay Beach & Caves

First and foremost, you have to check out Railay Beach. There’s food boats, glittering white sand, turquoise waters and plenty of sun to soak up there. One of the best things to do in Krabi for sure.

Not to mention you have to take a long-tail boat to get there! How fun is that?

From Ao Nang beach, you can purchase a ticket for the long-tail boats and get to Railay in less than 10 minutes.

For 100 baht each way, you can experience a fun ride on the long tail boats, and make your way to the one and only Railay Beach.

You’ll be happy to know there’s plenty of food boats pulled up onto the beachfront… this was pretty much my favorite part. Who wants to have to leave the beach for a smoothie or a snack?!

Note: If you happen to be staying at Rayavadee Hotel during high season, you’ll be able to dine at The Grotto Restaurant, which is a the beautiful cave restaurant that you’ve probably seen in photos all over instagram!

We were there during high season so unfortunately they were not taking any walk-ins at that time. But, good to know.

Wat Thum Sua (Tiger cave temple)

I have a whole post on Tiger Cave Temple that you can check out here!

This is one of the coolest experiences I’ve ever had. Also, it is one of the most challenging adventures I’ve ever been on… physically and mentally.

1,237 steep, uphill (then back down) steps require some determination, or lots of time for breaks. However, if you want to feel like you’ve accomplished something memorable during your stay in Krabi- Wat Thum Sua is something you’ll never forget.

Suggested:

• Arrive as early as possible and you may just get the place to yourself!
• Bring a daypack (I love this techy one that has an electronics charger! -or- this cute and simple one)
• Do not forget your water bottle!
• Recommend to wear workout clothes, or something cool and comfortable! These versatile pants from prana are moisture wicking and super comfortable.
• Comfy shoes

With the right attitude and a comfortable outfit, you can make it to the top of the temple. The views along the way up are worth it alone, but once you get to the top- you’ll understand why it’s worth it.

Visit the Phi Phi Islands

45 minutes away by speedboat, a Phi Phi Islands tour is one of the best things to do in Krabi!

Limestone cliffs, beachfront jungle, and famous panoramas. All reasons why crowds flock to these islands. That being said, you may want to book your speedboat ticket or tour in advance, they can get crowded.

Since crowds and over-tourism have become immense and detrimental, Maya Bay (the famous island from The Beach with Leonardo Dicaprio) has since been closed.

The Thai government decided that protecting their land was more important than tourism and I commend them for that! Livability and preservation are incredibly important (way more important than tourism) so I have the utmost respect for this decision. Land and wildlife protection should be everyone’s priority, so compliments to the Thai government.

Now, Maya Bay may be closed, but you still may be able to “stop by” when on a Phi Phi Islands tour. Some tours will take you to the entrance of Maya Bay for a photo-op, but you won’t be able to hop off or even swim in the area.

Looking for the best area to swim while visiting the Phi Phi Islands?

Head to Phi Phi Leh! Most trips/tours will include this area, and you’ll be glad they did. Phi Phi Leh is surrounded by magnificent limestone cliffs, has an incredible sparkling bay and a beautiful lagoon. It truly is an amazing place to swim and soak up some island beauty.

Don’t miss Mosquito Island or Monkey Beach either!

Klong Thom Hot Springs

If you’re anything like me, you’ll love the healing properties of this amazing place in Thailand.

Flowing from volcanic chambers, these hot springs will warm your soul at around 90 degrees fahrenheit (35-42 celsius). This water flows into natural tubs creating the perfect space for you to relax and get some healing on your Krabi vacation.

To experience the hot springs full potential of healing properties, you’ll need to be immersed in this therapeutic mineral salt water for at least 25 minutes.

If your worried about getting too hot and needing to cool off, the springs overlook the river below where you can go to cool off. I love the temperature therapy of going back and forth between hot water and cool. It’s a great way to destress and calm your nervous system.

Emerald Pool (Sra Morakot)

Also located inside of Thung Teao Forest National Park, the Emerald Pool is a gift from nature that you have to see during your visit to Krabi!

Emerald Pool is exactly as it sounds, a beautiful natural spring water pool that sparkles from an emerald green to soothing turquoise. The temperature is perfect for swimming. Visit near closing time for a better chance at getting the place to yourself!

Thung Teao Forest Natural Park

Here you can enjoy both the Klong Thom hot springs and Emerald Pool. Apart from that, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful lush jungle full of flowering plants and birds. It’s a wonderful way to spend your day. I suggest visiting a couple hours before it closes to avoid the crowds.

Krabi Town

There are tons of things to do in Krabi town, undoubtedly. Take a relaxing stroll near the riverside, or visit the cities landmark temple, Wat Kaew Korawaram. Some people recommend staying here for your “home base” when visiting Krabi, but I prefer to stay in/near Ao Nang.

That being said, you should still visit Krabi Town. A contemporary art museum, Tiger Cave temple and more are in this area.

Khao Khanab Nam Mountains and Caverns

Another amazing place you’ll want to see near Krabi Town is the Khao Khanab Nam Mountains. These are known as the gateway to Krabi city and hold a spiritual site within- mystical caverns full of stalagmites and stalactites.

The mysticism surrounding these caverns is derived from the findings of human skeletons here. Check it out and learn about the theories surrounding their experience.

Susan Hoi (Krabi Shell Cemetery)

If you’re into geology or archaeology, you won’t want to miss this place! One of the coolest things to do in Krabi. This shell cemetery, Susan Hoi, is filled with archaic, petrified SHELLS.

How cool is that? Locals say its dated to 75 million years ago, though recent scientists say it’s more like 25-40 million. Either way- this archaeological wonder is a site worth visiting. It’ll take you back in time and leave you deep in thought wondering about the history of our earth.

Be sure to check the tide times to avoid missing out on some of the landscape.

4 Island Tour

A four island tour from Krabi is a great way to spend your day. Get Your Guide has several options ranging from snorkeling opportunities to luxury boat tours. The most popular islands near Krabi are included in most of the “four island” tours (Phra Nang Cave Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island, and Poda Island).

Visit the Night Market

From Friday to Sunday the Krabi night market is held. Here you’ll find tons of local vendors (around 50 or so stalls) selling everything from clothes, to art, to yummy food. Be sure to check it out at least once, you’ll be happy with the street food and most likely want to return each night that it’s open!

Hours: 5pm-10pm

Location: Soi Maharaj 8 and the plaza behind Vogue Department Store in downtown Krabi

Ao Nang beach

Ao Nang beach is the most well known beach in Krabi (excluding all the fantastic beaches on surrounding islands).

Staying nearby to Ao Nang beach will ensure you are near and central to all the exciting things to do in Krabi. It’s a great base to use for traveling to nearby islands, day trips and more. 

The beach itself is nice, but Ao Nang is usually highlighted for being the best base to use for taking long-tail boat rides to surrounding islands and beaches!

However, if you’re having a day where you don’t want to take any boat rides, or just want to keep in mellow and easy- Ao Nang beach is great for relaxing, sunbathing, and swimming- ya know, beach stuff.

Pra Nang Cave

Pra Nang beach and cave can be found at the end of the peninsula you’ll arrive on at Railay beach.

Princess Cave, aka Pra Nang Nok is a dedication to the fertility goddess, you’ll find large phallic symbols left behind by the plenty here… its quite the sight, check it out!

Tonsai Beach

About a 15 minute walk from Railay beach lies Tonsai beach. A similar but way more chill version of Railay.

Tons of rock climbing opportunity, and bars/restaurants tucked into the jungle here.

Great place to explore the caves and shoreline. Beautiful and less impacted than Railay! You can easily see both in the same day.

Wat Kaew Korawaram

Wat Kaew is a beautiful Buddhist temple in middle of Krabi Town. A sparkling white structure up on a hill, this temple is not visited as often as Tiger Cave Temple but, it should be!

Thai Cooking Lesson

Who doesn’t wanna learn how to cook some thai food?! Take a class, then when you get home you can impress your family and friends with what you learned. Plus, you get to eat a ton of food, and feel proud of yourself for making it!

Book ahead, class will likely sell out!

 

Rock Climb

For you rock climbers, Krabi is a fun place to be! Tonsai offers some great climbing access, so does Pra Nang.

We got to watch some climbers while visiting and were totally into it! I wanna learn how to climb some day.

I used to do indoor rock climbing as a kid so I mean, halfway there right? Maybe I need to go back to Krabi!

Go Snorkeling

Of all the things to do when visiting island territory, snorkeling is a must! Even if you just buy some cheap goggles and a snorkel near the beach, totally worth it. The islands around Krabi all have tons of beautiful marine life to appreciate below the surface.

If you’re serious about it, there’s a tour for that… (there’s like, a tour for everything in Thailand huh?)

Kayak

Another great adventure, kayaking. We didn’t get to do this while in Krabi but I wish we did! Such a fun way to get out on the water and see a different side of the islands. You can even kayak through the mangrove forest! Bucket listed.

Get a Massage

Perhaps after kayaking? Or just any ol time because the price is right for massages in Thailand. Not hard to find and not hard to choose a place!

Eat and Drink

This one is a given but really, I travel to eat. Well among other things too but really, Thai food is amazing and there’s so many delicious options. Don’t hold back and always try something new!